Mission Trip Day 2

It's quiet...I'm not sure if they are actually asleep. I'm probably more tired than they are since I drove while they napped. But, that's ok! :)
The blessing is not only did we make it to our destination on our longest drive day there, but we did it well! The drive was peaceful and complaint free! We listened to music, they slept, we stopped only to get gas and eat and then get back on the road. I was pretty impressed! It makes me look forward even more to the rest of the week!
Once we got to the church, we were welcomed and given the tour of the area we are staying in. The people were so hospitable and gracious. They showed us where we will go in the morning and I am really looking forward to their Easter celebration- even though it means getting up at 5!
After dinner, a combination of hotdogs and/ or chili, we gathered for group time. It was our first small group of the trip. So, each group gathered to talk about what questions they wanted to focus on this week. My group started without me since I was setting some things up. And, honestly I like them having some time to discuss things without me since it helps give them some independence and leadership. By the time I got there they had chosen their questions and were having an in depth conversation about religion and scripture and theology. Wow! Am I going to have to think this week to keep up with my group! I'm pretty excited about that!
Then we had our worship time. I chose a few songs that went along with Easter weekend. After that we did our candle time prayers. But, before ending the evening, we did a special activity for Easter weekend. It was a meditation for Good Friday but since we didn't have a chance last night, I did it tonight. They all laid on the floor, eyes closed, while I read a meditation about the day that Jesus died from the viewpoints of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and John. It was pretty deep and when it was over I asked them to continue the evening in silence while they got ready for bed. I never know how those things will go, but I think there were some that really got a lot out of it.
So, where was God today? He got us here safely and I think He enjoyed our worship time. I'm sure He laughed a time or 2 because a lot of things this week will be filled with laughter!
Blessings,
Jennifer 

Mission trip Day 1

We started out the mission trip with a little glitch- as expected because that always happens! Our van wasn't at the rental place as they had promised. So, with record timing on loading the other van, we then sat waiting for 2 1/2 hours! It was a little frustrating! But, in the grand scheme of things, life could have been worse. Our drive was less than 6 hours and we knew where we were going. We had no official plans or activities that we had to get to by a certain time. So, all was well. I was reminded of a story I recently read where something bad had happened, but if it hadn't happened, something worse would have happened. Maybe our delay saved us from an accident or road delays or something. Or maybe we were just supposed to wait. I don't know. But, we survived and moved on!
We arrived in Southern Illinois mid- afternoon and were greeted by our friends who are joining us on the trip. They had invited some of their youth group to join us for the evening. Soon, they showed up and it seemed like the groups clicked immediately! They hung out and played, talked, laughed, and had a great time.
One of the volunteers from their group had volunteered to lead us in a time of worship. So, we went to their youth area and sang and worshiped together. It was beautiful! Everyone was singing and worshiping- no care about how they looked or seemed to those around them! After we sang for awhile, my friend spoke. I had asked her to share a message with the youth. I am always amazed when she shares with the group and how she obviously listens to God because what she shares it what I know the group needs to hear! It was such a blessing to start our trip with this time together!
Whenever I am with my friend, I am reminded of the blessing she is in my life- the encourager, the one who helped lead me along my spiritual journey, and the one who still can hold me accountable better than anyone else because she knows my heart so well. Although I wish we had more time together, I was grateful for the time we had and that I could start our mission week by being uplifted and spiritually filled.
After worship, the groups just hung out together and played. It was great to see them connecting so well!
WHile on our way, I received a voicemail from the construction manager. He shared with me that our projects will be through a different group who works with youth and will be working along side us throughout the week. We will have a chance to spend time with the families we work for and will also be doing ice breakers and things. So, it's obvious they are used to doing things with youth groups. So, I'm pretty excited about where God is leading us!
So, where was God today? He kept us safe, he helped us along the way, and He enjoyed our time of worship.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Shots

Well, I finally had as much as I could take. Yesterday, I finally had to go to the hospital for my migraines after 2 1/2 weeks of fighting them. I delay it as long as I can. But, it was obvious that nothing was going to help except going and getting the shots to stop them from continuing to come.
So, yesterday morning, my husband took me to the hospital. By the time I concede to going, I am always a little out of it and pretty weak. So, talking to people is not high on my list of things to do. But, when I got to the room, the nurse asked us if we were part of the rescue that was on my husband's sweatshirt. We said yes and she said she had adopted from there. As it turns out, I had been to her house to do the home visit and get the adoption paperwork done. It gave me a little comfort that the nurse was someone I had met before, even if it was for a short time several years ago.
I came home without pain (except where I had gotten the shots) and extremely tired. I spent the rest of the day in bed, but without pain. What a relief!
My husband was such a blessing! I know he probably wasn't feeling the greatest either, but anytime I needed something, he got it for me. I don't know why, but every time I get a migraine I crave 2 things- orange juice and greasy burgers or chicken sandwiches. I have no idea why, but it always happens. At 8:30 last night, I was craving orange juice so much that I was ready to go to the store. But, my husband insisted that I stay home and he went and got it. I drank half of it last night and the other half this morning.
A friend also insisted on bringing over dinner. She included a card and some flowers. It was really yummy and very sweet of her.
I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who love me and care about me!
Today I woke up pain free. Although I felt like a headache was coming on, it never got really bad. I was a little tired, but was able to function and do what I needed to do.
I've only got a couple days and the mission trip is here! So, today I worked on finalizing a few things and gathering the things I need for the trip. I can't wait and am really excited to be heading back to Houston! Our schedule keeps getting better and I feel like we are going to have some awesome experiences! I finished putting together the Bible study and am really happy with the plan. Tonight, I worked on our group times leading up to Easter and I'm looking forward to those experiences. I definitely feel God's hand on the plans for the upcoming week! I have done all of the planning I need to do. Now it's up to Him!
So, where was God yesterday? He was with me and with the people who helped me to feel better and free me from the pain.
SO, where was God today? He was with me in the planning for next week.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Eggs

Today was the Easter Egg Hunt! I had no idea how many kids would be there! We shared the event on facebook and told the preschoolers. The church family all knew and told their family and friends. But, I didn't get many definite responses from people saying they were coming. We stuffed over 1700 eggs and had almost 600 little toys. We had games and crafts planned and a table full of cookies. We also had a forecast of possible snow and a temperature that felt like 22 degrees. That's not quite the perfect setting for an outside egg hunt. So, we decided to do the younger 2 inside and then one outside.
Adults and kids showed up to help- some I knew were coming and others I didn't plan on. All were a huge help and we were ready to go by 9:40 or so. That was a great thing because by 9:50, families were pouring in! They were all excited and went downstairs to register and enjoy the activities in the friendship hall while waiting for the hunts to begin.
Most of the time before the hunt started, I stood by the door greeting people. I saw people I recognized from our other events, parents night out, and the preschool, along with our church members. But, I am noticing we are getting families that are repeat attenders. That's awesome! I feel like we are becoming known for our family friendly activities.
Throughout the morning, I heard people from our church talking to the families and talking about some of the other things we have going on, our church services, and sharing about the church. I think that's so awesome! I had a family interested in seeing the youth area and the nursery, and they told me they would see me tomorrow. Will I see them? I don't know. But, I feel 1 step closer to connecting more with the community!
One of the best parts about today was that it wasn't about what I was doing, it was the church family working together and using their gifts. What a blessing!
So, where was God today? He was hanging out at the Easter egg hunt and enjoying the community come to His house.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Stars

I know it's been a few days since I've written. Unfortunately, I've been fighting headaches/migraines this past week. I haven't been able to stay up late or write much this week. But, tonight I'm feeling better and am ready to get back in the habit.
Even with fighting migraines, I've had some pretty great moments this week! 1 week from today I leave on a youth mission trip. So, this week I worked on a few things to get ready for the trip. It always seems the theme for the week develops itself shortly before the trip. This time was no different. Along with being the theme for the mission trip, it also becomes the theme for the upcoming year. So, it's pretty important- which is why I let God tell me what to do. The theme became really clear last night and within minutes I had the theme, the Bible studies for the week, and our discussion questions all set. That's when I know God is as excited as I am! One of the cool things about it is that it came during a discussion with one of my young adults. I love seeing them grow and mature and I love being able to discuss ministry with them!.
Another awesome moment happened yesterday, too. Last month, I started spending time once a month with each of the preschool classes. I see them all the time and love seeing them smile and wave when they see me and love that they are getting to know me and I'm getting to know them! When I visit them, I read a story and have some sort of object lesson to go with it. This week the theme was spring. So, I figured it would be a great time talking about all of the great things God made. I found a book and a few things to show as examples of things God gave us. On my way to work, I stopped to pick up a couple donuts. I always go through the drive thru but decided to go inside. When I got to the counter, I saw the cutest munchkins with colorful star sprinkles. Of course, they were a hit with the preschoolers and I'm sure that Gods gift of beautiful stars will definitely be remembered!
Tonight we had a special event at church. I asked a couple of my youth to come help. On our way home, one of them excitedly told me she has so many older friends from church! I love that we have a church that surrounds our teens with love that makes them feel like the members are friends.
So, where was God this week? He was surrounding me in love when I was not feeling well. And, he was in the planning for the upcoming events. And, He was in the moments with the preschoolers as we talked about His blessings.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Emmaus Walk

I spent most of today at a meeting for the Emmaus Walk. It's my first time helping. I haven't had a chance since I have had conflicts with every walk since then. So, I am really looking forward to being a part of it. Today, as I sat there throughout the day, I was reminded of that time and the awesomeness of it all. I remember the friendships I made, the realizations I had, ad the peace that came with the experience.
I was also reminded of my sponsor for my walk. He was so excited about the Emmaus walk and that I was going. Then, the next year the group that went grew from when I went by myself to at least 5! He was so convincing that saying no was really hard. But, a month after that walk, we were saying goodbye to him after he passed away suddenly. But, not a Emmaus walk event goes by that I don't think of him and think he must be looking down smiling at what he started. Yes, he left sooner than any of us would have liked. But, it's amazing what he started at the church in that short time he was there.
It is just one example of the great things that can happen by just one person believing in something and doing whatever they can to make a difference. God uses us to do His work and to make a difference. And, all it takes is one person listening to get the change started.
So where was God today? He was at that meeting as we all prepared to make a difference and impact lives by doing His work during the next Emmaus walk.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Movie

Tonight I went to see the movie "I Can Only Imagine" about the lead singer of Mercy Me and how he came to write the song. It was a great movie and I loved seeing how God changed the life of His father. It shows how God can do amazing things and we can never give up hope on anyone or anything. I also thought the story of love and forgiveness between the father and son was a beautiful thing.

One of the best parts of the evening was sitting with so many people from church! I love that this movie became a fellowship experience for us and that so many friends could gather together. This needs to keep happening! 

During the previews, I saw that a lot of Christian movies are coming out. This gives me hope. People wouldn't be making christian movies if people weren't going to see them. And, having christian movies in the theater seems to be a good way to start conversations with people. 

So, where was God today? He was in the movie I saw and in the theater with us.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Content

Since I worked my days off, I took today off. It was a great day! What did I do? Well, after sleeping in, I got up and cleaned my house. I've been working hard to keep up with it, but getting ready for last weekend, I missed a few days.
There is something relaxing about cleaning- getting rid of the dust and junk. There is something uplifting about the feeling of walking into a clean room. Of course, having 3 dogs and foster dogs means this doesn't happen often so I enjoy it while it lasts!
While I was cleaning, my husband offered to make lunch. Then we actually sat down at the table and ate together. Our son stopped by as we were eating and he joined us for lunch. It's been so long since the 3 of us sat together for a meal. We sat and chatted and I felt blessed for that moment we had together. 
Tonight I went to a meeting where I led a discussion about goals and visioning. As much as I wasn't excited about leaving my house, I was excited after hearing the thoughts and ideas of the group.
So, nothing earth shattering happened today. But, it was just one of those days that I felt contentment. In my life, I usually am running a million directions. It was nice to not have to today.
So, where was God today? He was sitting at the table enjoying our lunch together.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hurricane Part 2

I scheduled us to sleep later than I usually do, knowing everyone would probably get up earlier. They did. It was a new day and they were in pretty good spirits after a few minutes! They had all slept pretty well (I could tell by the snoring in the girls room that they had fallen asleep quickly the night before!)
They got ready for the day and we ate the breakfast brought to us by another good Samaritan. What a blessing that people from the church want to be a part of the youth in so many wonderful ways!
The group gathered in a circle and we talked for a bit. Most evenings, I ask a few questions. The previous night, I wanted to focus on the candle experience so we didn't do that. So, I decided to start our day with a few questions. They were the typical ones- where did they see God the day before, what impacted them, what surprised them, etc. They all shared some very touching answers and it was a great way to start the day on a positive note. We watched a video devotion about Romans 8:28, we"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 
We decided in an emergency situation, God was calling us to help others whenever we could. Then I told them we were going to spend the next few hours helping at a soup kitchen. Cheers from the crowd! Yes...it was 9:30 am on a Saturday and when I told them that's what we were doing they were so excited they cheered! How awesome is that?!
Off we went to prepare, serve, and cleanup at the soup kitchen 30 minutes away. While we were there, the group was awesome! They jumped in wherever needed, greeted the guests, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One of the things that I loved was how they played up the hurricane experience! On our way there, my group was excited that we were in the rescue helicopter. Another group was in the boat. While talking to another volunteer, imagine her surprise when several of the youth said they had arrived in a helicopter! They explained they had to because of the flooding. The look on her face was priceless!
The car ride wasn't just about our helicopter experience. One of the people in my car shared how much the candle time had meant to her. She said she had been holding on to some pretty serious things for a long time and this morning she had woken up feeling freer! How beautiful is that?! I was overjoyed that she not only was able to let some things go, but was able to share about it with her new friends.
By the time the group was done serving, there wasn't a lot of food left. But, they didn't complain that they didn't have much to eat. This is not usually the case when we gather to eat. So, it was obvious the experience serving there had impacted them and helped them realize the blessings they have.
We got done with some time to spare before the next activity. We made a pit stop on the way back to the church to visit a pet store where the rescue I work with was doing an event. I shared with them about the dogs there and where they had been rescued from. I also told them that in an emergency, animals are also victims and many need to be rescued. A couple more young adults joined us because they had heard about what we were doing and wanted to be a part of the experience.
We got back to the church and had a snack. Then it was time to wrap up the event. We talked about what we learned, where we saw God, and what we enjoyed during the event. We prayed together and said our goodbyes.
During the event, one of the new youth said he wants to do more with the youth and wants to go on the mission trip. Another youth came who hasn't been around for awhile and is thinking about going on the mission trip. And, a young adult got to chaperone for the first time as she transitions from youth to adult. She loved it so much that she wants to chaperone for the mission trip.
Youth realized how blessed they are and also realized that lots of stuff isn't what is truly important. The youth realized that God is always with us and so our our church friends. They felt good to be the hands and feet of God, doing work serving for Him. They learned there are adults who love them and that they can trust them. And, they learned that even in the disasters of our lives, God can create opportunities for good things.
So, where was God today? He was in this group as they worked to be His hands and feet, and in the people who supported us as they were His hands and feet.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Hurricane Part 1

What a weekend! Hurricane Experience time!
Thursday was the day to do my last minute details. As I read through my plans, watched the videos again, and read through the devotions, I got a few ideas of how to improve some things. I always plan and plan and then God takes over and He has even better ideas! I felt like that's what happened Thursday. One of the most impactful things that happens every year during the 30 hour famine is some kind of closing prayer candle time the first night. It's different every year and I had been struggling with exactly what to do. And then it came to me just like I knew it would!
Friday I woke up so excited that it was finally the day! I am sure I get even more excited than my youth when it comes to these events! How did I get so lucky to get to do these things for a living?! I got to church and started setting up all of the rooms. We had a shelter store, a shelter waiting room, a storage area and our welcome area. I walked through and made sure everything was set up as planned. Then, my volunteers started to arrive. 2 of my former youth were the early volunteers to welcome the youth as they arrived. I can never express how happy it makes my heart when my former youth become part of my volunteer team! Watching them transition from youth to volunteer as they transition to adulthood and decide they want to share God with those younger than them is so awesome! I explained the plan to them and off I went to start picking up the youth...they all got picked up as a simulation of being rescued. So, they didn't know when I was showing up except it would be sometime between 4-6. I dropped them off at the church (the hurricane shelter) and went for the next rescue. The youth walked through the flood waters and were greeted by the volunteers who asked them to fill out a bunch of paperwork and gave them a store token and bottle of water. They were escorted to the shelter storage area to drop off their stuff- except for their 3 items. Those 3 items were the 3 most important items that they had decided they would grab in an emergency situation. They headed to the waiting area to join the rest of the group as they all arrived. Videos of the hurricane damage and news reports played as they filled out more paperwork, played a game, and chatted with friends. My first surprise came when I realized the group really hated the paperwork! I mean, I think they hated it more than not eating during the 30 hour famine! Seriously! I took it from the Red Cross shelter forms online, so it was pretty authentic. And, I didn't think much of it until I started hearing them talk about it. I used it just to set the scene when they came in. But, it became so much more than that! At the time, it caused some grumpiness, but in the end, I think it helped them realize that going through that in reality was even worse because that was just part of what they had to do to get help and get into a shelter.
Once everyone arrived, it was time to welcome everyone and introduce our theme, scripture for the day, and thank our good Samaritans who brought us food and hygiene kits. The scripture was Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It's one of my favorites as it always reminds me of my first mission trip ad is a great reminder that God is always there even when we have struggles. Then, we got to sing with our live trio! The youth sang semi-enthusiastically, but they had to learn the songs so that was expected. By the next day, they were much better. By the end of the mission trip they will know them by heart...I think!
The evening continued with a silly game to decide which team got to go to the store first, shopping at the shelter store, and a scavenger hunt for more items. They had fun with this and it was interesting to watch them choose their items and to start to work together as teams.
As the scavenger hunt was ending and they were gathering back together, one of my favorite parts of the night happened. The sounds! I had 3 videos of hurricane sounds and sirens on a playlist and I looped them to continuously play throughout the intercom and in the main room we were in. It was eerie, loud and surprising. Then, the lights throughout the church went out! The group was told the power was out. Luckily, there were flashlights around from those who brought them, bought them, or found them during the scavenger hunt. Those moments definitely made an impact...not too scary but definitely eye opening. But, the group seemed kind of excited about hanging out with their flashlights. I had wondered about their feelings when this happened, but they definitely weren't as upset about this as they were the paperwork! Haha! We played some games and they had a good time with it all.
Our evening finished with our devotion/ prayer/ candle closing. (This was what I mentioned from Thursday's thoughts.) I started by reading from a journal my friend's son kept just after experiencing the hurricane. It told of his activities and thoughts in the first week after it happened. We talked about how hard it must have been to not be able to communicate with family and friends and what tears of joy he had as he was finally able to talk to his parents. Then, I shared about the thoughts after a disaster happens...thoughts of forgiveness, regret, letting go. We always thing we will have another chance later on to forgive, ask for forgiveness, or reconcile. But, one day we won't. We wrote down things we needed to let go. Then, we gave them to God by burning them. We closed with a prayer to end the day.
So, where was God Thursday? He was in the details, in the planning.
So, where was God Friday? He was in the preparation and in the moments with the group as we strived to get closer to Him and understand He is always with us even in the disasters in our lives. And, sometimes He's in the friends that surround us during those disasters.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Catching Up

Every night this week, I get ready to start writing and fall asleep. I actually opened up the new post screen to write last night but fell asleep right after. Right now I am fighting migraine warning signs. So if anything I write doesn't make sense, I'm sorry. :)
This has been a busy week and will be getting busier! The time is almost here! The hurricane experience begins Friday afternoon! I'm so excited and can't wait to do it! But, it means a week of running around getting the last minute details worked out. As much as I say I need to know ahead of time, I never know until the last minute who is coming. But, at this point I have a pretty good idea.
Monday I spent time getting that list finalized, putting groups together, and matching my volunteers to my leaders. It's awesome to see my young adults once again coming back to be a part of the leadership of the youth events.
Tuesday, I finalized the schedule details. I've had the schedule set for months, but there are always a few last minute updates to make. Then I made my to do list and my shopping list. Most of the stuff just has to be gathered from around the church, but a few things need to be bought Thursday. Luckily, people have volunteered to bring the food and some other things so that's awesome! I love that people hear what we are doing and get excited bout it so much that they want to be a part of it too!
Wednesday was my "hunting and gathering" day. I came up with more things than I thought for some of the activities. So, my shopping list got shorter! I also sat in on the music rehearsal and am excited about their willingness to use their gifts for this weekend.
But, that's not all that has happened this week!
Yesterday I took a CPR class to be re-certified. As I was sitting there, I thought about how amazing it is that we have the opportunity to save a life. How amazing the human body is! And, although I hope I never have to use what I've learned, I am grateful that I have learned it.
Tonight, as I was dropping off a couple of my youth, a car sped towards us and ended up hitting my open door. They continued on down the street. I was pretty angry because I now have damage on my new car. But, the more I thought, I was just really grateful that the girls I was dropping off didn't get hurt. They were right there and it could have been a horrific situation. So, I guess the damaged door isn't so bad.
So, where was God this week? He's helping me get ready for the hurricane experience in so many ways! I can't imagine doing it without him! He was with me in my CPR class and was there when the first breath of life was taken..what an amazing creation He made! And, He was there when my car was hit keeping people safe.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Celebrating

What a great day! After walking all of my dogs, I was off to a celebration for someone from the church who just finished an introductory class for lay academy. He is feeling called to some sort of ministry and exploring his options. It's exciting to see God working through his exploration!
Afterwards, I went to the church to work on some things I didn't have time to do earlier in the week- rearranging and cleaning some things up that needed some attention. Then I needed to finalize everything for tonight's parents night out. I made sure I had flyers and info about upcoming events, had all my crafts and games ready, and prepared the rooms we would be in. Then, the time came to welcome my volunteers. I was so excited that I had so many youth and college students who were willing to help tonight! One of the college students was home on spring break and when I found out she would be around I asked her to come. She happily agreed and it was so awesome that she was there! I hadn't seen her much for awhile since she's spent the last year and a half at school. SO, when I got a random text earlier in the week asking if we could get together with whoever was around, I was so excited. It's so much fun to see former youth that are growing up! Sometimes, I wonder about youth as they get older...typically by junior or senior year I don't see them as much. But, it seems when they go off to college I begin to reconnect but in a different way. And, days like today remind me that even if they drift away, in their younger years they learned something and they always remember they are loved by God, by me, and by the church.
Shortly after the volunteers arrived, the children came...and they just kept coming! Last month we had 1. And we didn't change a thing- crafts, games, storytime. He loved it. But, I was hoping for an increase this month. I got it! We had 16! So much fun! 10 of them had never participated in anything at the church, besides preschool for some. As I talked to parents, they said they were definitely coming back for the egg hunt and they were so grateful that the church was offering this for families! The kids didn't want to leave at the end of the night! I call that all a success!
So, where was God today? He was in the person celebrating completing his first step towards his calling, the volunteers for parents night out, and the families who participated in parents night out.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Blessings

I spent this morning at breakfast. Yes...all morning! About once a month, I get to spend time with a youth worker friend who I love talking to. We share thoughts and ideas, encourage each other, and talk about things only another youth worker could understand. We ask each other how our spiritual lives are going and I am grateful for a chance to have someone who I can honestly share that with and who listens and understands.
This has become such a valuable part of my life. Having someone to share with while also helping me stay accountable is such a blessing to me and m ministry!
After my morning, I headed to the church to see something I'd been waiting for! The hallway by our Sunday school rooms is getting some updates. One of those updates is a beautiful framed picture of Jesus with outstretched arms and a gentle, loving face that all welcomes everyone who see it. It got hung this morning. It's an awesome picture and will be surrounded by pictures of children from the church and activities we have recently done. This has all been donated by someone who had vision for the hallway and realized that the first impression for parents and children going to Sunday school needed some improvement. We spent the afternoon doing some small updates like moving pictures, hanging a bulletin board to post family ministry activities, and moving some furniture around to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
These people are all so instrumental in my life! Having people to talk with, share with, who help with vision and ideas, and who have the ability to help financially to make things happen are such blessings!
So, where was God today? He was in the people who help make my life and ministry better.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Family

There was a time when I wasn't the best at listening to my parents...or I would listen and then do the opposite. It never ended well. And, I have since learned it's not a good plan. So, a month or 2 ago when my dad mentioned the blog I used to write, it was the final push I needed to get back into it. Since then, I have enjoyed the practice of looking for God in everything again. It's not that I had stopped seeing God, but this blog helps me become so much more aware of His presence. So, once again, I have to say that listening to my dad was a pretty good thing. And, following his nudge for me to write again was even better.
Today I was so grateful for the chance to visit my family. It doesn't happen as often as I'd like. Life gets in the way sometimes and I wish that wasn't the case. But, today I had to take care of some things near them and was able to spend some time with them'- and my sister and niece who I got a quick visit with in between my sister's many jobs and errands.
Although it was a short visit with my family, it was still great! By the time I finished my other obligations, it was late afternoon.  My parents had a meeting at church this evening and so we visited for a bit, had an early dinner and then I headed home.
Growing up, my parents were very active in our church. As I grew up, I followed their guide. I remember at times being at church more than at home. So, I guess it is no surprise that the same is true today of both my parents and me- them with meetings and choir practices regularly and me spending so much time at the church.
I am so grateful for the path my parents helped lay out for me. I don't know what I would have done during any of my struggles if I didn't have God and my church family along with my family.
As I sat at my parents house, the house I grew up in, I enjoyed talking and spending time with them. If you know my dad, you should really ask him about his squirrel rescue story! I couldn't have asked for a better day...unless it was longer!
So, where was God today? He was in my family...the blessing He gave me!
Blessings,
Jennifer