I feel so extremely blessed this Christmas you don't realize how precious health is until it is taken from you. On Dec 2nd, 2008 I made the courageous decision to leave a job that was tearing apart my mental well being. I had come to a place where I was so mentally exhausted at work and at church that I literally collapsed under it all. Last Christmas is a blur to me. I vaguely remember the tree and wrapping some gifts but thats about it. I was off on stress leave from the Library and so there was no Christmas Story & Craft Time either.
Over the next few months I began a journey with the Lord's guidance that led me on a new path - singing with the Jubilee Singers and teaching Sunday School at Jubilee United.
I am also working on a course online writing children's books, became a sub Student Assistant, and went back to work at the Library in March....
Oh and most recently i broke off a long distance relationship that was not working for me.
I look back over the past year and I am just so thankful to the Lord for His presence in my life. For the days that I didnt have the strength to know what to do or say but I always knew His hand was upon me. In January, I came in contact with a wonderful man of God - Major Lacey - who encouraged me, challenged me, and most of all prayed for me and it was through those numerous emails that I began to see that God had a new plan and purpose for me and thats when I became involved with Jubilee United. I can not express in words the many blessings I have received since being a member of the choir and teaching Sunday School there! Its been simply amazing!
I remember the first sunday nite service that I sang in the choir and when we walked out and I sat on the pew I felt this overwhelming sense of knowing that I was exactly where God wanted and needed me to be. My Grandfather Carter was one of the founding members of that church and now I am carrying on what he began... There are still so many lives that need to be reached for the Kingdom of God! Still so much work to be done!
As I think about the coming busy weeks leading up to Christmas with practices, a special service next Sunday nite, a Sunday School concert on Dec 20th, a Christmas eve service, and thats just the church things! I am so blessed and thankful this Christmas to have the health and strength to be a part of all those things!! To be able to sing and share with adults and children the REAL Meaning of Christmas!! What a privilege! I am thankful tonite to be able to be able to say with assurance in my heart 'Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is well it is well with my soul!' Easy to have that assurance when life is good but its when you come thru the dark days with the Lord by ur side and you can walk out into the light knowing that it is well with ur soul that is a blessing! Thats faith at work!
Many people use the beginning of the New Year as a reflective time but for me Dec 2 marked an important day that has helped shaped this year in so many ways! I can not imagine what I would have done if I had stayed at that job ! I can't even imagine being at the other church now.... This Dec I have a peace that I did not have last year and for that I give God thanks and praise! I look ahead to the coming Christmas season and New Year with Joy and Excitement because I know that 'greater things are yet to come'! I still have lots of challenges and many tough days but I know who holds the future and I am trusting in His continued guidance and direction each step along the way!
Good nite and God bless and Merry Christmas to you all!!
Jennifer
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday School Begins!
Today was the first Sunday for Sunday School for the Fall/Winter. I had 15 in my Sunday School class today and 6 more on the list who were either sick or out of town! So that fgives me a class of 21 3 to 8 year olds so far! So its gonna be a big class but I am thrilled!!
There were some new children there today and one little boy looked at me and said 'this is my first time coming to church' he has just started kindergarten... What a blessing! To reach one child for Christ is such a previlege and a honour!! It is exciting and challenging but I know that the Lord who has called me for this task will equip me and so I am continuing to trust in His direction.
Last nite I went over and set up the table and chairs and I put out 15 chairs in the semi-circle and that was more than was on my list from last year because last year I had 11. Before I left I stood in the hall and prayed for each child whose name was on my attendance tree and for the children that i had sent home notes to telling them about Sunday School. I prayed that the Lord would fill those 15 chairs today and HE DID! When I saw kids coming in that had come to VBS this summer and now want to be a part of Sunday school I was so happy! And then to see new children coming who have never been to a sunday school or vbs before! It was well beyond words to describe really...
I am praying for 'greater things' because I know that this is only the beginning of what the Lord wants to do in the lives of the young people of my town and I aam humbled that He has chosen me to tell these children about His love!! WOW!
When I think about those who the Lord has used me to reach and the many others who are still out there that still need to know that there is a Sunday School and that there is a God who loves them I am excited and feel so blessed that the Lord would use me for such a task! Some people see an old Hall in need of repairs and an aging congregation but I see the potential! I see the Hall redone and filled with children and young people and their families! And if that is what I can see imagine what God can see?? Greater things are still to be done!!
Can't wait to see what God has in store for next Sunday afternoon!
There were some new children there today and one little boy looked at me and said 'this is my first time coming to church' he has just started kindergarten... What a blessing! To reach one child for Christ is such a previlege and a honour!! It is exciting and challenging but I know that the Lord who has called me for this task will equip me and so I am continuing to trust in His direction.
Last nite I went over and set up the table and chairs and I put out 15 chairs in the semi-circle and that was more than was on my list from last year because last year I had 11. Before I left I stood in the hall and prayed for each child whose name was on my attendance tree and for the children that i had sent home notes to telling them about Sunday School. I prayed that the Lord would fill those 15 chairs today and HE DID! When I saw kids coming in that had come to VBS this summer and now want to be a part of Sunday school I was so happy! And then to see new children coming who have never been to a sunday school or vbs before! It was well beyond words to describe really...
I am praying for 'greater things' because I know that this is only the beginning of what the Lord wants to do in the lives of the young people of my town and I aam humbled that He has chosen me to tell these children about His love!! WOW!
When I think about those who the Lord has used me to reach and the many others who are still out there that still need to know that there is a Sunday School and that there is a God who loves them I am excited and feel so blessed that the Lord would use me for such a task! Some people see an old Hall in need of repairs and an aging congregation but I see the potential! I see the Hall redone and filled with children and young people and their families! And if that is what I can see imagine what God can see?? Greater things are still to be done!!
Can't wait to see what God has in store for next Sunday afternoon!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Blogging
I am definitely not the world's most consistent blogger. I try and blog more often but I sit here thinking of what I want to say and after a few lines I usually scrap it and move on to something else.
Blogging I have discovered takes time and patience. It involves me actually sitting at the computer and putting some thoughts together which in itself is a challenge as often my thoughts are all over the place - did I change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, did I remember to give dad his pills supper time, did I answer my e-mails, etc etc.
In thinking about my challenge in blogging it also reminded me about my devotion and quiet time with God. It is so difficult with so many stresses and distractions to often find that true quiet time with God... a time when I can actually pause from the demands of the day and just focus on Him. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I often go to that verse when I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because it always reminds me to focus on what matters most - God!
May you find time in your busy day to 'be still and know that He is God'.
Blessings!
Blogging I have discovered takes time and patience. It involves me actually sitting at the computer and putting some thoughts together which in itself is a challenge as often my thoughts are all over the place - did I change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, did I remember to give dad his pills supper time, did I answer my e-mails, etc etc.
In thinking about my challenge in blogging it also reminded me about my devotion and quiet time with God. It is so difficult with so many stresses and distractions to often find that true quiet time with God... a time when I can actually pause from the demands of the day and just focus on Him. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I often go to that verse when I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because it always reminds me to focus on what matters most - God!
May you find time in your busy day to 'be still and know that He is God'.
Blessings!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
What Twitter is Teaching Me
For those who read my Blog and do not use Twitter or know what its all about Twitter is a great way of connecting with people who share similar ideas from all over. Its quicker than Facebook in that it doesn't use such a long profile and its simply status updates and DMs - Direct Messages. Its simiilar to Facebook is that you choose who you want to follow and who follows you...
Anyways, I started using Twitter because of Ernie Hasse, Wes Hampton, Michael English & Mark Lowry. Twitter became a great way to connect with some of my favorite singers and get various updates on the day to day happenings in their lives... As I became more familiar with Twitter, I added more people to my follow list and more people began following me...
One thing I love about Twitter is that I have 'met' so many Christian Pastors, Church Planters, etc. It is awesome to chat with these guys and hear what God is doing in their lives and the lives of the churches they are a part of!
I have also 'met' lots of great Christians who are so encouraging and inspiring!! Its so cool to share morning 'twivotions' with Pastors and Christians from the US and Canada! Its awesome to chat about what God is doing in our lives each day! Its also great to know that there is now this whole network of people out there who will pray for me when I having a bad day and who I can pray for as well.
Twitter has allowed me to chat and connect with some wonderful people or as we say on Twitter 'tweeple'. When you see live video feeds from the churches and you hear the sermons and know how God is moving in the hearts and lives of people all across Canada and the US its encouraging!!
It has also made me realize - well not that I didn't realize it before but it has openned my eyes more - to what being the 'Church of God' is all about. Living in a small town in Newfoundland we very 'traditional' in our denominations. You don't hear a lot - although I do know of some - church planting in Newfoundland as a whole. But no matter whether we are non-denominational, RC, Anglican, Pentecostal, UC, or SA, etc we are all a part of the body of Christ and we are all a part of the 'church of God'. So often people become so focused on the 'buildings' that they worship in that they forget that its the 'people' that make up the church! The building itself is made of wood, steel, glass, etc and while it is a Holy place because it is where we gather to worship thats what gives the building purpose and meaning...
I am thankful for my tweeps for reminding me of this over the past weeks and for their prayers as I continue the Fall working with the youth at the Church which God has placed me.
Anyways, I started using Twitter because of Ernie Hasse, Wes Hampton, Michael English & Mark Lowry. Twitter became a great way to connect with some of my favorite singers and get various updates on the day to day happenings in their lives... As I became more familiar with Twitter, I added more people to my follow list and more people began following me...
One thing I love about Twitter is that I have 'met' so many Christian Pastors, Church Planters, etc. It is awesome to chat with these guys and hear what God is doing in their lives and the lives of the churches they are a part of!
I have also 'met' lots of great Christians who are so encouraging and inspiring!! Its so cool to share morning 'twivotions' with Pastors and Christians from the US and Canada! Its awesome to chat about what God is doing in our lives each day! Its also great to know that there is now this whole network of people out there who will pray for me when I having a bad day and who I can pray for as well.
Twitter has allowed me to chat and connect with some wonderful people or as we say on Twitter 'tweeple'. When you see live video feeds from the churches and you hear the sermons and know how God is moving in the hearts and lives of people all across Canada and the US its encouraging!!
It has also made me realize - well not that I didn't realize it before but it has openned my eyes more - to what being the 'Church of God' is all about. Living in a small town in Newfoundland we very 'traditional' in our denominations. You don't hear a lot - although I do know of some - church planting in Newfoundland as a whole. But no matter whether we are non-denominational, RC, Anglican, Pentecostal, UC, or SA, etc we are all a part of the body of Christ and we are all a part of the 'church of God'. So often people become so focused on the 'buildings' that they worship in that they forget that its the 'people' that make up the church! The building itself is made of wood, steel, glass, etc and while it is a Holy place because it is where we gather to worship thats what gives the building purpose and meaning...
I am thankful for my tweeps for reminding me of this over the past weeks and for their prayers as I continue the Fall working with the youth at the Church which God has placed me.
Friday, July 31, 2009
God of This Town
One of my favorite songs is a song by Chris Tomlin called
'God of this City'. If you have never heard it click on this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
I love the lyrics of this song!
[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation You are
[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
When I truly believe that greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in the town that I call my home. I believe that the Lord has a great work to do in this town... in the hearts and lives of the seniors, adults and youth! And I am excited to be a part of it! I am praying that the Lord will continue to reveal to me His Vision for the Sunday School at my church. And I pray that in the coming days and weeks as we reach out into the community and invite other children and young people to come to Sunday School and Junior Youth Group that they will want to come and be apart of our Youth Activities. 'Greater things have yet to come!'
'God of this City'. If you have never heard it click on this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
I love the lyrics of this song!
[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation You are
[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
When I truly believe that greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in the town that I call my home. I believe that the Lord has a great work to do in this town... in the hearts and lives of the seniors, adults and youth! And I am excited to be a part of it! I am praying that the Lord will continue to reveal to me His Vision for the Sunday School at my church. And I pray that in the coming days and weeks as we reach out into the community and invite other children and young people to come to Sunday School and Junior Youth Group that they will want to come and be apart of our Youth Activities. 'Greater things have yet to come!'
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Blog Name Change
For those of you who have been following my blog you will notice that I have changed its name and address. Yes, my blogs will still contain my 'Thoughts and Reflections' but one thing I have noticed as I have been reading other blogs in the past days is that blogs are also a great tool in 'reaching out' to others - hence the new name for my blog - 'Reach Out'. Whether its a funny story, a joke, random facts, or something serious blogging is a great way to 'reach out' to people and share ideas, thoughts, hopes and dreams.
While the weather has not been the greatest at times here in Wesleyville, Newfoundland this summer. The Lord has blessed me on many occasions while working with the children at VBS and Kids Club. Today I met with Rev H and we did some planning for the Fall. It is exciting to share ideas and make plans for the upcoming months... plans that will impact the children and families who attend the church for the Kingdom of God! Its been so great this summer to see new children attending VBS and Kids Club and my prayer is that they will come out to Sunday School in the Fall as well.
I look ahead to the coming months with anticipation! Trusting that God has great things in store for the children and youth of this community!
While the weather has not been the greatest at times here in Wesleyville, Newfoundland this summer. The Lord has blessed me on many occasions while working with the children at VBS and Kids Club. Today I met with Rev H and we did some planning for the Fall. It is exciting to share ideas and make plans for the upcoming months... plans that will impact the children and families who attend the church for the Kingdom of God! Its been so great this summer to see new children attending VBS and Kids Club and my prayer is that they will come out to Sunday School in the Fall as well.
I look ahead to the coming months with anticipation! Trusting that God has great things in store for the children and youth of this community!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
VBS
I just completed a wonderful week of VBS. The theme was 'God's Superheroes' and there were 15 to 17 children in attendance each day. The children ranged in age mostly from 3 to 7. We kicked off the week on Monday by learning about Moses and how he had faith in God and his faith helped him to lead the people across the Red Sea. On Tuesday we learned about the courage of Joshua and how he was brave and because he obeyed God the walls of Jericho fell and God's people were able to get into the city. On Wednesday, we learned about Ruth and Naomi and how they trusted in God and the importance of being a good friend. Thursday we learned about Daniel and how God protected Daniel in the lion's den because he had obeyed God. Friday we learned that we can all be Superheroes for God by being faithful, courageous, trusting in God, obedient and being truthful. Each day we sang songs, played games, had a snack and did a craft that suited the theme for the day.
It was a week I will never forget! Teaching children about God is a challenge! Especially when you are trying to relate biblical concepts to 4 year olds! But on Thursday after the story was read and I asked the children questions I realized that even the youngest there was able to understand that Daniel had obeyed God and because he obeyed God he was kept safe!
I thank the Lord for this week of VBS! For the challenging moments and the blessings! I am thankful for the wonderful privilege to spend time with the children teaching them a little more about God and that no matter how young they are that God loves each of them and they can all be Superheroes for Him!
I pray today that you will remind the children that you come in contact with that they are all important to God and that He loves each of them very much!
It was a week I will never forget! Teaching children about God is a challenge! Especially when you are trying to relate biblical concepts to 4 year olds! But on Thursday after the story was read and I asked the children questions I realized that even the youngest there was able to understand that Daniel had obeyed God and because he obeyed God he was kept safe!
I thank the Lord for this week of VBS! For the challenging moments and the blessings! I am thankful for the wonderful privilege to spend time with the children teaching them a little more about God and that no matter how young they are that God loves each of them and they can all be Superheroes for Him!
I pray today that you will remind the children that you come in contact with that they are all important to God and that He loves each of them very much!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
