The two words we (the youth group got to pick the words this time) picked to find verses that are meaningful to them are HAPPY and ANGRY.
I asked the youth to look up at least one verse that has/will help them get through a period of their life when they are feeling Happy and one that they enjoy reading when they are feeling angry. When we meet again, we will discuss the scriptures that we selected and add to our own faith journal.
{In an attempt to make the youth understand that I truly care about them, I have attended a girls soccer game and a volleyball game (hoping to get a boys soccer game next week). I think visibility is important when you're at the difficult high school age and hopefully they will recognize that I'm there for their fun events and be more willing to share their not so fun events with me;)}
Back to the faith journals!!
I have been working on HAPPY and ANGRY a little bit, but started another part of my journal. I'm calling it "Prayer is the Pipeline to God"! I split my journal into three parts and this will be my 2nd part.
In this section, I plan to write stories/scripture/quotes that make me realize I am HIS pipeline. YOU are too! (Pipeline is Nan's word, so it's only natural that the first pipeline entry is relating to her)
My dearest Nan,
I hope you understand how much I love you. Just thinking about you brings a smile to my face. On many of my bad days you have showed up, in His time, just in time to save me from my despair.
Since you requested us to pay it forward rather than buying you a gift, I have completed your request. I know you don’t know much about FB, but this is what I posted:
“Oh, Oh, Oh, Almost forgot!! Nan requested to pay it forward instead of buying her a gift...Remember, she's what I want to be when I grow up!!
So, anyways, I thought about what I wanted to do to pay it forward. I want to surprise a few people that need a pick me up. The first 3 people that send me a private message that includes a little bit of why a FRIEND OF YOURS (Can't request for yourself...sorry, that's the only rule) needs a pick me up will get a surprise from me...if I don't know your friend, include an address to send it to!”
Well, this is what came of it since I know how you love to see how He works, how He uses us a pipeline, how if we focus on Him each one of us can make a huge difference in this crazy world.
The first request came from my preschool teachrt. Her request was simple, but SO full of emotion. She said that her brother, misses my dad more than I will ever know. So, in your birthday honor, I'm going to make a pillow out of one of my dad's old tshirts:) The kids are all about sewing lately...we might enjoy it more than her brother! :) Thanks for the inspiration...tears of remembrance and so much love!!
The next request came from an aunt.
I saw your post about a pay it forward in honor of Nan. The person that I think could use a pick me up would be my nephew's wife. Early in their pregnancy they found out that the baby boy they were carrying has complications with his chromosomes. They made the choice to continue the pregnancy even knowing the outcome would be he would not survive. He was born on August 1 & died 57 minutes later. She got her wish to hold him in her arms and show him her unending love. She has continued to pump milk even after his death to help other mothers and babies in need. She is having a hard time and is still very full of emotions and is now preparing to go back to work soon.
They named him Bentley Robert.
I was there when he was born and the hospital had an organization Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep come in and take photos and they also had a close friend of theirs who sat quietly in the corner and took photos that are so full of love and emotion. It still breaks my heart and makes me realize how lucky I am to have the two healthy monsters that I do.
Nan, in honor of your birthday, I ordered a bracelet with "Mother to an Angel Bentley Robert 8-1-14" inscribed on the inside and plan to send the Mommy a card that we are praying for her and her sweet little family.
The final requests came from Petunia:
Sunshine could use a pick me up. She has worked extra this week & is dealing with health issues dad has. Rainbow was in the hospital this week;)
For Sunshine, I invited her over to pizza with a couple other friends tonight. I think she probably could use some girl time the most. I plan to make some cookies and drop them off to Rainbow this weekend along with a cute note;) EDIT: MORE ON THIS PIPELINE STORY LATER.
All of this simply because I love you and hope you have the best year yet.
Happy Belated Birthday, Nan!! I hope I grow up to be half as amazing as you are!!
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I truly believe if we are still and quiet, we can be used as a pipeline. Prayer is the Pipeline to God.
I will not share all of my pipelines here on the blog, but thought this would give you a good idea of what I was thinking...
Also, I have not completed the pillow and have not sent the bracelet yet, so please don't post this to facebook. Just for the faith journal followers!
All my love,
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