Blessed to be a blessing

Today was one of those days that did not go at all as I had planned, but that's ok. really. much better than anything I could have planned!
It all started with the news that I had my first experience of car "vandalism" here in Detroit. I thought I had a muffler problem only to find out this morning from the mechanic that someone had ripped off my cadillac converter (I didn't even know this part existed until this morning). I guess it's a big thing to cut them off vehicles and sell them. Of course, this set me back financially and I was very discouraged.
Another thing I decided to do today (thanks to the loan of a vehicle by my roommate!) was stop by the home of one of our families. It was the grandma's birthday yesterday and I wanted to bring her something. She is a very special lady and such a prayer warrior. There is so much going on in that family, so many struggles as well as the consequences of generations of sin. Her two granddaughters have grown up in Bible clubs and are two of the teens I now work with. Anyway, I stopped by a local Christian bookstore and picked up some books for her and a card. She wasn't home when I dropped off the gifts, but I talked to her daughter and granddaughter.
She called me this evening. (Back to the car situation- she called right after I found out how much it was going to cost me and I was very discouraged). She thanked me for the gifts and amazing both books were ones that specifically encouraged her. One was by an author she already knew and loved and the other was a Bible Promises book (which she said she always wanted). It was neat how God used me, even though I didn't realize it at the time, to encourage her in a very specific way.
It doesn't stop there. As we talked, and she expressed burdens she has for her family, she began to encourage me, telling me to never be discouraged, to continue to do the Lord's work and He would bless me. She had no idea what just happened with my car, but said she prays specifically for the area we live in, our safety and protection. She also took time to pray for me and her family over the phone.
This was a situation where I thought I was doing ministry- only to find out I was really the one being ministered to. Her encouraging words couldn't have been more specific to my needs if she knew what they were!

DEEEETROIT BASKETBALL!!!

A few weeks ago, I had tickets to a Piston's pre-season game. Olivia, one of my high school girls and Mario (who helped with day camp this year) were coming with me...but I had one more ticket. So I decided to ask Arriana, one of our Kids club girls. Arriana is a great girl who I've been able to connect well with. She has a bit of an attitude and is a little rough around the edges, but once she warms up to you, she can be a lot of fun. Her and I played a lot of basketball this summer, and I knew she would enjoy the game. Plus, she always makes fun of me because of how much I like the Pistons...especially Tayshaun Prince :o) We had a fun night. Arriana talked my ear off through the whole game, and always had funny comments and tons of questions.

We had a great evening...and the Pistons rocked the Palace with a 24 point win!!

I have been really enjoying our Jr High girls group on Monday night. The girls have been very faithful in coming and I can tell that they really enjoy each other and enjoy being there. A few weeks ago, we were able to return to Miss Kristen's house for some horseback riding.

I always find Monday nights to be such a blessing. While I may have a set agenda on what needs to happen and what I think needs to be taught, they seem to always become engaged in conversation and questions which are relavent and very good. I've always believed that if questions are being asked (as long as they are about important things) it's good to take the time to answer them. If they ask the question- it's something they care about and will listen for the answer. We have covered so many great topics such as how God deals with sin, how to handle conflict at school (in a way that is pleasing to God), and different family issues. These girls are so great...please pray for them that they will grasp the love of God at a young age and give their lives to Him! They are already facing so many temptations and struggles. It's hard to not be overwhelmed with it and easy to doubt that God can give them strength to stand for Him. But I know He can and pray that we can be instruments of His grace in their lives.

We just ended a wild, but good night of kids club. As crazy as these kids are, and as much as they wear me out, I can't help but love them :o) Jennifer has been teaching Bible lessons in a chronical order so that the kids will be able to understand how the Bible all ties together. Tonight, we had them work on timelines starting with creation and going through Moses. I was impressed with how hard the kids worked on their drawings and am excited to display them for all to see.