Last Sunday during group, we had a discussion about what we can do when a relationship we have with friend or family member has become negative, even toxic for some os us.  It was so powerful to hear some of the suggestions and responses that came out through the discussion.  Many of us have been through or are currently experiencing negative relationships, but have chosen the path of MOST resistance when addressing them.  What I mean by that is that you suggested to have honest, loving conversations with these people rather than feed into arguments or their comments that come from their stress.  It would be easy for us to blame the negative person for damaging the relationship and ignoring them until things "turn around", but many of you said that you would handle it much differently.  
But what if that person responds to your honesty and love with MORE negativity, hate, and anger?  What do you do when that person pushes you back further than when you were just ignoring them?
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As we draw closer to Thanksgiving day, I can't help but think about all the things I am thankful for.
​I am thankful for:
-Family (including my puppy) and dear friends
-My better half
-Teaching opportunities, my teammates, my students, and their supportive parents
-A warm, safe home
-St. Andrew, all its members, the youth group, and the opportunity to co-lead the group
-Food on the table 
-A car to transport me from place to place (AMAZING!)
-Devices to help us stay connected with everyone (phones, computers, tablets, etc.)
-Blue Lotus Temple and all of its members
-The opportunity to continue my dance education
-All of you reading this post (Thank you for your support!)

What are you thankful for this year and beyond? 
-Jen

This post was inspired by Pastor Josh's Sermon in response to Mark 13: 1-8

Life can be stressful. It can also be amazing, crazy, heavenly, terrifying, and everything in between.  This past week was tough for me but it lead to a conversation and a realization I wouldn't have had if I hadn't experienced such polarized encounters with life.  
Monday through Thursday of last week was full of stressors-long days in the classroom, heavy meetings which lead to my colleagues scrutinizing my preparation for the meetings, and major behaviors from students that were not on my caseload but I was the one in charge of deescalating the situation.  I felt burnt out and I still had a full day of school left in the week.  That's when God "woke me up" via Betty the WWII veteran.  
Thursday night, I was on my way to Saint Charles to play music with my brother John at a Veterans' Art Gallery Dinner.  I was at my peak of anxiety and frustration from the week and simply had no more emotions to give towards this event.  We sat down, got our instruments out and began playing music while veterans from World War II to present day came in, had drinks, food, and enjoyed one another's company.  I naturally started feeling better due to playing music and being around happy and courageous people. But then a 97 year old, WWII veteran named Betty sat down right next to me...then got up and started dancing.  For the rest of the night, Betty was on cloud nine as she danced to our music and we sang songs like "Amazing Grace" and "You Are My Sunshine" together.  All of a sudden life was calm, playful, reflective, and peaceful again.
When the event was over and all of the veterans had left, John and I sat down and I explained what an extreme change in experiences I had just had within a couple of hours.  John offered his thoughts to me after listening and said, "Yeah man, we're really just leaves in the wind and while we're flying in all different directions, we still think we're in control of where we end up".  He-as usual-couldn't have been more accurate.  We really never know what tomorrow will bring.  Sometimes life feels like we are leaves gently floating to solid ground, only to be abruptly lifted, swung around, and crash-landed into a place you never intended to be.  
Speaking from my own experiences, I think life can feel at times more like we are feathers in a hurricane-being tossed around with a million things flying past us until we set down in the eye of the storm with only enough time to think, "Where the heck am I?". Our expectations can artificially lead us to believe that we are in control of this life and all of the paradoxical events that come our way.  Without struggle, there is no success, without fear, there is no bravery, without stress, there is no peace. But my experience with Betty reminded me that God never gives us more than what we can handle.  He gives us moments of clear peace and fulfillment that I believe are moments for us to reflect and be grateful for ALL of our experiences.  I guess I'm still working on being grateful DURING the challenging parts of life.
If you've had an experience like the one I had-high stress turning quickly to surprising peace-I'd love to hear about it.  We're all in this hurricane together!
-Phil

Hello! This is the Saint Andrew Youth Blog.  This is an open space for our leaders and youth to express their ideas and unique perspectives on God, church, and life in general!  Some posts may be influenced by our group discussions every week or some may be inspired by an event, thought, or feeling occurring in our youth's life.  No matter the reason, this blog is for all of our youth here at Saint Andrew's and is welcomed for all to read and enjoy! God bless!
​-Phil