It's May...one of my favorite months

May is here and rolling by for me. The hours left for my kids to rehears are closing in on me and giving me nerves. But I just gotta accept the fact all I can do is all I can do. The sun is finally shining most of the time up here and we’re pushing for 70 degrees…come on spring I know you can come. I see flowers everywhere..but there’s still a chill in the air.

I participated in the Church clean up this past Saturday and ended with a BBQ. Despite the lack of sociality I must give the Church credit for knowing how to honor & show appreciation and value for their volunteers in all areas (ministry leaders, volunteers, kid workers, etc.). Something I think many churches should easily adopt. Who knows maybe it would spark more people to be active members in the church…ha ha.

There appears to be major shifts going on in many peoples’ lives filled with lots of uncertainty ahead. Which for me has been comforting that I’m not alone in this but also brings excitement and awe of what is God going to do next! So for those who feel alone, don’t b/c many people are in a transition/shift right now stand strong in faith knowing God works all things together for good.

So apparently in Canada Cinco De Mayo is not celebrated….so I’m going to try and create some kind of Mexican Festival up here at the house. We’ll see how it turns out.

Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to invest into these women’s lives every week. God is really stirring in them to position them, I believe for the Greater things He has called them & created them to do. Every week the testimonies are just so amazing & encouraging!

My journey has been a roller coaster as some of you may know and I had somehow injured my knee and was unable to fully participate in learning the choreography for the Production the past month or so. But thank God my knee has been healing and things are looking optimistic. Please pray with me for an extra download of supernatural skill to dance as well as the other gals in the production (who have been dancing their WHOLE Lives).

For everyone that keeps asking me when will I be returning to California. Mark it on your calendar sometime mid August.

I have a few months left and have appreciated all those who have supported me thus far. Funding has gotten pretty slim this month so any support you can give is greatly appreciated.

Blessings to you all J

Donations can be made to Safe Harbor Church

PO Box 1214

Tustin, Ca 92781

April

April has come to a close....I can't believe it's been 4 months....and what a STRETCHING experience it has been. Wow God has definitely refined me in more areas than I knew I needed, sharpening my character. There's finally green on the ground which is a sign of growth and life again....similar to that which I'm feeling now.

Something I"ve learned about myself is how easily i get caught up in the details and lose sight of the big picture. How do I overcome that, I surround myself with those that see the big picture and can keep picking my head up to see the big picture and not so focused on what's immediately in front of me.

An experience I've encountered the past few months is being the newby in church. WOW...what an experience attending somewhere for 3 months and not a single person talking to me. I even went to a women's event and attempted conversation with people and it was like this wall is put up that I can't get in or something b/c I'm the newbie. I so feel for new people in church and what they must go through. After 2 months of initiating, continually pushing in i've been able to establish somewhat of acquaintances at church...but wow the church needs to step it up. I find non- church goers to be more friendly than those inside the church. They're welcoming, conversational, etc. It really is mind boggling and leaves me frustrated with the church body.

What's even more interesting is how I’ve encountered people who have gone through major life problems and it was someone farthest from living the “church life” that brought light and revelation to someone’s situation – giving them new perspective and break through. It leaves me feeling embarrassed to be associate with the church and wondering why are we so caught up in our own stuff when the very thing Jesus told us to do was to make disciples of all nations. And you can’t make a disciple until you enter into relationship with someone. It’s sad but in a recent conversation with a fellow believer we talked on how much more the muslims have it right in their approach to transforming a culture – they go to the high places to make a ripple effect influence and they know how to make disciples – giving of themselves to teach and pour into the lives of others. My frustration leaves me asking when will the church awaken to this and step out of their "world" and live as Jesus has called us to going beyond a friendly hello and entering into REAL relationships.

Which leads me to another thought -

I’ve also recently learned about living our lives as a catalyst to others. Someone who comes into the mix and is able to add an element to another person/groups life enabling them to launch that person towards their destiny – drawing out the gifting, dreams, etc. in that person. But the vital key to get them there is by seeing & TREATING that person as God does. Seeing them for their potential not who they are in their current state . Jesus demonstrated love & grace and empowered those around him not treated them based off their works or sins. Look at Paul, Peter & Judas' lives and yet they were in relationship with Jesus. When will the church body awaken to this. If this peaks your interest go to itunes and download FREE Kris Vallotton – “Living Synergistically” (or go to his website http://www.kvministries.com/ ).

well I was hoping to share a video but my computer has been acting up all week & after several hours of attempts I've decided to drop that idea. My apologies. But here's a few photos. two of Kamloops Lake the view I see driving to Cache Creek to teach and one at sunset overlooking the view from my neighborhood - you can see the river leading to the lake.

I'm still in need of monthly support so if you've been thinking about it please send it quickly :). Donations can be made to Safe Harbor Church

PO Box 1214

Tustin, Ca 92781

The snow has melted...it's still only in the 40's & 50's but so glad to see the snow gone. On my 1hr. drive this past Monday and Tuesday out to teach I saw lil' bits of green pushing through in the grass & trees and LOTS of baby cows....I'm hoping a warm spring will make it's way soon.
This past month has been a challenging one for me, one I almost didn't want to come through but I made it and God is GOOD. Really pushing in & letting go of "me" so as to release unconditional love to EVERYONE around me. Daily choosing to not allow circumstances to affect me but looking for ways that I can impact the circumstances. It's true perseverance & endurance do produce character and I'm soooo working on producing a good one with the Help of my Lord & savior Jesus Christ.
on a lighter note I saw my 1st heard/pack of deer on the mountain side. SO NEAT!!! Oh & I'm super excited for my little dancers they're going to perform in June at the year end show. This teaching experience has been Challenging but fun with lots of learning experiences. As well as being a student all over again taking ballet, Zumba and learning choreography for the year end show. (which will be touring the month of July - gonna be so GOOD).
To close here are some thoughts and random facts.


Thoughts/Facts

• Seems like theres a good chunk of people up here with vision and the drive to see it fulfilled. Seeing people living in trailers while they build their dream home – wow that’s some hard workers not afraid to make sacrifices.
• Canada one of the countries with few church goers. They think life is good as long as I don’t hurt anyone – life is good why do we need church.
• Canadians love shopping in the states!!! Better stores and better prices.
• It’s freakin’ expensive to live up here.
• Tim Horton's has AMAZING DONUTS!!!! (it's the blue collar starbucks)
• The Mexican food isle in the grocery store is about as long as me…. And they don’t even sell enchilada sauce....how am I gonna make mexican food :(
• Lakes – they got lots of them and so BEAUTIFUL!!!!
• Gas is sold in Liters
• Milk comes in skim, 1%, 2%, 3% (what???)and 4% and has a whiter coloring to it than US'
• Cheese comes in a LONG skinny brick like shape for purchase
• Household trash cans tend to be the size of a office or bathroom trashcan.
• Nanaimo bars so delicious – an original Canadian treat but some say they like my homemade ones more than those sold in the store.
• Driving across town my ear pressure changes 3x due to the varied elevations
• I'm on the same time zone as California

Thank you to those who have supported me! What a blessing. Please keep me in your prayers as they're very much needed as well as financial support.

Blessings,

Jennie

March...March....March.....

It's march and the snow is melting...PRAISE GOD, I can see sidewalks and the mountains well.....they're looking browner and browner everyday. It got up to the 50's this week but still very chilly at night. I was reminded again of what a small town I live in...almost everything closes at 7pm except Walmart...Lord help me.

Our dance for Heather’s Dance company is coming together – discovering muscles I didn’t know existed and learning moves very outside of my box, but I can’t wait to see when it all comes together. It's gonna' be good. Again what an honor & privilege to take part in two of my passions – Dancing and social justice (in this case brining awareness and Fundraising for human trafficking to be specific). Next week is our Spring Break up here so the studio is closed but our production will still have rehearsal. Now if only I had something to do up here in these chilly hills. :(

It's been an interesting month - so often I've thought I was in the position to be of help to others while all along, God was teaching me a lesson about myself. Kind of felt like I got hit by a 2 by 4...but hey God is good and it only makes me better...right? I think I've had a few episodes of defaulting to my "doing" and missing the bigger picture...but thank God for grace. Oh how I love being in the winepress...or shall I thank God for the grace he's given me to endure it. It's interesting how the things that make us uncomfortable or we don't like are the very things God wants us to face & deal with but the hardest part is actually facing & walking through them. As I'm learning things can only get better once you face them, b/c once you face them no longer can fear keep you from them.

I want to thank those of you who have sent in support. What an answer to prayer and a blessing you have been. I recently have some additional expenses I’m facing –possible oil leak (need inspection & repair), a new timing belt & my computer is also starting to wear down and I fear it quitting on me soon (and there is no computer at the house). If you would like to contribute towards one of the following expenses please email me or send donations to Safe Harbor Church PO Box 1214, Tusin, Ca 92781.

Looking forward to spring and watching my areas of growth unfold before me.

Blessings,

Jennie

Would love to hear how you're doing please send me an update: jenniembryant@gmail.com

The Life in Kamloops

A few more random facts obtained while living in Kamloops, BC

How to keep your home clean - central vac! Plug your vacuum hose into the outlet (provided in each room) and vacuum your house clean. Just take your hose from room to room. once a year you can clean out the collecter in the garage...so weird but efficient.

Last week while on my walk I saw 2 deer....so precious

I can't believe I'm saying this but it feels so much warmer here and it's only it's 30 degrees....ha ha. I've actually taken 2 walks without a scarf : )

I just finished teaching my 1st 8 week session of dance classes. What a learning experience. Our last class consisted of parent observation - working for Gymboree Play & Music totally prepped me for this job. Watching kids and keeping their creative movement going while parents watching me...kept me on my toes. I'm so proud of my little dancers & looking forward to the next 16 weeks with them.

In addition to dancing I've had the opportunity to meet with a group of ladies who have a passion to see Kamloops transformed by the Kingdom of God. We meet weekly & they're all from differ churches. The stories of how God orchestrated all of us together...is such a testimony itself. The Lord is really using me to encourage, equip & empower them into their destiny's to lead transformation in their community. I'm so excited to see all that God is gonna do in these womans lives and the Kamloops community. God is on the move.
It reminds me of how God has so much more in store for us than we imagine or plan. And here we thought I'm here just for dance. God knew that'd be a fish hook but weekly I'm discovering greater purpose to my being here in Canada. In addition daily the Lord is refining more of my character, teaching me new things, developing my unconditional love for others, revealing more of the current state of the church & how He's going to use me and strengthening my trust in Him and Him alone.

Thank you all who have supported me You're an answer to prayer! May you be blessed for partnering with me in the Kingdom of God. I'm still in need of monthly supporters. Again all donations can be sent to:

Safe Harbor church

PO Box 1214

Tustin, Ca 92781

Blessings,

Jennie

A February update....

My week.....Started offering dance classes in Barriere, a town about 1hr. away. My students were so much FUN! I'm teaching Jazz dance for 3yr. olds - 9yrs.

A few new sayings I learned - Restrooms are "washrooms", Sneakers are "runners", a dollar is a "looney".

My car is so covered is slush, dirt, muck & yuck I've given up on taking it for a car wash. The semi-trucks just splatter everything on it when driving down the roads.

It's warmed up a bit to the high 30's this week, which I can greatly tell the difference. But it started snowing again today. The Snow makes the mountains look prettier than the regular bare brown desert look.

At Heather's studio we started a new program called Dance Your Weigh Down - for the mom's in the community. It's a variety of dance workout classes to help people get in shape.

I started taking Zumba workout classes taught by Heather Clark. What an experience....so funny seeing her dance latin dancing.. ha ha. There's jokes on making a workout video...I'll keep you posted.

I've found a group of women to fellowship with. PRAISE GOD an answered prayer. Man I forgot how important fellowship is until you don't have it.

I'm really learning to live and react out of my spirit man and not my emotions. Choosing to respond with character & wisdom is so much more effective than responding with emotions. It disables the Devil from stirring up unnecessary problems/drama.

For the 1st time I actually miss California in a way I've never missed it before. Which for me seems odd, seeing as I love traveling, experiencing new things and always being on the go. I'm not sure what to make of it yet. My workload has increased a bit keeping me busy but God is good, faithful, and teaching me new things all the time. I just keep laying myself before the Lord and saying what next Lord, what else to I need to grow, develop, learn. I've concluded I'm a definite learner for life continuing to read books, listen to teachings, and absorbing all I can from those around me.

For those of you who are praying, I GREATLY appreciate it and it's been needed. Still standing in Faith for my funding to remain here. The Lord is doing some interesting work I look forward to sharing soon.

Here's a brief video of one of my drives...just a lil glimpse.

It's February and we're off and going....

It's February.... still COLD but with snow & rain which makes for some really good ice. I felt like I was ice skating while out on my walk today. The sun was shining this morning, which felt so good on my face. oh how I miss the sunshine!!

This week we're starting another Dance program in a town about 1hr. away. I'm looking forward to meeting the new kids on Monday. To see more little faces given the opportunity to learn a creative expressive art, brings joy to my heart. I often remind myself of those moments when I can get buried in the mundane administration stuff.

So after all the admin hiccups experienced this week I've concluded it appears I continue to find myself immersed in ministries or places of employment in the midst of transition. I'm thinking maybe I'm to be an expert in transition someday...ha ha. I know this season is definitely stretching me & positioning me to contend for supernatural abundance & resources and not just for now but for my future in ministry. Being in a community with friends, family & my church and living by faith is one thing, but to be living in another country with no one around really causes me to RELY on the Lord for all my needs to be met ( I don't have any spare couches to sleep on or friends inviting me over for dinner yet) My days have had their ups & downs but I continue to press on for that which the Lord has called me to choosing to look past my emotions & feelings & at the bigger picture of what He is preparing me for.

Miss you all & pray you are well! You're prayers & support mean alot to me at this time. : )

Blessings,

Jennie