Author: DJ Jons

I had a backup plan for my service project and it was a really good one, too! I was going to physically work side-by-side with the inspiring team heading up our Yankton Food For Thought program (details later in this post). And we all know by now that my plans keep flying out the window while I learn to be still and follow His plan.

Since I was placed on the injured reserve list of sorts, I did indeed have to be still. That was for medical reasons, too; however, I soon learned, it was most importantly for spiritual reasons. I learned that I could have limited physical activity during my day as my body heals yet my mind would be running a marathon of thoughts and flooding my heart with turmoil. You know, those kinds of thoughts: “What if I had…”; “Maybe I could just…”; “I should have never…”, and on and on. I had a list of thoughts and emotions longer than I care to admit. But God’s own words tell us to be still, to not flinch in our faith no matter what disruption or trouble this world may bring.  I was reminded of this in my reading, and that’s when I was still and waited with a quiet mind and an open heart for His direction. His direction came and it was perfect!

I began to use the blessings God has gifted me in the areas of Marketing and Learning and Development to serve Yankton Food For Thought which supports two programs for students and families in need.

1. Sack Pack Program – Serves over 400 students weekly to provide weekend meals that are nutritious, shelf-stable, and child-friendly so every child has a better chance of being successful in the classroom.
2. School Food Pantry – Students and their families, who are in need, receive the opportunity, twice each month, to “shop” for food items at the School Food Pantry.

Here’s what we know: If kids are hungry they cannot learn at their full potential. That’s why the program is aptly named Food For Thought. A hungry child cannot learn and education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. If this program can provide the most basic need, which is food, to children and their families, hopefully we can start stabilizing lives.

This is where my servant heart led me, and my work with Yankton Food For Thought will continue well beyond my sabbatical. The new branding umbrella for these programs is just launching and my opportunities to make a difference are limitless. Education about this program is vital and making this program a part of our city’s culture moving forward is critical. I am blessed to serve in this way as God planned. I know that, soon, I’ll be amid the physical work as well to help make this program a success – but in His time, not mine.

Heavenly Father,

Please put an end to flood waters for all suffering in Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath. Bring about dryness and low humidity as only You can. I pray for Your Peace to bless each soul with restful, restorative sleep. Jesus please melt their stress and mold it instead into a vessel of honor that holds their faith. May You bless them with moments of laughter despite the devastation. And may they see a tangible token today, a special gift, that reinforces in them the promise that You are the God Who Sees and Cares for all.

In Jesus’s precious name I pray, amen.

My sabbatical began at 12:00 midnight, Friday, August 11, 2017. At 6:00 AM that very day I was admitted to the hospital for surgery. Yes, it was “planned” for that date and time but it had not been planned for long! And, you guessed it, it was nowhere near what I’d planned all along for my sabbatical. Enter God’s perfect plan.

Until just a few weeks ago, we, my husband Galen and I, had no idea my surgery was even needed let alone medically necessary. Wow! Because of this necessity, lots of precautions were taken by my doctors to ensure a successful surgery. While my care team was focused on the medical/human readiness aspect, we refocused our perspective.

We left all the doctors and medical stuff behind and focused on who and what we know and have through our faith; prayer. And we didn’t stop with just the two of us praying. We reached out to family, friends, extended family, and every prayer group we know. Guess what? Every single person embraced us in love and prayed with us and for us. No questions asked. No “Soccer practice first, then I’ll pray.” No “I’ve been in meetings all day and I’m too tired.” Because of love, they prayed.

Oh, I almost forgot a pretty huge step that I took! I called on a true friend the night before the surgery, explained what was happening with all the challenges that had been overcome to make the surgery possible, all our fears that had been calmed, and the needs being met by this change in my plan. This news was a big surprise to my friend to say the least. My heart was relieved and our decisions reinforced after this call. He prayed for me, for us, for our medical team, and for a swift and full recovery. Why, you may ask, was this such a big step for me? Because it is easier for me to give than to receive. I’ve really focused on asking for help, for prayer, when I need it. It’s becoming more natural to me every day but it’s still a work in progress. And my friend remembers all too well the “DJ” who would never share her needs nor ask for help/prayer and recognized my strength and courage. See, I told you it was a HUGE step!!

My surgery was an amazing success! It took longer than expected but my team took the time needed to do their good work.  Another piece of big news is the fact that I came home the very next day! Yeah, that wasn’t my doctor’s plan for me, but we know who is in control. Today I went for my first car ride and had my one week checkup. Both were awesome!

I have much more to share but that’s for later. I’ll share with you a quote, a promise from God, that a longtime friend, who just happens to be a guiding light in my life, shared with me many years ago. Just insert your name on that line and peace will be yours too!

“God’s in control. _____ has peace.”

My plan for my Sabbatical was a really good plan. I thought it was THE plan for my Sabbatical. So, God knew better and tomorrow morning, Friday, August 11, 2017, I embark on His journey.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you as God’s plans, and His works through me, are revealed.