Wow. Just got back from the NCCYM in Cleveland, OH. Turns out, youth ministers are even more crazy when the youth aren't there!!! :) It was a great weekend. It is always so inspiring to see so many people who are giving so much of themselves for the young church. I sang several things there. Highlights were singing Welcome Home in the opening session, singing a Beatles song at the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME (!!!) as part of a charity event, and a hugely hilarious comedy show on Saturday night that I had a small part in.

Big cool news, it also became official that I will be the MC for next years NCYC in Kansas City!!! I am really looking forward to that one! It is going to be a great great conference.

Right now, in the middle of advent, know that I am praying for all of you (and me too) that we allow ourselves to 'make ready the way of the Lord' in our hearts. On the first Sunday of Advent, my friend Fr. John said in his homily, do three things this Advent:

Prepare your Heart. Look for the places where God can heal and cleanse you.

Open your Mind. Find something to read study or pray that will help your understanding of God grow.

Step out into the Deep (as John Paul said). Reach out to others in a new way. Step out of your comfort zone. Make it to a soup kitchen or something that stretches you in a new way, not just giving money!

Well for what it's worth, I share that all with you now... let's do it together! Have a blessed advent.

Steve