We take for granted a lot of things in our world, paper towels, electricity, breathing…. the list goes on. I think the same is true of one simple word, a word that so often is left unsaid and at the same time so often used without another thought…. “yes”.

What do you do with the curve balls that life throws at you and how do you continue to place your trust in God’s plan that you do not fully understand and is still unfolding?

It can be easy to go through the motions when it comes to living. However this week, is not just another week, it’s Holy Week, let’s not let the mystery that is unfolding before us, pass us by.

Prior to being a youth minister, I was a 4th grade teacher. One thing I am not is a “Know it All” and I have come to realize is that I am completely OK with not having it all figured out.

Parents you and I don’t get many opportunities to sit down over a cup of coffee to chat these days. I know life is busy, and you are working hard and rocking parenting (whether you feel like you are or not). So today I just wanted to share a digital cup of coffee with you and tell you that YOU are the most important piece to this whole youth ministry puzzle. And if you ever want to grab a real cup of coffee you know where to find me!

I have been thinking a lot about invitations recently. Over the past few weeks I have been invited to quite a number of events from parties, to trivia nights, to coffee hang outs with friends. The reality that we all have been invited whether we recognize the invitation or not.

So recently I have had a lot of conversations with some teens about mermaids. After some recent conversations about consequences and listening to some wise words from Fr. Mike Schmitz, I am coming around to the idea that I really don’t care for the Little Mermaid as much as I thought I did. Let’s talk truthfully about this whole concept of freedom, consequences and what the heck it has to do with mermaids!

The new year is already in full swing and before we know it summer will be upon us yet again. This summer St. Paul’s Life Teen will be taking our first trip to Life Teen’s camp Hidden Lake July 29th-August 3rd. If you have even been remotely considering Hidden Lake this summer here are 5 reasons why this trip is for you.

The second week of Advent is here and with it Christmas comes closer and the frenzied rush of shopping and preparations as well. Amidst all of my preparations I realized that while I am preparing for the Christmas season, Christ too has been preparing.

The season of Advent is upon us and I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be a cotton-headed ninny muggins this year! Here is what I learned from my favorite Christmas movie about this season of preparation and anticipation that we are entering into.