Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Exalted Forever"

You turned my mourning into dancing

In just one week, it will have been 7 years since my mom passed away unexpectedly. I remember receiving the phone call while I was at work. I remember riding a bus all night to get back home. I remember my entire family in ruins.

And I remember proceeding into her funeral Mass behind the casket. As I did, I looked around and I saw my family and my friends and a bunch of people I didn't even know, all who had come together to pay respects to the wonderful lady my mother was. And I remember smiling during that procession and almost dancing into church that day. For my mother, I had no doubt, would be reunited with her Maker soon and how happy I was to know that.

This is where God's real power lies- His ability to turn mourning into dancing.


iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Exalted Forever"

The music found at St. Cletus’ noon mass each Sunday is simply wonderful. The music found at each monthly Encounters is amazing. These times finally give me the chance to satisfy my desire, my thoughts of “Oh, I just want to sing your praise.”

I can’t imagine the joy and gratification that comes from a job such as a music minister or a youth minister. Each and every day, as a requirement for their position, they are doing God’s work. Music ministers get to constantly sing God’s praise.

I hope that when I finally grow up and get a real job that I will be able to experience that joy each day. I hope I am blessed with a position that allows me to share that joy with others. It doesn’t have to specifically be a job within the Chruch or ministry, but I hope that I can turn any ordinary job into a chance to show God’s love. To somehow sing his praises each and every day.

Catie's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Exalted Forever"

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands

Last week I was in El Salvador building better houses for a few people who live there. Overall it was an absolutely amazing experience. The last full day we were there, we visited two communities children's centers. The first one we visited, we played with the kids all morning. I have yet to see God as present in people as I did in those kids on Friday morning. I constantly saw Christ present in the people down there all week, but Friday it really hit me. They were all just so excited we were there and so excited to spend time with us. The community that we visited in the afternoon was so welcoming. We didn't get to talk to them much, there was a brief presentation of the history of the children's center, then we did the stations of the cross with them. They were so welcoming and so excited to see us which is something rare here in the states. They didn't know any of us but they loved us just the same. But this is how it is suppose to be. We are suppose to appreciate and love and care for each other no matter what. We are to sing in joyful praise to God for the people he has placed in our lives, because the smallest thing, could be seen as the biggest blessing.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Being in Love with You"

I've been keeping a secret. It is even something that I haven't fully admitted to myself. I'm still coming to grips with it.

I am having such a hard time with Life Teen right now. I'm wondering if it might be time for me to be done. And that thought scares me so much. I remember how scared I was to join the youth ministry program, and this fear is right up there. It is just that I feel like I'm doing so much, and trying to take on even more, and I'm left unfilled by it all. I just feel empty.

Even so, I told one of the kids tonight, "Just spend this weekend being loved. Let everything else go." And then this song comes along. Sometimes I need to be reminded of the things I tell others. With everything going on this weekend, I need to spend time just being in love with God and forget about evrything else.

I pray I'm able to do that.

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Being in Love With You"

We leave for retreat in about 3 hours. I'm still not ready. I'm excited for retreat, but I'm so worried that something isn't going to go right, that me and Andy's session won't turn out right... and then I listened to this song.

I don't need to try to be
The flawless example
...
All I need to do is just be me
Being in love with you

If I'm enough for God, that's all that matters. If he loves me just as I am, there is no reason to worry about not being good enough.

Finally, I think I'm ready for this retreat.

Megan's prayer: Matt Maher's "Ressurection Day"

Tonight I watched "Sister Act" on TV. I loved watching this movie when I was young, and nothing has changed. One of my favorite parts of the whole movie is when the teens, or young adults, who are standing on the street, hear the music coming out of the Church, and decide to go inside to see what is going on.

The excitement in the song, the joy coming from the choir, brought them into the Church, brought them back to Jesus.

Great things can happen when we sing for joy.

Chris' prayer: Matt Maher's "Resurrection Day"

I recently finished the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I'm a big fan of Gladwell's, so I had to pick this book up, his newest release. Overall, the book is about the subtle opportunities and choices that make someone or something outstanding.

In one of the chapters, Gladwell talks about how language and culture affect the airline industry, and in particular, how pilots communicate with their copilots and ground control. He uses this lens to explain a crash that occured several years ago in New York. In relaying information about fuel to to the ground control, the copilot does not communicate urgency and panic at all. Rather, the tone of his voice downplays the perilous situation they are in and accepts the instructions from the ground crew, who have no idea that this plane does not have enough fuel to comply.

Sometimes, the tone of one's voice can mean everything. It can tell us when a friend is having a bad day, even though their words might suggest otherwise. It can also, as illustrated in Outliers, be vital to correctly pass along a message.

The tone of this song is absolutely perfect for its message. It is the perfect exclamation point to what we are waiting for this Lenten season. The words and the tone come together to show the excitement that Easter holds for us this, and every, year.

We sing for joy, we shout your name
We celebrate your resurrection day

iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Kutless' "Treason"

With my two lips I will praise your name
Then I turn around and only curse and blame

I struggled with this song tonight. At first I thought it was because I was unable to connect with the lyrics and understand what the song meant, but I finally realized that I knew all too well what the song meant, and I just didn't want to admit it.

Chris' prayer: Kutless' "Treason"

I can't say that I was terribly familiar with this song before tonight. I'd heard it before when my iPod was on shuffle, but, if I was paying attention to what I was listening to, I always hit the skip button. And if I wasn't paying attention, well, then I wasn't paying attention to the lyrics at all.

And the lyrics I find so fascinating and so poignant. The lyrics describe exactly what sinning is for a Christian: treason. A betrayal of something that we know to be true. At least, that's what it feels like when I sin. It feels exactly like this:

I give you my life then I run in haste
I swear I'm back but then it turns out it's only a season
…
With my two lips I will praise your name
Then I turn around and only curse and blame

Fortunately for me, fortunately for us, this line reminds of the truth which we know to be true:

Your blood it covered all my sin
You changed a traitor into kin

YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Chris' prayer: Casting Crowns' "What if His People Prayed"

I'll be the first to admit, I don't pray as often as I should. Also, if I'm being honest, I don't pray as sincerely or as deeply as I should when I do pray. This song calls out to me, asking what would happen if I actually prayed as sincerely, deeply, and often as I should. The thing is, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in all the things the song says could happen if I, as one of His people, prayed. And yet, I don't.

I was hoping that this Lent would be a time to get my act together and really focus and make strides in my faith. But then I run into weeks like last week, where suddenly it is Saturday, and I'm wondering where the week has gone. It seems like there is always something that I let keep me from doing the things I know I need to do to deepen my faith. "Hopefully, Lent will help." Or, "Hopefully, the Easter season will help." Or, "Once Easter passes and things settle down, then I'll be able to focus."

If only.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Casting Crowns' "What if His People Prayed"

There never seems to be enough time to do all of the things that I want. In my personal activities, in church activities, in my school activities, I always feel that I could be, and should be, doing more. In today’s song, it sounds like I’m not the only one who should be doing more.

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords?

What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate?

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth?

What if his people prayed?

I fail to understand why these things are happening. Why are God’s “armies” doing so little that their swords are dusty? Why is the Church not seen as stepping up to the plate? Why are we pursuing a life that is not based in truth? Why are we not focused on the power of prayer? I feel like we should be doing more. I will try to do more.

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Famous Last Words"

Famous last words.

The other night, I was playing a game with my girlfriend and a couple friends of hers, and the question came up: "What would you like your famous last words to be?" Usually the phrase famous last words is used tongue-in-cheek, meant as a joke. Appropriately, I answered the question as a joke.

But I sincerely hope that my famous last words are something meaningful. I hope that the last thing that I'm able to share with others as I pass from this life, whenever that may be, is something that affects those who heard it. I hope it means something to them. Similarly, I hope that the famous last words of my actions aren't a joke. I hope that I'm able to make an impact on those I meet and leave them knowing that they were loved by me.

I hope my famous last words are words of love.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Famous Last Words"

Up until about 10 months ago, I had never thought about living by myself. I always thought I would have roommates during college and then move back home afterwards until I found others to live with or got married. But then things changed, and I took a very scary step in my life, and I moved into an apartment by myself. And I love it.

I’m able to eat dinner when I want, watch the TV shows that I want, play music whenever I feel like dancing, do my homework in peace, and go to bed at any time.

Today’s song pointed out something a bit different to me.

When loneliness is such a sanctuary
Empty are the musings and wasted are the days

Living by myself does not teach me how to compromise, how to get along with others. I no longer get to enjoy the random thoughts and stories that my roommates would always share. Even something inside of me is being lost. I no longer have the perpetual opportunity of sharing my wisdom or my love with those who live with me, and maybe it just becomes wasted because I live alone.

While I’m most likely not going to give up my apartment because of one song, I will start working on not allowing my loneliness to become a sanctuary.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jars of Clay's "Famous Last Words"

You were only waiting

This kind of irony seems to sprinkle life, or at least, I can think of examples in my own. Especially in my faith life. When I ask God for something, obviously He provides, but sometimes I find myself getting so wrapped up in what I hope/want/think the outcome should/could/would be that I forget to keep my eyes open for what it is. My plan for my life is very different from God's for me. I'm completely okay with that, all I need is for Him to take charge of my life and show me where to go and how to get there. I feel like I would think that I could see God walking out on me when really He is just waiting for me to catch up so He can take me somewhere better. It reminds me of the footprints in the sand poem. My prayer is to always recognize what God has in store for me and to be open to the ideas that He comes up with (i hear they are usually right :-P)

happy [john] 3.16 everyone! i guess even Jesus felt like God walked out on Him sometimes, when He cried out "Father, why have you abandoned me?"...but even there God had it all worked out already.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Fields of Grace"

There's a place that I lose my selfish pride

If there is one thing that being in youth ministry has taught me it is how to lose my pride and just be wild and crazy and free. To dance like no one is watching.

In real life, I feel like I have to follow all kinds of social rules and norms. I have to contain myself. But when I'm at youth ministry events, or Christian concerts, or adoration, I lose that sense of self-consciousness and am free to just be with my Father, dancing for Him while He sings over me. It is where I am...me.


iTunes | Lyrics

Erinnicole's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Fields of Grace"

I dance for my Father

of all of the things and actions that i should offer up to my Father, why can't it be the little things? why must i try and do huge things, lest feel like i've let him down. i can do things like dance for Him! literally and metaphorically. I can "dance" for Him in my simple words and deeds; the choice to do right over wrong. Especially in Lent as I prepare to do the most joyous dance of the church year! amen!

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Fields of Grace"

There's a place where religion finally dies.

What if we didn't let the differences in religions cause tension? What if we weren't so worried about pushing our beliefs onto others and accepted that person for who they are? What if we just loved everyone?

I think that might be what heaven is like.

Chris' prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

With all this motivation I still find a hesitation
Deep in my soul

Why is it so hard to live a Christian life? Why can it be so hard sometimes to do the right thing when I know exactly why I should, when I realize all the wonderful gifts You give me? Why, despite knowing life would be better lived for You do I still insist on living for me, on pursuing what I want, on attempting to fulfill my needs?

Despite all my demanding I still find You understanding
Show me grace

And even though I insist on doing things my way most of the time, You are still patient with me. You are still there to pick me up, to dust me off, to give me another chance. You patiently teach me Your ways, instructing over and over until I get it, never growing weary. You forgive me despite all my failures, all my faults.

All of it, all of it, Lord, is way more than I deserve.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

With all this motivation I still find a hesitation

i have anxiety problems, they used to be much much worse but i still have them. as a result, i am an extremely cautious person. my mind is always flooded with worst-case scenarios; not in a negative thinking way, in a way of being prepared for anything. it seems that when i have an opportunity, this quote seems to be how I react. No matter how much there can be going for me, i still will hesitate and try to figure out what could go wrong. my prayer is to relax and just let God be God. I have faith that He will take care of me.

Megan's prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

I have proved to live a dastardly day.

Although I have heard the word before, I didn't know the exact definition of "dastardly," but the Internet helped me out. Dastardly means "despicably cowardly" or "given to backstabbing." Not exactly the most friendly or loving word, but Knapp uses it to describe how she lives some days in her life.

As much as I hate to admit it, I know I have had my fair share of those moments and days - the times where nothing about my demeanor was "Christ-like."

About a week ago, I was at a talk where the speaker was talking about the importance of being Catholic not only while we are attending church, but in our everyday lives. He talked about how the people that we encounter each day may not have a personal relationship with Christ, and as Catholics, we must realize that with each person we encounter, that person is encountering Christ through us. Our words and actions should be examples of love and grace.

It's made me think a lot about how I treat others.

Catie's prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

A little more than I can give

Lately I feel like a ton is being asked of me. A ton of future things are being put on my plate for what I am going to do, next week, this summer and next year. The thing is I know I can do all that is being asked of me, but I yet I don't know. The thing is, so many times we don't trust in God's ability to work through us. We trust more on what we think we can do as a person over what we can do with God working with us and through us. There's this quote that I really like that I think sums this up pretty well- "Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness." When we think we have nothing left to give, we can turn to God and he will fill us up so that we can give even more. We just have to be the ones to go to him.

Megan's prayer: Mary Mary's "Thankful"

There are so many things in my life that I thank God for daily, but there are countless other things that I don't even think about. I thank him for the beautifully sunny days, but when was the last time I thanked him for the rain that brought life to the earth?

Everything he does deserves thanks, and sometimes I forget that. This song served as a little reminder to me of just how thankful I should be.

Chris' prayer: Mary Mary's "Thankful"

I'm pretty sure Mary Mary says "Thank You" about a hundred times in this song. Over and over again, their message is pounded into my head. But it's a good pounding. (: I should be taking everything that I have, every blessing that He's given me, back to Him in praise and thanking Him for all of it. And, although Mary Mary only mentions the good stuff in this song, I should be thankful for the times when things don't go quite right. I should be thankful for everything, for as it says in the song,

Lord, you didn't have to give me one more day

YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Mary Mary's "Thankful"

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
It's plain to see
all that he's done for me
I thank you for everything
I live my life
So I can let the world
know that I am

Do I live this way? Do I live in a way that people know that my life has been changed by the one true God? I know I don't always live my life like that. I know my actions don't always reflect the great love that God has for all of us. But I should. God has done so much for each of us and knows us well enough to know what is best for us. God loves us more than we could ever imagine. Why wouldn't we want to let the world know that they are loved?

Megan's prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

I was waiting for a push, waiting for a sign
Waiting for the perfect moment to arrive
Steady as a clock, caught between the line
Living for myself until I realized
There’s too much life You’ve given me
To let it slip away

I feel like a lot of times I have these great ideas, these great plans, but I keep putting off doing them until a later time. I kept pushing off school projects and papers until spring break. Well spring break has arrived, and now I just want to push them off more.

I'm not sure why I don't realize that NOW is the time. NOW is the time to start fresh, to be productive, and do school work.

I feel like my faith falls into this trend also. The days leading up to Lent I thought "I can't wait till Lent because I'm going to be more dedicated to daily prayer." Why did I wait? Why didn't I just do that right then?

It's something I need to work on.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

'Cause being wild at heart is really who I am

The word "wild" has begun to take such a negative connotation in today's society. ie: Girls Gone Wild. But in this sense, I love it! Just being wild at heart, being crazy for God and spontaneous in the ways that I express His love for me. I love the image that I get of being crazy with love for someone - so crazy that I would do anything for them. Just like God does and will do and always has done for me. John 3:16!

Chris' prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

Ready to live? Exciting! Ready to breathe? Essential! Ready to take in everything? Sounds awesome! Ready to shine? I've always wanted to shine! Ready to live this life of mine? Can't wait! Ready to jump? Scary, but thrilling! Ready to fly? Who doesn't want to fly??!

I feel like the line that I skipped should have been "Ready to be loved?" Being loved is wonderful. It makes me feel all warm and squishy inside, makes me feel so good about myself, makes me smile, makes me happy. I can't think of anything better than being loved. Being loved fits right in with all those things above.

But ready to love? That is a lot of work. It's hard. Sometimes it is less than rewarding, or at least it feels that way. Other times it downright sucks. When others insult me, disappoint me, frustrate me, and hate me, I am called to love them. Am I really ready for that?


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

"If Christianity is simply about being nice I'm not interested...I'm ready for a Christianity that 'ruins' my life, that captures my heart and makes me uncomfortable. I want to be filled iwth an astonishment which is so captivating that I am considered wild and unpredictable and...well...dangerous. Yes, I want to be 'dangerous' to a dull and boring religion."
- Danger Wonder
I think the above quote, in a way, sums up today's song.

'Cause being wild at heart is really who I am

I think many times we don't think of religion as "dangerous". I mean, religion seems pretty safe, it's about a peaceful, all-loving, all-powerful God. In today's world however, being religious and being Catholic is pretty dangerous. I mean, God wants our lives. To give up control of our lives is pretty scary, pretty dangerous. However, when we take that first jump, that first leap of faith, there is nothing more freeing.

Chris' prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go"

I like that this song has so many lines that end in a question mark. It kind of represents where I have been in my faith life for the last few years. I used to be one of those guys that just accepted everything related to my spirituality and never felt the need to question it. I felt blessed to not have to journey to find the faith that was right for me. I'm only beginning to realize the power of questions. My faith is so much deeper now that I have had the courage to ask the difficult questions. The answers haven't always come right after asking the question, and in fact, I am still waiting for some answers, but the process of trying to figure out the answers has been so much better for me than the juvenile accepting of faith just because my mom and dad said so.

If every journey begins with one step, then every spiritual journey begins with a squiggly line sitting above a single dot.


iTunes | Lyrics

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go?"

Without a doubt there is something more to my life than this

some people have said "high school are the best years of your life". my grandpa tells me that and the people that sell class rings say it, and many others of course. but i keep thinking to myself, this simply cannot be as good as it gets. I know that God has so, so much more in store for me than the highlight of my day being an A on a spanish test. Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated that I can't see what God does have in store, but i think i should simply take comfort in the fact of knowing that He has a plan for me at all and just be thankful that I mean that much to Him.

Megan's prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go"

So what should I do?

For those who know me, this is probably a common question they hear coming from my mouth often. I'm horrible at making decisions. I think part of this is because I hate being wrong. If I make a decision, and it ends up being the wrong one, I'm the only person to blame. I like to ask others for their opinion, what they would do, etc, so that I'm not solely relying on my own thoughts.

Maybe this wouldn't be a problem if I started out by asking God "So, what should I do?" He's got some pretty good ideas, and if I could slow down enough to listen to these ideas, maybe I could be more confident in the decisions I do make.

Catie's prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go"

Where will I go from here
And will I know for sure that You will be there
Where will I go from here
Without a doubt there is something more to my
life
than this

I spent the past weekend at the Motherhouse of the School Sisters of Christ the King on a silent vocations discernment retreat. I've never been on a silent retreat like that before. I always thought I was open to a vocation to the religious life, but I realized this weekend that I wasn't as open as I thought I was. I was more open, and now I'm trying to remain open, but it is hard. I don't know where God is leading me. I don't know where I am going from here. I'm at a point where I am asking "where will I go from here". I know there is more to life than this life that I am living but I'm not quite sure what that is.

Well I giving it all up to You

While I don't know where I am going to go from here, I know that God knows my heart and that he knows what will make me happy. If he wants me to be a nun, he will get me there. I'm giving it up to him.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

never a moment without your presence

this past week has been "go, go, go" with no "stop" at all. i've been doing so many different things and not truly getting enough sleep. in the shuffle of this past week and the next week with all the musical stuff, it will be easy for me to forget that God will be with me amongst the frustrations and even sometimes in the excitement. i pray that I don't get so caught up in the moment that I forget to share it with the One who gave it to me.

Marie's Prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

there's always a bridge that needs crossings

Whenever I get through a difficult Time in my life, there Always seems to be Something else that needs to be done. I need to realize That when I need to cross a bridge I can Call on God to help me. Because no matter what, I will get over the bridge.

Megan's prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

Never a moment without Your presence

To me, this is such a relieving thought. God is always present. Even during the times when my mind is consumed with other things, when I go a day forgetting to pray, when I lose sight of what is important. Even in those time, God is there, which is awesome because those are the times when I truly need him most to be there.

Chris' prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

the best is yet to come

I hope that I always feel this way. About work. About my family. About my friends. About my faith. I hope that I'm always on the upward side of the slope, with anything and everything to look forward to, knowing that, as good or as bad as things might be right now, things are just going to get even better. My Christian faith offers that hope for me that the best is always yet to come. My God has more in store for me than I could ever imagine.

iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

But I know that you're guiding me
and the best is yet to come
You've given me hope for tomorrow

This is probably one of the most comforting things (for me at least) about God. Lately I've been ridiculously busy, constantly running around like a chicken with its head cut off. However, when I slow down and remember that God is in fact taking care of me and that I don't have to go this alone, it gives me great peace of mind. He is my hope for tomorrow.

It's always the simple things
it's always the obvious that crashes over me
It's always in front of meit helps me to remember
this is what I live for
and I can't wait

I want to say something about this but I don't know what to say. The verse in it of itself though is the story of my life. I constantly have to be reminded that God is what I live for, nothing else.

Chris' prayer: Plus One's "Run to You"

And I get lost in You
When I don't have the faith

Huh? I've been lost in God a few times over the years, so in love with and on fire for Him, and feeling so very loved. But those times were always when my faith was strongest. I can't say that I've ever been lost in God when I don't have the faith. That whole idea kind of astounds me.

And it also inspires me. It is something to look for in my journey of faith. When I am completely lost, without any direction and having no clue where I am, when I am just plain out of faith, am I still lost in Him? Am I still madly in love with Him? Will I allow the perfecter of my faith to do just that?


iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Plus One's "I Run to You"

In a place of chaos You're the
One thing that brings me peace

Life truly is chaotic. Some days I really feel like I'm way in over my head, that I have too much on my plate and that I just want time to rest. During these times, I find it most helpful to place myself in the presence of God through adoration. These weekly trips have become so important to me. They give me a chance to just rest, to feel a peace wash over me. During that hour, I feel like I can handle anything.

What a perfect feeling.

Catie's prayer: Plus One's "I Run to You"

I run to You

This line is repeated dozens of times in this song and I feel like it more or less sums up my life. I find myself constantly running to Christ, running to the chapel and he is able to settle my uneasiness. Sometimes it feels like that is the only thing to do. And the thing with God is that he is always there, waiting for us to run to him. It's not like we are going to run to him and then he will not be there. Even if we don't he's there, or can't quite feel his presence in our lives, he is there. We just have to be the ones willing to run to him.

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

I don't like today's song. I just arrived home after an amazing adoration experience where I sang about how God is my everything, and then I listen to this song and seems to say that my love for God is conditional. That I'll call him King, but only if he gives me what I need. And how I won't take interest in things that don't pertain to me.

And on the flip side, it shows God as "unforgetful." He calls us "child", but not in the sweet innocent sense, but in more of a "likes to throw tantrums" sense. It's almost as if God is looking down on us.

Maybe I misunderstood the song.

I love God, unconditionally, and I believe he loves me the same way. I am his child, but in a sense that I am the one he wants to hold in his arms, not in the sense that he is upset because of my tantrums.

And yes, God is unforgetful. But not in a "I'm going to hold a grudge forever cause I never forget" but in a more loving way, in a way that shows that he loves us so much he remembers everything little thing that we do.

Marie's Prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

I never thought to ask You
I always thought You knew

You know what? I never Actually asked God for anything Before. I always assumed He knew what I Wanted/needed. I know now that you can't Expect something to happen If you don't ask for it. Even though God is All knowing, you have To appreciate this fact And ask Him and He, being the Father, will listen and do What's best for me. All of a sudden there's This big lightbulb going On over my head: Eureka!

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

You never minded calling me a child
Well, I guess that's how I acted all the while
But You live through every tantrum
You see through every lie
Though they seem to be more common
I just wanted to know why oh why

Usually, when I hear about being a child of God, this isn't the image I picture. Instead, I picture a father picking his son up, tossing him in the air and spinning around with him in a park somewhere on a gorgeous sunny day. The father's love outweighs practically everything about the son except the son's existence. I never really considered that being called a child with respect to being a child of God could mean anything else. I never stopped to consider that being a child comes with, well, child-like actions– like tantrums, lies, and acting up. Suddenly, the picture isn't so pretty, and a bit more real. However, I think I did get one thing right in my initial image:

The father's love outweighs practically everything about the son except the son's existence.

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Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

But You live through every tantrum
You see through every lie
Though they seem to be more common

Lately (as I might have said in past blogs) I am at this point in my relationship with God where I am constantly reminded of how much God loves me, no conditions, no matter what. God sees us at our worst, but is able to see past that to who he created us to be. So many times it's so easy to get caught up in the bad stuff that we forget that God is with us and that he loves us. I don't know who said this quote, but I think the following quote really sums up what I am trying to say. "God loves you the way you are but he refuses to leave you that way."

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

And I praise you, for who you are.

Loving God, praising God, for who He is doesn't seem to be such a challenge to me. It's not like he has made these mistakes that I see and are upset with him about. To me, He seems perfect.

Loving others for who they are sometimes is harder for me. Especially if we don't share the same opinions or ideas. I should love others, no matter what, but it is something that I struggle with.

Lord, please give me the grace and the strength that I need to love others for exactly who they are.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

I'm being reminded again, as I was last Monday, to love those around me for who they are. Not who I want them to be. Not who I wish they were. For who they are. This song reminds me to praise God for who He is:

You are the Lord, The Father of lights
You are God the Keeper of my heart
…
You are the Lover of my soul
You are the Giver of the second start

Erinnicole's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

Totally, Completely, Entirely

I love this so much. I am a perfectionist, no doubt about it. As such, everything has to be just so. I do not exactly see the world in black and white, per say, but I like to have things either one way or the other. I can see "gray" in situations, but here are examples of what I mean. When I drink water, the glass either has to be full or empty. If I am drinking it, I have to stay next to the faucet to fill it back up after I drink too much so that it will keep its constant level. I hate driving in dusk because I either need the road entirely dark or entirely light. I literally have problems seeing if it is not one or the other. And the strangest one is the color perrywinkle. Which I recently have found a distaste for because perrywinkle as I see it, isn't so much a color as an attempt at three different colors : pink, blue, and purple. I mean, props to those of you who love it, it just goes against my perfectionist ways.
In life, I feel so many uncertainties. I can't always tell who will be there for me and who won't, I don't always know how this evening or tomorrow morning will pan out. Things in this world are shaky and I feel like I almost never have something stable to hold onto because things are constantly changing. I have never thought of God in this way before. I know He is always there, that is common knowledge to me, but I've never considered that He could be my stability in an unstable world. I never really thought of God as a post for me to hold on to. To run to, sure, but to grab and keep hold of, not so much. But reading and listening to these lyrics, that makes complete sense. Not just a little sense or no sense at all, but complete and total sense to me that God should be the one constant in my life. God is who I can depend on always.

Marie's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

Seems too high for me to reach
To wrap my mind around the mystery

I'm short. This being the case, many things are too High for me to Reach. I like thinking of God this way because it is easier To picture. And being short, I have Learned many ways To make myself a little taller. Likewise, I can make myself Taller in reaching God by praying and Listening and just doing nice things.

Along with being Short, I am a writer. That is why I like the word Mystery. For a character to Be realistic, they have to be Multifaceted. Some of these Characters have so many facets, that it becomes Hard to distinguish which facet of them is the true self. I know that God is 3 persons, so I have to know which person Of God to direct things to. Being a mystery is one of the Things that makes God so amazing.

Catie's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

Seems too high for me to reach

Lately I feel like this. Like I've taken on too much and that everything I have to do is just too incredibly ridiculous for one person to take on. I forget though that with God working with me and through me I can do so much more. I forget that when I work with God instead of trying to fight him, I can do the work and do it that much better because I am working with him.

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

He gave us all He had to give
So that we could truly live

What does it really mean to "truly live"?

During grade school, and even part of high school, I felt like I was living in a bubble. All my friends and family and classmates were in there, but I didn't know about the dangers, or the bad parts of the real world. I watched Barney and Arthur, not the depressing nightly news. Even during college, the main push seems to be to prepare us for the "real world." It's like for the past 20 years of my life I haven't really been living - I've just been preparing to live.

Today's song says that Jesus came and died so I can "truly live" - so that I can be "completely free." I'm sitting here, wondering if I even know what that really means. Do I really have to wait for college to be over to know what that means? Can I discover how to live "completely free" right now? How do I even go about doing that?

Erinnicole's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

And wearing my shame so that I could know him

Embarrassment is not something I feel very often. I am very quiet and introverted at school. When you do not talk and remain low key, it is easy to not be embarrassed. When I hear the word shame, I think first of embarrassment in front of other people. But in the context of my Sin, it becomes so much more. With the person that I am and how unworthy I am of all God blesses me with, I sometimes feel nothing but shame. It is amazing to me that not only can God look past my shame and love me for my faults and failures as well as successes, but He also took all my shame and displayed it as his own upon a cross. That was the most shameful way to die in those days and He had no reason to do it for me, but He did. That is such an example of love to me that it is overwhelming. All so that I could know Him. I still feel unworthy, but I am starting to be able to see myself for who God sees me.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

There is a definite message in this song that equates sacrifice with happiness and freedom. There could be no better a time to hear this message than during Lent, when we are encouraged to sacrifice. Often times, we wonder if that sacrifice will make us better people, if it will make us happier, if it will make us more free. Lord, I pray that my sacrifice this Lent might fulfill that goal. I pray that it might make me happier, a better person, and most importantly, more free to love and serve You. Amen.

Catie's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

All that I have is now yours to receive
Payment in full so that you could be free

So many times I forget that God sent his only son that we might have a chance at eternal life. It's something that I know but don't always keep in mind. I forget that Christ thinks that each of us is to die for. So many times we think that Christ died for our sins, but how many times do we think Christ loves us so much that he died for me? That just drives how much he loves us home that much more when not grouping ourselves together with everyone. Christ did not have to die for our sins, he just loved us THAT MUCH. How amazing is that?

Chris' prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

Next thing you know

Simply put, this cliché is used to describe a sudden change in direction. That is how West describes his spiritual story. One minute, he is innocently watching a televangelist on the TV, and the next, he has dedicated his life to following Christ. I sometimes wish that I had a conversion story that powerful. My spiritual journey has been more about plenty of small steps rather than the one dramatic leap spoke of in the first verse of the song. I grew up Catholic and always knew that it was somehow right for me. It was merely a matter of finding how to take ownership of that faith and make it my own that makes up the bulk of my place in the history of grace.

My spiritual journey might not have that 180° turnaround, or the storybook eye-opening moment, but the power that God can have in my life when I'm able to turn it over to Him is still present. His ability to work through me is no less dominant than if I had a story like West describes. My experience, my spiritual journey, can still be as important, and still be as exciting. The power is not in the sudden change itself. It is in the One who is all powerful.


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Marie's Prayer: Matthew West's "The Next Thing You Know"

Well, I wish I could say
I always stayed right there

I wish I could Always stay right there. Picture it, the best Day of your faith life. Now Picture everyday with you at that same place. Sounds nice doesn't it? It does To me. If I was as Enthused about God as I could be everyday, It would be amazing! But we stray, it's human nature, but What I also know is that it's Human nature to Want to be right there, as close to God as possible. So I strive for that, I strive to be right there At the height of My spirituality at all Times.

Catie's prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

So, what's your story about his glory?
You gotta find your place in the history of grace
Yeah, what's your story about his glory?
Come on and find your place

At the beginning of the school year in bible study we were talking about how we are going to be saints. We had listened to this song that had the line "and when the saints go marching in, I want to be one of them" and I think that's so true. That's where mot of us want to eventually be. My bible study leader had gone on to say how the song went on to say that we're going to be there with Mother Teresa and JP II and everyone else sharing our stories and when it gets to us, what are we going to say? The above part of today's song reminded me of that. What's your story about his glory? So many times I forget that we are to give God the glory. We all have our place in this life, we all have a role to play, each of us can make a difference. However it is up to each of us to play the role that God intended for us.

Megan's prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

Everybody's got their own thirteen

In my own life, I think I have had a few “thirteens” – a few times where I have discovered, or rediscovered, my faith. One of these was the first time I attended a lifenight. I only knew a few people there, but everyone was so welcoming. Although I was surrounded by strangers, I felt loved. I felt God’s presence in the room, and inside me. After that night, I knew that I wouldn’t be leaving lifeteen anytime soon. Four years later, I’m still an active part of the group, although I have taken a different role in the program.

I pray that as we continue this semester, we have successful nights. I pray that the Core team will continue to be successful in sharing their faith and instilling the love of God in the teens. Maybe one of nights will become some teen’s “thirteen.”

Megan's prayer: Pillar's "Let It Out"

A while ago I was talking with a friend, and he told me it was okay to be mad at God. Although God already knows all my feelings, I had never really thought about getting mad, or yelling at him, during my time of prayer. Growing up, I always went to God with prayers of thanksgiving or prayers for those in need. I never fathomed bringing my anger to God.

But it makes so much sense now. Who else better to bring my frustration to than God? Whether it’s frustration with my family or friends, or even frustration with God and my faith, I think he will be able to handle it. He is the perfect listener. He won’t get angry at the words I say, because deep down He knows that I love him, and at the end of the day, that is what matters.

Even during the darkest hours, even during times that I feel like I don’t want to talk to God, I feel like he will be saying…

Let it out. Don’t hold back now.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

I don't know if we ever really learned to pray

Prayer is something that I'm not really sure you can exactly teach. The elements of praying are easy - Praise, Reconciliation, Asking, and Yes [saying yes to God's answer]. But how will any of us ever know if we are praying "right"? Is there even such a thing? We can never know the answers that God planned for us until they happen and we will rarely know how strong of an impact they have on our lives. For instance, what if we didn't get something we prayed for but got something better? A lot of times, I feel like I am praying wrong. I'm honestly not even sure what I measure it against. I guess I measure it at my own worth...what would make my prayers something that God would want to listen to? What makes them sincere? Are they even? But God does want to hear us, because He cares. I so often and so easily leave out that detail. My prayer is to pray...not right or wrong...just pray. I think this song is onto something. The best praying is just letting it out.

Chris' prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

Can You hear me cry?

The last time I cried, or at least the last time I remember really shedding some tears, was about a year ago. I was in the midst of one of the darkest times in my spiritual journey. For the life of me, I could just not find the words to pray. When I tried using others' words, including the songs we sung at Mass, they just felt hollow and shallow and forced. It really sucked not to be able to have real conversation with my Maker. It felt like it was never going to end.

So I wasn't expecting much out of the Adoration experience on the Spring Retreat with my church's youth ministry program. I figured it would be just like the rest of my prayer life. As I sang the songs like I always do, thinking about how much it hurt not to be able to speak, and a tear rolled down my cheek. A few seconds later, another one. And suddenly I was bawling.

I found that my tears, my crying, pushed me to sing even louder and with more heart, and when Carrie, our music minister, ended one song, I just kept on singing, making up the words as I went along, mixing familiar lyrics with original ones. I began to cry even harder, feeling the blessing that was being poured out on me in that chapel as I was connecting with God for the first time in months. Tears of immense sadness and despair slowly became tears of hope and mercy, and then tears of joy and thanksgiving.

Sometimes, when nothing else in the world is able to fix our problems, all it takes is a good cry.


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Marie's Prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

And I cry out, "Can You help me, please?"

I hate asking for help. I feel vulnerable and Helpless and I Absolutely hate it. What I need to realize is That I can't do it All on my own. So, for once, I will cry out For God's help, not because I'm desperate, but because God can and will Help me when I ask for it. Instead of trying everything else first And waiting to Ask God until I'm out of options, I will Call upon God first. Because if He can't help Me, no one can.

Catie's prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

Let it out, can You hear me?
Can You hear me cry?
Let it out, don't hold back, all this I got inside?

I've felt like this a lot since last night. I talked to my dad last night to find out that my grandma had probably had a mini stroke. I was a mess this morning trying to just offer it up, to let his will to be done. I talked to my mom later in the morning to find out that my grandma was fine and so that calmed my restlessness. I talked to my dad again a few minutes ago to find out my grandma had had a stroke today. She's stablized, she lives in a nursing home and they are not taking her to the hospital but she is okay but not doing great. I always thought I was good about trusting in God, but I've realized today that I'm not as good at it as I thought I was. I know that God's will will happen either way so it would just be easier to submit to God's will and trust that what is meant to happen will, but it is so much harder than it sounds. Giving up control is easier said than done.

So, when I cry out, are You listening?
I know You can hear me, I know You can hear me
You're my Comfort, can You hear me?
I know You can hear me, You're my Comfort

I know that God hears my prayers. I know that God heals, and that he is taking care of all of us. He wants us to want his will for our lives. God help me to accept your will this day and every day.

Chris' prayer: Delirious?'s "Gravity"

I'm caught in the middle which way should I go?

This is the question I find myself asking, specifically with regards to the ministry I'm involved in. I'm stuck between investing myself fully into something familiar and constant and supported, or finding a way to lay down my own tracks and try something new, something without any guarantee whatsoever that it won't be a colossal failure. I've been praying and contemplating for awhile, and much like the rest of this song, I really can't make sense of what I'm hearing. I really need a clear "this is what you should do, and here's how I'll help you accomplish that," but I haven't heard that, yet.

Fortunately, there's another song, and more prayer time, tomorrow.


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Megan's prayer: Delirious?'s "Gravity"

People have told me that college will be the best four years of my life. I've often wondered just exactly what part of college makes it the "best years." Although I am enjoying the experience, I really hope that these aren't the best years of my life. I hope that after I graduate, I will have as much joy in my life, if not more, as I do now.

One of the last lines of today's song states

These are the days that we'll look back upon when we're old

I hope that when I do have a chance to look back and reminisce about these four years, that I will be pleased with how they turned out. Their greatness will surely not be measured by whether or not I got drunk or how many classes I skipped. Those things are so trivial in the grand scheme of things. What matters is whether or not I let God's love for others be seen through me. That is where my focus should be. That is what will make these four years great.

Marie's Prayer: Delirious?'s "Gravity"

Memories fade while experience beckons
I'm caught in the middle which way should I go

I hate Making choices. If someone comes up to me and says, "Pick which One you'd like to do," I will refuse to pick. I tend to get stuck in the Middle and don't know which way to choose. This proves difficult when I have To come up with a Solution for one of my characters when I write. But I tend to try and stick towards the memories Opposed to the experience because even though I know Experience is good, I always look at what could go wrong. So now I have to take The giant leap into experience. One, two, three, Here I go!

Erinnicole's Prayer: Delirious?'s "Gravity"

Gravity's pulling me, but heaven is calling me

this is how I have been feeling lately - the the world (gravity) is all pulling me one way and that God (heaven) is pulling the other. I feel like nothing can be simple because it feels, in my melodramatic teenage mind, that life is the way of the world or the way of God. But the way of God can become the way of the world, if we call upon God's help. Or at least, it can successfully become the way of the world we create for ourselves. That is how I want to live my life. Sometimes, though, I feel weak and I don't feel like constantly preaching on why certain things are bad. I'd rather let the little stuff go - like harmless insults. It is much easier to blow them off and keep my friends than it is to stand up and potentially lose them or a part of them. Granted, no one said that easy would be right. My prayer is that I will aquire the strength to pull away from what the world seems to be pulling me to. Also that I can recognize more simply the ones whom God has given me that are headed in the same direction that I am.

Catie's prayer: Delirious?'s "Gravity"

Give me the real thing flowing through my veins
This is the day, this is the hour
Show me the truth cos I want to be blinded
I wanna run, which way should I go

This is what I want. I want the real thing flowing through my veins. I want to truly live out all that I have been taught about how I should live my life in Christ. I think Lent is the perfect time for that. In all honesty, the last couple days I have gotten really pumped about Lent, I'm so excited about it. I'm so glad that it has finally started. I don't really know why I'm so excited about it, but whatever reason, this year I am. I think part of it is that Lent is just a great way to grow deeper in relationship with God and to really focus on how much He truly loves each of us.

heaven is calling me

Heaven is calling each of us. How do we answer heavens call? By knowing that when we are truly doing something right, even if it feels as though the entire world is against us, knowing that we have an entire communion of angels and saints with the Trinity up in heaven cheering us on, wanting us to do the right thing which is the cheer we should be listening to, not the earth's. Whose cheer to we chose to listen to today?

Megan's prayer: Jump5's "Wonderful"

I find that a lot of my focus in my faith life right now is about God's love for me. I'm currently reading the book If God is Love by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. Many of the songs I have encountered during prayanewsong have dealt with God's perfect love for me. I talked with a friend recently about the different ways that we both feel God's love in our life.

Today's song gave me a chance to reflect on my love for God. The song simply states all of the jumbled thoughts floating around in my head.

I'll never have the words enough to tell you how I feel.

I have a hard time putting my love for God into words. Sometimes it comes out through the songs I sing at Mass, but those aren't my original words. I'm just hoping my love is being able to be seen through those words I am singing.

More than just the singing, I hope that I am able to show my love for God through my actions. I try hard to be kind to others, help those in need, and share the talents God has given me with others.

I hope the saying is true that "Actions speak louder than words."

Chris' prayer: Jump5's "Wonderful"

[E]verything about you speaks to me

I wish there were a way to know this were true, Lord. Or, more accurately, I wish it were easier to know exactly what those words are, because many times it is hard for me to tell. Sometimes, I feel like the words you have placed upon my heart lead me in a different direction than I was taught as a kid. And when I try to explore those directions, to see if it is really You speaking to me, revealing something about Yourself to me, I'm met with opposition. What are You saying, Lord? What are You telling me? And how do I know it is You?


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Marie's Prayer: Jump5's "Wonderful"

I'll never have the words enough to tell you how I feel

I could type for hours And hours explaining how this lyric applies to My life. But if I did, it would Negate what the words are Saying.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jump5's "Wonderful"

when they see what you mean to me, then they will know

It is my dream to have Jesus shine through me in this way. I want God to use me to show others how great His love is. IT would be such an honor for someone to look at me and see God and recognize that there is a true something there. The love of God far surpasses the love of humanity. So much so, in fact, that I have trouble putting it into words. But if I could just show it with my actions - then how powerful those actions would be!! If I showed God's love and acceptance, nothing could keep me down and everyone would know without question that they are loved. That would be the most beautiful reality.

Catie's prayer: Jump5's "Wonderful"

I'll never have the words enough to tell you how I feel

There have been many a times in my life when I felt like this. When I'm either don't have the words because I'm struggling with prayer or when I am in such awe of God that I can't put into words the amazingness that is God. God is so incredibly wonderful that it can be hard to put it into words. Everything about Him is way betterthan we could ever imagine. Lord, give me the words, so I can bring honor due your name.

Megan's prayer: Casting Crow's "Life of Praise"

Growing up, I often found that there were discrepancies between what someone actually said to me and what I thought they said to me. It most of the time happened when someone would use a common phrase I was unfamiliar with. The saying “day and age” to me was “dayen age.” I didn’t know what “dayen” meant, but to me it made sense. The phrase “rhyme or reason” to me was “Reimer reason.” I knew someone with the last name of Reimer growing up, and that’s just how I always heard the phrase when people would use it.

In today’s song, it used phrases that I am not extremely familiar with. I may have heard them before, but never quite understood what they meant. God of the Nations, Lion of Judah, Rock of the Ages, Alpha, Omega. I understand they describe God, but some of the meaning, some of the comparison, is lost for me. I may not get as much out of these phrases as someone else would.

One line of comparison, a way of describing God that I did understand today was For You are awesome. “Awesome.” It’s a word I use everyday to describe wonderful, amazing things. It is a word that I associate joy with, I use it to describe happy times. It is simple. It is a perfect. There is no Reimer reason in this dayen age that I couldn’t use more sophisticated phrases or words, but I think I will stick with “awesome” to describe God.

Chris' prayer: Casting Crowns' "Life of Praise"

I sometimes find it easy to fall into the trap of, as Janet Jackson sang, "what have you done for me lately?" when it comes to the way I act toward people. If someone has been nice to me, or done something for me, or simply been easy to like, I find it easy to be kind to him or her, to do something for him or her, to simply like him or her. I forget that that person, as a human being, has worth, regardless of how they treat me. And not just worth, but immense worth.

That is what is sung of in the first verse of this song- God's immense worth just for being God. He is not worthy of my praise simply because of what He has done for me and not just for the change He's made in me. He is worthy of my praise simply because of who He is.

The challenge in this song is to live a life of praise, and living a life of praise means recognizing that our creator dwells within each of us. It means valuing each individual we encounter because they hold intrinsic value, and not just because of the worth we place on, or withhold from, them. That is what praising God with one's life is all about.


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Marie's Prayer: Casting Crown's "Life of Praise"

Not just for the change You've made in me

This sentence really Interests me. I tend To be One of those people who Look at God as someone who changes You and is there when You need Something big to happen. But He's there even in the Silence. He's there when you Do the same thing you do Every other night of the year. It's not Just about change. Truth be told, I am Not a big fan of Change. Like most, I fear the Great unknown. Even though I have changed So much, even in this past year, I have to realize that God is there in the Sameness that is everyday Life.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Casting Crown's "Life of Praise"

Not just for the things You've done for me

there is an old country song that says something along the lines of "some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers". When I was younger, I would pray for foolish things I wanted (I still do of course, but my mom's mantra has changed) and my mom would always repeat this line to me when I would be upset that I didn't get it. There was a specific time that I was losing a friend to a different group and I prayed that we could repair what we had but that didn't happen. At the time, I didn't understand why. I can see now that I probably would've missed out on a lot of other friendships had she and I remained clung to one another in high school. It isn't that I dislike her or anything of the sort, but while I'm not happy we aren't friends anymore, I'm not unhappy either. That seems to happen a lot - the act of being blinded by what I want and not remembering that God has a plan. I am really good at saying 'thank you', and each day I repeatedly thank God for all that He has done for me. I have never even considered saying thank you for what He may have prevented. I pray to always be conscious of the fact that God has a plan bigger than I can both imagine and see.

Catie's prayer: Casting Crowns' "Life of Praise"

I'll live a life of praise

I've more or less been thinking of this idea a lot lately. How do I live my life entirely for God? How do I live a life of praise, a life that praises God alone? I'm not entirely sure I've figured it out. As I might have posted recently, I have been thinking a lot of God's great, amazing, unconditional love. When thinking and knowing of how much God loves us, no strings attached, even on our not so good days, how can we not live a life that praises him alone?

Chris' prayer: Michael W. Smith's "I Will Be Your Friend"

But all these moments unite us

Just over a year ago, I sent out emails to around 50 different people, offering them the opportunity to accomplish one of my life's dreams with me. That dream: a multi-day whitewater rafting trip. The experience was one that I was prepared to complete alone, and actually one that I expected to do alone, but three of my friends accepted the invitation, accepted the challenge, and joined me for a five-day trip down the Arkansas River in Colorado.

It was an extremely important event for me personally, as it was one that I had wanted to do for a very long time. But more memorable than actually accomplishing the goal of paddling through Class 5 rapids, what I enjoyed most was having a group of people to share that experience with. Those who went with me I wouldn't say are the three closest people to me in the world, but we now have something that we will always share, something that will forever connect us.

Moments really do unite us.

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Megan's prayer: Michael W. Smith's "I Will Be Your Friend"

I'll be your friend for a lifetime

For me, a "lifetime" so far has only been 20 years. And in these 20 years, my group of friends has changed drastically. I no longer talk much with my "best friends" from grade school. Even during just 4 years at high school, my groups of friends changed multiple times.

While I still love each of my friends, all of the current ones, and the past ones, none of them have been there for my lifetime. Jesus has been there for me, though. He has been there when friends change. He has been there during the hard times, and especially during the good times. I can rely on him. I can trust him. He is an amazing friend.

Marie's Prayer: Michael W. Smith's "I Will Be Your Friend"

I'm saying I will be your friend

Saying doesn't always mean doing. No matter what you say, or how much you promise, words are only words. If you put meaning to these words and actually act like a friend, that's what counts. You can't just be a friend in name, that doesn't work. Also, friendships shouldn't just be convenient to you. A true friend is someone who will stop whatever they're doing to help you when you really need it. A true friend knows you're sad even if you say everything's alright. That's what I want to be. I don't want to be a friend in name, I want to be a friend in truth. And who better to look up to than God? He's the Ultimate Friend, He leads by example and hopes that one day the world will catch on. So I'm taking the hint and will never just say that I'm a friend.

Catie's prayer: Michael W. Smith's "I Will Be Your Friend"

Wont walk away in the hard times
I will be your friend

This is probably one of my favorite things about God. He isn't going to leave when the going gets tough. He is going to be there in your storm, helping throughout it. While storms are sometimes the test of how close a relationship really is, that is not the case with God. While other friends might leave when it's hard, leave when it's just not fun and games anymore, God doesn't. God is with us and carries us through our hard times however it is up to us to recognize that.

Chris' prayer: Kutless' "Let You In"

Do I offer my love freely? Or does it come with strings attached?

I would like to believe that I do offer love freely, but if I'm being truly honest, I don't offer it freely to everyone. Some people are very easy to love, and those people are the ones that I find myself loving without limits or conditions or excuses. There are other people, though, that I find harder to love, and the love I show them either comes with conditions, or isn't nearly the same love that I offer freely to others.

My God, however, offers the same love to me that he offers to everyone else, no matter how easy or hard I am to love. It is a love without conditions, without end, without limits. It is a perfect and purifying love. And it is one that I need to do a better job of sharing with those I find most difficult.


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Megan's prayer: Kutless' "Let You In"

For me, realizing and accepting God's love can sometimes be a challenge. I don't feel worthy, or I don't understand why he choose me.

In my mind, I'm still fighting to understand

Maybe it sometimes doesn't seem real to me, or I don't think that I should be the one he choose, but what I think ends up not mattering. The fact of the matter is that he did choose me to love. As scary and powerful and awesome that is, it is just something I'm going to have to get used to.

Marie's Prayer: Kutless' "Let You In"

In my mind, I'm still fighting to understand

Okay, so I may not Have told you all this, but earlier in The year there was a point Where I thought I might Have cancer. Even now, months later, my mind is still fighting To understand that I'm okay. I have this fear that One day I'll get a call and have cancer. I know This is crazy, but it keeps happening. I keep feeling Like something big and Life changing is about to happen. I can't understand that I'm actually Fine. And it's scary, no joke. I'm scared that There's something wrong with me. But there's not. So I pray every night that God gives me the understanding I need.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Kutless' "Let You In"

I tried to place it all upon my back again
But this crushing weight was well beneath the skin
Panicking for the light, an inner struggle I fight
But then I realized that You could be the only way

This stanza is me in a nutshell. I am constantly trying to take things upon myself. It is truly exhausting and the weight truly does crush me sometimes trying to take so many things on. It is everything physical, like pushing myself too hard to be too involved, and things that are emotional, like trying to please everyone. I am constantly fighting to understand. And I have realized that God is the only way to accomplish anything. Because in God, all things are possible. But the next line of the stanza, the one that doesn't exist here, is that I may have realized it, but I haven't accepted it. I have the big problem with giving over my power. My prayer is to be able to 'finish the stanza' in my life and not just realize that I can trust God, but actually do it.

Catie's prayer: Kutless' "Let You In"

for my sins Your abused

I have never thought about my sins that way before. I know Christ died to save us from our sins, but just something about the way this is said really hits me. If we were to think of abusing Christ each time before we made the choice of sin, we would sin a whole lot less. With that thought on our mind how could we not?

My heart it screams, to open up and let You in

This is why once one starts going deeper into their faith, they cannot just stop going deeper if their faith means something to them. This is because once one has Christ, the longing for him just continues to grow. Our hearts yearn for that love, that intimacy with God for there is nothing on earth that is more beautiful.

Erinnicole's Prayer: La Rue's "Waiting Room"

Losing my mind

This feeling is one I am all too acquainted with. I actually have taken to saying it regularly over the past few weeks. It seems like nothing in my life is staying consistent. People can't decide if they want to be friends, work schedules and theatre schedules change, people expect a lot from me, or they expect nothing at all. And the inconsistency is driving me nuts. So this song fits so perfectly into my life (unlike so much else right now, ironically haha). I do have to start remembering that this isn't it. It gets so much better than this. Even during the times when things are working, there is still the unimaginably better on the other side of this world. The place where God is waiting for me and here I am waiting for Him. But one day the waiting will be over...and I trust in God know that all this waiting will be worth it. Amen.

Megan's prayer: LaRue's "Waiting Room"

I wish God would send me daily emails. Just a quick “Hey Megan, It’s God. Don’t forget I love you. Have a good day at school.” That would be the most fantastic thing to find in the morning when I’m barely awake, stumbling to my computer to check to see if I have any new emails. I would save every email, label it “GOD,” and go back through each of them during the times that I’m not feeling loved, during the times I need a quick reminder.

Day after day…
…I have to remind myself
That you’re there and I belong to you

I don’t really understand why I have to be reminded so often. Looking at my life, it is evident that I am God’s and that He loves me. It is obvious that I have been blessed, but sometimes I lose focus of this. I need that gentle reminder, either from myself or a friend, that I truly am loved by God. It helps me to regain focus on what is important in my life. It helps to reprioritize the things that I do. It helps me to live a happy life, to live my life for God.

Chris' prayer: LaRue's "Waiting Room"

Again, today, I'm presented with an image that doesn't appear too appealing upon first glance: a waiting room. The first place my mind goes when thinking of a waiting room is to the doctor's office. Sitting there, feeling terrible, waiting for my name to be called, so that I can go and sit and wait in an even smaller room.

However, God reminds me through Philip and Natalie LaRue's voices that He is even in these spaces. He reminds me of something I'm always looking to hear whether I'm at the doctor's office, sitting at home, or anywhere else:

Everything will be alright
And everything will be OK …
He loves me

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Marie's Prayer: LaRue's "Waiting Room"

Oh, everything will be alright
And everything will be OK

I try to believe With all my heart that one day Everything will be ok. Because If you don't believe that things Have the possibility of Looking up, then you are not Going to enjoy anything. And for that matter, If you don't believe God can make everything Ok, then you really have No hope in anything, which is truly sad. So I look on the bright side. Or at least I try to because, everything will work out Like it's supposed to.

Catie's prayer: LaRue's "Waiting Room"

And I don't understand how
We could be so blind not to see
The love that stands in front of
In front of you and me

Lately when I pray, I try to remind myself how much God loves me. As I've grown deeper in my faith it has become easier and easier for me to believe in the great love God has for me. But there are times when I fail to see it, fail to be Christ's love to others. How can we expect others to believe in God's great love for them if we aren't willing to be the one's to show it to them.

Chris' prayer: Falling Up's "Divinity"

And wait, wait for peace

I love this line. I love it because it seems to me like it is a contradiction. Usually, we spend our lives, or at least I spend my life, waiting for something to happen. I was at the Blues game the other night, and I could feel the momentum shift in the Blues' favor. They were working hard, battling for every puck, getting some good chances. I was on the edge of my seat, the anticipation rising within me. Something was going to happen. I could feel it.

And then, it did. A Blue picked up a rebound, waited just a moment for a clear shot, and then buried it in the open net. The crowd went crazy. I jumped out of my seat and celebrated the event unfolding before me. I turned and high-fived my friends beside and behind me. Everyone screamed.

In this line, though, it feels like God is calling me to wait for the exact opposite. No explosion. No celebration. No screaming and yelling and high-fiving. Just wait. And when the waiting is over, rest. Be at peace. It sure doesn't seem nearly as exciting, but perhaps it is just what I need- some peace in my life.


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Megan's prayer: Falling Up's "Divinity"

As I sat in adoration tonight, I couldn't focus. My mind wandered, thinking about 15 million different things all at the same time. Thinking about the homework waiting for me tonight, wondering if I was prepared for the Core team meeting, trying to figure out why I was having such a hard time focusing, etc. It was so frustrating because Holy Hour is my time during the week that I have to slow down, catch my breath, and talk to God, but tonight I wasn't able to find that peace, that time to just rest in the presence of God.

My heart, it hurts
'Cause it never catches its breath

One restless Holy Hour wouldn't seem like a big deal, but I feel like this restlessness has become a pattern in my Holy Hours, and in my life. Even during the times where I stop "doing," my mind still races, focusing on so many other things. I wake up during the night, with my mind making to-do lists for the next day.

I wish I could stop this, just for a while, and regroup. Have a chance to just "be" with Jesus, and not thinking about anything else. My heart needs this time to heal, to gain strength again. I long for this stillness, this peacefulness.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Falling Up's "Divinity"

This time it means something
Dreams will fall, love will spill

This seems to be something that I am constantly telling myself. "This time it will mean something". When it comes to relationships with people, this tends to be my mantra. I find that in my own journey to find myself, I sometimes lose others. Sometimes it is a good thing in the end, and sometimes it is not. But regardless of what I can see in the big after picture, at the time it hurts a lot. So I tell myself in new relationships "This time it will mean something." I was thinking about the Eucharist last night and about this problem I have with having myself be loved by me and my peers at the same time. I was trying to think of one consistent friend that I've had throughout high school. And I could only come up with one. Jesus. He could see me through all of the changes I made in myself, trying desperately to figure out who I am. He knew the whole time that I am just supposed to be Erinnicole and listen to Him. Unlike my other friends, I truly know that this time it means something. Present tense. Dreams of the perfect relationship will undoubtedly fail me, but Jesus' love will never cease spilling over onto me.

Marie's Prayer: Falling Up's "Divinity"

And take, take your time
But move so fast

This really strikes Me. How many People will tell you To take your time When all they Really want is For you to do/be there now? I do it. I'd be lying If I said I didn't. That seems To be how people Are. They're all about That instant gratification. The Want for something to be done As fast as possible. But what people Don't understand is that sometimes things Take time. And maybe you ask God for something and The next day you don't get it. That doesn't mean God Didn't hear you, it may just mean that He's working on it. So let people take Time to accomplish things.

Catie's prayer: Falling Up's "Divinity"

My heart it hurts
Cause it never catches it's breath

I feel like this a lot. Not so much that my heart hurts, but more that it never has time to catch it's breath. I am constantly going throughout my day without much time to reflect on it. Many times I find myself telling people that I don't have time to live my life. And the sad part is is that it is true. I don't have time to enjoy what I'm doing because I'm too busy trying to do everything, get everything done.

And this is real

I forget that the only real thing I have is God, I forget that everything else will eventually be gone. God however is constant, not going anywhere, not going to leave me. If I took more time to slow down throughout my day and remember that, maybe my heart could finally catch it's breath.

Chris' prayer: Matt Maher's "Everything You've Done"

For Christmas, I painted my sister a picture. She knew that she would be getting a painting from me; it was what she had asked for, and she had purchased the supplies for me, but she left everything else up to me. I got to decide the color scheme, the subject, the title, everything. The result is what you see above.

I was a little worried about what Michelle would think of it, but when she opened it, I could see on her face that she really liked it. It was very visually pleasing to her eyes. But when I told her what it meant, when I told her the story behind it, how the painting signified home, and how each of the blocks of color represented a different room in our childhood home, and how our home will always be in our hearts, I could see that she loved it. It was very visually pleasing to her heart.

Today's song reminds me that that is what I have to look forward to. Seeing and hearing the story behind all the wonderful gifts that God has given me, realizing for the first time the extent to which He loves me via all of the tiniest details that he has placed into my life, the details that I was sure to miss, but still made my life what it is. Today, I naively celebrate all the things I can see that He has done for me. Someday, I will truly celebrate [His] love … and everything [He's] done.


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Megan's prayer: Matt Maher's "Everything You've Done"

Most weeks I have the joy of attending two masses at some point during the week. I always make it to the noon mass at Cletus, where there is singing and dancing, and I am surrounded by teens, and the mass is full of energy. I also normally have the chance to attend a weekday mass in the chapel on campus. These Thursday afternoon masses are much more reverent, without any music, without much energy. Different, but still wonderful.

Today's song spoke to me about the joy that I feel during the Sunday masses at Cletus. I love getting the song sheet before mass starts and having a chance to see what songs we will be singing. I enjoy the songs the slow songs, the songs with feeling, the songs sang during times of reflection. Even more than that, I like the songs that give me the feeling that no matter what, I couldn't sing it loud enough. Songs that fill the whole church. The songs that I love the most are the songs that encourage dancing. Although that may sound hypocritical because I don't typically dance, I enjoy them more for the chance to see others dance, to see others express their faith in such a pure form of joy. The songs that are even able to get teenage boys to dance. While some may find this irreverent, all I can think during these times is "Jesus, we dance for you."

Marie's Prayer: Matt Maher's "Everything You've Done"

Celebrate everything you're doing

I don't celebrate myself enough. I realized this yesterday as I celebrated the successful start of my collaborative vlog. Actually, I don't think I've ever actually celebrated anything I've ever done. And that's kind of sad when you think about it. I've celebrated things others have done, but never me. So I'm going to try and do that more often. Because if I can't celebrate me, what can I celebrate? I need to learn to appreciate me because God made me in His image and I should celebrate that. Yay God!

Erinnicole's Prayer: Matt Maher's "Everything You've Done"

We dance for you!

this song made me want to dance...i haven't stopped "bopping" along since I clicked play! That is how i think life should be; it is just a great thing so why not dance?! sometimes we hit hard times, yes...but we still wake up in the morning. and that's reason enough for me to dance. i have little to no rhythm but that doesn't really take away from my love of dance. i wish that instead of blogging my love for God today, I could dance it! The words aren't coming so easily today but if you all could see me dancing, it would look something like this :

~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~*~~* ~^^^^^ *~*~~**~*~* ~* ~* ~*~ *~ *~ *~ *~ *~*~ LA LA LA LA ~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~ ^^^
with the "^"s indicating jumps

because when I get into my faith with my whole body, it's an overwhelming, passion-filled mess.

this point of this whole mess of emotion, is that I think we should use the love and joy that God fills us with to express our gratitude in the most vibrant way that we can which, today, happens to be dancing for me!

Dance for the Lord!