NCYC 2013

NC!!!.......YC!!!!  NC!!.....YC!!!  Almost as familiar to me this weekend as the sound of someone calling their Buckeye friends -- OH!!  IO!! -- only this time, when you heard the familiar NC!! .....there were several thousand people from all across America willing to answer.

Wow wow wow what a weekend.  Such an unexpected treat for me to not only witness, but experience this conference first-hand.  I was expecting to watch from afar -- on video as the sessions would be broadcast live online.  Then, suddenly, I received a text on Monday -- from my friend, Robin, who asked me if I would be available to go in her place.  She was sick with pneumonia and wouldn't be able to make the trip.  I asked her to give me a bit to find out -- so I talked with my boss and his wife, who encouraged me to go.  I responded to her, and the whirlwind began.  Within 45 minutes, I had my registration papers signed, notarized, scanned, and e-mailed back to the office of youth ministry in Cincinnati.  And the journey began.

I had no idea what God had in store for me this weekend -- but it's apparent that it was His plan for me to be there.  I have so many stories to share, but will concentrate on a few, that I think ultimately led up to one of the most real, best moments of my life.

We arrived in Indianapolis on Thursday, late afternoon.  We took a bus with other local youth groups, but there were 27 people in our particular group.  We got there in time to grab a bite to eat, and then walk down to Lucas Oil Stadium for the opening of the conference.  I am always in awe of these large stadiums anyways -- no matter what I'm there for -- but I am particularly struck when I think about 23,000 people who took time away from their families, school, jobs -- to praise the name of the Lord and celebrate being Catholic!

I have to clue you in to something before I describe the weekend.  Part of the fun of the weekend is to bring items to trade, in an effort to get the kids to talk to one another and make new friends.  But another tradition is to for each group to find hats that identify them in some way.  It's also a great way for group leaders to keep their groups together.  This year, we had hats that looked like pieces of pumpkin pie -- and they were sought-after.  We told the kids they couldn't trade until Saturday night so that we could find them all weekend.  And, truthfully, by Saturday night, some of them didn't want to give them up!!!

The general sessions are great -- a time for the entire group to get a little more pumped up and hear some fantastic speakers share their faith, their trials, and to give us hope that there are others in the same boat.  Combine that with awesome music, dancing, and prayer, and these sessions are often my favorite part of the convention.  Thursday evening, we learned the them song of the conference:  "Signed Sealed Delivered", and also, Jesse Manibusan, the emcee for the weekend, taught us a great "conversation".

Who's the church?
WE ARE!
Where's the church?...
RIGHT HERE!
And?
EVERYWHERE!
How do we celebrate our Catholic faith?
ALL ARE WELCOME!
And that is how the world knows that we are
SIGNED! SEALED! DELIVERED!

I spent some time in the thematic park, which is a "fair" of sorts -- the artists have booths, other groups have booths, in an effort to advertise  -- there are nuns and priests, monks and brothers, t-shirts and mugs, cds and books -- you name it, you can probably find it there.  It's like nothing I've ever seen. 

Saturday, I wandered in to a session given by Mark Hart (The Bible Geek) and Matt Maher.  I always enjoy Matt's music, and have wanted to hear Mark speak, so it seemed the perfect combination to me.  Oh, man.  Was it ever the perfect combination.  I knew it was going to be good, when I saw that the place was packed.  Thankfully, it was just me, and I didn't need to get 27 seats, so I found an open seat, and plunked down to enjoy.  I'm pretty sure this hall held 7000 people if I remember correctly, and by the time the session started, there were people lined up along the walls, in the aisles, everywhere.  So it started.  Matt played -- which always makes me happy.  Mark came out and delivered a great talk about different verses in the bible and how they affect you.  I hate to say this, but I was so moved the rest of the session that I don't really remember what he said -- but wish I could!  Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a priest wearing his vestments and wondered what was going to happen.  Matt came out and explained that we were going to experience Eucharistic Adoration.  For any of you that don't know, Eucharistic Adoration, is when the blessed eucharist is placed inside a monstrance (a large gold cross that is very decorative) and processed to the front of the room, and exhibited on an altar.  Music and prayer follows --- I really don't think I can describe this well enough -- but I have been to adoration many many times in my life -- and every time is special in its own way -- but this one was as close to perfect as it can get.  The music was incredible and moved me to tears (if you remember, a few weeks ago I posted about Matt's song "Lord, I Need You" -- he played this during this time of quiet and it put me in a place I have never really been.).  We spent many minutes in prayer before the eucharist was removed and there was a celebration unlike any I've seen.  The kids were on fire!  So so awesome!

After that, I caught up with my chaperone friends and we watched a comedy club for a while.  What happened after that was the most fun I have had in a very long time.  We were walking out of this room when my friend, Teresa, spotted a megaphone without an owner.  So, all in good fun, she picked it up and started using it!!  "Steve Pulskamp!"  "Pie Heads -- where are you?"  It was so funny.  Then -- she tried to turn it off.  And ended up turning on the siren instead.  I'm pretty sure that's when she figured out who her real friends were -- when we all scattered in different directions to get away from her!  LOL  It was soooo funny!!  She finally turned it in -- but only after posing in a golf cart with it!

Saturday evening.  Kind of a big deal at NCYC.  Celebration of mass.  We all tried to prepare the youth for what they were about to experience, but really no amount of preparation can get you ready.  Even if you have been there before, it is still a very unique celebration!  I don't remember the numbers, but it was in the vicinity of 350 priests, approximately 10 bishops, and Archbishop Tobin, Archbishop of Indianapolis, was the main celebrant and homilist.  During the procession, I leaned over to my friend, Amy, and said, this is going to be awesome -- as I was watching all of them process in.  Little did I know that my daughter, Becca, was saying at the same time -- "My mom will be in tears shortly.  She always cries when there are a lot of priests!"  And I was. 

Mass was so inspiring.  I sprung a leak once again during the "Our Father".  It's a pretty powerful prayer all by itself, but, man....when you hear it and experience it being said by 23,000 people all at once -- there are no words.  As Archbishop Tobin said, "We are the church."  Last night, we were America's church -- with people in attendance from every state.  Amazing.

Immediately after mass -- the kids stormed the floor.  I'm pretty sure Jesus was smiling. 

And just when I thought things were as perfect as they were going to get for the evening, I had a surprise in store for me.  Remember the hats I described above?  Well, I had a woman approach me on Friday and ask if she could trade me her "cheese head" for my pie hat, because she is a teacher, and has "Pie Day" every year.  She thought that would be a fun addition.  As someone who has coveted the cheese heads for a long time, that was certainly an easy deal for me to make.  But, I said, I cannot trade until tomorrow evening.  She agreed, and we traded numbers so that we could locate each other the next evening. 

So, just prior to church, everyone was trading.  Marie (my hat trading friend) called to see where we were, so I told her what section.  She showed up -- we made the trade, and everyone was happy!  I had my cheese hat that I came wanting. 

Just after mass was over, a man approached me.  I can't for the life of me put the entire conversation back together, but I remember pieces of it.  He asked me if I would trade my cheese hat for his sparkly fedora and a t-shirt inside of it for one of his youth.  He said that was all that he wanted all weekend.  It honestly took me a second to consider it, but then I decided I didn't really know what I would do with it when I got home anyways, so I said yes, but I wanted the youth to ask me.  I didn't want some guy to do his kids' work for them!!!  He immediately agreed.  What ensued in the next 5 minutes changed my life.  He brought this young man down.  It was a young man I had seen during communion that made me smile and pause and say a little prayer for him.  He was blind, and as he walked up the stairs after communion, the woman walking with him had a cadence going -- big step, big step, big step....to help him get up the stairs.  As he approached me, he had the biggest smile on his face.  He asked me my name and proceeded to tell me his name was Matt.  I gave him his cheese hat, but asked for one thing in return:  that he pray for me.  (My friend and fellow chaperone, Steve, had given me that idea -- thanks, Steve!)  I told him I wanted to be his prayer partner and asked if he would be mine.  He smiled the most beautiful smile I've ever seen and said, "Of course!"

I asked him if he was friends with Steve Angrisano, because I hadn't caught where he was from, but Steve had told a story earlier in the day about a Matt that was in his youth group that was blind, and I wondered if they were one and the same.  He said no, but that he knew Steve and Steve knew him as well. 

We took a few pictures, as I wanted to remember that smile forever. 

Awesome story, right?  Well, I soon found out there was more to this story.  I texted the first picture to my friend, Marie, with whom I had traded hats originally, and told her I had traded her hat away.  She texted me back right away and said, "Oh, my God.  That is amazing.  He was with his dad today and wanted it so badly.  I told him I promised it to you.  That is unbelievable.  Thank you so much!"

I e-mailed Matt this morning, so that he would have my e-mail address.  He was, of course, still on a bus on his way home, but shortly afterwards, I received an e-mail back.  From his mom. 

Dear Pam,

I hope you don't mind, but I read your e-mail.  Matt told me all about you last night.  He was so excited!  He was more excited about meeting you and becoming prayer partners, before he even told me that you gave him your cheese head (is that one or two words?  LOL).  I was so touched when he told me that, I got choked up!  And how funny it was that I read your e-mail now?  I just finished reading "Morning Prayer" and the one reading spoke of keeping the Kingdom of God alive in you and proclaiming it to others forever, and you did that last night!  Thank you so much for your generosity towards Matt!  The Lord will reward you one hundred fold!  God is so awesome!  Thank you again so much!  I will read him your e-mail when he gets home tonight.....late!  God bless you!

No, Matt....thank YOU!  I saw the light of Jesus in you last night.  You are a special guy.  One who changed MY life forever.

Our God is truly an awesome God.  He had a plan for me this weekend -- I truly let go and let God.  And had the experience of a lifetime.  I will never forget what happened those last minutes after mass.  God is so good!

Signed.  Sealed.  Delivered.  NCYC2013

Words to live by.....

Sorry I have been AWOL a bit.....trying to get back in the swing of things after vacation!  Alas, here is a little tidbit to tide you over....

Rise above the pain! You are bigger than your circumstances or your life situation. Your life is not defined by your relationship status, your current job, your bank account, or anything that you have or have not done in the past. Don't listen to any person or automatic negative thoughts that may have conditioned you to think of yourself or your life as a failure.

Don’t ever choose a permanent solution for a temporary problem. You have people who need you and who are counting on you. There is always another day and another way. Rise above the pain, and know that deep inside of you there is another person waiting to break through. You have the ability to rebuild, regroup, recover, and revive!! Breathe life into your dream. Know that you can live a meaningful and purposeful life. You are an unrepeatable miracle, and your dream can live... despite what you feel and inspite of what you're going through right now! You have something special...you have GREATNESS within you!
― Les Brown

She did it!

Remember when you were young, and dating someone, and people always said to you, "Remember, you not only marry the person, you marry their family as well!"  I remember hearing that often.  And probably didn't go out with some people a second or third time because of that fact :).  However, I have to say that when I met Jim, and then his family, I didn't think I would have a problem.  And, for the most part, I've been right!  (Well, there's still the little issue of my mother-in-law feeding my children Little Debbies for breakfast, which they still remember and hope she does whenever they see her at breakfast!)

Other than that, I have been so blessed.  Jim's family is so awesome. Over the years, we have had some really high highs (weddings, babies, etc.) and we have also had our share of sadness....but we have always come through with flying colors and probably a little better off because of it.

The past 2 years have been a little harder than most, as Jim's mom, Linda, has experienced some health problems.  If I remember correctly, it all started with a little hitch in her hip that she wanted to get fixed.  Well, one thing led to another, and she ended up getting her heart worked on, her thyroid worked on, her hip fixed (finally!) and, probably the scariest part, discovered breast cancer when all of that was over.

She has been through chemo (and actually has several more months of the "easier" kind (if there is such a thing)) and radiation.  A week ago, we celebrated her graduation from chemo with a lunch out.  Her daughter Jenny, sister in law Jean, sister Connie, a couple of other friends and I went to lunch to celebrate this momentous occasion.  As I sat at that lunch and looked around the table, it was an extraordinary moment to me.  She was sitting amidst people she had been around most of her life, celebrating her life!  There were balloons and flowers and of course a little wine to celebrate with.

I really wanted to write today about this remarkable woman who has raised such a great family (and a husband, too!) and is loved by so many.  So often we center ourselves around the painful part of cancer (many times, it's our only option), but today we celebrate a woman who faced her trial head on, rarely complaining and looking radiantly beautiful through the experience.

If I could have seen in the future when I was dating Jim into this beautiful family he is a part of, I would have thanked people for the lovely warning to be welcomed among them.  Linda, the trooper who fought her way through, and the rest who were all there with her every step of the way.

Hugs to you, Linda!

New recipe -- Tortilla Soup!

I made this last week for the first time -- and man, was it good!  The kids loved it!  I loved that it was easy (I actually made it in the crockpot, which made it even easier)!!!!

I skipped the lemon juice (only because we didn't have any) but other than that, I followed the recipe (times two).

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients 

Original recipe makes 4 servings

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 2skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1/2 teaspoonolive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoonground cumin
• 2 (14.5 ounce) canschicken broth
• 1 cupfrozen corn kernels

• 1 cupchopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoonchili powder
• 1 tablespoonlemon juice
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 8 ouncescorn tortilla chips
• 1/2 cupshredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook and stir chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice, and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and a little sour cream.

Enjoy!

Christmas thoughts....

Thinking (for obvious reasons) a lot about Christmas lately -- I know I said it last  year, but I'm going to say it again this year -- we work really hard to make Christmas about the "reason" and not the "stuff".  No one in our house lacks for anything (although they might beg to differ with you) -- if they need something, they get it (and oftentimes more than they need).  So, we try to focus on why we celebrate Christmas.

I shared with you last year what we were doing with our lists, and I want to share again -- lots of people have asked me recently what that was again, so I feel it's worth bringing out again!  When our kids make their lists, we ask them to group them in these four ways:

Something you want
Something you need
Something to wear
---and---
Something to read.

Simple.  They can make lists within the lists, but those are the four categories (of course Abby's list includes a Kindle under 3 of those categories, thinking that might help her cause!).

For a long time, we tried to stick with three gifts (an unwritten rule, just in case!).  It was hard sometimes when the kids were real little, because many of their gifts weren't valued at much.  We do not really try to spend the exact same on each kid (I would go insane) -- but I do try to make sure that if someone has an extraordinary Christmas one year that they do not the next year.

What are your traditions?  I love this time of year -- everyone is so excited!!!

Finally, I found this the other day and think it's perfect:

May you and your family be blessed through this Holiday season!

A few thoughts about marriage -- our CCD classes

My sincere apologies -- this post is WAY overdue!!!  I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately, so I decided to slow down on my writing here and concentrate on the things I needed to get done.  Now, they are done (at least I FEEL caught up!  :) -- so here I am.  I wanted to give this one all I have because I think it is so awesome.

We started our new CCD year in September (see how far behind I am???) -- after a couple of introductory weeks, I, along, with my friends, Steve Pulskamp and Amy Fullenkamp (I have to admit they are the brains behind this operation!), planned a CCD class around the SACRAMENT of marriage.  We were discussing our goals and all of us felt very strongly that we as a society are getting away from the SACRAMENTS and protecting them.  We wanted to talk about the beauty of being married (vs. living together) and how it enhances the marriage once you are married.  We also wanted to exemplify married life as the beautiful thing that it is, while also discussing the trials and tribulations we come across along the way.  Finally, we also wanted to talk to them about while they will probably all have beautiful plans of their lives and how they want them to go, that God has the ultimate plan and will sometimes take you along paths that aren't necessarily in your plans.

Our first class was truly about the sacrament of marriage -- reading scripture to discover what it says about marriage, have group conversations (basically about the Family of Origin and how people figure out how things will work in their marriage) -- and finally, a discussion with Father Tom about how he and the church view marriage.  I have had him give this talk before, and always love it -- he is very frank about what he sees when people who have been living together come in to meet with him before they get married vs. people who have not.  One thing is he sees freshness and newness and more excitement with those who have not lived together.  They are ready to start a whole new life!!!  So exciting!

The second class was really fun.  We invited three couples to come in and talk with the kids about their marriage.  We had newlyweds (since March), a couple who had been married 25 years, and a couple who have been married 50+ years (I would remember how long, but that was so long ago.....LOL).  We started the evening playing our own version of "The Newlywed Game" -- asking them questions such as where was your first date, what kind of car was he driving on your first date, when was your first fight as a married couple.....fun things like that.

Our third and final class was a very touching class.  There is a couple in our parish who, between the two of them, have been through more than any one person should have to experience.  But, they have taken their crosses and showed them for all to see, making shining examples of what Christ's soldiers truly look like.  Their story is way more than I can write here, but the shortened version is that they both lost their spouses to cancer, he right after his wife gave birth to their second child, and she a year or two after.  They were neighbors and acquaintances but found themselves there for each other.  Eventually realizing they were meant to be together, they got married, formed a new family and a new life together.  They are super neat people who I have known WHO they are for a long time, but am just now really getting to know them.  And man, do I feel blessed!  Such awesome people.

These classes were fantastic.  And it had nothing to do with those of us that planned them.  It had everything to do with those who came in to talk to the kids.  One mom said her 17 year old son came home and relayed the last couple's story to her turn by turn.  They were touched.  They were listening.  I hope that they are able to remember those words when it's time for them to find their partner and realize it's always God's plan, not their own!

Perfectly Imperfect Women Retreat

Ah.....a couple of days just for ME -- and my friends -- and other women from throughout Ohio.....to celebrate nothing more than being the very best imperfect women we can be......

I spent last evening and this morning at a retreat at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein at a retreat titled "The Perfectly Imperfect Woman".....what a wonderful retreat!

I have always loved retreats -- you take a few things out of your life for a bit and focus on a few other key areas -- this weekend it was removing husbands and kids and replacing them (temporarily!) with prayer, reflection, and laughter!

I was asked a few months ago to be a speaker at this weekend's retreat.  I was thrilled!  I love to talk (lol) -- especially in front of groups -- I enjoy helping people find the best version of themselves! 

I have to admit that last night I was shaking in my shoes for a bit!  I was speaking directly (and I mean directly!) after my friend Kimi, and as she was speaking I was trying to figure out ways to get out of speaking.  I thought of holding up a sign and saying, "Keep going Kimi!" -- or leaving the room :) -- or any number of other ways I thought of to get out of speaking. 

Why did I want out?  Because as Kimi was speaking, I watched her shine shine shine -- she is such an eloquent speaker who was really getting her points across -- she knows the bible inside and out and was quoting scripture verse after scripture verse, reading from her very organized index cards (which were clipped together in order.....as I sat and held my few scraps of paper I had scribbled a few notes on.  The more she spoke -- I kept reorganizing my talk --- still trying to hatch my escape plan.

But -- I was foiled again -- because, before I could get the heck out of dodge, she introduced me and it was my time.  Yikes!  I was so worried I was going to fall flat on my face.  I even pointed out Kimi's beautiful note cards aside of my scraps of paper!   LOL

I love speaking at retreats, though, because women are there to listen -- to whatever you have to say.  They are eager to listen, and to learn, and to grow from their experience.  Might I even say they are hungry for their fairth -- and to nurture it.

So I didn't get booed out of the room and everyone seemed to enjoy it -- even the part where I told everyone about my sister-in-law taking my young children to their very first bar!

The other parts of the evening were just as wonderful -- with mass, celebrated by my friend, Rev. John Tonkin, always a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion - -but even more beautiful last night.  I had the gift of getting a "communion/sign of peace" hug from my friend, Mary, who had come in from Cleveland for the weekend -- and who brought me to tears by the sight of her.  Mary and I were Resident Assistants together at Ohio State, and then lived together for several years after college.  Since that time, our only really chances to be together are when we run into each other at the Ohio State Fair when our kids are competing, so we really only have a few minutes until one or the other needs to get to be with our kids.

I have said it before and I will say it again -- the true test of friendship is when you can be absent from one another for long periods of time and still pick up without missing a beat.  We were able to do that this weekend.  And we laughed.  Boy, did we laugh.  (I'm pretty sure the wine we were "tasting" helped out a bit, too!)  Our friend, Joyce, was there as well, and she had some fun memories to share, too!  I truly have not laughed that hard and that long for a long time......and it felt so good!

I told everyone during my talk that it occurred to me that Mary was one of those people I sought out at the beginning of one of my years at school to go to church with me -- I tell my kids, and also my CCD kids to do the same -- find other Catholic kids at the beginning of the year to go to church with you and "keep you honest" :) -- so it was an amazing thought to me to think how far we've come -- from going to church and breakfast during college, to celebrating this weekend.  What a wonderful gift!

I "roomed" with my friend Melissa, so we got to chat at other times.  I love sharing my faith with my friends -- it really brings your relationship to a whole other level.   She is such a gift in my life and I appreciate her so much!

When we finally rolled into bed (around 2 am, which is late for this girl!) -- we set our alarms for 7 am -- breakfast was at 8!  I wondered how this was going to work -- I'm not used to these hours!  But, I was on autopilot because it was a "special" time -- and hit the snooze once until Melissa yelled at me to get out of bed......and we were on our way!  Dressed and in search of coffee to start the day!

A couple of speakers in the am -- my friend Jamie Schmiesing, who has such a brilliant way of making her super busy family life seem so doable for anyone (I couldn't do it!) spent a few minutes reflecting on morning times at her home; and Joan Kiser, whom I have written of before -- she runs the Neurological Center in Fort Recovery -- brought her client, Rick, with her to share their story of how God sometimes has other plans for your life.

All in all, a super spectacular weekend celebrating with friends old a new.  I can't wait for November 1 & 2 next year, when we will do it all over again!  I hope that you will take time now to mark your calendar and join us!