Heading Into Holy Week...

This simple song never fails to silence my inner “noise.”

Come to Jesus.

Let’s each of us do that this week.

Full of the Spirit!

I, like Jen Gordon, completely enjoyed Congress this year. I've returned so enriched and full of the Spirit and want to share all of the awesome things I learned. I plan on posting some links to the amazing speakers I heard and would like to start with this one.

Barbara Coloroso has great advice on teaching ethics and values to children. Click on the handout "Just Because It's Not Wrong Doesn't Make It Right" it emphasizes some of the major points in her book by the same name.

She really emphasized that children are growing up in a "what's in it for me?" culture. We bribe and reward our children to motivate them. This hand out has real ways to teach your children the reason they need to "do good is because good is good to do". (cool catch phrase huh?)

I know I'm going to be re-evaluating how we do some things in our home.....

http://www.kidsareworthit.com/Handouts.html

✞ Jen Payan ♥

An Incredible Abundant Experience!

Do you ever wonder if the Holy Spirit is at work in your life?

One place I've witnessed the presence of the Holy Spirit was this past weekend while I attended the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim.

This was my 2nd year attending this amazing conference. Like last year, I was blown away by the spirit of the Congress itself. This year proved just as meaningful. It was a shot of Vitamin C (C for Congress) for my spiritual life!

So, what is RE Congress?

Congress is all about being surrounded by others people who are living their faith out and who are also looking to grow in new ways.

This year's theme was "Incredible Abundance" which was fitting because there was something like 300 workshops to choose from, with topics ranging from How to Create an Intimate Marriage, Survival Tips for Raising Kids, Catholic Social Justice Teaching, The Lives of the Saints, Women of the Bible, Contemplative Prayer - there was something for everyone. The hardest part for me was deciding which eight sessions to attend!

The weekend included awesome musical entertainment and every evening ended with a Eucharistic Liturgy , again, with over 9 different choices. Again, the hardest part was deciding which one to attend. But they are all so wonderful, I couldn't go wrong.

Actually, the celebration the the Liturgy is one of my most favorite parts of the weekend. To be standing in communion with thousands and thousands of people, who share your same beliefs and traditions is absolutely overwhelming. The masses are so alive, with incredible music and wonderful musicians and celebrants who are truly inspired by the word.

This year's keynote speaker was best-selling author (Tuesdays with Morrie, People You Meet in Heaven) and ESPN analyst Mitch Albom. He addressed this year's Congress theme: "Incredible Abundance". His message was meaningful, powerful, moving and inspiring!

Most importantly, at the end of the weekend, I left Congress inspired both personally and spiritually. I came away thankful for my parish community and most importantly, with a new drive to continue participating in my ministry work.

Thank you Saints Peter and Paul for this incredible experience. Once again, Congress was an amazing experience on so many levels. It allowed me to breathe in the abundance of God's goodness. Thanks to all who made it happen.

Overall it was ABUNDANTLY wonderful! Can't wait until next year!

2nd Annual Family Bingo

BINGO!

King's grand prize drawing winner - Rachel

Ivan called the games for us and entertained the little ones!

As special Thank You to:

The Cooper Family

The Eagle Family

The Marovich Family

The Gordon Pamily

The Payan Family

The Simmons Family

for all of the lovely prizes.

Also to Ivan who patiently called our games while kids ran around him playing and yelling!

It's Not Too Late for Lent...

At daily Mass yesterday, I suddenly realized that we are about halfway through Lent. I reflected on how my Lent was coming along. Was I following through with my resolutions? Was I fully preparing for Christ's passion and resurrection? Or, am I just promising to start tomorrow?

I can honestly say that on a few resolutions I am definitely following through. I've also been pretty good about working with the kids through their Lenten activities,

However, some of my more personal, spiritual resolutions are not going as well. These are the ones I struggle with every year. I want to pray more, attend daily Mass as much as my schedule will permit and read more scripture. As I get to the end of each day, I realize I did not set these as priority before I got tired.

As I sat in Mass thinking over both my successful resolutions and the ones I struggle to meet every day, I was gently reminded that it is not too late to get it right. We must make every day fruitful and not put it off till tomorrow. Today, I pray for my continued resolve to meet my spiritual Lenten goals and I will pray for yours as well. Even if you have not started any yet, it is not too late to begin.

Peace and Blessings to you on your journey!

A Lenten Joke...

A bartender notices that every evening, without fail, one of his patrons orders three beers. After several weeks of noticing this pattern, the bartender asks the man why he always orders three beers. The man says, “I have two brothers who have moved away to different countries. We promised each other that we would always order an extra two beers whenever we drank as a way of keeping up the family bond.” Several weeks later, noticing that the man only ordered two beers, the bartender said, “Please accept my condolences on the death of one of your brothers. You know, the two beers and all…” The man replied, “You’ll be happy to hear that my two brothers are alive and well… It’s just that I, myself, have decided to give up drinking for Lent.”