Early this morning Monsignor Dale and I drove downtown to the Youth Specialties convention. YS provides resources, all types of books, training, and other resources to help churches do better youth minister. They’ve been around for 30+ years, and draw 3000 people to three training conferences each year. This was the first year they’ve had a practicing Catholic be a keynote speaker.

It was so exciting watching Msgr. Dale do his thing. The three thousand people were glued to the stage. I came up and spoke about what it was like being on the Real World and now on The Gauntlet. It was exciting looking out over 3000 people.

The closing song was Matt Maher with Chris Tomlin’s band singing “Your Grace is Enough.” By this time I was back in the audience. It was such a THRILL to see the whole place just getting into Matt’s new song! Plus, Matt admires Chris Tomlin, and it meant the world to play with them. I was singing so loud I lost control of my voice.

Everyone in downtown Phoenix was happy. The sidewalks were flooded with Christians encouraging one-another. The restaurants were filled with people praying before their meals. This is how it is supposed to be!

:::

Late afternoon Aaron and I drove up to Scottsdale for a Core Member University. At a Life Teen parish, there are young adult volunteers who are the hands and feet of the youth ministry: the Core. So the CMU is a day where Core from around the state come to get trained. I gave a talk on Generation Y. I don’t think it was my best talk, but everyone seemed to enjoy it.

:::

Aaron and I went to Jenn and Wade Swanson’s house for a party. They are a cool young couple who are involved with Life Teen. They have a cool house and they throw cool parties. Matt Maher came in later, and sat on the piano. The whole place started requesting songs and singing along. It’s amazing…he can play any song you request.

:::

We drove downtown to see the David Crowder Band in concert. We knew it would be almost over, but we caught a few songs. He sang “Deliver Me” and then they jammed out. They are hypnotic. Afterwards we talked to the guys and drove home.

:::

So here I am sparkling inside. This day has been such a rush. I think God gave me this day as a reward for just being me. I feel wonderful. Thank you.