Youth Ministry

Happ new year! Now with that said forget that it is a new year. When it comes down to it, we are who we are by our decisions and by the grace of God. We need to stop giving ourselves sole credit for the things accomplished in 2009 and for working on our dreams for 2010. Let's try to be humble and know our God and reflect on how He has worked in our life in this last year and surely will in the year to come.

The Lord has blessed each of us so wonderfully, and continues to send grace whether we accept it or not! I know I especially give a shoutout of thanks this year for my wife and child in her womb. Sharon and baby Leyne are my all in all. My everything and the presence of God in my life.

Do we recognize the presence of God, of the indwelling Spirit among those seen everyday? Be it our spouse, sibling, child, parent, dearest friend? I know I struggle the most with one person in particular- the man in the mirror. (just so happens Michael Jackson has an appropriate great song of that title...)

We must therefore strive to find our authentic self everyday and be THAT person, no body else. Do we need to be more humble and sincere? Then be that person today. No three month plan, just get better. Striving not for perfection of self for self gratification but to only let ourselves shine forth the glory of God. For my brothers and sisters we are made in the image of God and what a beautiful picture we are! Take heart for you are good. Take heart for you are loved. Take heart that if you strive each day, each moment to better reflect Christ to the world you are not alone. You are making a difference being exactly who you are. Not so much what you do, but WHO you are.

So if you make a resolution, may it be each day as an offering to our God to in small ways better become who God has made you to be. And each night in the silence of our hearts may we examine ourselves to see our successes and struggles. Perhaps at this gateway into a new year more than looking ahead we take pause to look back, and more important, look inward.  Let us take heart and embrace the next day to again be our true self. If we resolve everyday to do this, we open ourselves to encounter grace and grow in holiness. I know I need to work on not living for myself, it does not work in acheiving true happiness. So join me in striving to be holy, be saints everyday in every way by simply BEING our authentic self as God desires in every moment. If we do that, it is money in the bank that 2010 will be a year well spent. There is no alternative worth considering.

Take heart for God is about to do something awesome through you, with you, and in you.

In Christ and Mary,

Colm