I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,

praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,

because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you

will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-6

So, I've come to realize, July is just not a good month for posting! Sorry I've been so out of touch! Rest assured that all is well... in fact, all is going very well... There is so much to say, I barely know where to start... and there is so much for which I am grateful...

First, let me say thank you to everyone who kept the Marianist LIFE South 2008 program in your prayers. It was an amazing experience. We had 82 high school students from San Antonio, Houston, Victoria, St. Louis, Miami and Los Angeles... along with about 25 adults gathered. I met some of the most faith-filled high school students I've met in a long time. There were many laughs, some tears, beautiful prayer experiences, and deep sharing. Being with these students was humbling and inspiring, really.

I also have to say that the adults (and young adults) were phenomenal... and I don't use that word lightly. They're such good people... kind, patient, prayerful, funny "as all get out," and great to be around. 

This was my first summer to serve as the regional coordinator for the M-LIFE South program. And it was an experience I will not soon forget. I learned a lot, had great times of prayer, and was inspired with hope. 

I could say more, but I'm really very tired...

I just arrived back in Dayton this evening. We finished M-LIFE South (the program and the evaluations) on Wednesday evening. I spent Thursday and Friday relaxing, doing laundry, and packing. Now that I'm here... I'm moving into a new bedroom (so I'm still surrounded by boxes!) and I will soon be moving into a brand new office at UD.

On Monday I will begin my new job as Campus Minister for Residence Life Ministry and Faith Formation. My office is in a residence hall with just under 1000 first year college students. There is a graduate assistant working with me. I think we'll work well together. We chatted for a while back in May, but haven't talked since (who's had time?). I'm sure we'll have time to get things in order before students start arriving....

Believe me, there is so much that I'd like to say. However, I'll leave it at that for now. All I can say to sum this up is that I am so grateful for the many ways God has blessed me in recent months... I'm filled with joy this evening (even in my lethargy...).

Many blessings to all who read this!

Sr. N

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

But when he saw how strong the wind was,

he became frightened and beginning to sink, he cried out,

"Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,

and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

Matthew 14: 29b-32

It's amazing to me how often I remind myself of Peter... especially as Peter is portrayed in this passage. Not necessarily the act of walking on water, but the all too human tendancy to lose focus on "the one thing necessary."

For the past 2 weeks or so, I've been absorbed in working on the Marianist LIFE program. That, in and of itself, is a good thing. It won't be long before 35 adults and 84 high school students will be together in the Texas hill country for 8 days... praying together, laughing together, learning and growing together. I'm really looking forward to it.

So, how does Peter find his way into this? Well, like Peter, I was starting to get caught up in how strong the winds are...

I have this habit of becoming focused on what I'm doing wrong or what my weaknesses are: I'm controlling, I'm not a great public speaker, I worry too much... am I driving the team nuts by asking too many questions and sending too many e-mails? I should have said such-and-such... or... I shouldn't have done such-and-such...

What's wrong with that picture? It's not about me!

It's all about God and God's ability to work through people who are open to that grace. And if I can stay focused on Jesus, along with the team and all those involved with this endeavor, then we'll be okay. The point is to stay focused on Jesus...

Bring on the water, Jesus, let's go!

Blessings on all who read this!
Sr. N