One of my former youth, Kristen Vogel, is working in Uganda for the next two years as part of the Halo Foundation.  Kristen has committed two years to serving as an International HALO Ambassador, and moved to Uganda in September 2007. She is directing HALO programs in three orphanages in Kenya, three programs in Uganda, … Continue reading Kristen in Uganda

Dove has been doing some amazing things with their Real Beauty campaign.  I've been quite impressed with the campaign to show the beauty of real women over the last couple of years.  Women do come in all shapes and sizes and America has a completely unhealthy addiction to physical "beauty".  Ironically, what many Americans describe … Continue reading For My Girls

I'm reading a great book right now entitled Contemplative Youth Ministry by Mark Yaconelli, son of youth ministry guru, Mike Yaconelli.  It is amazing!  In fact, I read about two-thirds of the book this evening which is evidence of how good it is and also evidence that I am not taking the necessary time to … Continue reading Youth Ministry Read

It is a beauitful evening tonight.  It has been incredibly hot in the midwest and we finally had some rain and a little relief today in the tempartures.  I'm sitting on deck enjoying the sounds of nature and a cool breeze. Wireless internet is so amazing...  Ha.  You thought I was going all nature on … Continue reading Back to School and Life

This is the time of year when I say goodbye for now nearly every day.  My youth are heading to college. For those who are returning, our final times are filled with updates on summer and plans for the year.  A nice hug, a prayer and a reminder to stay in touch. But it is … Continue reading Saying Goodbye for now

Last night I had our 2nd Annual College Campout.  With some of our hottest summer days ....  which is why I was thankful that they voted to stay inside!! We made s'mores in the oven and enjoyed the comfort of AC.  Very wise decision.  I went to bed around 3 this morning so I'm a … Continue reading Hot Summer Days

Took the youth to Crossover Festival in Camdenton, MO, this weekend.  I'm really tired right now after a very short night last night so I won't post much.  The bands were great and I was introduce to a couple of new ones I really liked.  The weather was perfect.  You couldn't ask for any better … Continue reading Crossover

We are nearing the end of our senior trip here in Breckenridge and it has been a great trip.  Just six seniors went which is smaller than normal but a great group.  We have a great house here near downtown Breckenridge.  I'll post pictures when I return home of the trip and the house. We … Continue reading Colorado Update

Here is the newest picture of Morgan sent to me by my mom. She is a beauty.  I have yet to see her eyes though... I'm in Breckenridge, CO, for the week with my seniors from our youth groups.  Every May/June we take them on a trip of their choice (within reason and budget) and … Continue reading Senior Trip

On Saturday, I took about 27 youth to St. Louis for a day of skiing at Hidden Valley Ski Resort. It was a great day and I had several beginning skiiers and boarders. About 2 pm, one of my youth found me to tell me one of the girls had fallen and broken her wrist. … Continue reading Weekend Adventures