Nothing but Your love!

As I drove the eight hours to return home, I could not help but reflect on possibly the most fulfilling summer of my entire life.  The immense blessings my family and I received during the past ten weeks have profoundly changed my heart and mind.  My soul was once again made anew by His grace.

It was difficult to say good-bye to those my family and I had grown to love so much.  We are forever connected in Christ and nothing can change that.  Words cannot adequately express the bonds that were created, the hearts that were changed, or the intense movements of the Holy Spirit that enveloped the camp.  Christ was surely present, in spite of us humans.

I did not want to leave, but staying was not an option.  The camp had been rented by Life Teen for the summer and now that camp had ended, everyone was going home.  I knew I had to go, but ten weeks away is a long time and my heart was not ready to re-enter the chaos of my everyday life.

As I was driving, Matt Maher's, "Everything and Nothing", started playing and tears began to stream down my cheeks.  These were the words that encapsulated my feelings best.  The dichotomy on my heart put into song.  This summer was a time that allowed me to deepen my relationship with Christ by opening my eyes to the sins that keep me from Him, but also a time for reconciliation and healing so that I could continue His good work.  Christ reminded me where home truly is...no matter the sufferings, sacrifices, or doubts I must face.

"I am so far gone, but I'm already home with everything and nothing but Your love!"

Thank you to all who encouraged and prayed for my family and me this summer.  By your actions and words you led us closer to Christ.

Thank you also to our son, Justin Patrick, born into heaven on June 1.  You have given me a peace I never thought I would obtain and have led me to a deeper understanding of what it means to RADIATE JOY!

I am looking forward to eternity in heaven with you all!

Mission accomplished!  Thanks be to GOD!

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us!

"Everything And Nothing"

Come let us return to where we were
Back to knowing life and saving words
Back to where we heard redemption speak
Where You brought us to our knees

Come let us return to Eden's heart
Long before the fall, back to the start
Back before we covered up our sin
And took a second skin

Once upon a time
I'm lost and found
I'm saved and drowned
I'm everything and nothing all at once
I'm so far gone
But I'm already home
With everything and nothing but Your love

Come let us discover something new
Cause we're all pilgrims on a journey to the truth
We're all wanderers relying on a man
To help us understand

Cause everybody wants to see the proof
We're always tripping on our pride to get to You
So blessed are the ones who haven't seen
But still believe

Once upon a time
I'm lost and found
I'm saved and drowned
I'm everything and nothing all at once
I'm so far gone
But I'm already home
With everything and nothing but Your love

My heart is tin but love is real
I'm unconvinced by what I feel
No yellow bricks to pave this road
Oh, straight and narrow lead me home
Lead me home

I'm lost and found
I'm saved and drowned
I'm everything and nothing all at once
Oh, I'm so far gone
But I'm already home
With everything and nothing but Your love
Everything and nothing
Everything and nothing
Everything and nothing but Your love
Nothing but Your love
Nothing but Your love

Session II Family