An acquaintance announced to a friend, in response to a question, "How's it going?" ... it's going "better than average" with a smile. When his friend left I told him, "If we could live our lifes "better than average, we would be happy men". I made a new friend as he walked over, introduced himself and shook my hand. 

Merry Christmas means more than parties, presents and bills to pay. It means remembering the past - our past and God's past. Reconnecting with the past empowers us for the future.

I have a challenge ahead to reach out to 15 high school and junior students over a two day retreat in two and a half weeks. We will talk about roadblocks we all face when trying to grow in our faith journey. When I think of Christmas, I think of Bethlehem and that quiet night that suddenly burst into the declaration that peace has come to earth. Pray that I will find a way to effectively communicate this to my students. Any thoughts and ideas are welcome.

We will styart with looking at road signs ... the stop sign, the road narrows sign, the one way sign. How do these symbolize the trials we have in our faith journey. And never forget that night in Bethlehem.

We believe that youth can make a difference and that is happening in Deer Park, NY. I am sure it is happening elsewhere. What is so nice is that we really care about our group- emotionally they are extended family. That's why we can laugh and cheer at the same time at the pie eating contest, why we commit our selves to projects like the 30 Hour Famine and why we are learning to pray together, though it is not easy.

How about your group. We'd really like to hear from you.

Tim                                            

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