Nothing like an overnighter with 50 teens over to... what ... remind me of how much I enjoy my sleep ;).

Joy and sorrow -- life will always be that way I suppose. Holidays, it is said, help us mark time. Yeah, it's true -- seems like everything that has happened this year comes into perspective this week. Still, it was nice to see John, Mark and Joan, Stacie, mom and dad, and everybody else. Many prayers for those who have experienced loss this year.

Also, I got this very nice Christmas card from someone named Leslie. It was kind of a general letter telling all the the things she did this year, how her family is doing, everything. Only I have no idea who Leslie is... :hmmm

Well its Christmas Eve -- but I won't be online tomorrow -- so...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Lord is come!

Glory to God in the highest and peace to all on earth!

XLT... we did a lot of David Crowder Band songs which I suppose should not be surprising since so many of us are fans of the goateed one. A wonderful night, highlighted by seeing a bazillion college people and Stephen showing up unexpectedly.

Just 2 days until Christmas!

Alas, XLT is here! Honestly, I didn't spend that much time "getting ready" for Christmas this year in terms of shopping and parties and such -- still, I am thrilled to be have XLT tonight at St. Catherine's. Its like two to 2.5 hours of praise and worship and adoration that I need and probably so do some other ppl.

And Christmas is just 3 days away!

On another note, I witnessed Illinois completely crush Mizzou last night. We're good, again. 12 and 0 but the Big Ten schedule looms. We'll see...

Come Lord, dwell in the midst of us...

ONE more day until XLT -- tomorrow!!! and just 4 days until Christmas!

Love will lead us home to you...

TWO days until XLT and only 5 days until Christmas!!

Not our will but yours be done, come and save us, not our will but yours be done, come sustain us...

Only THREE days until XLT and just 6 days until Christmas!!

and Happy Birthday La Femme Nikita!

My deliverer is coming, my deliverer is standing by...

FOUR days until XLT and just 7 days until Christmas!

Both Masses today were incredible in their own way -- the guys from the ACTS retreat totally brought life to SCL Noon today -- WOW! And plus, the church was so packed that we had extra time at communion, so we could sing Mary Did You Know. That was nice b/c Lisa and I sound good on it, plus bridge and peggy can't get on my case now ;) --

At Clem's, Mass was awesome -- Mike Huelsing played drums which is always a joy for me -- then after Mass, two dudes came up to me -- Matthew and Mike -- and just gave us major love for the music and the prayerful spirit at Mass. Turns out they are from St. Tim's in Mesa, so that was like bonus -- knowing they get Matt Maher every week, nice to get affirmation in any case.

It was a great day, Lord!

FIVE days until XLT and 8 days until Christmas!

Every step journeys to you...

Just SIX days until XLT, and only 9 days until Christmas!

Penance service last night -- "please take from me my life when I don't have the strength to give it away to you.."

SEVEN days until XLT...!

Just 10 more days until Christmas!

Oh prepare the way, oh prepare the way, oh prepare the way, oh prepare the way of the LORD!

EIGHT days until XLT...

11 days until Christmas!

I am wholly, wholly, wholly yours!

What have I learned recently? Well, for one thing, I like caramel macchiatos, but I don't care much for the peppermint mocha. Margaritas, great, long island iced teas, not so much.

I learned that I love to walk, or run, either is cool. Living or visiting big cities like Chicago or even the illusion capital of the world, Las Vegas, can be fun.

I learned or was reminded how important music is to me, how I want to be and sound my best any and every time. And if I don't, it really bugs me.

I learned that I still have so much to learn... sigh. About friends and family and work and music and everything. I have learned that my bad days are still pretty good, that my biggest complaints are nothing.

I have learned that I am really annoyed by retailers saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. It's Christmas, man, even if you don't believe in it, ok?

I learned that I relate to dark songs because, well, sometimes, I feel pretty dark. I sometimes need to face the dark in order to appreciate the light.

I have learned that the single most important thing I can do any given day is pray. And that its better to be a mirror than a light.

NINE days until the next XLT....!

Here's a hint.... Forever and ever and ever and ever....