It's Time For You To Shine!

"You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light." – 2 Samuel 22:29

This past weekend, during Sunday morning Mass, I felt a bit sad when I didn't hear our Holy Father's name read aloud after the consecration of the host. The reality has finally settled in that our Church is without a Pope. Although I am supportive of Pope Emeritus' decision, it's hard to imagine what kind of papacy will transpire within the coming days, weeks, or months. We certainly need someone who will be a strong and devout leader in these difficult times for the Church. I pray that whomever God selects, through the Cardinals, they will be a hit with the young people at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro this summer. It is with today that we begin to take a step in a new direction for the Catholic Church. Today was the first day the Cardinals met for a pre-conclave meeting. Once the actual conclave begins they will be isolated from the world until a final decision has been made for a new pontiff.

Since the resignation of Benedict XVI there have been a lot of reports and rumors in the media about scandals within the Catholic Church and the Vatican itself. These news sources are not the most trustworthy and should be taken with a grain of salt. There may be some truth to corrupted politics and power within the Vatican, but most of it is twisted and exaggerated to the extreme. Unfortunately, the Church is not perfect because it is run by people. However, Jesus, who founded the Catholic Church, is perfect and will see to it that it becomes perfect at the end of time.

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Meanwhile, we are called to be stewards of faith, hope, and love by shedding light upon the Catholic Church through our own lifestyle. By living in the light of Christ others will see our example and will desire to find that light within themselves. They will feel attracted your interior light, like a moth, and won't cease to look for it as long as they can see it in you. WOW! Wouldn't that be a real statement...if Catholics really lived Catholic!? It seems simple, and yet there are so many Catholics who have fallen away. Some are even embarrassed to be Catholic because of what the media has shaped Catholicism to be. It's a sad reality, which is why we need a good Pope in the coming era.

Whatever the outcome may be for our Holy See we still need to do our best to live the Catholic faith to the fullest and set an example for others. You may not even know how you could touch someone just by being yourself. For example, I had no idea that I genuinely touched my best friend Janelle Sanchez before we became friends. As we became closer friends over the years she wrote a book called Confessions of a Pure Heart and asked me to design the cover. I was pleased with her request, but little did I know that she wrote something so heartfelt about me in her own book! On page 48, she writes,

"People are naturally attracted to things that are good, and through your loving presence, you attract loving people to you. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Birds of a feather flock together?" It means that people who are alike become friends and associate with each other. When you start living a pure lifestyle, and God's love radiates from you like the sun, you will find people who are attracted to this light, no matter where you are. Though your current circle of friends may not appreciate this, some will—and those are the people who will bring you up and not tear you down.

I have a friend named Danielle Duet and she is one of the most cheery people I know. She is always smiling, always happy to see you, and always there with a big hug whenever you see her. Do you want to know how I met her? In the school bathroom. We were both commuters at the time (meaning we drove to college instead of living there). I had noticed she had a rosary hanging in her locker, and I thought about how unique it was to find another Catholic on campus, and decided I wanted to get to know her. I never really had the courage to introduce myself, until we were standing next to each other in front of the sinks. She smiled at me and just looked so friendly I couldn't help but say something, and we became such good friends that she designed the cover of this very book! 

It was her demanor that attracted me, God's love was evident in her life, and she didn't shove her rosary in my face and tell me to pray it. No, simply having it in her locker for her own use was enough for me to gather interest in her. Her very lifestyle attracted me, and now we are close friends."

I honestly had no idea she even wrote that about me until it was published. I was so shocked and amazed that after I read it I almost wanted to cry. Janelle is one of my very best friends! If I hadn't been living my life faithfully and in accordance with God's love on a daily basis I would have never met her. That is why it is ssssooooooo important to live as best you can with God's love pouring out from your heart and soul like a radiant beam of light. You never know who you'll meet or become friends with.

The love of God shown through happiness is contagious! Just smile at someone and see if they smile back. As Blessed Mother Teresa said, "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."

That is the life we are called to live by God as Catholics in the Roman Catholic Church. If we all lived like that, as practicing Catholics, no one could ever say anything bad about the Church because they would be so overwhelmed with the love they see in it. So while we are in the transitional period between Popes, Sede Vacante, let us continue to pray for the Church and the new pontiff.

Let me leave you with a song by Owl City called Shooting Star. I was inspired to write this blog for you after listening to Adam Young's music. Even though he is a very popular music artist in the secular media I have heard some of his songs on Spirit FM 90.5, my local Catholic radio station. Apparently he writes songs and lyrics based on his faith as Christian. I never looked at his music that way until now. His songs are very good and I encourage you to listen to this one with an open heart and mind—cause' it's time for YOU to SHINE!

           

You Feel Like Home To Me

"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." – 2 Corinthians 5:1

Isn't it wonderful that no matter where you are in this world God is always with you? Especially since the Catholic Church is universal, we can be united with Jesus in communion wherever we go. He remains constantly with us no matter how far we travel! Even when we are in an unfamiliar place, far from home, His presence is forever unchanging.

As I recall, being in Indiana over the summer, something amazing happened! After visiting a professor at the University Notre Dame I stepped onto the campus and had no idea where I was. I had been dropped off on the side of campus to meet with this professor and was trying to make my way back to a familiar area. Even though I've been to Notre Dame several times, I still don't know the entire layout of the campus. So basically I was lost.

Nevertheless, I just decided to walk aimlessly along a random path and enjoy the beauty of the day. It was really sunny and the trees were swaying so gently in the wind. The campus was gorgeous...of course... it's Notre Dame, Our Lady's school. However, I really didn't know where I was going or what I would find. But sure enough I came across the Basilica and the Main Building in the center of campus. 

My first thought was, "I wonder if I can go in the church now? I hope it's open to visitors!" As I checked a sign in the front of the Basilica I found a listing of the Mass times. I saw that Mass was being held at 11:00am. Immediately I double checked my phone and it said 11:07am. 

"Perfect! I can go to daily Mass now, how wonderful!" I thought. I slowly opened the doors not to arouse anyone from prayer. As I quietly made my way into the church I was overwhelmed with its beauty! (Seriously, if you've never been inside the Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame this is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime, especially if you're a Catholic.) Starting to walk inside the nave of the church I realized Mass was not going on. Assuming that they were a little late I sat in the pews for a few minutes. However, I kept seeing tourists and cleaning people perusing about the Basilica. 

Finally, I asked a lady working there where Mass was being held. She said it was in the crypt underneath the Basilica. I had heard of the crypt, but I had never gone there before. Eventually I made my way down and entered in the middle of the priest's homily. From there I took a seat and participated in the rest of the Mass.

How amazing!? I wasn't even looking for Jesus and He just put Himself right in front of me. He brought me to Mass that day when I didn't even know when or where it was. God literally put me in the right place at the right time. Although I was 15 minutes late, I still enjoyed the Mass and all it had to offer. Believe me, having Jesus with me for the rest of the day was such a blessing.

After that, the rest of my trip was just as amazing! One of my parish priests from home came to Notre Dame to celebrate Mass the Sunday I happened to be up there. He included my intentions during the Mass inside the Basilica. It was a wonderful service and I'm so happy he was there with me.

Just reflecting on this event makes me think about how God always draws you closer to Him even when you may be unaware of it. He is doing things right now, in your life, to help you reach the Kingdom of Heaven each and every day. No matter where you are, He will always make a path for you to seek Him. Although He clears this path for us, it is ultimately up to us to accept it and to choose Him with our free will.

Even when we are physically far away in an unfamiliar place, like I was, He will get you to where you need to be. With an open heart, He will assist you in your journey and help you to find your home in Him. And looking back, that's what it felt like...home. Once I found where the Mass was I felt like I was home. He is home to me.

When I realized that I was home with Him I didn't feel so lost anymore. I left the church that day feeling reassured about God's plan for my life. Although I still don't know how and why certain things happen, I do know God is constantly making an effort to show me the right path. He is also continuously working in your life to help you find your home in Him...our one and eternal home.

Just the other day I heard a song by a new country singer, Sarah Darling, called "Home to Me." It's a beautiful song that really touched my heart. It is lively, upbeat, and fun to listen to. Although the song is referring to a relationship between a man and a woman I can see how it can relate to our personal relationship with God. Because God is everywhere and He is our heart's dwelling place it makes perfect sense when she says, "Anywhere, anyplace I go...you feel like home to me." She also describes her love by stating, "I found the center of the universe." In all of those respects, the song has a great message and really makes you think about finding your home, your enteral home, from a Christian perspective.

Thanks for reading my blog! You are in my prayers. God bless and enjoy the song.

          

Be Satisfied With Me

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you." – Psalm 63:3

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!! ❤ Today is the feast day of a wonderful saint who was a priest and martyr for the faith. St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, couples, young people and happy marriages. For many many years now, people have been exchanging Valentine cards to express their love and affection for one another. This goes back to a legend of St. Valentine. While he was in jail, on the eve of his death, he wrote a farewell note to the jailer's daughter and signed it "From your Valentine."

Although this day is meant to commemorate a great saint, it has become commercialized to the extreme.  Around the end of January you can't go into a store without seeing hearts, balloons, and dazzling cards with red and pink sparkles. However, these materialistic goods can be used as a kind gesture from the heart if given in moderation and for sentimental value. I personally love giving and receiving Valentine cards or eating Valentine cookies with friends and family. It's a time to show how much you truly care about those you love and hold close to your heart.

If you have a spouse or a special someone to share the day with it can be a lot more enjoyable! Maybe the two of you have a date planned for the evening or an outing with a group of friends. If you're a Catholic couple, maybe you'll spend it in Adoration with Jesus. Or maybe you'll stay at home and watch a fun and uplifting romantic comedy together. Whatever it may be, it is always nice to be with the one you love.

That being said, I do feel for all of the single folks out there. Not having a Valentine on Valentine's Day can be tough; especially when you see lots of other couples walking around, holding hands, and staring into each other's eyes. Everybody wants to be loved—and it's okay to feel this way. But it's not okay to dwell on it so much that it brings your spirits down. Remember, moping is not hoping.

One of my friends that I talked to last night emailed me a beautiful prayer today. It is a prayer written by St. Anthony of Padua and it's perfect for singles on Valentine's Day. After reflecting on this prayer, Be Satisfied with Me, I feel as though Jesus is asking for our trust and complete surrender as Catholic singles in waiting. He wants us to fall totally and completely in love with Him first before we meet the right "one." Although I know my greatest love is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, there is a certain plan He has for me that only He knows. He has a plan for all of us! What we need to do is pour out our love for Jesus and then things will just fall into place according to His great plan. The more we plan on our own the more we could possibly be getting in the way of His bigger and better plan for us.

So whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed let us give all of our fears to Jesus and have Him enlighten us with His hope and love. Let us be satisfied with Him and know that all things happen in His own good time.

Notre Dame Basilica Wedding

Be Satisfied With Me by St. Anthony of Padua

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to a Christian, God says, "No, not until you are satisfied,
Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
That I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
Until you are united with Me.
Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you
The most thrilling plan existing... one you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best.
Please allow Me to bring it to you.

You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that's all. Don't be anxious, don't worry.
Don't look around at things other have gotten
Or that I have given them
Don't look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away up to Me,
Or you'll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than you could dream of.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
To have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me."

Welcome to the Desert

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." – Mark 1:15

Hello Catholic friends! Guess what? During the month of February my blog turns a year old. Wow! I can't believe I've been doing this for a year now. I started blogging for Lent last year and never knew it would become more then just a few posts. I'm so happy to continue writing on here and to share my thoughts with each one of you. Thank you for supporting me with your love and prayers over the last year. For this, I am truly grateful!

So as you know today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Today Catholics around the world attend Mass and receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. This symbol is a reflection of our sinfulness and our willingness to change those sinful ways. During Lent we are given the opportunity to fast and grow in our faith by doing charitable deeds for others. As we enter into the desert we should be open to the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance. With His love we can endure whatever hardships our brought our way.

As we step out into the desert this year Catholics are faced with a shocking surprise. Pope Benedict XVI has stated that he will be resigning from the papacy on February 28, 2013. His announcement on Monday caught everyone off guard. He said his decision to resign was due to the fact that his age has made it hard to adequately fulfill the duties entrusted to him. Although I am sadden by this shocking news, I believe it is a good decision on his part. Since the Holy Father didn't feel he could actively lead the Church anymore I think someone who can should step up and take on those responsibilities.

Pope Benedict realizes that the Church needs someone a bit younger and healthier to fulfill the obligation as Pope. This is a very humble act. Even though Pope John Paul II suffered to the very end during his pontificate, demonstrating loyalty and compassion for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict has shown us a different approach. Instead of waiting until it gets to that point, he has humbly decided to remove himself so another can lead his beloved Church in the way it should be led. I believe he is showing us a great love for his fellow Catholics by doing this. It is sad to see all of the attacks on him in the media when the Holy See is only trying to do what is best for the Church. So let us continue to pray for Pope Benedict XVI and his future successor with whatever may happen in the days to come.

As we journey our way through Lent, walking alone in the desert, we realize as Catholics that we will soon be heading along that path ahead without a Pope. Until the Cardinal conclave can determine who will fill the seat of St. Peter, we will be living in a transitional period. I can imagine the Catholic Church will be attacked even more in the media during the selection of the new pontiff. That is why we must pray for God's Holy Will in this decision making. Let us lift up our Lenten offering with a loving heart for the new Pope. I just hope and pray we will have a great leader who will serve our Church as best he can in both good and bad times.

Maybe we will even have a new Pope by Easter! Although this decision is crucial and shouldn't be made in a hasty manner, it would be wonderful to celebrate Christ's Resurrection with a new member of the papal household.

         

Celebrate Life

January Birthday Girls!

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward." – Psalm 127:3

You know what's great about January? It's the first month of the year! ...And a new year means new beginnings. It also happens to be my birthday month, which I share with a couple of other good friends. It's a wonderful time of year when my friends and I get to celebrate the gift of life together.

When you think about a person's birthday you think of the day they came into this world. It's only the very beginning of their existence. From that day forward they are given the gift to live each and everyday until God calls them home. Life is a beautiful thing, which is why we celebrate it every year on our own special day. Life is precious. Life is God's own creation. Life is the most valuable aspect of the entire universe, which is why it should always be respected and protected.

However, many people these days have forgotten the value of life. People ignore the fact that the gift of life is what has given them the opportunity to be here today. At one point, all of us were formed in our mother's womb as a tiny fetus. As the days grew into months so did we grow into beautiful babies. But if someone had objected to our life and decided to abort us we wouldn't be here. In fact, we wouldn't have had a birthday because we would have never been born. How sad!?

Not only would we have never existed...but none of our friends would have been given the chance to know us. None of our teachers would have had the opportunity to teach us. Nobody would've had the chance to invite us to special events, like parties, dances, or sports games. Nobody would've given us hugs or kisses. And nobody would have known our kindness or felt the love from our heart that we share with others in the most generous way.

Recently, this month, thousands of pro-life people gathered in Washington DC for the March for Life. It was so amazing to watch all of those people stand up for the those who cannot speak for themselves. Even though I could not attend the event I had the opportunity to watch it live on EWTN.

As of now, it's been 40 years since the Roe vs. Wade abortion law was put into effect. Can you imagine!? That means for the last 40 years hundreds of thousands of babies have been murdered legally! These murders take place every day. In fact, the total estimate of deaths by abortion in the United States since then has risen to the total of 55 million. Fifty-five million!!! Do you realize how much that is? That is almost the same number of people that live in either France or Italy. And to top if off, the current president has included abortion as a part of woman's health care according to his HHS mandate that will take effect in August. How sick!

Although we can't change the fact that our own country has destroyed the lives of so many innocent children, we can stick up for what we believe in and celebrate life itself. As those wonderful people participated in the March for Life, we too, can participate in expressing our concern for those who have yet to see the light of day. I hope and pray that more women will realize how inhuman and barbaric abortion really is. Not only does it hurt the child, but it also hurts the mother in unimaginable ways. This, my friends, is not health care. More and more woman come out of an abortion depressed, feeling terrible remorse, regret, and heartache after the realization sets in. The womb of a mother should be the safest place for her child to grow. Let's keep praying for those women who have already had an abortion and those who are pondering it at this time. May they realize how precious and beautiful life truly is!

I encourage you to celebrate life each and every day. Life is a gift! As you can see, we are so blessed to be living and breathing right now. Although some are not so lucky, we can be the voice for them in this war on life. God has a plan for each of us, so let's make the most of it. As for those who are pro-choice here is the choice I'm asking you to make: choose LIFE!

The following video shows groups of Catholics gathered at the March for Life 2013 in Washington DC. Check it out! :)

         

Here And Now

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34

I've realized sometimes we think too much about the future and what it holds. It's good to plan ahead for certain things in the short term. But most of our long term situations are out of our control. God wants us to be present where we are at this time. By thinking so much about the future we miss out on today. Dwelling on thoughts that question where we are headed in life make us doubt the Lord and what He has to offer. 

God knows the desires of your heart. He truly wants to give you all that you desire and more! But in order for His plan to transpire we must trust and surrender to His Holy Will...even if we do not yet understand it. It can be extremely difficult to give all of your fears and worries to Him, but that is where faith comes in. Faith, in itself, is complete trust. Igniting our faith in the Lord with prayer and supplication helps us to release our fears and surrender to His Will.

Every once in a while I'll catch myself thinking about why God put me in Florida, where I am today. I never chose to be here, but here I am. Don't get me wrong... I'm ssoooo thankful to be here! I love living in the Sunshine State. I love my friends, family, church, school, Disney World, beaches, and everything else about Florida. But sometimes I wonder where my future husband is. It makes me sad to think maybe he's not living close to me...and then I think maybe I would be happier living there, wherever he is. However, now I see that it doesn't matter if he's living half way across the world... I know God will bring him to me at the right time, in the right place, at the right moment, and in the right way.

Right now, apparently, I'm not suppose to be with him. Right now I'm just suppose to be living my life as myself — a Catholic college student (in Florida) that loves God, family, friends, and being an artist. You are also meant to be where you are today. The school you go to, the place you work at, the friends you meet, and the city you live in is all part of God's plan for your life. It's so easy to get caught up in "what if" scenarios. But at the end of the day, all the possibilities don't matter. What matters is right now. Just by dwelling on the future doesn't help us get there. It's what we do now with the opportunities presented to us which will produce an outcome... hopefully in accordance with God's Will if we've surrendered to Him.

All of this reminds me that a few days ago on Twitter I saw @TheSingleWoman post, "You are where you are, at the time that you are, for a reason. Don't waste it by wishing to be somewhere else." That really hit home with me. As I approach graduation I still wonder where God wants me to go. But dwelling on where I should be or shouldn't be, as I said before, won't help me get there. Just by taking it one day at a time I'm sure that I'll find out where I am suppose to go and how I will get there. Trusting in the Lord takes patience! This is why I'm currently praying a 54-day Rosary Novena for my future husband and career path. In time, God will answer me. I just have to patiently wait for His answer while continuing to be the best person I can be, which is what He calls all of us to.

As for you young ladies seeking a future spouse, I found this blog post by The Catholic Young Woman called Right Now, which I encourage you to read. It's really good! The post is filled with lots of insight on why prayer is for now and being with your future beloved is for later. I would also recommend that you pray a 54-day Rosary Novena for your future spouse. A really funny Catholic lady, Jackie Francois, prayed this novena and miraculously received her answer! Right now she is 28-years old, and even though she would have liked to have met her beloved earlier in life, this was the right moment for her. I'm so happy for Jackie and Bobby! They are an adorable couple. If you'd like to check out their blog site go to this link: http://bobbyandjackie.com/. They have a great inspirational story that gives hope to us young woman who are seeking a holy, Catholic man of God.

I truly believe God has a very special purpose for your life. Don't lose hope if you feel that you're not sure where to go. Just put all your faith and trust Him even when it is tough. I guarantee that you'll be happier and more satisfied with yourself in the end if you do than if you don't.  ...Thanks for reading my blog post! Have a wonderful day and God bless. :)

SEEK And You Will Find

Over six thousand young people pack the main ballroom for the SEEK 2013 conference in Orlando. Credit: Jason Siegel Photography.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7

Hello friends in Christ! I just wanted to let you all know that I got back from the SEEK 2013 conference, hosted by FOCUS, in Orlando, FL. This conference was amazing! I had such a good time with my friends. Like I said in my last post, I signed up for this event without knowing if any of my friends were going. But come to find out, some of my friends from the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida were planning to go too. It was great! I met them there and I was even able to room with my best friend Stephanie, who came to the conference with me.

On the first day we all heard the keynote speaker, Matthew Kelly, give his talk on "The Best Way To Live." He was so inspirational and motivational! I always love to hear him talk. Kelly says that we should strive to find our passion and purpose in life and to become the best version of ourselves. He also said, "We almost never see things the way they truly are." I find that statement very true and compelling. From certain situations in my life, I can see when I have become blinded to reality. It is only when we step back and take a look at the bigger picture do we realize what is really going on in our life. I know that my friends and family will tell me things that I don't like to hear sometimes—but that is because they care about me. Matthew Kelly said, "Words have value based on who speaks them." What I have taken away from this talk is to trust my friends and family more when they say something important, because they truly care about me and are more likely to see the bigger picture then myself.

The next day at the conference I heard a speaker session called "What Moves You As A WOMAN ...As You Were Made To Be" given by the lovely Lisa Cotter. She spoke beautifully about the role of a woman and the Biblical principals of womanhood and femininity in society. Dr. Edward Sri also gave a talk to the men about their mission in life and how to become a virtuous man. However, the conference was split by gender, so I only heard the woman's talk—but I'm sure Dr. Sri also gave a great one too!

Some of the smaller sessions I went to included a talk from the sweet and witty Amber Loosbrock. She is a graduate from the Benedictine College and she spoke about "Making Friends and Keeping Them." She had great insight on what friendship really is and who we should keep as friends in our life. What we need to have is virtuous friends...friends that will help bring us into the Sacraments of the church, pray with us, and help us to become a better person rooted in Jesus Christ. Amber said that virtuous friends are hard to find. This is true. However, by the grace of God, I believe I've found a bunch of virtuous girl friends who really care for me and strive to follow the church as best they can. They assist me in my faith journey, and I them.

On the third day I heard Matt Fradd talk at a smaller woman's session called "You Were Made For What You Desire." He gave great advise about relationships and not settling for less than what we deserve as holy and virtuous woman. Fradd said that our womanly desires are put in our hearts by God and that we should strive for those desires. I totally agree! He also mentioned Jason Evert's book How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul. I heard Jason speak the next day and he also had two wonderful talks! He talked the real meaning of love and about God's plan for you and your future spouse. He pointed out the do's and don'ts of dating in college and why it is necessary to be friends with someone first, before you become romantically connected to them. I think Jason has great advice to offer. So ladies, please get his book! You won't be disappointed.

After his talk everyone heard the keynote speaker that night, Leah Darrow. Leah gave her testimony on her conversion. Originally, she was raised in the Catholic faith as a child, but when she got to high school she drifted away from the church. She became involved in many sinful acts and continued to do so throughout college. Once she graduated from college, Leah entered into the reality TV show America's Next Top Model at age 23. She became so involved in materialistic things and what society deemed as beauty that she had forgotten what real beauty looked like. Eventually her sinful ways became too much for her to handle. Leah called her dad to come pick her up and take her home. The amazing thing was, was that her dad lived in a different state and drove several thousand miles to reach her. Once he did he said that he was going to take her to the church. Leah said that she wanted to go home. In response, he told her that he was bringing her home—to God's home.

From there she received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and had a change of heart. Leah quit modeling and now she is a beautiful Catholic woman that gives chastity talks to high school and college students. It is amazing what the Lord can do! And she spoke with confidence, conviction, clarity, and pure emotion when telling her conversion story. Leah is a great speaker and she really makes you see the emptiness of a life without God and the fulfillment that He can give you, that He wants to give you! That is why we must SEEK Him!

Like I said before, I had such a great experience. My friends were amazing, the talks were amazing, and Mass was amazing! It was just sssooooo amazing!!! However, I didn't mention any of the bad things that happened to me while I was there. I had a LOT of negative things try to crash and burn my experience. But I didn't let certain people or situations hold me down or ruin my time at the conference. Even though I could tell that the devil was doing everything he could to hurt me and distract me from the reason why I was there, I prayed about it and moved on.

I was there for Jesus. I was there to SEEK Him more clearly and love Him more dearly. And you know what...? I did. That's why I'm so happy I went. It was great to be there with all the people, but at the end of the day... it was best to be there with God.

Thanks for reading. Check out my SEEK 2013 videos below. Take care and God bless!