Sarah's Journal

07.30.2008
I'm back safe and sound and nearly back on America's sleep schedule, though it took nearly four days!!!! I thought I should write a small reflection from my time in Australia and from the Vigil and Mass with our Holy Father. The week in Sydney was a great time for renewal and a beautiful time for me to watch young people experience the Universal Church as few get a chance to experience it! It still blows my mind that a group of kids from France can be chanting a cheer and dance and watch as a number of different countries' youth, including our fellow Americans, step in and join them! It's a beautiful thing and a great gift. And to experience how blessed we are to practice our faith so freely. There was an article in the Sydney Times (or whatever their local newspaper is called..sounds right...) about a group of 100 from another country that risked their lives and freedom to come on pilgrimage -- they told their country they were going on vacation to tour Australia instead of coming for religious reasons. Many of them could go to jail if the officials find out the truth - they came anyways. What a blessing it is to have the freedom to go to mass and spend time with our Heavenly Father and share our faith without fear or hesitation. What we learn on pilgrimage means very little if we don't share it with others, so here are just a few things I have taken from my journey... I was reminded of the power of prayer and the blessing that comes when we trust the Holy Spirit to "aid us" in our prayer...there was much confusion in regards to the music ministry I was supposed to do through the US Catholic Bishops...after two days of confusion and stress and turmoil on my part I surrendered to God. I was a little tired of trying to run around and find the place I was supposed to be out of obedience and I prayed that God would let me know (specifically I prayed) "by telephone" where He wanted me to be. Before finishing this prayer in writing in my journal our group's phone rang next to me and it was Sister from the USCCB telling me I was "missing" from where I was meant to be. (I believe the Holy Spirit's words via Sr. Eileen at that point were "Where are you?") I got where I needed to be and felt more affirmed that God indeed DOES hear my prayer than I had in awhile. I experienced detachment when I picked up a prayer card from Mother Teresa's order that read "The more we have the less we can give and the less we have the more we can give." I promptly lost my camera at the Pope's arrival (first photo opp) stepped on my sunglasses and misplaced my only binder of music. I spent the afternoon desperately trying to let go of my camera in the physical sense and trust that Jesus would care for me and allow my heart to be used MORE...I think I held a brave face, but my insides were like..."Oh man, all those lost pictures of the kangaroos and the koalas!!!" The pope came and went and lots of people got great pictures while I took some "heart pictures" and tried to make memories. It wasn't until the very end of the evening that I thought I would "just see" if there was a lost and found. There wasn't...but a super nice Aussie named Rinaldo, I believe, asked me what I'd lost and claimed that he did indeed have a camera in a pink case. I was thrilled! God showed me how faithful He was and allowed me to spend some time in working on my detachment from earthly things. I certainly have a long way to go. And, I did keep praying - "Lord, I want to be detached, I want to have less -- please...take my townhouse! It's yours!!!!" :) I got a chance to pray in front of the body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati - and this was truly awesome. He was one of the patrons of WYD and my favorite quote that was one of his favorite quotes was, "The glory of God is man fully alive..." my prayer was for freedom to truly *be and live* fully alive!!! Free of fear, anxiety or hesitation... And finally, I was affirmed sooooo much in what has been the message of Chris and I's ministry in the past year or so - the message of "Radiance." Cardinal Pell's words at the opening mass and the Pope's for the final mass were so focused on the truth that we are one body but different parts, that we are all called in different ways. It was a beautiful confirmation that the Spirit does indeed move and unites His Church to be "on the same page," if you will. (it's not like I had a conference call with Papa Benedetto asking what HE felt the theme of my ministry should be...and yet, here we were feeling that the same message was indeed important!) Part of the second reading during the final mass with the pope in the field was from Corinthians, which said -- (Cor. 12:4-13) "There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose" I was already amazed at how frequently this theme was throughout the entire journey but it was brought home to me that much more when I asked a very sweet, shy young woman (my age) named Rita with the heart and spirit of a saint to share how she experienced God on the pilgrimage with everyone during my concert on the final night. I had had a small opportunity to talk with her during the week and marveled at how humble and gentle her spirit was...I had many thoughts that I "should really be more like her..." She got up onstage and commented that it was a small miracle that I got her up to speak in front of people (HIS miracle, not mine...for sure!) And then she went on to say that throughout the week she met so many women who were outgoing and faithful. She mentioned me by name, and I was truly humbled...then she went on to say that her prayer throughout the week was that she could be more like (someone like) me! At the final mass she heard the words from Corinthians and felt God speak to her heart saying "I only want you to be like Rita!" Amazing how God can use us all in different ways to teach the same lesson...and to lead us all closer to Him! I carried all of your prayers with me like a knapsack...that was the vision I had and many times it kept me going and helped me to stay connected to home. If any prayers were answered, or WHEN they are answered (because I do have great confidence that they WILL be answered) please let me know! Thank you for your prayers, they kept me safe and warm and helped me not to get homesick. I pray that the grace from my pilgrimage will overflow into all of your lives until WYD 2011 in Madrid, Spain and beyond!!!! In God's Love, Sarah

06.22.2008
Okay....it's been forever again...but, last week was *good*! We went down to southern Indiana and had an incredible evening with some delightful young ladies! They were spending a week of "camp" through ECYD and Challenge...what an awesome concert and what a beautiful time spend with them. Truly, the single most delightful part of my week - I think there was definitely some mutual up lifting going on. I know *I* felt uplifted!!! So, thank you girls!!!

11.20.2007
I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since NCYC...time has flown by. I've been taking some time to enjoy the little things in life, foster some new friendships and slow down...at least a little...! What a great time we had there though. HELLO to all of you who were in Columbus! The new shirts are finally here - SHINE YOUR RADIANCE! They'll make great Christmas gifts (hint, hint :) No, but seriously...with the Holidays coming I'm really grateful God has been giving me some time to rest and restore in Him. My prayer lately is that I'll know more everyday what it means to be free and to be free in Him, I'll pray this for all of you as well...for now I better hit the road to head to Grammy's house!

10.06.2007
What an awesome day for a release concert... it was super hot, but things went really, really well. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us for this celebration, it feels so great to have had an "official" celebration of Radiance. The CD is out and I'm working on some new t-shirt designs, check back here to see the new designs and order your very own "shine your radiance" t-shirt! God is so good, enjoy this day everyone!

09.27.2007
Whew, what a week! Last night's interview with Stephanie Wood was incredible! What an amazing woman of God she is, she inspires me so much and I love chatting with her. Too bad on the air we have to take breaks to listen to songs. Just kidding! They were new songs from Radiance, so that was fine! Oddly enough I hadn't heard them in awhile... Last weekend was AMAZING over at the Shrine in Belleville, IL. So close to St. Louis, but not actually IN St. Louis. What an amazing weekend. The band sounded great, the youth were on FIRE and it didn't rain. It was incredibly hot for a weekend at the end of September, but at least we could do everything outside. It was great. A HUGE shout out to everyone that was there! Oddwalk was the house band; Chris Padgett had some amazing things to say.... All was good. Big props to the "emo group" on Saturday (you know who you are...) :) The one thing I learned that weekend that I've been thinking all week about was whether or not I believe that God can truly love all of me. Super deep, I know...but I think sometimes I don't think He can love ALL of me, but He can... He loves ALL of ALL of us, it's a hard thing to grasp but it's the truth. I'm going to pray today that we ALL know God's love and that we know His love is for every part of us.

09.13.2007
It simply blows me away how much has happened and how fast time has gone. I last wrote in APRIL? Oh my goodness...so long ago! I'm getting all the stuff ready to go do some music all weekend for the fine young people of the Carmel Deanery over at J-Fest. A good time, I'm sure, will be had by all! The theme this year is "Radiance" which is quite fitting for me since it's the title of the new release!!! No coincidence, "Radiance" is the theme song too. This leads me to look at the last journal entry I wrote. The album did indeed get completed in time and looks great! Things have been happening so fast I haven't had time to send them to some pretty key people nor have I had time yet to get them in stores, etc. Be on the watch for a RELEASE CONCERT soon here in Indiana and start checking back here at the site for some more news as I am committing to keep you all up to date more! Have a blessed day everyone, let's all do our thing and SHINE for Him, for His glory... <3 Sarah

04.09.2007
If anyone should read this, please pray for me and everyone involved as I finish recording the next release...Any prayers will help tremendously!

03.25.2007
It's been WAAAAAAAYYYYYYY too long. Have I really not written a bit since the fall? How odd. The fall was busy, and then Christmas, the year started out well and in full swing writing songs and planning to record. I'm now in the studio recording "release #3." Stay tuned...and soon! The songs are sounding really amazing and I can't wait to share this season of my life with all of you! There aren't too many of the songs that have been performed live, so this should be a great surprise for all! I will keep you al in my prayers, especially in this special time before the Easter season; that we can all grow closer to Him and more secure in His love.

10.27.2006
Dear Jesus...please open the hearts of everyone that will be at the Youth Rally tomrrow in Omaha... let it be a time of joy, hope and a time to build courage in Our Faith. Please protect Mike Patin and I in our travels and our friends and family while we're away. I'll write more after the weekend...

10.17.2006
Definitely had an AWESOME time in COuncil Bluffs, IA this weekend...thank you to Terry and Bob and Linda and Erin and ALL who made our stay extra special and to every single one of the young people there - you ALL ROCK. This youth rally will always be remembered in my mind as 'the one with Spanish music playing 24/7' It seems that the speakers and sound system that had been set up when silence ensued only magnified the sound of the Spanish radio station that came through and simply could not be turned off. The Bishop made an awesome connection in his homily that the distraction of the Spanish music (that was playing while he spoke...think like a total fiesta ALL DAY LONG, it was awesome...) was a lot like the distractions in our own lives...I pray that tonight and all month we stay FOCUSED on what is most important. Mother Mary, pray for us!

10.13.2006
Well, I haven't kept up as well as I'm reporting on the LAST travels I did on the day I leave for the next batch. Crossroads Music Festival in St. Louis (nearly two weeks ago) was spectacular!!! What a blessing - the people, the music, the bands, the prayer - all SO good. Since I got back, though, I caught a nasty case of the flu and then recovered to find my computer crashed...not fun! But, God is really good as He is really able to continue working on me and the ministry even when I feel like I'm just...waiting....for things to get back in order. To every one of you that I met or saw in St. Louis; at XLT and Crossroads, I cannot WAIT to see you all again!!! What a blessing you all are... And now, today, I'm on to a flight to Omaha to do some ministry with the teens in the Diocese of Des Moines IA - Council Bluffs. Only after I sing at a dear friend's wedding this afternoon...it's definitely a busy day! I'll have another post soon on some great things God’s been teaching me...

09.17.2006
J-FEST: So, it's been over a week since J-Fest, and God is as good as ever. I hope everyone that went to J-Fest is still experiencing the ABUNDANCE of His grace that so often follows a weekend that is spent praising, celebrating, living and DANCING WITH JESUS! To each and every one of you that were there, today especially (a week after) my prayers are with you. I can't wait until J-Fest next year! See you all "soon."

09.06.2006
shopping: Today I was at the Gap, I must admit it's one of my favorite stores and one of the very large billboards caught my eye in the store...there was a picture of a very good-looking guy wearing a white shirt, but it wasn't the white shirt or the attractive man that caught my eye, it was Saint Christopher. Around this model's neck was a religious medal. The kind of medals so many Catholics have in large collections. I know I have a drawer full of stainless steel medals of St. Therese of Lisieux and Mary and Jesus and St. Jude and St. Cecilia and St. Teresa of Avila and St. Catherine of Siena and on and on and on... I looked closer (I mean, I was staring at this poster that was bigger than me like a few inches away...) and there he was - Saint Christopher. I think I'm going to go look up more about St. Christopher, but my understanding has always been that he's the patron saint of travelers and that as saints go, Christopher is a more "universal" one as you might say...not strictly Catholic, and I'm not even certain he's canonized. But a visit to the Gap today inspired all these ponderings. And, even more so, was the realization that being Christian, religious and/or in general sharing your faith in a public way (wearing medals) is in, it's hip and even the Gap is promoting it. I've always known that being Catholic ROCKS~! It really does...

08.28.2006
I just got back from Fayetteville! Oh yeah, what an AMAZING day we had. Really and truly every youth there was so on fire. It was such a witness to me! I can take things for granted that I live in a town where I simply cannot go out – whether it’s to Panera for a bagel or the grocery store - and not run into someone I know who is Catholic. Community is so important and yet, I learned from all of the youth in the south this weekend that sometimes it’s not easy to proclaim that when you feel like such a minority. So, I want to say to ALL of you – stay strong and be PROUD to be Catholic because there is so much joy in it.

08.28.2006
SIGN UP FOR THE MAILING LIST!!!!!...something big is coming, you don't wnat to miss it...

08.20.2006
What a blessing this past weekend was - incredibly busy, for me with friends and family, but still wonderful! A great big THANK YOU and YOU ROCK to all the kids and parishoners at Our Lady of Grace! I know you are all going to have an amazing year of youth ministry, how could you not with Stacy!!!

08.16.2006
I’m still trying to catch up on giving “shout outs” to all the amazing people I’ve met and worked with this summer. I just got back Sunday night from the Proud2bCatholic Music Festival in Framingham. What a DAY!!! First of all, it was absolutely beautiful. If I had spoken with God directly and described in perfect detail how I wanted the clouds to look, the sun to shine and the colors to vibrate off of the earth it would have looked exactly as it did this past Saturday! Brilliant. Every performer was amazing, the crowd was excited and it was truly a blessing and an honor to be a part of such a beautiful and blessed event! Upon returning home I was thankful to have had safe travels and to have been part of something so extraordinary. However, I was feeling a little down. I wish it wasn’t the case, but I often find when we put ourselves “out there” for God, no matter what that may be for any of us, the evil one is not a happy camper. I WILL say that a day or so afterwards I read some of the guestbook entries and was THOROUGHLY encouraged. For those of you who write, you may never know how truly grateful I am for your prayers, encouragement and words of affirmation. They are so often LIFE for me. Thank you. For those of you who write on the guestbook in the future – sign up for the mailing list and then I can respond with my gratitude! My heart is so full today, thank you all!

08.08.2006
Jesus wishes to own our hearts completely.

08.07.2006
Dissapointment. Sometimes, we disappoint those we love the most. The reality is it’s inevitable. I’l be honest there’s nothing I despise more than doing this, and yet as I go on in life I’m learning that at times there are so many whom I love that it is unavoidable I won’t live up to someone’s expectations. I think it’s in these moments when I must trust that I am truly living for an audience of One. At the end of the day it is Our Father that we are accountable to and our Father whom we long to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” And my comfort comes in knowing that at the end of the day Jesus only had to lookup to the sky and know that His Father was pleased. Jesus made quite a few people angry and people were often disappointed at the depth of the Truth He preached and what was often needed from and by Him simply to fulfill the will of His Father. We’ve got to keep praying so we know, not only His will, but our Maker Himself. Pray. Listen. And live for an audience of One.

07.27.2006
Unbelievable! Where does the time go my friends??? I have been up to so much, busy as ever, and had so many amazing opportunities to meet so many of you, and I haven’t written a lick about it. I’m so sorry. I think maybe I’ll pick an event and journal about it for the next week…I’ll start with the most recent. HELLO to everyone who was at the Steubenville conference in Steubenville, OH July 15-17. What a wonderful weekend to hear so many amazing messages…I’m sure your heads are all still whirling from all of it, I know I am. A special thank you to any and every one who signs my guestbook or leaves me a comment on myspace, you truly may have no idea just how blessed I am to read them all! It encourages me so much. Here’s what God spoke to me today…”A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart” (Prov. 15:30)

04.20.2006
I just wrote an entry about prayer...and then I read a letter that was in a pile of mail a mile high...it was from the Pro Life Action League - http://www.prolifeaction.org/ - If you've followed the news the past few months, you'll know that after years of battle Joe Scheidler, a long time activist for LIFE, finally won the case against NOW (National Organization for Women). However, they are in desperate need financially from all of the court fees and lawyers. In order to keep going in their ministry and mission to save the little ones they desperately need our help! Can we help? I think we can. Go to the website or send any offering you can to: 6160 N. Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60646. Sometimes prayer is enough, and other times we need action to go with that prayer!

04.20.2006
My friend had surgery a few weeks ago - the second one in three months. I didn't know about the first one until after the fact, but I did know of the second and I prayed for her - I prayed A LOT for her. I made a conscious effort to offer up each and every annoyance and difficulty I faced for a weekend with her in mind. I was in Texas, and when I got back she said, "I would think this surgery would have been more painful, but it was a lot easier. Maybe it's because you were praying for me." Maybe it was...I sure hope so because something like that gives me tangible evidence that our prayers are not only heard but make a DIFFERENCE in people's lives. Keep praying, you don't know whose life you're changing!

04.03.2006
What an amazing weekend in Corpus Christi, TX - God took such great care of me through some wonderful and amazing people. Each and every person there was truly a gift from God, and it was His grace that showed me this gift.

03.18.2006
A Rich Life - What a beautiful day yesterday! I was so blessed to share a concert in the afternoon with my friends at St. Jude's parish. To all who spent the day celebrating God's gift of freedom in living a chaste life, my prayers of encouragement are with you! I had a wonderful time spent in friendship with the musicians who create such AMAZING music to sing and dance along with. I am so blessed. I also spent the day with a wonderful young lady whom I am privileged to be her sponsor for Confirmation, and it is reminding me to pray for all of those preparing for this amazing Sacrament. God worked some amazing miracles in my heart and in my life soon after I received this Sacrament when I was 16 - and I know He has the same gifts waiting for all who are open to His love. God has such gifts awaiting all of us, if we only ask and are able to be open to them. At the end of the day yesterday I was invited to sing for a party of adults, and I couldn’t help but feel as though God truly blessed me because I was open - it was a gift and an opportunity that I hadn't planned on when I woke up, but at the end of the day I looked back in wonder at all that God had given me. I pray for all of us, that no matter what God has for us, we can be grateful - even if what He has planned for us isn't what we desire, and even when His plans aren't our own - I pray we are open to everything He has for us, it is truly ALL GOOD.

02.19.2006
Just a little “shout out” to everyone that was at Destination Jesus this past weekend!!! What a beautiful weekend to spend with so many friends and believers celebrating our love for Jesus, and HIS LOVE FOR US!!!

02.18.2006
Hello to all who were at Destination: Jesus this year! What a weekend. I'll keep praying that God continues to reveal more upon the seeds planted there, each and every day. You are all precious!

02.16.2006
FEAR CAUSES HESITATION and HESITATION CAUSES OUR GREATEST FEARS TO COME TRUE. An inspirational napkin…allow me to explain. I recently spent some time with a very wise and yet very young priest who wrote the above quotes from a movie on a napkin while we were eating happy burgers. I realized I was living much of my life in fear and hesitation when he wrote this. It seems the past few months as I attempt to do anything and everything I am stopped by fear: whether that’s writing a song or making a phone call or praying. Fear has ruled my life, and I’m tired of it. I wish I could write in this journal posted online that I will not be afraid anymore, but I know better. It’s so difficult to completely get rid of and yet this inspirational priest reminded me that in John’s Gospel God tells us that “Perfect Love drives out fear.” He looked at me as he wrote these words and said, “Let Him love you Sarah.” My prayer: Dear Jesus, it is so difficult to stay focused on You and You alone when we are ruled by fear. Help us all, each and every day, to LET US LET YOU LOVE US. Amen.

02.04.2006
What an AMAZING concert we had in Alpharetta, GA. I¡¦m working on getting some of the pictures I have on the website. Thank you to everyone in Alpharetta that came to the concert, it was such a blessed event and such a blessing to sing for youth and their parents. And, it taught me a lesson in waiting. Seeing that one of the reasons this church knew about me was because of my second grade teacher, I¡¦m learning that we never know when seeds are being planted for our future. And, sometimes we have to wait over fifteen years to see them grow. I can¡¦t wait to go back to Georgia!!!! Maybe next time I¡¦ll eat a peach. ƒº

01.23.2006
Today is a battle - pray through it.

12.15.2005
I haven't put any journal entries in here because I find it overwhelming...most of the time I find life overwhelming, usually it's more overwhelming when I'm not spending as much time in prayer as I know I should...but, lately especially it's been really overwhelming. HOWEVER - today, I've decided that I don't have to write an overwhlmingly poignant or brilliant reflection...I just need to say hello to anyone checking out this site...and thank you for supporting me and this ministry and tell you that today, right now, whoever you are wherever you are YOU ARE LOVED DESPERATELY by God...and that is overwhelming in a REALLY good way.