On this last Friday of March, a rally in downtown Johnstown will serve as the kickoff to an April dedicated to child abuse prevention. While green is the color we often associate with spring, blue is the defining color of this cause.
The blue ribbon campaign to prevent child abuse has grown as this national problem is clear. An estimated 3.4 million referrals of child abuse and neglect are reported each year. Our town's Circle of Support Child Advocacy Center is leading a charge to make a difference. Before achieving prevention, it is important to gain attention.
I am unable to go to the rally today, but I wanted to share upcoming events related to Child Abuse Prevention Month. There are many ways to show support. Let this serve as the attention grabber and together, as a community, the idea of making a difference can be discovered.
On April 3rd, Beginnings , Inc is housing an informational session on the Front Porch Project. The project is a "community based primary prevention initiative based on the belief that everyone can - and should - become more aware of how to help protect children and support families in their own communities." The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance partners with local organizations to spread this initiative. In addition to Beginnings evening session ( 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.) on the 3rd, there is an afternoon presentation (1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.) in the Central Park Complex auditorium. For registration information for either time slot, contact Beginnings.
On April 8th, a family fun event is being held at the Galleria Mall from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. On April 13th, the Child Advocacy Center and local schools are teaming up for a prevention walk. The walk will begin at 12:45 P.M. and take off from Greater Johnstown High School. Walkers of all ages and speeds are invited to attend. On April 20th, there is a Stand Up Against Child Abuse dinner at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, starting at 5:00 P.M. On April 25th, Flood City Cafe will host the Take Back the Night event with doors opening at 6:00 P.M.
These range of events center on one thing - let's help kids. Whatever you do or wherever you go, you are encouraged to wear blue in support.
One color. One community.
Be a part of this April's Child Abuse Prevention.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sunday's Gift
Since my second daughter arrived on Saint Patrick's Day, my wife and I have divided, conquered, and safeguarded against collisions. It has been a blessed adventure adding another girl to the mix.
I will return to work on Monday and again, I will have to adapt. I imagine it will not be easy, but the show must go on. I am grateful for my job because it gives me the opportunity to help others. And, while I dedicated everything I had to my family since St. Patty's Day, I received no work phone calls, texts, or emails. There were no work distractions for this Dad. My job was to be Dad. My co-workers helped me by giving me undivided time on family island.
Another helpful part of my life has been Sunday conversations at Mill House Cafe. Over the past year, coffee has provided more than one jolt. The pursuit for a cup of coffee has led to an unexpected route on my spiritual journey. I have befriended community members who share a faith. From there, we've shared experiences, stories, and opinions. Sunday mornings @ the Cafe has been another blessing.
We conclude the Sunday Cafe experience with a sending song. After this week's group, I had an idea. My wife will attest to this - I have a lot of ideas. I plan on taking a phrase from the sending song and jolting this blog. Spirituality has become my creative force. Writing has always been my passionate platform for expression.
"Show us how to use our gifts"
That was this week's line from the sending song. Written words have served so many purposes in my life - direction, inspiration, perspective, and much needed humor. I hope my words have a positive impact on someone, somewhere, someday. Today might be that day. And the writing of others continues to keep me fueled. Keeps the ideas bouncing, My brain is a kangaroo.
If you have a gift, give it. If you want to know more about Cafe Sundays or anything else I write about, please ask. If there is one thing I have learned since I started this blog, it is this: you feel so much more a part of the community when you share experiences with those in your community.
I will return to work on Monday and again, I will have to adapt. I imagine it will not be easy, but the show must go on. I am grateful for my job because it gives me the opportunity to help others. And, while I dedicated everything I had to my family since St. Patty's Day, I received no work phone calls, texts, or emails. There were no work distractions for this Dad. My job was to be Dad. My co-workers helped me by giving me undivided time on family island.
Another helpful part of my life has been Sunday conversations at Mill House Cafe. Over the past year, coffee has provided more than one jolt. The pursuit for a cup of coffee has led to an unexpected route on my spiritual journey. I have befriended community members who share a faith. From there, we've shared experiences, stories, and opinions. Sunday mornings @ the Cafe has been another blessing.
We conclude the Sunday Cafe experience with a sending song. After this week's group, I had an idea. My wife will attest to this - I have a lot of ideas. I plan on taking a phrase from the sending song and jolting this blog. Spirituality has become my creative force. Writing has always been my passionate platform for expression.
"Show us how to use our gifts"
That was this week's line from the sending song. Written words have served so many purposes in my life - direction, inspiration, perspective, and much needed humor. I hope my words have a positive impact on someone, somewhere, someday. Today might be that day. And the writing of others continues to keep me fueled. Keeps the ideas bouncing, My brain is a kangaroo.
If you have a gift, give it. If you want to know more about Cafe Sundays or anything else I write about, please ask. If there is one thing I have learned since I started this blog, it is this: you feel so much more a part of the community when you share experiences with those in your community.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Saint Patrick's Day
On March 17, 2014, my wife and I were seated at the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Dublin. That trip was an incredible view of Ireland. Exactly 10 months from the day we left for the Emerald Isle, our first daughter was born. Another incredible view.
On this Saint Patrick's Day, our second daughter arrived as if our storybook was Ireland: Full Circle. March madness and gladness all around and this second time around was lightning quick. Before we went to the hospital, I wrote down this part of the Saint Patrick breastplate prayer:
"I arise today through the strength of heaven,
the light of the sun, the radiance of the moon,
the splendor of fire, the speed of lightning,
the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea,
the stability of the earth, the firmness of rock"
Before that lightning quick journey from womb to "Wow", the sun shined bright through the hospital window. Dr. Khouzami has been a little bit wind and a whole lot of earth for us. The man is simply awesome- consistent, clear, and charismatic. He wastes no time, but at the same time, makes you feel like he is in this with you, every step and push of the way. Before our St. Patty's day baby was out, he joked that a good laugh or cough was going to get her to us. For two pregnancies now, Dr. Khouzami has seized every day. I am forever grateful for the reassuring swagger of this hospital hero. God bless the doctors, nurses, and staff of Conemaugh Health System.
My wife and God have blessed me with two great girls. I found strength watching my wife today. I seek to strengthen my faith each day, knowing someone is watching over me.
Sleep well, girls.
I am greatly outnumbered and it is incredible.
On this Saint Patrick's Day, our second daughter arrived as if our storybook was Ireland: Full Circle. March madness and gladness all around and this second time around was lightning quick. Before we went to the hospital, I wrote down this part of the Saint Patrick breastplate prayer:
"I arise today through the strength of heaven,
the light of the sun, the radiance of the moon,
the splendor of fire, the speed of lightning,
the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea,
the stability of the earth, the firmness of rock"
Before that lightning quick journey from womb to "Wow", the sun shined bright through the hospital window. Dr. Khouzami has been a little bit wind and a whole lot of earth for us. The man is simply awesome- consistent, clear, and charismatic. He wastes no time, but at the same time, makes you feel like he is in this with you, every step and push of the way. Before our St. Patty's day baby was out, he joked that a good laugh or cough was going to get her to us. For two pregnancies now, Dr. Khouzami has seized every day. I am forever grateful for the reassuring swagger of this hospital hero. God bless the doctors, nurses, and staff of Conemaugh Health System.
My wife and God have blessed me with two great girls. I found strength watching my wife today. I seek to strengthen my faith each day, knowing someone is watching over me.
Sleep well, girls.
I am greatly outnumbered and it is incredible.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
The Small, Mighty Group
There is something about being a part of something. While personal space and solitude are often desirable, the pursuit of belonging is in our nature. This sense of belonging often develops with a sense of community. In my hometown, that sense continues to strengthen.
In order for a group to form, someone needs to reach out to someone else. This is obvious, but often is not easy. For a long time, I had been a part of a large group known as church. There was not a lot to it and not a lot to break down. I walked into a building and stayed there for around an hour. I was surrounded by people. I left and planned on coming back seven days later dependent on next weekend's schedule.
Someone helped change that routine. He is the priest at Our Mother of Sorrows, but I think of him more as a community leader. Since coming to this Johnstown parish, he has led an initiative. His sermons sounded more like challenges. He stepped down from the pulpit, literally and figuratively. Scripture and spiritual life seemed to be open for reflection and interpretation. Refreshing is the best way to describe his impact.
I did not agree with everything he said and believed. That was okay. It was not about agreeing. It was about an eye-and-heart-opening experience greater than me, him, or whomever. It was and is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Once that door was opened, the sense of belonging and community grew.
I began to experience church. I was no longer simply surrounded by people in a building. Instead of using a church mouse voice, I sang more like I was in the shower. Instead of a rush to leave, I had a rush of thoughts related to my spiritual life. Adrenaline started pumping; one, because of that refreshed feeling; two, because my growing daughter has made each and every mass an unpredictable celebration. She is a part of that celebratory community.
The next challenge was to take that bigger crowd and make big steps through small groups. There is certainly strength in numbers, but smaller group discussions could be an opportunity to experience more. My wife and I were on board and a ridiculous revelation was upon us - spiritual life was not limited to Sundays. This was the "Hallelujah moment " of our marriage.
We completed the ALPHA course. I led Service Saturday work projects in Stackhouse Park. We hosted a small group at our house. Saint's Michael's parish became a Friday night safe haven for "Kids Night Out". Small group ideas were put into action. My wife and I visited different churches and celebrated our faith at a coffee shop. By breaking the routine, I am building that ultimate relationship.
During this Lenten season, I am seated in another small group. The birth of our second child might impact perfect attendance, but for today, we are in. And each and every day, I am trying to have a spiritual experience; to celebrate my blessings; to contribute to the community in a positive and purposeful way; to challenge myself knowing that something greater is at work.
I play a small role in a small group.
Thank you, Father Mark.
In order for a group to form, someone needs to reach out to someone else. This is obvious, but often is not easy. For a long time, I had been a part of a large group known as church. There was not a lot to it and not a lot to break down. I walked into a building and stayed there for around an hour. I was surrounded by people. I left and planned on coming back seven days later dependent on next weekend's schedule.
Someone helped change that routine. He is the priest at Our Mother of Sorrows, but I think of him more as a community leader. Since coming to this Johnstown parish, he has led an initiative. His sermons sounded more like challenges. He stepped down from the pulpit, literally and figuratively. Scripture and spiritual life seemed to be open for reflection and interpretation. Refreshing is the best way to describe his impact.
I did not agree with everything he said and believed. That was okay. It was not about agreeing. It was about an eye-and-heart-opening experience greater than me, him, or whomever. It was and is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Once that door was opened, the sense of belonging and community grew.
I began to experience church. I was no longer simply surrounded by people in a building. Instead of using a church mouse voice, I sang more like I was in the shower. Instead of a rush to leave, I had a rush of thoughts related to my spiritual life. Adrenaline started pumping; one, because of that refreshed feeling; two, because my growing daughter has made each and every mass an unpredictable celebration. She is a part of that celebratory community.
The next challenge was to take that bigger crowd and make big steps through small groups. There is certainly strength in numbers, but smaller group discussions could be an opportunity to experience more. My wife and I were on board and a ridiculous revelation was upon us - spiritual life was not limited to Sundays. This was the "Hallelujah moment " of our marriage.
We completed the ALPHA course. I led Service Saturday work projects in Stackhouse Park. We hosted a small group at our house. Saint's Michael's parish became a Friday night safe haven for "Kids Night Out". Small group ideas were put into action. My wife and I visited different churches and celebrated our faith at a coffee shop. By breaking the routine, I am building that ultimate relationship.
During this Lenten season, I am seated in another small group. The birth of our second child might impact perfect attendance, but for today, we are in. And each and every day, I am trying to have a spiritual experience; to celebrate my blessings; to contribute to the community in a positive and purposeful way; to challenge myself knowing that something greater is at work.
I play a small role in a small group.
Thank you, Father Mark.
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