Dear Camp Volunteer

Dear Camp Volunteer,

You recently sent your application in, and you're eagerly anticipating the your placement letters that will come out in early May. Never mind that this is over a month away, you're probably already checking your mailboxes with enthusiasm. Thank you so much for your eagerness and joy to volunteer at a summer camp. You are going to be such a fantastic addition to the teams that the director is slowly piecing together right about now. She may even be taking a break to write you this letter. I am so overwhelmed and humbled by how far our camp has come in the last two years, and I just wanted to take a moment and tell you all thank you.

1.) Thank you for volunteering eagerly. I, rather snottily, asked for you turn in applications on time this year, making it very clear I was not going to tolerate tardiness and you rose above and beyond. Whether it was because you were just excited to apply or because you truly listen to me, I am thankful that you did this, making my job a little bit easier.

2.) Thank you for being open to change. Not a week goes by that I don't have some kind of idea to mix things up. You've learned that I fear stagnation, and that I love to mix things up, and you've been open to everything I have tossed in your courts. Not only that, but you have been open with me about how feel about these things. Thank you! I listen to your opinions and truly take them into account each time I consider making some kind of large change. None of these would be successful without your genuine enthusiasm to try these ideas out.

3.) Thank you for your joy! Your applications seem to drip with the joy and excitement for the upcoming summer. Playful notes, sincere offers to do whatever is needed, and dreams about where you may be placed make reading them that much more fun. What could be a tedious office job is no more, because of how happily you filled out those applications. You make me excited to work with you this summer-your camp spirit is infectious.

4.) Thank you for your honesty. You tell me what you really think about the jobs being offered to you. It's okay that you don't want to work kitchen staff again! You did it last year, and we were thankful for you hard work, and besides that, I want you in a job you will love. Thank you for telling me that you cannot work two sessions or that last year was your last. I wish you all the best, and we will keep you in our prayers for years to come.

5.) Thank you for your faith, the faith that you are ready to share with campers this summer. Thank you for being willing to put yourselves out there and discuss the beauty of your faith, your personal relationship with God, and your own unique of getting to know God, the Son, and the Spirit, so that your campers can follow in your faith-on-fire footsteps.

6.) Thank you for trusting me with your most precious place, your home-away-from-home, and your safe place. The place where you can be beautifully and uniquely yourselves. The place where you are unafraid to feel all of the feels, participate in all of the things, and share yourselves with each other and me. Thank you for trusting me, despite my lack of constant warmth, my sarcasm, and the fact that sometimes I scare you.

7.) Thank you for all you give me. I would not be who I am, what I am today if was not for all you have taught me in the last two years as director, and the years before that as a fellow volunteer. You make me feel so brave and strong, so empowered, and so capable. Your faith in me helps me to do what I could never do. You truly bring out the best in me.

I hope you're getting excited for the summer, and I promise, those letters will come sooner than you think.

Tota tua.

Joyful Prayers at Camp But Not at Home

 As Lent has gone on, I've considered and evaluated my prayer - essentially checking to see if I was praying "enough". Here, we've arrived at Holy Week, and I've come to the conclusion that my prayer life is to somber. Here. On the holiest of weeks, and I am concerned that I pray too seriously.

There are five types of prayer, adoration, expiation, love, petition, and thanksgiving.

And I petition frequently, asking for help, blessings, or protection for myself or another.
I'm pretty thankful, I make lists of things I'm thankful for at the end of each prayer-journal. But I find myself not adoring and not loving the Lord that way God deserves. I'm not joyful, I don't glorify, I don't look around and just feel overwhelmed by God. I don't pray with love and adoration on a day-to-day basis during the off-camp season. But at camp I find myself praying in a more adoring, loving way. Probably because I'm less surrounded by worldly things or concerns.

My prayer life at camp is more joyful. I journal in the early mornings, attend Mass, sing joyfully, and pray the rosary as I fall asleep, because camp puts me so at ease in my spiritual life that my prayers aren't because I need to pray, but because I want to. And that's the joy that I miss in my daily prayers out here.

The Lenten season is a time to reflect and pray, and to see what we can do better as Christians. What can I do better? I can find my joy.

Tota Tua,

LeAnn

P.S. Confused about the upcoming week and what's expected of you? Check out my Holy Week guides. 

Saturday Special: Camp for Campers

Dear Dubious Parent,

Some of my best summer memories are from Camp Re-NEW-All (spoiler: I run it now, so clearly, I loved it). I learned so much from attending Camp, and in my years on staff, I have enjoyed watching kids grow and learn in just those four and a half days! It's an experience every child should try, because the worst thing that can happen is they don't come back next year, and the best is that they never want to leave.

Here are some Camp-Director approved reasons why children should try camp... (note, this is church-camp specific, but could totally apply to other sleep-away summer camps like Girl Scout camp or others)

Down by Roaring River

1.) All the new stuff they'll get to try! Living for a few days away from home exposes kids to all kinds of new environments and ideas! Is your child an only child? They'll learn how to share living space with people. Has your child ever swam in a river? They'll to do that too! Have they ever had lemon bars or our special camp-style s'mores? They're going to absolutely love them. New games, new faces, new information-it's an awesome opportunity for your children to try all kinds of new things in a safe, supportive environment!

Staff members at Adoration

2.) Role models. Most summer camps are ran by adults but primarily staffed by high school and college aged young adults. They're comparable to pro-babysitters who are going to help your children have more fun than they've ever had in their lives. The staff is from all over the area, with all kinds of talents. We have team-building the day before your child arrives, and are so prepared to help your child have a blast all week! The staff is there for your children! Camp isn't about the staff, it's about the campers and all they want to is hang out with, bond, teach, help, and get to know your children. This means that your child is going to be surrounded by attentive, Jesus-loving, fun, energetic teens who want to share their love of Christ with all of the campers.

Mass

3.) Jesus will be there. Well, not literally, but sort of! We have religious formation (reform) classes every day, giving campers a chance to learn about an area of their faith in depth. How many forms of prayer are there? What is a saint? How do I find my vocation? These are all questions that have been answered in years past, and this year we are answering questions about the Mass. When your camper comes home telling you all about transubstantiation and when it happens in the Mass, you're going to be blown away. Not only that, but your camper will get a chance to read at Mass, serve, lead praise and worship, participate in the sacrament of Penance and spend time with Christ during Adoration. And the staff will be there every step of the way to help them know how and what to do during all of this, so there's no need to worry if your camper hasn't been to confession in a while or never been to Adoration. We're here to help bring them closer to Christ every day!

All dressed up for the Main Event

4.) Did I mention fun? Does your son or daughter like sports? Or maybe learning about nature? Do they enjoy crafts, such as making tie-dye shirts or mosaic crosses? Can they play an instrument or do they enjoy singing? Or do they just enjoy being a part of a group of kids and having a good day? Camp is so much fun, and so busy! Nightly activities like the Main Event or Skit Night will have your camper excited all day long to participate! They'll lose their voice on Camp Fire Night, singing along to all of the camp songs their peers are leading, and you bet they'll want to know what exactly the Dutch Auction is from the moment it's announced.

5.) Life-Long Friends. Two of my best friends attended camp with me as staff and campers. One of my best friends met her husband at camp in the 8th grade. My younger sister has attended camp with her best friends, and developed mature, faith-focused friendships through her time at camp. There are campers who only attend a particular session so that they can see their camp family every year, which includes campers from West Plains to New Madrid to Joplin. Not to mention Springfield, Pierce City, Cassville, and all of the parishes in between. Your camper is going to make friends with people from all over the area, who all have approximately the same faith experience as they do! Catholicism!

Dancing at Music

6.) Traditions. The summer camp tradition is a strong one. Camp Re-NEW-All has been around for forty-two years! My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins attended camp. There are staffers who watch over their younger siblings, like the Saikos. The oldest, Allison, is all about what her siblings and her campers need; she's the big sister that all the campers need. There are also staffers who are siblings and love to attend the same sessions, and even work the same positions, like the Denney sisters! Sophia and Alexa lead music and work with campers not only at Camp Re-NEW-All but also at a local day camp too. Their experiences, joy, and passion for working with kids are just one example of the kind of love and tradition the staff and campers bring each year. Camp wouldn't be what it is without families who make it a priority each summer.

Camper group picture

7.) Camp isn't camp without campers. The camp's entire purpose is to provide a getaway, a spiritual retreat, and fun, safe environment for campers. All of the campers. And we need all kinds of campers. Athletic campers. Crafty campers. Funny campers. Brave campers. Campers who are shy. Campers who like to help others. Campers with all kinds of life experiences, like being an only child or the youngest, or the oldest. We have campers allergic to nuts, we have campers allergic to grass. We've had campers with different developmental struggles. My dad went to camp on crutches one year! Camp is a safe place. And all of our campers, with all of their differences are loved and wanted for the days that they are here.

Camp holds a special place in my heart, and will even after I am no longer director or able to attend. I truly believe it is one of the most valuable experiences my parents gave me as a child.

Tota tua,

LeAnn

Haters gonna hate, hate, hate...

I'm baaaaaack!

As you can probably tell, it has been a little while since my last post. A culmination of stress (come on, it was my last semester of my undergrad!), and a bit of hypocrisy made me basically give up on this for a bit. But over the last two weeks, I've felt this overwhelming urge to write again, and Mass last night and a video by John Michael Talbot that my mother shared was the last little push I needed. Essentially, I just felt like God was reminding me that even if no one reads or appreciates this, I'm still putting my faith out there for someone who may really need it to find. There aren't enough witnesses to the Faith and the Love of God, and I shouldn't give it up just because of a few snarky people!

With that being said...it's time for a life update! These past few months have been a whirl-wind of activities. I am now attending the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Law after graduating from Pittsburg State University this May. My longtime boyfriend, Josh, and I are now engaged to be married this upcoming May of 2016! And, to top it all off, I survived my second year as the camp director at the wonderful Camp Re-NEW-All, and learned a heck of a lot more about myself and my faith while bringing the camp one step closer to my personal goals for it.

Now, the message for the day. As I mentioned earlier, there are bigots in this world who tried (and almost successfully) tore me down and away from writing about my faith. But as Jesus reminds us, prophets are rarely welcome in their own homes. Now, I am not calling myself a prophet in the sense that Isiah or St. John the Baptist was a prophet, but I am announcing the Good News, and as Catholics we are anointed prophets at our baptism, which means we are called in our own ways to be be Lights to the World. Below is the video that gave me final spark, and although he looks like kind of a goofy guy, Mr. Talbot has a really awesome (and brief!) message each day.

https://video.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xlp1/v/t42.1790-2/11946044_10155909037590335_1193738889_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjMwMCwicmxhIjo1MTJ9&rl=300&vabr=150&oh=23bee4ec35eb9d736206c3331cd08e59&oe=55E48216 

Happy Monday everyone!

Tota tua,

LeAnn

Happy Anniversary!

Two years this past Saturday, Oct. 18th was when I started this blog. You may have noticed that link, title, and website name for the blog has changed.

That's because I have changed.

Two years, Pope Benedict XVI announced a Year of Faith, and I got to work. I was not a person I was proud of two years- my freshman year at Pitt State had been hard, and I need to do better. My grades weren't the best, my faith was not as strong as it had been in the past, and I knew I could do better.

Then why start a blog if I wasn't the best Catholic I could be?

Because I needed something to help hold myself accountable, and because I loved writing.

A blog seemed to fit all of those things- it gave me something to do, to work towards, and to aspire to fulfill. The blog also pushed me to learn more about the faith I claimed. It pushed me to constantly look for the Light in everything around me, and add a dash of Catholicism to everything I did.

Two years later, I feel like an adult in my faith. I feel more confident in my abilities to lead and guide, as a secular female who works with youth in her diocese, and has her own "crew".

Safe to say, I feel good about myself and my ability to lead. I've gone from unconfident, isolated, and disappointed to confident, successful, and loved. So, to culminate these past two years, here are the top five things that have happened to me and this blog!

1. Hands down, getting the job as the Camp Re-NEW-All Director has been the best thing to happen to me and this blog, pushing me to a new level of Christian-Catholic leadership
2. Our most popular post was the one written this summer on servant leadership, which makes sense considering it was about Camp!
3. The third most exciting thing could arguably be first, but because it's more broad, I put Pope Benedict's retirement and Pope Francis's arrival third. That entire event was historic for our Church and amazing to witness.
4. Friends! I've made so many amazing friends in the last two years, and maintained great, healthy friendships with others including Myka, Cearrah, and Josh.
5. Sigma Alpha Iota leadership, I have joined this amazing sisterhood and served as Secretary last year, and this year as president, pushing my leadership skills and making great connections with wonderful, talented young women who all share my interest in music and community!

Alright, I'm done bragging! Be sure to note that the website name has changed, and share this with all your friends, let's beat "Servant Leaderships" 230 page views record in the weeks to come.

Thank you to all who read and support me, and as always,

Totus tuus,

LeAnn 

Announcements, Announcements...

ANNOUNCEMENTS!!

I do have another one, and it's a big one!

My big plans for Camp Re-NEW-All are coming together wonderfully, and I just have to brag!

We are having a Staff Service Day in December, working with Catholic Charities in the Springfield MO area. The day will be spent in service to others, while still getting to spend time with the staff peers. There are so many reasons why I want to do this, but here are my top three:

1. Servant Leaders
1. This is a whole new opportunity for my staff to learn all about being good servant leaders in the community
2. Team Building
1. Another opportunity for the staff to get to know each other, work together, and have fun while still doing something for someone else
3. A Dash of Catholic
1. One of my goals for this entire year of my life and Camp is to add a dash of Catholic Christians in everything I say and do, which means everything I'm in charge of

You have to admit- that looks so good on paper! Now, what does this mean for my staffers reading this? Keep your eyes open for applications that will be coming out, information in parish bulletins and the Mirror (our Diocesan newspaper). 

How's that for keeping busy?

Speaking of busy...it's Homecoming week, the start of the midterm weeks, and my to-do list (which is now LSAT free!!) is still so so long. But I love it.

So, what do you all think of my big big plans??

Totus Tuus, 

LeAnn 

Free-range camp director

Well, I did it. Not without some difficulties here and there, but I did it- I ran all five weeks of Camp Re-NEW-All with very problems. And my oh my, was it a learning experience for everyone involved. There are so many life lessons found in those five weeks, about being a leader, a good person, and a mom to roughly 90 people each week.

Things I learned:

1.) Not everyone gets my sense of humor - I should probably come with a warning label

2.) Positive reinforcement works wonders

3.) I am the bad cop, and the good cop. It's difficult sometimes to be both.

4.) Allowing the group to see my failings, as well as my successes creates a more open, warm environment.

5.) Don't be afraid to make changes - if I do it with confidence, everyone will follow suit because I'm the leader

Things I wished I knew:



1.) The best cure for homesickness is creating a family

2.) It can be lonely

3.) There is no better feeling than being called "Mom" and hearing 90 kids say "yes ma'am"

4.) I would fall in love with every single one of those kids

The most important thing that I learned, and that I wish I knew was garnered from Fr. Tom McGann, who was our Camp priest at 2C and came for confessions as much as possible. "Every time you look at the campers," he said, "see the face of God. Serve them as if they were Jesus. Because they are, we all have Him inside of us."



That piece of advice was all I needed to survive 3C, hump week, and my personally hardest week of the summer, and to make the final two such a success.

Camp is over until next July, and I'm no longer tied to the camp ground, I'm free-range, as my staff would say, and I'm so happy to be, but I'll also admit that I teared up a bit this past Friday, leaving my camp behind, and moving on from it, until next year.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Servant Leaders

When I was asked to take over Camp Re-NEW-All, I knew that the Bishop and Troy (my two bosses) wanted camp to head in a new direction. The only guidance they gave me on this matter was that the camp needed to return to being more camper, and less staff focused.

At first, I wasn't sure how to approach this challenge. More campers were a must, less staff as well, but still maintaining a safe camper-staff ratio. But other than that, what could I do to change the physical attitude of my staff. Many of them came for great reasons, to rebuild their faith, reunite with their fellow Catholics, but nowhere in there was the campers.

Servant leaders.

That's what we needed to make this camp what it is supposed to be. We needed staff that were there 100% for the campers- that wanted to make this week the best week ever for the campers. And that's what I called them to do. Self-giving, selfless teenagers can be hard to find at times, but somehow in the past two weeks I have met over seventy of them scattered across my camp ground. They came in expecting their normal camp experience, and instead were told to give up themselves for a week, and focus on children they had never met before.

I have had adult staff who have been coming for camp for years mention their happiness over the fact that camp is returning to it's roots, that we are beginning to yet again, focus on who makes the camp worthwhile- our campers.

I can tell you that in the next couple years, Camp Re-NEW-All is going to produce some amazing leaders, who have been taught not to boss or to command, but to serve, to wash the feet of the groups they are in charge of. I think Pope Francis I would be proud of this small niche in the world, creating young Catholic leaders, that will someday be the Church leaders we need, and creating a safe haven for the children.

Pray for a third successful week at camp, and until next week-

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Don't be stupid...

Stay in the boat!

During my first week of camp, my boss came to town- Bishop Johnston of the Springfield-Cape Girardeu diocese stopped by to say Mass and enjoy a meal with some the youth of his diocese.

"What is one of the stupidest things you can do on a boat in a storm?" he asked the kids. They all looked around confused, seeing as most of them have had little experience with boats or storms. Bobbi Mosley, our cook, leaned in and whispered to me, "jump out!"

Eventually, Bp. Johnston was able to pull it out of them, that the stupidest thing to do was to jump out of the boat in a storm.

"The Church is the boat, when times get rough, when you feel scared, frustrated, or abandoned, don't jump out of the boat. The Apostles thought Jesus was sleeping, not paying any attention to them or their problems, but He was right there. Jesus will never abandon us."

The kids loved it. For days, I heard them using the Bishop's earthy, child-friendly phrase. It stuck with my staff too, they're talking about even making shirts. And it stuck with me, on Wednesday, I hit a wall. I was so tired, and just unsure of what I was supposed to be doing or saying. Bobbi laughed at me, cheering me on over the hump, all I needed was a minute to breathe, and remind myself that I am not abandoned. I'm surrounded by campers and staff who listened to, respected, and loved me. I could do this.

"Don't be stupid, stay in the boat," I heard Bp. Johnston say, and then I was up and ready to go again.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Jesus is my Super-Hero!

That's where I was this weekend! Being spiritually fed at the Springfield-Cape Girardeau youth conference, themed around super-heros, super-powers, and our kryptonites. The conference was blessed to feature the key-note speaker, Tony Melendez and the Toe-Jam Band!

Odd name, right? That's because Tony was born without arms. His super-power, however, is extraordinary. He plays his guitar with his feet! Tony has preformed for Blessed Pope John Paul II and is a phenomenal speaker and musician. His message for the youth of the diocese was beautiful; find your strengths and flaws, and give them all up to God.

From this, I heard a call to service.

Despite my absolute joy over being hired as the new west side Camp Re-NEW-All director, there has been a lot of emotional and spiritual struggle. For the longest time, I felt the unbearable pressure. I was concerned that I would lose staff, that I would lose support from longtime friends, that I was not what Camp needed or what God had wanted. But Tony, and all the fellowship I found around me soothed those doubts.

Because when you lay it all out there, Jesus will provide. And as the Holy Trinity core team sang over and over for us this weekend,

And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, than who could stand against?

I had already heard and answered God's call, but I had been pulling a Jonah. There were many times I had not been trusting or devoted enough to what God had told me. I had heard what God said correctly, and it was time to trust in that. After all, God will never give us more than we can handle, and God will always provide.

Just like God provided for Tony, by giving him talents that he was able to use despite the struggles he was also given, God will always provide for us. God wants the best for us, the best that could possibly be given to us, because we are God's best and most beautiful Creations, and oh, how He Loves us.

If you would like to know more about Tony Melendez and his incredible journey and story, here's the link to his website!

http://www.tonymelendez.com

Finally, I have a huge, massive, gigantic thank you and shout out to give to my old youth ministers, and as always, my friends. Johnna Hilton has been a part of my life since I was five years old, teaching me how to sing, act, pray, Love, and serve the Lord. Travis Washeck became a youth leader when I was in high school, and I had a wonderful time getting to know Chris Vore better this weekend. The three them are the proud T, C, and J of Totally Catholic Junk- an online Catholic store that has creative apparel, and all kinds of fun Catholic "junk". 

totallycatholicjunk.com

I think that's enough for tonight- all that's left is for is some pictures and videos. 

Sydney Barta, my little sister Ginna, and Sean Jastal singing in the rain

Adoration on Saturday night

The banners processing in at Sunday Mass

I think that's about it! Hope everyone has a blessed week, and remains full of the Holy Spirit!

Totus tuus, 

LeAnn 

News Flash

That college kid life yo- it's a busy one. 

You would think, the semester that I am only taking eighteen hours, would be a relaxed one. Funny thing about thinking, and planning. It never goes the way we plan. 

My life is a constant, manic Monday that involves way too much driving around and not enough sleep or Netflix. But let's be honest, if those are my only true life complaints, then I have nothing to complain about. I am sorry for my inconsistent posting though! 

On the bright side of things, I got my dream job. I am the new, official director of Camp Re-NEW-All on the west side of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese. Yeah. How does that sound? 

This past Sunday, I had the joy of listening to Bishop Leibricht when he celebrated mass at St. Mary's in Joplin. He spoke about commitments, and how they only make us stronger. One who is truly committed, that is one who is going places. He discussed many different kinds of commitments, marriage and relationships, religious and church, and other causes. 

Am I stressed? Yes. Am I tired? Often. Do I sometimes wish that my life was much easier? Sure, don't we all. But I am strong and happy in my commitments. 

Committed to my faith and family, my church and school, my goals, my camp. I'm committed to it all. Bishop was right when he said commitments make us stronger- I could never accomplish what I have without them. 

Totus tuus, 

LeAnn 

God Is good...

...All the time! All the time, God is good!

All of July, I've been at Camp Re-NEW-All, working as assistant, music, and liturgy director.  There are very few people who actually do all five sessions;

• Mandy, our camp director. I've known since before camp, she's gone from being an adult I look up to to a friend and role model.
• Jose, a lay Franciscan who has spent 28 years working at this church camp
• Bobbi, the head cook. She is my favorite person to talk, one of the most entertaining women I know.
• Colby, a seminarian for our diocese. His first year at camp was last summer, and he loved it so much he decided to come back for the entire summer this year. 

Colby loved one of Jose's phrases from last summer; Jose would call out "God is good" and the campers would respond, "All the time", then Jose would say "All the time", and the campers would reply "God is good!", believe me, Colby has yelled that so much over the last four weeks that it has really stuck with me. Thank you Colby.

I love that phrase.  It relates perfectly to the biggest message I tried this last week at camp; to praise God through everything.  When times are the hardest, when you can barely stand to roll out of bed in the morning, that's when you should be on your knees thanking God for this amazing next opportunity to be incredible.  If things were always good, if they were always easy, we wouldn't need God.  It's when times are the hardest that we have to try and find the good things in life and praise God for them, because without Him there would be nothing, and believe, God is truly good all the time, even when you think He isn't.

So, this week whenever you get a speeding ticket, or have a nasty fight with your parents, remember, even now, God is being good, you just have to take the time to see how.

Send me some prayers this, it's my last week of camp and trust me, I'll need them! And of course, you'll be in mine!

Totus tuus,

LeAnn 

3 out of 5

In the last three weeks I have survived freezing nights in camp ground without blankets, a sinus infection and ear infection, a lost voice while trying to lead four to five forty minute music periods a day for four days straight, poison ivy and some other from of irritant, and more hugs than any introvert should have to handle.

And I've loved every single minute of it.

Music at 1C, my dream job of assistant director at 2C, and now the senior of seven adorable 6th grade girls, my day to day life in July has been one big dream.  Somehow among all the chaos and magic, I've found a lot of time for God in my daily life. Rosary for bed, meditating on a different form of prayer each time; praise, thanksgiving, blessing/adoration, petition, and intercession, helping to keep myself focused on my prayers but still "covering all my bases".  On Thursday nights at Camp, the entire group is lucky enough to experience a penance service and adoration.  Sitting in adoration, listening to the same playlist twice now, one song has hit home twice now.

"Beautiful Things" by Gungor starts with this low drone, and even the first time I heard it, not in adoration I could tell this song was going to stick with me, and it has.  The lyrics are simple enough to remain with you, but they also have a second layer within them, making them something worthy of quiet contemplation in a setting such as adoration.

With so much camp on my hands, I hardly have time for anything else, let alone keeping my blog updated, but I thought, if anything, I could share the a song that has been helping me along in my spiritual journey this summer.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Represent

I am no stranger to stage presence.

I've been performing in various venues since I was five years old; dance, piano, clarinet, public speaking, plays, and even sports have put me in front of crowds frequently.  I learned early on how to represent myself well.

There are three levels of stage presence, the first rightly being the first impression.  This can make or break you.  It is, unfortunately, based off of how you look, the way you walk, or even just gesture.  Concert blacks that don't match or an ill fitting suit can immediately reduce your value to an audience.  At that same level, the exact amount of professionalism combined with the personality you plan to exude will draw the crowd in; it's walking out with smile on your face, or wearing a unique tie.  It's all about body language and respecting what you are about to do.

The second level of stage presence falls in the actual performance.  A speaker needs to be able to speak confidently, not too fast or too slow.  A musician should be able to grab the audience's ear with those first few pitches.  An umpire needs to present a high level of authority, and the quarterback needs to give off an immense aura of skill, all while actually fulfilling these requirements.  The first impression is an important one, but the second one is the lasting one.

The third level is found offstage, outside your area of performance.  If you've done your job well, people will recognize you in other areas.  And this is where you really need to represent.  People are always watching, they see the way you interact with your friends, they notice the way you speak to the waitress at a restaurant, and remember it.

My everyday outfit is nothing too fancy, I dress for comfort, not style.  But on important detail to
my everyday ensemble is my ZEW crew bracelet.  This bracelet was given to me at Camp Re-NEW-All, and is a daily reminder of the type of person I want to be, but it also identifies me as a member of my camp.  Wearing that bracelet means that I need to behave in a manner that would represent my camp.  The same goes with letters for SAI, any shirt I wear, anytime I wear my pin, I am representing my fraternity and my sisters.  Any misbehavior reflects poorly not only on me, but on those I represent as well.

Don't believe me?

When I was in high school, my band director received an email complimenting her band members who had used the restroom at a local convenience store.  The owner told her that five teens had come through, two of which wearing band shirts, and all five had been remarkably well-mannered and respectful.  She noticed what school we were from, and made an effort to contact and praise the band program for the young adults in it's membership.

But let's take it one step further; representing God.  Remember that you were made in God's own image, male and female both.  The ways you treat people, behave and interact all reflect back upon a loving God.  It also returns to your church, parents, friends, and family.

We as Christians, and especially as Catholics need to represent.  If we claim our God, claim our Church, then must also claim the responsibility that comes with it.  By no means are we to be like the scribes or the Pharisees, but we should also be distinguishable from others.  If the only time people know you are Catholic is on Ash Wednesday, then you aren't doing your job correctly.

Don't blow a trumpet, but also don't keep your music inside; represent! Perform! The world is our stage, this our life, and we need to make every single day a performance to God.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn