Friday, November 22, 2013

Why go to SLS? #1 Consider it training for life as a saint

Why go to SLS? 

#1 Consider it training for life as a saint.

I'll let the Saints convince you to go!

“To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend, without a steady struggle for truth, that is not living, but existing" --Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati


"It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” - Blessed Pope John Paul II

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” --  Jesus, Mt 28:16-20

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

You don't have to ski to be a saint, but it helps

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)


Why go to SLS? #2 For leaders only, and anyone who wants to be one


Why go to SLS?

#3 For leaders only, and anyone who wants to be one!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17.

But maybe you are concerned that you aren’t a leader, that you aren’t holy enough, or smart enough, or brave enough. Be not afraid! Blessed Pope John Paul II reminds us that life with Christ is a great adventure!

“Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.” Blessed Pope John Paul II

We've said it before, we'll say it again, this event goes beyond FOCUS. That's the whole point; creating life long Catholics who are passionate about their faith and evangelization.


Can you have too many pictures of Bl. John Paul the Great?


What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You, a leader!
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Why go to SLS? #3 God is speaking, learn how to listen

Why go to SLS?

#3 God is speaking, learn how to listen


"Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart."  Blessed Mother Teresa

Prayer can be challenging, listening can seem impossible, and discernment can cause nausea.

One of the greatest things about SLS is that individuals who have spent their lives training and learning how to pray, listen, and discern will be there. And they want to teach you how to do the same.

Not only that, but YOU get to share your tips and tricks for talking to the Big Guy. Maybe your way of prayer will really speak to another student who feels lost.


They probably would go to SLS

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You, the Trinity, the Communion of Saints, etc.
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)




Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Why go to SLS? #4 How much TV do you need to watch?

Why go to SLS?

#4 How much TV do you need to watch?

It’s impressive that you can plow through three seasons of the Walking Dead in two weeks, but do you know what’s more impressive? Giving of your time, talent, and treasure to spend time with Christ and learn how to better carry out His mission.


Christmas break might tell you that you were made for comfort, but, in the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict, you were made for greatness!

"Stop watching Netflix!"

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You sans Netflix
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)

Monday, November 18, 2013

Why go to SLS? #5 Your future spouse might go to a school in New York

Why go to SLS?

#5 Your future spouse might go to a school in New York.

You’re all thinking it. This could be the trip where I meet That Person. And maybe that person is a human person and marriage is your vocation, or maybe that person is the Church or Jesus Himself and it’s that kind of marriage.

It's an amazing opportunity to meet hundreds of college students who are passionate about Jesus Christ as well. Where else will you get that opportunity?


There’s no guarantee you'll find your spouse, but you won’t know until you go!

It'll be like this but WAY better

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You and your future spouse
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Why go to SLS? #6 Your job is to Evangelize. Are you ready?

Why go to SLS?

#6 Your job is to Evangelize. Are you ready?

Regardless of what you are studying, or whether or not you intend to be a FOCUS missionary, we are all called to be missionaries and participate in the New Evangelization.

For most professional fields we dedicate years of time to hone our craft, increase our skill, and develop relationships; are we willing to the same for Christ?


“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Blessed Pope John Paul the Great



What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You and the Communion of Saints!
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Why go to SLS? #7 Bible Study is usually better when you have a plan

Why go to SLS?

#7 Bible Study is usually better when you have a plan.

Bible studies are like life, sometimes things go your way and sometimes they crash and burn in a spectacular combination of awkward and physical discomfort.


What better ways to learn how to lead a better study than from people who have created careers doing just that?

Who wants to lead prayer? Anyone? Anyone?

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You and Dr. Sri, Jim Jansen, Curtis Martin, etc.
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)

Friday, November 15, 2013

Why go to SLS? #8 Make Jim buy you LUNCH

Why go to SLS?

#8 Make Jim buy you LUNCH


All the missionaries want you to go to SLS and to sweeten the deal, Jim Jansen will buy you lunch on the way there and on the way back.

Yeah, I’m talking about two free meals.
Of  course the missionaries want you to eat, but this gift is also to illustrate that we want you all to be at SLS and (as fellow or former college students) we know that you are poor and that you love free food.

One catch! You must register before November 22 in order to get two free lunches.

We call it, There and Back Again: A Free Lunch Tale

You can register for SLS after November 22, but you will not be eligible for a free lunches.



What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You and your TWO FREE LUNCHES
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)




Thursday, November 14, 2013

Why go to SLS? #9 Group Project...Take Over Campus

Why go to SLS?

#9 Group Project...Take Over Campus

We all know that group projects in college are the worst; someone is always the slacker, someone never even shows up, and you end up doing all the work.

But this group project (take over campus with the love of Jesus Christ) is way better.


At SLS you will be able to meet, commiserate, plan, strategize, and swap stories with student leaders from all over the country. Not to mention spend quality time with those students you are already on campus with; your brothers and sisters on the battlefield!

Perfect meme is perfect

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You and brave steed (aka a bus)
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)

Why go to SLS? #10 Start Your Year Off Right!

Why go to SLS?

#10 Start Your Year Off Right!

Once again it’s January 1st and you are looking to make some changes. Maybe a 4.0? Good for you. Maybe drop 10lbs? That’s neat. How about changing the lives of those around you, and saving eternal souls? That’s what I’m talking about.

Because, if we are being honest, our resolutions last for about 2-4 months, but the lessons and practical information you will learn on SLS will last into eternity (talking about Heaven).

Be happier than this girl!

What: Student Leadership Summit
When: January 2-8
Why: I already told you!
How much: $399, $100 for bus (scholarships available)
Who: You and your New Year's Resolutions!
How: Sign up here with registration code (WestReg14)
Questions: Megan Parker (megan.parker@focus.org)


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Matthew Kelly: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself


What’s Your World View??

1/100 people go to college
1/3 of the world is dying from hunger
1/3 of the world is dying from over eating
à  What did you eat for dinner?

We need to be challenged to re-determine our world view

How is the best way to live?
-          You want what you believe will make you happy
-          We all have an overwhelming desire for happiness; that is how God made us
Grace builds on nature: The supernatural life does not negate or destroy the natural world. Rather, grace sanctifies, elevates and renews nature.

Grace also works through nature. We are not just temples of the Holy Ghost, but instruments of the Spirit as well. We are collaborating with God in extending the boundaries of His Kingdom on Earth of love and peace.

-        Our culture says happiness = pleasure
o    This is WRONG
o      Pleasure can’t be sustained beyond the activity producing it
§  Stop eating, pleasure stops
§   What else in our lives cause use momentary pleasure but not lasting happiness?
-          Happiness – is sustained past the moment producing it
o   Come home from a hard day and don’t feel like working out, you just want to lie on your couch and be lazy. But you convince yourself to get up and go to the gym, after you work out you may be tired, but you will always be glad you went. Where if you were to lay down and watch TV and eat cheese dip you will enjoy it for those two hours and then after feel like crap and regret it.

  What is the best way to live?
-    It’s not the attitude: ‘what is the least I can do and still get by/ still get to Heaven’
-   To look at this we have to detach ourselves from our culture for a while.


If we look into our lives we get a sense that something is missing.


Matthew Kelly was presented with a challenge as a teenager

-          Stop by church for 10 minutes on your way to school each day.
-    After a few days of walking by the church, he finally went in and it actually felt peaceful
-     First few days he just went in and planned the rest of his day
-     Then he decided to “actually” pray and just started listing off all the things he wanted from God that day -> instructions for God
-   Then one day he had a rough morning and was worried about the day and when he sat down he started talking to God and asking what God though he should do with his situation.  
o   This was a huge turning point, releasing your life into God’s hands because he knows what is best for you.
*** Our lives change when our habits change.

We become out habits:
-   Your actions determine your habits; habits determine your character; your character determines your destiny 
-   Reverse this; think of your destiny; WHO do you want to be in the future?
o    Now decide your habits so they will help you reach that destiny

Silence will change your life – take time to sit in silence every day; determine who you really are, your hopes, your dreams, the areas in your life that need changing.
-   Often we try to block this out with noise and business, but it leads to unhappiness.
-   No one plans to live a life of quiet desperation

GAME CHANGER:
1.    Get yourself in a classroom of silence.
2.    Understand that we live in a relativistic culture – the idea that there is no real truth.
a.    Tolerance: (the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with)
                                          i.     --the supreme virtue of secularism
b.    Fact: you don’t have to tolerate good things.
c.    Challenge: look for the truth in everything, it’s there
d.    The knowledge of who Jesus is; is disappearing.
                                          i.    We think we know Jesus – we don’t.
e.    What does society say about Jesus
                                          i.    That He was a nice guy. – this can’t be true.
                                        ii.    Jesus claimed to be the son of God. If he isn’t, then he was a HUGE liar.  You can’t even say he was a good teacher
3.    Words have value based on who speaks them
a.    Someone with high character says something you don’t agree with, you are going to rethink it and try to understand their view.
4.    A question everyone must answer: WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?
a.    So why don’t we follow him?

Jesus had radical teachings---
-   Problem: most of us think we know the Gospel: we don’t.
-   “love and pray for your enemies”
o   Do we?
-   Culture wants us to live a shallow life: to simply be a consumer
-   God’s vision: for us to become the best version of ourselves.
o   He created us with something in mind.
o   There are 1000 + moments in our day when we have the choice to choose to be the best version of ourselves.
o   Just takes thirty seconds: will this make me the best version of myself?
-   Who were our best mentors and coaches?
o   The ones who brought out the best version of ourselves.
-   We get more fulfillment when we work to get better character.
-   Goal of marriage?
o   To help wife/husband & kids become the best version of themselves.

5.    Want to make your life better?
a.    Look at your goals and meaning of your life.
                                          i.    Will you not be happier as the best version of yourself?
                                        ii.    What in my life will sooner or later strike me down? What is my rattle snake?
b.    There is no rubbish of “I didn’t know it was wrong”
                                          i.    99.9% of the time we know the right answer and if we choose it:
 We will be happy

THE WORLD NEEDS CHANGING (DUH)
-   God has given us the ability to choose, the ability to dream.
o   We can see bigger and better in the future and can see what we need to do now to reach that dream.

-   2 excuses: I’m too old. I’m too young.
o   Mozart was eight years old when he wrote his first symphony
o   Dimitrion Yordanidis was ninety-eight years old when he ran a marathon in seven hours and thirty three minutes, in Athens, Greece
-   Age is not an excuse not to change your life.

-   The world today is more interested in self-expression than having a self that’s worth expressing.


God, things are a mess: how can I help?
-   most people overestimate what they can get done in a day and underestimate what they can get done in a week.
o   When we say yes to the stuff that isn't for us, we miss out on the stuff that is just for us.
§  The only thing staying in a relationship you know isn't leading to marriage does, is stop you from meeting the perfect person God has planned for you to marry.
§  Being overly involved in too many activities only takes away from the quality time you were supposed to give to someone to help them through some of life’s tough problems.
-   When you leave this room, don’t not do anything.

How do you get out of your own little world?
-  ----> > Become the most generous person you know.