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Whew! What a whirlwind month. The reason you haven't heard much from me for the last month is due to the fact that no one has heard or seen much of me in the last month. If this is any evidence of my business, this week is my first full week of work in 4 weeks!

Here's the rundown:
Week 1: Allen and Alaina's wedding in New Orleans -> I had a great time in the crazy, always exciting, Big Easy
Week 2: Thanksgiving
Week 3: National Youth Workers Convention in Charlotte -> What an amazing conference! I ran into several of my friends, met many new friends, including my roommate whom I found on the forums, and Bri from Group, learned A LOT from some amazing speakers and youth ministry gurus, experienced awe inspiring worship, and got lots of free stuff!
Week 4: Continuation of that mentioned above.

Well it's good to be back home in Lexington in the town I love, with the people I love, and at the church I love! Speaking of home and church, I included an article I wrote that will run in this week's Pilgrim's Progress. I know, I know, my last entry close to a month ago wasn't an original "Look at the Source" offering as well, but I wanted to post something, and I thought you might enjoy this....plus, I talk about Christmas, which I know is on everyone's mind right now.

Home

As Christmas approaches, many turn there thoughts to home. Home can mean different things to different people. Many return home for Christmas, while others look forward to spending some quality time in their own home with their children. For me, this is the first time in 3 years where I will be leaving home and returning to my old stomping grounds of Pittsburgh (home of the World Champion Steelers). That's right, I said leaving home, not returning home. Though I spent the majority of my life in Pittsburgh, including those pivotal college years, since the summer of 2003 Lexington has always felt like home. While I was in college, I couldn't wait for finals to be over so I could return to Lexington and spend time with the family and friends I loved and missed so much. Even last year, though I only lived 2 hours away in Greenville, I left the upstate and returned to 29072 to spend a week in the area I love.

As I reflect upon the many ups and downs of this year, my mind is flooded with the many joys, smiles, friendships, and blessings Pilgrim has brought to my life. I see the smiling faces of the youth as we worshipped together in the Alamodome, I hear the laughter of several Middle Schoolers while playing a round of miniature golf, and I think about the friendships I have formed with those of you reading this article right now. I'm excited about the direction of this church and especially the youth ministry. I've witnessed growth in the students' walks with Christ and in their relationships with one another. I can not wait to see and experience what will happen next as we continue to grow into a faithful community of youth being equipped to praise God, serve others, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Lexington is HOME. Pilgrim is HOME! I can not think of any other place I would want to live, worship, and serve the risen Christ. I thank-you once again for the opportunity to serve Pilgrim as your Director of Youth Ministries. My end of the year introspection has definitely helped to make this Christmas season a joyous one, because I can not help but reflect on the blessing it has been to serve here. Praise God for bringing me HOME!

As an extra bonus, here are some pictures from my recent travels for your enjoyment, or for those that are really nebby (for those not from the 'burgh, translation=nosy), so you can stalk me even easier.

Take a look at this fully functional cigarette machine I found in New Orleans. Notice the "We Card" date hasn't been changed in 9 years. Makes me wonder if they really card.

Allen and Alaina's wedding was high class, and I just don't say that cause it was in New Orleans or I was there dressed in some stunning attire, but take a look at Alaina's wedding whip!

And if the Rolls Royce wasn't enough check out the wedding party's wheels!

The Doubletree on Canal St. was my place of residence for 3 nights while in New Orleans. All we had to do to find the place was follow the big purple Harrah's Globe which you could see for blocks away. At night it reminded me of the beacon of light cast forth from a lighthouse!

As I mentioned above, NYWC was amazing! I learned so much, got to relax, and got to spend some quality time with other youth pastors just like me. However, I never thought in my wildest dreams that Lex Luger would be giving me a headlock!