Rising Up on the Surf

As most of you know, this past week I had the incredible opportunity to attend CCO's annual Rise Up event in Vancouver (west-coast is the best coast guys!). These last few days I was hit by the waves of Christ, tumbling in the turbulence of grace and mercy, but cleansed deep within my soul by the time I was swept to the shores. I wish I could have gotten up and ridden the waves, but I was much more comfortable swimming through the challenges and experiencing the "spiritual pickling".

Not everyone has the courage to step out on to the beach and jump into the waves:

Some people fear the size of the waves, that it'll come over their heads.

OR

That the waves will have more power than their own strength. 

But I believe that those two assumptions are more important than anything if you want to see a huge change in your life. You have to encounter a large, powerful wave in order to fully understand the abilities of the water. Every time you let the wave overcome you, you are taken safely back to shore, ready for the next time you choose to leap even further into the depths of the blue...

_____________________________________________________________

Well, would you like to hear what really happened this week?

I'm glad you kept reading, because that means you said "yes". Saying YES was the primary event of this conference...

Did you already sign in?  Yes.
Would you like some coffee?  Umm, is that even a question? Yes.
Have you been having a good time? Yes.
Are you ready to take a leap of faith? Well, as long as I don't fall, then yes.
Did you encounter Christ?  Absolutely.

Along with saying YES to everything I also:

-Heard some incredible speakers, some with great socks, others with very "creative" children
-Met SO many new and old friends, talking my mouth off twelve hours every day
-Received Penance from a priest named Fr. Jim who encouraged me to "stop letting the rotten fruit rot you"
-Had many meals with many people (two things I LOVE!)
-Sat down and just absorbed a woman named Trish's testimony of faith and missionary work
-Ran down the harbour of Vancouver
-Examined the plating of our dessert with my fellow Achitect and Landscaping preists, Fr. Eric and Fr. Toby
AND finally, -Reconnected my wifi (WIreless FaIth) with God



SO, if you have any questions or would like to go for coffee to discuss all the little details about my experience with Christ, please get in contact with me, because I'd love to share my story and hear many of yours!

Sending you all some love this New Year!!   -Ash

DAY 1: Roommates and I waiting for the room...

DAY 2: Dinner at Nero Belgian Waffle shop

DAY 2: Walk down the Stanley Park harbor-front

DAY 4: Leaving for mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral 

DAY 5: The last view from our room on the 8th floor (first day of the New Year!)