I was watching Youth Specialties’ podcast this morning, which featured live footage from last weekend’s National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) in Pittsburg.  It moved me… I’ve attended several of these in the years past but wasn’t able to go the last couple of years as I was saving up for a trip to Israel (which was also a life-changing experience).  But… I’ve really missed NYWC and can’t wait to get back this year at the event in Nashville.  Here’s the YS Podcast for those of you who are interested…

Watching this took me back to the last NYWC Deanna, Amy, and I attended back in 2005.  The location was Sacramento, CA and we had little-Mikella (less then a year old) with us for the trip.  So fun!  So many great memories…

Did I say that I can’t wait for Nashville?!  This year I have the added joy of being one of the event’s live-bloggers.  You’ll be able to join Deanna and I in real time at http://nywc.com/live (will go live during the convention).  Again – so fun!

I’ve been studying this generation since my last year at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, TX.  This generation is said to be “socially engaged”, “the best volunteers you’ll ever have”, and students intent on “making things right”.  I believe in this generation and in God’s purpose for them to exact His loving justice, peace, and mercy in our nation.

The term “Generation WE” has gone viral with this new YouTube video (ht to the Source for Youth Ministries) bragging over 700,000 views… a good glimpse of what this generation looks like.