Last night I spent the evening teaching Pam’s Youth Group how to swing dance (my voice has just about recovered!).
We wanted to kick things off by showing them a clip of swing dancing so they could see this style of dance in all its glory. We ended up showing them a clip from Swing Kids. I had wanted to show them another video but I couldn’t find it…until this morning:
I literally cannot watch this video without smiling 
UPDATE: I saw this on Brandon Vogt‘s Facebook page…
A good friend told me a story this weekend about a priest he once knew. The local bishop was visiting this priest’s parish for Mass, but before Mass began the whole assembly was treated to an elaborate liturgical dance. It was the real-deal: hand-scarves, dresses, music, tambourines, hand gestures, and more.
When the dance was over, the bishop slowly turned to the priest and whispered in his ear: “If they come up and ask for your head on a platter, they’re going to get it.”
“Never trust spiritual leader who cannot dance.”
- Mr. Miyagi, The Next Karate Kid
Are you ready to have your mind blown?
[youtube-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gol2J5oZH08]
Wow….we’re already just about half way through 2011… Does it look like I’m going to achieve all my New Year Resolutions? Let’s take a look and see…
1. Spend 30 minutes every day in Scripture: At the beginning of the year this was my most faithfully kept resolution, but unfortunately now it’s probably the worst… 
2. More dancing: I’ve finally started making good progress in this area, thank goodness! Since my last update, I did the Beginner’s Boot Camp at Swing Diego. I’ve just finished a month of lessons and I’m signed up for another round. Finally getting back on track…
3. No more rushing: I think I’m still winning here. I’ve had quite a few extra commitments in the past few months (such as hosting Theology On Tap, taking a new course at the Pastoral Institute), but I think I’ve kept the rushing around to a minimum and even had a few peaceful weekends kicking around the apartment.
4. No chocolate: I’m still chocolate-free. When I miss it, I just stare at this picture for a while…
5. Get into the best shape of my life: I think I’ve been doing pretty well here – my diet is under control and I’m regularly doing moderate exercise. However, I’m nowhere near the best shape of my life. I think some kind of “big push” is needed…
6. At least five minutes of guitar practice every day: I’ve managed to keep this up. I’m actually doing more than this because, come September, I’m going to be the only guitarist at the LifeTeen Mass.
7. Keep proper track of my finances: Virtually all sorted. I’m even being good and checking my bank accounts most mornings for fraudulent activity (you know, like grown-ups do).
8. Get back to England for a couple of weeks: Sorted that back in March.
So, I’m going to have to (i) find a way to integrate Scripture reading into my daily life (ii) keep up with the dancing and (iii) go the extra mile (literally!) with the exercise.
All in all, none too shabby…
It’s hard to believe, but January is already basically over. That’s 8% of the year gone already!
This means it’s time to check up on my New Year’s Resolutions and see how I’ve done so far… (told you I take these things seriously!)
1. Spend 30 minutes every day in Scripture: Okay, I have done not too badly on this one. Between preparing the Sunday Gospel for the JP2 Group and preparing other Bible Studies, I’ve been spending some time in Scripture pretty much every day.
However, I’m still not quite regularly up to the full half an hour and it’s not quite as meditation-focussed as I would like. That’s something to work on…
2. More dancing: I’ve been limping through this resolution. So far, I have been out dancing once each week, which is certainly more than I was doing last year, but I still don’t feel I’ve really embraced the spirit of this resolution yet. I have a plan though…
3. No more rushing: I’m rather pleased with this one. I have certainly cut down my number of social engagements, distributed them better and set aside more time to just chill at home. My state of mind has definitely improved as a result. This one is a “win”
4. No chocolate: Not touched a single piece. I really miss it though…I even had a chocolate dream last night
5. Get into the best shape of my life: Really have done very badly on this front. I’ve definitely cut down my food intake and increased the amount of fruit and veg, but the exercising really hasn’t happened. Must do some lengths in the pool before bed tonight…
6. At least five minutes of guitar practice every day: This one is another “win”. I’ve done a minimum of five minutes every day, but very often more, particularly at the weekends. Love it.
7. Keep proper track of my finances: Utter fail.
8. Get back to England for a couple of weeks: All flights are now booked. I’m going via Washington to see the lovely DC people and coming back via Philadelphia to see Jen.
So…all in all, I don’t think I’ve done too badly. I think the two big ones I have to concentrate on this next month are (5) and (7).
See you next month
There is now a Christian version of the 
