Crumbs for the Journey

Brunei Picture - Colorful Shawls Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day

2011-10-07T16:13:00.000-05:00

Brunei Picture - Colorful Shawls Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day

The Bucket List We All Need; Advice to Graduates

2011-05-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

"The Buried Life" is an 1852 poem about how we get so caught up in day-to-day busywork that we forget to "spend our fire and restless force in tracking out our true, original course."

In that spirit, a couple of Canadian brothers put together a "100 Things To Do Before We Die" list, with items such as "Compete in a krump contest," "Play basketball with President Obama," "Make a toast at a stranger's wedding," and 97 more. Jonnie and Duncan Penn took two weeks off work, borrowed an RV, and tackled the list. They shared the adventure with friends Dave and Ben, and their project is almost like a combination of the movie the Bucket List and the television shows My Name is Earl and Road Rules (another MTV reality series).

Last year as I began watching this project unfold on the internet and now on television, I began to think about students making and setting goals for their lives. I was tempted to be skeptical of the whole movement, since No. 54 is "to get our own TV series." However, the boys vowed that, for every item they scratch off their list, they'd help a stranger accomplish one of his or her life's goals. The result is very inspiring at times. The series is a testament to friendship, adventure, perseverance, and giving back. And it will make you laugh along the way.

As we recognize our graduating seniors this week, I want to encourage each “student,” young and old, to begin making their “list.” The theme of my first year at Ole Miss (many years ago) was “this is the first day of the rest of your life.” The action packed years leading up to graduation seem to go by far too quickly, and since those years come around only once, it is important to seize every opportunity to explore, enjoy and live life in the abundance that Jesus talked about while on this earth. (John 10:10) I do hope that as you are forming and reforming your “list” and that you will include "growing as a Disciple" and "being a part of the Church."

As a Church, we recognize that graduation is a special time in the life of our students. It is the closing of one chapter in their life and the opening of another. May we as a Church continually pray for these young people as they begins their next phase of living and as they continue to invest in their growth as Disciples.

Even The Crumbs Are Enough

2011-03-01T11:41:00.000-06:00

Those who have abandoned themselves to God always lead mysterious lives and receive from him exceptional and miraculous gifts by means of the ordinary, natural and chance experiences in which there appears to be nothing unusual. The simplest sermon, the most banal conversations, the least erudite books become a source of knowledge and wisdom to these souls by virtue of God's purpose. This is why they carefully pick up the crumbs which clever minds tread under foot, for to them everything is precious and a source of enrichment.

- Jean-Pierre De Caussade

TOMS One Day Without Shoes 2011 - Will You Join Us? - Song "One Day" by ...

2011-02-04T12:25:00.000-06:00

The Effects of Student Mission Experiences

2010-12-02T11:58:00.001-06:00

The lives of most teenagers are very focused on self and the opinions of their peers. Daily routines in the summer usually reflect material values, and summer jobs and hanging out with friends seem to revolve around entertainment. A mission trip breaks students away from what could be a completely self-absorbed summer. Foreign Mission Opportunities allow each participant to take a journey to the top of the “mountain” where the air is clean and where they can suddenly see for miles, figuratively and at times literally. Students quickly realize that they don't live their lives in isolation. There are people around the world who don't have the benefit of education, three square meals a day, a steady job, or even a loving home.

Local Mission Opportunities allow them to see others that live in "their backyard" in a different light. Yet it often is not until students have those experiences away from their "backyard" before they begin to notice the places in which they live are also places that need of serving.

Whether working on a house during Mission Week with Krista Kottage in Madison County or offering a bag of rice and beans in Costa Rica, young people come to understand the blessings God has already poured out on them. They are truly able to live out the call God has given to all of us to “love God and love others.”

The Benefits of Investing in Student Missions
As young people encounter new cultures and situations while serving God, they not only gain a larger view of the world, but they often develop a new perspective and understanding of what it means to participate in a lifestyle to love God and love others. Preparing students for missions helps students develop budgets, fund-raising and planning practices that can help create strong leadership skills which can bring about a lasting impact on the Church.

1. Exposure

One benefit for students going on a mission trip is the exposure to different cultures and situations in life. Not only do they get to travel to a beautiful country, but they also get to experience real life in a poverty stricken area. This vastly different setting can be an eye-opening time for everyone. Most Madison students have grown up in relative financial comfort. To see people who live with much less and yet have a truly vibrant faith can be a life-changing experience for each student.

2. Perspective

These life-changing experiences can be a key component in changing the perspective of students. Going on a mission trip often makes the common problems and challenges of North American teens seem much less significant. It also helps them appreciate their surroundings more when they return home. We have seen mission opportunities transform students as they make lifetime memories, gain a deeper understanding of life, and recognize the presence of God in their own lives.

3. Lifestyle

Student mission experiences allow young people to think more deeply about the purpose of life. Even as they begin to examine and explore what their future will look like, they are able to get a glimpse of what it means to serve God with everything they have and everything they are. This time of self-discovery can shake the very foundations of their teen worldview and cause students to begin living a lifestyle that truly reflects a servant’s heart.

Marines

2010-10-19T06:17:00.001-05:00

enough said.....

2010-10-09T14:46:00.000-05:00

I feel so empty,
Cautiously, I approach this table,
wondering who else will be
at the places set here;
Afraid to let anyone know how
hungry I am.
Let me linger, O Nurturing God,
allowing you to feed me, fill me.
Help mr realize that it is in the
sharing that I taste and drink
Your Presence.
- "A Place at the Table" by Ann Donofrio-Benson.

Sunday Morning Coffee

2010-07-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

Buenos dias! We are up and enjoying the sweet Costa Rican coffee. It is slow moving around here since we were a bit late getting "home" last night after a full day of great fellowship, and enjoying God's creation in the middle of the rainforest of Costa Rica. Everyone is doing well. Some are still "recovering" from the lack of sleep during basecamp. However, today should be a good day of just relaxing near the beach and soaking in the God moments while preparing for a week of hard work, great smiles, and sweet moments painted by the hand of the Divine. Dios lo bendiga!

Finally here!

2010-07-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

We are finally here in Costa Rica. The first group was excited to see us and have been talking non-stop. Most of us slept the whole way from San Jose to San Isidro. We will report more later....

2010-07-16T09:09:00.001-05:00

Leaving Houston

The Costa Rica Team Prayer Flags at Sunset

2010-07-15T22:26:00.000-05:00

Wednesday/Thursday Update

2010-07-15T22:23:00.002-05:00

Here we go! We had our second packing party at the Smith's house tonight. Thank you, David, Robin, and Darbi Grace for hosting us. The food was great and so was the "entertainment." Everyone is packed and ready to go. We will see everyone at 4am at the JXN airport with smiles on.

Yesterday's report from the team in Costa Rica was another very positive one. The day was filled with great God moments, from seeing the smiles of the beautiful Costa Rican children to the high emotion of families in need weeping for joy as they were given food to eat with no strings attached. Many of the groups came back last night with reports of people falling to their knees and thanking God for the amazing generosity.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we join our friends for another amazing week of work, service and worship in Costa Rica. We will update you periodically and look forward to giving you a full report when we return.

Tuesday/Wednesday Update

2010-07-14T16:24:00.002-05:00

Things are going really well in Costa Rica. All of our team is healthy and
embracing everyday as a gift from the Divine. Each day brings new faces and
new opportunities to see God in action. The students are constantly being
amazed by the power of the Holy Spirit and are excited about the second
group coming on Friday. Evening worship has been powerful and lots of good
sharing is going on among all the students.

Therefore worship went longer last night so I did not receive yesterday's
text update until late last night They reported that each group had powerful
moments in homes, "People are wanting knowledge about Jesus, people crying
at the mention of prayer. People crying because you've taken the time to
stop and talk to them." The children have been "precious," they seem to
smile and get excited about even the small things. "the days seem to get
better with every day."

As you can see, the needs are great in that area of Costa Rica and we need
to realize that it is amazing blessing that our students are getting this
opportunity to be more than just the hands and feet for Christ in Costa Rica
this week. They are truly living out the heartbeat of God for the world.

I did speak to the team this morning (Wednesday) and everyone in our group
is doing well. We are making sure they are using lots of bug spray and
drinking plenty of water and powerade. They are really excited about the
new students coming on Friday. They can't wait for others to have this
experience.

They will be worshipping in Cocori' tonight. For some of you who know
"Stinky," our Costa Rican brother from the past 2 years, this is his home
church.

Don't forget the second group has their packing party Thursday night 6pm at
the home of David and Robin Smith at 6pm. The countdown is on. It won't be
long until we are gathered(at 4am) in the JXN airport ready to go.

Monday from Costa Rica

2010-07-12T20:11:00.003-05:00

"Today is a great day!" Everyone woke up ready to see God. They have been making puppets and will begin a puppet ministry as they travel to the different sites to work. They have split up into six different teams and they are all out and about in the southern country of Costa Rica serving today. They will have dinner and worship in Palmar Norte tonight. Everyone is doing well. They are enjoying making new friends along with seeing old friends from Base Camp last year. Thanks for the prayers. There are only 4 more days left until the other part of the group joins them.

Report at the end of the day:
The group has had a very good day. I received a text around 9:30pm (which means it was 8:30pm in Costa Rica). They were headed back to camp from worship. They traveled to different areas in the country outside of San Isidro during the day, where they did puppet shows, bible school, delivered rice and beans and prayed over several families. Many of the families had crippled children living in their homes. There was no doubt that the presence of God is among us. They reported that the day was filled with "smiles, hugs, and kisses showing God's love despite the language barrier. God is so good." Worship was great. Two groups reported from their day with puppet shows and testimonies. The theme this week is "Discovering Spiritual Gifts." A minister from Texas is preaching every night with the help of a translator for the Costa Rican students. Everyone is doing well and ready for sleep

Sleeping Beauties!

2010-07-10T20:49:00.006-05:00

Report From Costa Rica: All is Well! DAY 1

2010-07-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that the team arrived in San Jose CR around 1:15pm today and after a long journey over the mountains, they have arrived safely in San Isidro. They will spend the night there tonight. Get up and worship with that congregation and then head to El Peje after lunch. It is just a 20 minute drive.

Most of the team slept the whole way, ( I am sure the early morning flight and the late night last minute packing helped that matter) so they are awake now and excited about being there.

I will keep you posted all week until I head out on Friday, then Zack Vosen (the intern) will keep you posted for the second week. While we are there we will be updating my blog, my facebook & twitter, and hopefully the St. Matthew’s UMC website along the way. I will send an email daily as I receive information (via text and skype) from the team. Please know that for the first week the updates on the web may be periodically done, however as of right now, during the second week we will be with WIFI at night. That means that you can look for lots of pictures and other great things along the journey!

http://www.stm-umc.org/ministries/Youth-Ministries/On-Location

If you know of anyone that needs to be added to our email list please let me know ASAP. Thanks for your support and prayers!

In HIS grip,

KIM <><

100 Best Free iPhone Apps for College Students

2010-07-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

100 Best Free iPhone Apps for College Students

Missing Maggie

2010-07-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

Since the last post I have to mention that Maggie is no longer with us...it has been harder than I ever imagined it would be. She will be forever missed. Magnolia Grace (adopted on) May 20, 1996 - June 19, 2010.

Taking Maggie to the "spa"

2010-05-21T09:38:00.002-05:00

Good old Maggie will spend the week at the "spa". As she gets older (14+ years) she needs special care. I cried the whole way there and home

2010-05-12T13:01:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, I went with a group of graduating seniors to a place outside of Atlanta to go skydiving. (Yes, it was with their parent’s permission.) None of us had ever done anything this adventurous, and we all shared a sense of both excitement and fear.

After getting fitted and geared and watching a brief video, six or seven of us squeezed into a tiny plane. There were no seats or safety belts, just two low benches. Two of us were paying to jump, two were professional tandem partners, one was a photographer, and two were jumping solo “just for fun.” Mark (my tandem partner) and I sat on the floor, our shoulders pressed against what seemed like an awfully flimsy sliding door. The plane rumbled to life, bounced down the grass airstrip, and then we were airborne.

As the plane started climbing, Mark kept an eye on what looked like a big, funny watch strapped to his wrist but was actually an altimeter. It looked like we were really high. “Only 2,000 feet,” he reassured me. We climbed further. Everyone on the plane got quiet, partly because the engine noise was deafening, and partly because this was the scariest part of the experience, even for skydiving veterans - if you don’t get a few butterflies in your stomach right before jumping out of a rickety airplane, what’s the point?

When we were not even halfway up, the door opened, and the solo jumpers did what is called a “hop and pop.” That is, they jumped and almost immediately popped open their shoots. The pull of the wind as the door opened was incredibly strong, and I grabbed tight to the metal strip on back of the pilot’s seat.

At this point I realized I wasn’t yet strapped to Mark, who was wearing the parachute. Seemingly on cue, he reached around my midsection and clipped two lockable carabineers to straps on my jumpsuit that I hadn’t noticed before. Then pulled the straps so tight I couldn’t breathe for a second. “Too tight?” he asked. I glanced out the window, and saw the imposing ground well below us. “Tight is good,” I said.

I put on a pair of flimsy goggles. Mark slid the door open. The wind rushed in and I tried not to look outside. My heart was beating like crazy! Mark shouted “Put your legs out and fold your arms over your chest!” I stuck my legs out of the plane. He grabbed onto the inside of the plane and counted down: “Three, two, one!” Then we pushed off and into a freefall, and the noisy plane engine disappeared above us. For a moment I thought I would die.

… But then I relaxed. Mark shouted: “Put your arms out, like a bird!” I did, and suddenly we felt almost buoyant, the wind rushing past us at an impossible speed but somehow lifting us as well. I started looking around: the sight was beautiful, and the ground didn’t seem to be getting closer to us very quickly. It was an unbelievable feeling that is hard to describe without smiling and speaking faster by the minute!

Then came the time to pull the chord and let the parachute do its job.

As soon as I pulled it there was a great tug; I felt myself being pulled upward as the parachute opened. In a moment we were floating down at a much more relaxed pace. The wind no longer roared, and we started talking. I don’t remember what we talked about; but I do remember taking in all the scenery around us. I could see the skyline of Atlanta off in the distance, with the mountains in the background and sun that was starting to make its western descent for the night.

Freefall from 12,000 feet had lasted about 45 seconds, and after two minutes of parachute drop, we were close to the landing strip again. I saw the plane we had jumped from landing below us and wondered how it had gotten there so fast. And since Mark was shorter than me, we slid along the ground on our bottoms as the parachute collapsed behind us.

This is the time of the year when students and their families are realizing and experiencing many of the same emotions of fear and excitement as that group of skydivers. The excitement of moving forward and the fear of being on their own are evident when it comes to graduation and the thoughts of life after graduation. Today we honor those students graduating from one level of education to another. For some that may mean more studies, and for some that means life. No matter where the journey takes you, or how adventurous your life seems to be, may you hold tight to the One who created you and who will sustain you in every change of life.

Gender-inclusive language challenges church - UMC.org

2010-04-22T11:52:00.000-05:00

Gender-inclusive language challenges church - UMC.org

2010-04-12T23:59:00.000-05:00

Great Quote

2010-04-12T23:21:00.001-05:00

"Obama is not a brown-skinned, anti-war socialist who gives away free healthcare. You're thinking of Jesus." - Fugelsang.

On Your Mark, Get Set... GO

2010-04-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

Ok... here we go. I am trying to start this blog so that folks can follow along as I travel around the world in youth ministry. So be patient.. eventually I will be up and running!

If anyone has any suggestions to help me get this blog thing going.. please feel free to help me on the journey