Okay people out in cyberspace, let me make a few things clear to you if you don't understand them right now. First of all, yes I was a bit frustrated with our community at times, but I think we do have a few things going for us. Like everyone else, I am human and I don't always get everything right all the time (contrary to popular belief). One of my flaws, that I am currently working on, is not being so quick to point out the bad in things and being able to see the good. Some days it is easier than others. So now you know. Also, please don't think this is how we get our issues out in this house, through this blog. Dan, Josh, Jeremy and I all had a great conversation last night over dinner. We do in fact have civil conversations to sort our issues/questions out and we are adults (most of the time) and handle it in a civil way.
Hope you all have a great day.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
My thoughts (Dan)
I think that our house had a good community. It was a little divided, but I don't think that is inherently a bad thing. What I think we all have to remember is that we as individuals are different and are looking for different things to help us grow as Christians. While we didn't do some things that I wish we would have (things like a more scheduled bible study, etc.) I feel that we as a house were led by the Holy Spirit, and therefore are where we need to be as a house.
Going into this internship, I didn't know what to expect. This was my first step out of my parents house, and my first step into my lifelong ministry. I think that not having any serious expectations has helped me see the growth and the change that has happened in all of my housemates.
All of my housemates have their own reasons for being a part of this summer internship. I respect and admire each one of those reasons. The reasons range from aspirations of ordained ministry to the need for a summer job. I believe that we have been brought together to teach each-other and to be taught. I have learned a lot from my friends this summer and I expect to be continually taught by the people in my life.
I cannot say that living in this house has been without its bumps, but I can say that it has been very beneficial. First, I have been able to meet 5 amazing people, and start relationships with them as well. Second, This experience has taught me to be accepting of people where they are and not where I think they should be.
Going into this internship, I didn't know what to expect. This was my first step out of my parents house, and my first step into my lifelong ministry. I think that not having any serious expectations has helped me see the growth and the change that has happened in all of my housemates.
All of my housemates have their own reasons for being a part of this summer internship. I respect and admire each one of those reasons. The reasons range from aspirations of ordained ministry to the need for a summer job. I believe that we have been brought together to teach each-other and to be taught. I have learned a lot from my friends this summer and I expect to be continually taught by the people in my life.
I cannot say that living in this house has been without its bumps, but I can say that it has been very beneficial. First, I have been able to meet 5 amazing people, and start relationships with them as well. Second, This experience has taught me to be accepting of people where they are and not where I think they should be.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Thoughts on community and Slam Poetry
The YLI interns had their ministry day with Jeff Nelson on Friday. We went over to his church, Redford Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and had a bit of a silent retreat. It was great to hear Jeff's heart a bit, but I'll get to that later. During this silent retreat, we went off for 20 minutes at a time, and really just let the Lord speak to us. He spoke to me about the summer, and how I want to take action on certain things when I go back to CMU. The Lord has taught me so much about loving others, whether they are so called lepers, the untouchables. I've learned to really reach out and love them for who they are. Hear their story, see their hearts and really just let God show Himself through the people I have come into contact with this summer. I know I am so much more of a patient person, but I also realize how important community is.
I'm not going to lie. Our house really did not have a great community. But it was because people didn't try. There was a sense of contentment, and it was more than frustrating at times. It really put things into perspective for me though; I was able to see how physical and spiritual contentment can hold people back from progressing any. I don't regret anything that happened this summer, truly. I don't regret anything that I learn from. But I do wish there were things we as a house did differently. Like pray more as a group. Besides dinner. And have a servant's heart as a group. But that all comes with personal commitment I think. I know I've said it a lot, but intentional community is so much different than community itself. Community I think just happens, but intentional community is just what it states. When intentions are present. And so, to the future YLI interns: I cannot stress enough how important being intentional is in an intentional community. Don't just view this summer program as a summer job, but rather view it as a learning experience. It is intended as a way for the Body of Christ to work together with one another, learn how we can serve as a unit and live with God's guidance. But none of this can happen unless 1. First and foremost, you let God be present in the house at all times (accept nothing less!), and 2. Only apply for this if you WANT to be there. Trust me when I say it will make living in the house with 5 other people so much less frustrating.
Oh boy, that was a bit of a tangent, but I think it is truthful. And not truth as in honest, but truth as in what Jesus would line up with.
In other news, Jeff invited us to 1515 Broadway, a place downtown where he does Slam Poetry with Echoverse. It was a really cool experience. I heard one of his poems a few weeks ago at Central UMC in downtown Detroit, but the stuff he shared Friday night was intense. He shared a very touching piece about his mother. As he was reading, I placed myself in the poem and was truly taken back at how beautiful this man could put a simple situation into the most ravishing words ever. By the end, I found myself crying as if this woman he wrote about was my best friend; even though I have never met his mother before.
When I originally got there, I saw my pastor from Brighton First United Methodist Church, which is my home church, along with another couple I knew. It was really great to fellowship with some people from home and update them on what God is doing in my life.
Well, thats all I have for my update today. Expect a big week coming up. Tuesday is primary elections in Detroit, and the church I work at is where a voting booth is. So we have to relocate 30 kids all day. Expect stories... or cries for help!
Until then....
I'm not going to lie. Our house really did not have a great community. But it was because people didn't try. There was a sense of contentment, and it was more than frustrating at times. It really put things into perspective for me though; I was able to see how physical and spiritual contentment can hold people back from progressing any. I don't regret anything that happened this summer, truly. I don't regret anything that I learn from. But I do wish there were things we as a house did differently. Like pray more as a group. Besides dinner. And have a servant's heart as a group. But that all comes with personal commitment I think. I know I've said it a lot, but intentional community is so much different than community itself. Community I think just happens, but intentional community is just what it states. When intentions are present. And so, to the future YLI interns: I cannot stress enough how important being intentional is in an intentional community. Don't just view this summer program as a summer job, but rather view it as a learning experience. It is intended as a way for the Body of Christ to work together with one another, learn how we can serve as a unit and live with God's guidance. But none of this can happen unless 1. First and foremost, you let God be present in the house at all times (accept nothing less!), and 2. Only apply for this if you WANT to be there. Trust me when I say it will make living in the house with 5 other people so much less frustrating.
Oh boy, that was a bit of a tangent, but I think it is truthful. And not truth as in honest, but truth as in what Jesus would line up with.
In other news, Jeff invited us to 1515 Broadway, a place downtown where he does Slam Poetry with Echoverse. It was a really cool experience. I heard one of his poems a few weeks ago at Central UMC in downtown Detroit, but the stuff he shared Friday night was intense. He shared a very touching piece about his mother. As he was reading, I placed myself in the poem and was truly taken back at how beautiful this man could put a simple situation into the most ravishing words ever. By the end, I found myself crying as if this woman he wrote about was my best friend; even though I have never met his mother before.
When I originally got there, I saw my pastor from Brighton First United Methodist Church, which is my home church, along with another couple I knew. It was really great to fellowship with some people from home and update them on what God is doing in my life.
Well, thats all I have for my update today. Expect a big week coming up. Tuesday is primary elections in Detroit, and the church I work at is where a voting booth is. So we have to relocate 30 kids all day. Expect stories... or cries for help!
Until then....
The Body of Christ
Greetings all! So It's Saturday night, and I couldn't think of anything better to do than update you all. Great things have happened to me in the past week or so, and here's why:
So all summer I have been in an online advanced composition course, as part of finishing up my coursework at CMU before I student teach. The course wasn't that difficult at all; in fact I sort of enjoyed it. For our last few units, we've been dealing with arguments and proving points and not making generalizations in your statements. As our final assignment, I was told to write a paper on anything I wanted. It had to be something of deep conviction/concern to me, and had to be at least 1000 words long. Not too bad at all. As I was thinking of something to write about, I remembered reading in Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne, and knew that really living out your faith, as well as reaching out and helping others is something I really want to grab a hold of. And thus, I wrote a paper on the Body of Christ. I made a lot of references from 1 Corinthians 12, talked about the early New Testament church in Acts 2, and also mentioned a few other things. Needless to say, I knew I was taking a bit of a risk by writing a paper saying we should follow Jesus, and not the church. So I got my paper back last night and this is what my professor had to say about it:Jessica, Just when I thought I couldn't read another paper --I'm tired of enviromentalism, immigration--then I get your paper! What a wonderful read! This is a really great paper. Just think: if we all followed the teachings of our faith, ANY faith, we would have such a better world. All faiths teach helping the needy and being an active positve part of the community. If only people would really practice their religion! At least you have thought about it, so you are aware, and probably doing your best. Thanks for a great paper!HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?! I received a great compliment from her, ANNNNND she gave me a 100% on my paper. I'm really really glad that I wrote that paper. I feel I had a lot of self realization through it, and I was able to speak out about an issue that is definitely critical to our society. Plus, that 100% was a great grade to receive as my last assignment in my undergrad!
So all summer I have been in an online advanced composition course, as part of finishing up my coursework at CMU before I student teach. The course wasn't that difficult at all; in fact I sort of enjoyed it. For our last few units, we've been dealing with arguments and proving points and not making generalizations in your statements. As our final assignment, I was told to write a paper on anything I wanted. It had to be something of deep conviction/concern to me, and had to be at least 1000 words long. Not too bad at all. As I was thinking of something to write about, I remembered reading in Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne, and knew that really living out your faith, as well as reaching out and helping others is something I really want to grab a hold of. And thus, I wrote a paper on the Body of Christ. I made a lot of references from 1 Corinthians 12, talked about the early New Testament church in Acts 2, and also mentioned a few other things. Needless to say, I knew I was taking a bit of a risk by writing a paper saying we should follow Jesus, and not the church. So I got my paper back last night and this is what my professor had to say about it:Jessica, Just when I thought I couldn't read another paper --I'm tired of enviromentalism, immigration--then I get your paper! What a wonderful read! This is a really great paper. Just think: if we all followed the teachings of our faith, ANY faith, we would have such a better world. All faiths teach helping the needy and being an active positve part of the community. If only people would really practice their religion! At least you have thought about it, so you are aware, and probably doing your best. Thanks for a great paper!HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?! I received a great compliment from her, ANNNNND she gave me a 100% on my paper. I'm really really glad that I wrote that paper. I feel I had a lot of self realization through it, and I was able to speak out about an issue that is definitely critical to our society. Plus, that 100% was a great grade to receive as my last assignment in my undergrad!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Grand Tour.... finally
Okay I officially have the video tour of the Sonseed Estate on Wildemere!
Update:Actually, some people apparently didn't want the video online. I apologize if I offended anyone. I should have asked before I posted it, and wish that you would only give me grace because I am a human being.
Update:Actually, some people apparently didn't want the video online. I apologize if I offended anyone. I should have asked before I posted it, and wish that you would only give me grace because I am a human being.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Photo and brief job bios
So it just occurred to me that this is two months into the program, and you still have no idea who each of us are. So here is a picture of us....
From left to right, your interns are: Cari, Jessy (me!), Erin, Josh, Dan, and finally Jeremy in front.
Cari is a sophomore at Albion college from Clarkston, MI. She is working at St. Timothy's UMC with the Outpost teaching Spanish. She also works with the Brightmoor Community Center doing a sidewalk Sunday school program for kids.
Jessy (yours truly) is a nearly graduated super senior at Central Michigan University, originally from Brighton, MI. I'm doing my student teaching in the fall, and graduate in December. I am also working at the Outpost at St. Tim's along with Cari.
Erin is a junior at Eastern Michigan University from Canton, MI. She currently works for the Mercy Education project through University of Detroit Mercy.
Josh is a senior at Wayne State University, also from Canton, MI. He is working at the Joy-Southfield clinic this summer, as well as helping out with the Motown Mission Experience.
Dan, a Washtenaw Community College student from Brighton, MI also has two placements this summer. He works with the NOAH project out of Central United Methodist Church, which gives lunches out to homeless people, and also works with Josh and the Motown Mission.
Lastly, Jeremy is a junior at Western Illinois University. He currently lives in Macomb, IL, and works at the Outpost with Cari and myself.
So there you have it....these are your 2009 Transforming Leaders interns. We really cannot thank you enough how much you constantly send prayers our way. We love you all and cannot wait to meet up with you again once our summer comes to a close!
From left to right, your interns are: Cari, Jessy (me!), Erin, Josh, Dan, and finally Jeremy in front.
Cari is a sophomore at Albion college from Clarkston, MI. She is working at St. Timothy's UMC with the Outpost teaching Spanish. She also works with the Brightmoor Community Center doing a sidewalk Sunday school program for kids.
Jessy (yours truly) is a nearly graduated super senior at Central Michigan University, originally from Brighton, MI. I'm doing my student teaching in the fall, and graduate in December. I am also working at the Outpost at St. Tim's along with Cari.
Erin is a junior at Eastern Michigan University from Canton, MI. She currently works for the Mercy Education project through University of Detroit Mercy.
Josh is a senior at Wayne State University, also from Canton, MI. He is working at the Joy-Southfield clinic this summer, as well as helping out with the Motown Mission Experience.
Dan, a Washtenaw Community College student from Brighton, MI also has two placements this summer. He works with the NOAH project out of Central United Methodist Church, which gives lunches out to homeless people, and also works with Josh and the Motown Mission.
Lastly, Jeremy is a junior at Western Illinois University. He currently lives in Macomb, IL, and works at the Outpost with Cari and myself.
So there you have it....these are your 2009 Transforming Leaders interns. We really cannot thank you enough how much you constantly send prayers our way. We love you all and cannot wait to meet up with you again once our summer comes to a close!
Art and cleaning!
The house is clean and the world is at peace. Hahaha!
But really, we had our Kingdom Assignment party this weekend, where we invited all Mission Interns and Young Leaders Initiative interns to our house to share stories of what we have done this summer and how we saw God move. The first thing that happened when I found out up to 25 people could show up, was a minor panic attack in my head. I immediately thought of all the dishes we had to do, the laundry that was neglected for far too long, and the rooms that needed to be taken care of. So on Friday and Saturday afternoon, all of the Transforming Leaders interns cleaned out our summer abode and prepared for everyone to come. It was definitely a bit hectic in the mere minutes before people arrived, but we pulled it together and the house looked quite presentable.
If anyone has ever told you that a clean home is a happy home, they weren't lying. Now that everything is picked up around the house, I have so much less stress in my life!
Overall, the party went rather well. We were able to see some great friends that we met back in May, and catch up on how things were going in our life.
Before the party, erin and Josh and I went down to Redford to their iArt, and interactive art festival they were having. I grew up in Redford when I was younger, so one of my neighborhood friends was actually in charge of it and invited me to com. They had tents with different vendors, performing groups, and different workshops for everyone. It was really a great time. One thing that we participated in was a didgeridoo workshop. For those of you that don't know what that is, its an instrument made by the ancient Aboriginees. You hear it played a lot in the Survivor theme song, Crocodile Dundee, etc. In the workshop, we learned to make one, and then received free lessons. It was great, and I think I got a really great start on the playing technique. Josh and I have been practicing a lot, so I think some of the roommates are getting a bit annoyed. I'm working on how to circular breathe, which is a bit of an advanced technique, but its coming along rather well. I'll make sure to keep you updated on all my didgeridoo adventures.
Thats all for now. Tomorrow two of my classes are starting to learn about symmetrical shapes, and then eventually making tessellations. Should be a fun week at the Outpost!
But really, we had our Kingdom Assignment party this weekend, where we invited all Mission Interns and Young Leaders Initiative interns to our house to share stories of what we have done this summer and how we saw God move. The first thing that happened when I found out up to 25 people could show up, was a minor panic attack in my head. I immediately thought of all the dishes we had to do, the laundry that was neglected for far too long, and the rooms that needed to be taken care of. So on Friday and Saturday afternoon, all of the Transforming Leaders interns cleaned out our summer abode and prepared for everyone to come. It was definitely a bit hectic in the mere minutes before people arrived, but we pulled it together and the house looked quite presentable.
If anyone has ever told you that a clean home is a happy home, they weren't lying. Now that everything is picked up around the house, I have so much less stress in my life!
Overall, the party went rather well. We were able to see some great friends that we met back in May, and catch up on how things were going in our life.
Before the party, erin and Josh and I went down to Redford to their iArt, and interactive art festival they were having. I grew up in Redford when I was younger, so one of my neighborhood friends was actually in charge of it and invited me to com. They had tents with different vendors, performing groups, and different workshops for everyone. It was really a great time. One thing that we participated in was a didgeridoo workshop. For those of you that don't know what that is, its an instrument made by the ancient Aboriginees. You hear it played a lot in the Survivor theme song, Crocodile Dundee, etc. In the workshop, we learned to make one, and then received free lessons. It was great, and I think I got a really great start on the playing technique. Josh and I have been practicing a lot, so I think some of the roommates are getting a bit annoyed. I'm working on how to circular breathe, which is a bit of an advanced technique, but its coming along rather well. I'll make sure to keep you updated on all my didgeridoo adventures.
Thats all for now. Tomorrow two of my classes are starting to learn about symmetrical shapes, and then eventually making tessellations. Should be a fun week at the Outpost!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Good friends and fellowship!
Hello all! Hope your late Thursday or early Friday is treating you well. I just got back from an amazing night and new friends all around. I went with Erin to her school, Eastern Michigan University. While we were there, we had many adventures: we went to a Bible study, visited a yummy bakery, and finished the night with her roommates.
We started the evening by attending a Bible study at His House Christian Fellowship. I'm lucky enough to call this fellowship my church home, but only at Central Michigan University, and not EMU. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by some familiar faces and welcoming smiles. Last week, Erin brought a few of her friends over to the house, and so I had met some of them before which was nice. One of them is Marc. He is about to go to the Dominican Republic to serve God's people over there for 4 weeks, so be praying for him! I've had the pleasure of meeting him 2 or 3 times prior. I'm really encouraged by him. Through conversations I've had with him, I can tell he is really trusting in the Lord to lead him where he needs to be. Scott was there too. I like Scott. When I first met him a few weeks ago, I learned he writes his prayers down as a form of poetry. It's really cool. And really deep. I've spent the most amount of time with Scott and Marc, and I am really encouraged by them both. I forget to tell people how much they mean to me, so I did that tonight.I think I caught them off guard, but I'm glad I did it nonetheless.
Tonight we talked about the story in Genesis, where Joseph is to take after Portiphat's property while he is away. Portiphat's wife tries really hard to sleep with Joseph, but still he resists. Once her husband (and Joseph's slave master, by the way) return's, his wife blames Joseph for sleeping with her, when they really did nothing at all. Portiphat outs Joseph in jail, and the Lord found favor in Joseph and all was well. It was really good to see that the Lord will remain faithful when you do. Not that I ever had any doubt that He wouldn't, but it is definitely reassuring! But it also opened my eyes as to how we may be Portiphat's wife in some situations. I was really challenged with how in my past or even now, I may try to get away with something just because of who I am associated with or because I have any sense of entitlement. Think of any time someone is trying to get out of a ticket by playing the pastor card, for instance. Or even taking advantage of our family and friends (whether it be borrowing money for lunch, asking them to help when you know it just adds stress in their life, etc) I'm realizing it is really not in accordance with the Spirit BY ANY MEANS, and has challenged me to find specific areas in my life that need revamping.
Today has just been a great day of cleaning. Not only have I cleaned out things in my spiritual life, but we scrubbed the house from top to bottom today. It smells so good, and looks as though we just moved in, too!
Continue to pray for us as we end out our internships. The last few weeks can tend to be a bit crazy, and the unity in our house definitely needs strengthening. Your prayers and support truly mean the world to me, and I'm glad that you are able to join us for our summer journey! This is by no means the end of this blog, but it felt appropriate to add it. So thank you!
We started the evening by attending a Bible study at His House Christian Fellowship. I'm lucky enough to call this fellowship my church home, but only at Central Michigan University, and not EMU. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by some familiar faces and welcoming smiles. Last week, Erin brought a few of her friends over to the house, and so I had met some of them before which was nice. One of them is Marc. He is about to go to the Dominican Republic to serve God's people over there for 4 weeks, so be praying for him! I've had the pleasure of meeting him 2 or 3 times prior. I'm really encouraged by him. Through conversations I've had with him, I can tell he is really trusting in the Lord to lead him where he needs to be. Scott was there too. I like Scott. When I first met him a few weeks ago, I learned he writes his prayers down as a form of poetry. It's really cool. And really deep. I've spent the most amount of time with Scott and Marc, and I am really encouraged by them both. I forget to tell people how much they mean to me, so I did that tonight.I think I caught them off guard, but I'm glad I did it nonetheless.
Tonight we talked about the story in Genesis, where Joseph is to take after Portiphat's property while he is away. Portiphat's wife tries really hard to sleep with Joseph, but still he resists. Once her husband (and Joseph's slave master, by the way) return's, his wife blames Joseph for sleeping with her, when they really did nothing at all. Portiphat outs Joseph in jail, and the Lord found favor in Joseph and all was well. It was really good to see that the Lord will remain faithful when you do. Not that I ever had any doubt that He wouldn't, but it is definitely reassuring! But it also opened my eyes as to how we may be Portiphat's wife in some situations. I was really challenged with how in my past or even now, I may try to get away with something just because of who I am associated with or because I have any sense of entitlement. Think of any time someone is trying to get out of a ticket by playing the pastor card, for instance. Or even taking advantage of our family and friends (whether it be borrowing money for lunch, asking them to help when you know it just adds stress in their life, etc) I'm realizing it is really not in accordance with the Spirit BY ANY MEANS, and has challenged me to find specific areas in my life that need revamping.
Today has just been a great day of cleaning. Not only have I cleaned out things in my spiritual life, but we scrubbed the house from top to bottom today. It smells so good, and looks as though we just moved in, too!
Continue to pray for us as we end out our internships. The last few weeks can tend to be a bit crazy, and the unity in our house definitely needs strengthening. Your prayers and support truly mean the world to me, and I'm glad that you are able to join us for our summer journey! This is by no means the end of this blog, but it felt appropriate to add it. So thank you!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Jessy here. I have a real quick post before I go off to the Outpost today.
One of our roommates, Erin, is really sick today and is staying home to get some rest. Please pray for her as she continues to get healthy. Pray that God's healing hand will come down upon her and rejuvenate her.
And lastly, whatever she has, it is going around the house. I gave it to her, and she is giving it to Cari as we speak, so please pray for health in this house!
Thanks, much love!
One of our roommates, Erin, is really sick today and is staying home to get some rest. Please pray for her as she continues to get healthy. Pray that God's healing hand will come down upon her and rejuvenate her.
And lastly, whatever she has, it is going around the house. I gave it to her, and she is giving it to Cari as we speak, so please pray for health in this house!
Thanks, much love!
Monday, July 20, 2009
A good sermon from the other week...
Greetings again and Happy Monday!
I've been meaning to blog about this sermon for a while now, but I've never really gotten around to it. It was from West Outer Drive United Methodist Church. Pastor Albert Rush really seemed to get me fired up at service. Well, really it was the Holy Spirit (sorry pastor!), but it was THROUGH Pastor Rush....
Sermon Title: Where Are You?
Scripture: Psalm 48
"1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
2 It is beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth.
Like the utmost heights of Zaphon [a] is Mount Zion,
the [b] city of the Great King.
3 God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.
4 When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,
5 they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.
6 Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.
8 As we have heard,
so have we seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure forever.
Selah
9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.
10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Mount Zion rejoices,
the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them to the next generation.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end."
So the main idea that I cought was that the Lord is always with you. You will always be in Zion, one of the Lord's holiest places, but we just need to remember that. We shouldn't change from that particular perspective!
For instance: when we are in the church, its the House of God. Would you agree? Amen! But when you leave the church and you go out to your car in the parking lot, you are no longer in the House of God. Amen? NO!!!! Even when you go out to your car, you are STILL in the House of God. He still created the outside. The trees, the people who built the roads, the sky, the sun, everything! It's just all about the perspective you have.
Pastor Rush also talked about how no matter what, God will see us through our hard times and good times. Emmanuel! (Emmanuel means God with us, if you weren't aware) Like when the devil comes creeping into our lives, he just wants to take control. And sometimes we let him! Many of you might be able to attest that when we sink into temptation, whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, pornography, etc., we may not be ourselves. I know I'm not! I feel like I am a separate person who isn't in control. You know why? It's because we AREN'T in control!!!!! We let Satan get in control of our lives, and that is part, not all, of the reason why we sin. I know we have free will as well, but part of it is because the devil is in control of us at that moment. So what owns your should right now? God? Or is it food? Music? Nintendo DSi? Weight loss programs? Work? A significant other? Really take the time right now and think about it.
The pastor made a great analogy at church the other week. He said that if we are a porsche, then sin is a lamborghini. If we race sin, its eventually going to catch up with us and knock us on our face. But here is the cool part: If sin is a lamborghini, then God is a space shuttle! He wins! Hands down, no competition. So the next thing to think about when you are in a race, rather than saying "I" in that race, say "Lord" or "We". I promise the answer to the request will be very rewarding!
Okay, here's my last thought that has really challenged me EVERYDAY since I have heard this sermon: Is your city of Detroit a poor, desolated place, or do you see beauty? Do you see your struggles as failures, or as opportunities? It's all about perspective!
I would really love to hear what you think about the sermon. Feel free to post your comment here for others to read, or if you have some private thoughts to share, please e-mail at jessy.stark@gmail.com I would love to hear what the Lord is putting on your heart.
In other sermon news.....
I feel very blessed that everytime I hear a new sermon, I feel so filled up by the Spirit afterwards. I am very grateful for that, because I can remember a time last year when I just felt empty. Thank you Jesus!
I've been meaning to blog about this sermon for a while now, but I've never really gotten around to it. It was from West Outer Drive United Methodist Church. Pastor Albert Rush really seemed to get me fired up at service. Well, really it was the Holy Spirit (sorry pastor!), but it was THROUGH Pastor Rush....
Sermon Title: Where Are You?
Scripture: Psalm 48
"1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
2 It is beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth.
Like the utmost heights of Zaphon [a] is Mount Zion,
the [b] city of the Great King.
3 God is in her citadels;
he has shown himself to be her fortress.
4 When the kings joined forces,
when they advanced together,
5 they saw her and were astounded;
they fled in terror.
6 Trembling seized them there,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
7 You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish
shattered by an east wind.
8 As we have heard,
so have we seen
in the city of the LORD Almighty,
in the city of our God:
God makes her secure forever.
Selah
9 Within your temple, O God,
we meditate on your unfailing love.
10 Like your name, O God,
your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Mount Zion rejoices,
the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them to the next generation.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end."
So the main idea that I cought was that the Lord is always with you. You will always be in Zion, one of the Lord's holiest places, but we just need to remember that. We shouldn't change from that particular perspective!
For instance: when we are in the church, its the House of God. Would you agree? Amen! But when you leave the church and you go out to your car in the parking lot, you are no longer in the House of God. Amen? NO!!!! Even when you go out to your car, you are STILL in the House of God. He still created the outside. The trees, the people who built the roads, the sky, the sun, everything! It's just all about the perspective you have.
Pastor Rush also talked about how no matter what, God will see us through our hard times and good times. Emmanuel! (Emmanuel means God with us, if you weren't aware) Like when the devil comes creeping into our lives, he just wants to take control. And sometimes we let him! Many of you might be able to attest that when we sink into temptation, whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, pornography, etc., we may not be ourselves. I know I'm not! I feel like I am a separate person who isn't in control. You know why? It's because we AREN'T in control!!!!! We let Satan get in control of our lives, and that is part, not all, of the reason why we sin. I know we have free will as well, but part of it is because the devil is in control of us at that moment. So what owns your should right now? God? Or is it food? Music? Nintendo DSi? Weight loss programs? Work? A significant other? Really take the time right now and think about it.
The pastor made a great analogy at church the other week. He said that if we are a porsche, then sin is a lamborghini. If we race sin, its eventually going to catch up with us and knock us on our face. But here is the cool part: If sin is a lamborghini, then God is a space shuttle! He wins! Hands down, no competition. So the next thing to think about when you are in a race, rather than saying "I" in that race, say "Lord" or "We". I promise the answer to the request will be very rewarding!
Okay, here's my last thought that has really challenged me EVERYDAY since I have heard this sermon: Is your city of Detroit a poor, desolated place, or do you see beauty? Do you see your struggles as failures, or as opportunities? It's all about perspective!
I would really love to hear what you think about the sermon. Feel free to post your comment here for others to read, or if you have some private thoughts to share, please e-mail at jessy.stark@gmail.com I would love to hear what the Lord is putting on your heart.
In other sermon news.....
I feel very blessed that everytime I hear a new sermon, I feel so filled up by the Spirit afterwards. I am very grateful for that, because I can remember a time last year when I just felt empty. Thank you Jesus!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Rough Day... In need of prayers
Hello everybody!
Let me start off by apologizing for not updating until just now. Things at the Outpost have been really crazy lately, and I come home just about ready for bed!
Speaking of the Outpost, I definitely need a lot of prayers of patience sent my way. Today was definitely one of the toughest days that I have had…and it’s only 11:35am as I am writing this! But this all didn’t go down only today. It probably started at the beginning of the week.
Here’s what happened:
So starting either last week or the week before, the Outpost had a new boy come. His name was Caleb, is 9 years old and is a very sweet boy. He also has Downs Syndrome. Before I go any further, let me take this time to recognize all people who work with Special Needs children (or adults) Thank you for your love, patience, kind-heartedness, and straight up awesomeness. I cannot thank you enough. On the days that Caleb acts out, he is very difficult to deal with, and Tuesday was one of those days. He wanted to go outside and play, but he was not allowed to at that time, so he was kicking and scratching, screaming and spitting! Boy, did he give me a work out! He also tends to take off, so I got him to settle down, but not after a few battle wounds. I ended up drawing blood in a few different places, had a fat lip for a day, and a few bruises here and there. Needless to say, Caleb is strong willed! So since Tuesday I became very tired...
Every Thursday is game day because I like for the kids to have fun. (I mean, it is summer afterall!) Today my 9-11 yr old class was playing Fraction Hangman. This game is played just like any other game of hangman, except they have to guess the numbers instead of the letters. To spice things up, I added a bonus round where they actually solved the problem afterwards. Kids soon started complaining that this wasn’t fun, and they wanted to play regular hangman instead. Naturally, I became frustrated. I told them that fraction hangman was the only option, and if there was enough time at the end, we could play hangman. That didn't quite fly with the kids, so they boycotted the game by drawing on paper, talking to their friends, etc. The frustration kept building, and my tiredness from the week all collapsed into one giant ball. I was quickly becoming upset, so I needed someone to take over for a minute while I composed myself. I called in a fellow intern to watch the class. The kids knew I was upset from that moment.
If you could send prayers of patience my way, I would really appreciate it!
Thank you for your constant prayers and thoughts. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
Let me start off by apologizing for not updating until just now. Things at the Outpost have been really crazy lately, and I come home just about ready for bed!
Speaking of the Outpost, I definitely need a lot of prayers of patience sent my way. Today was definitely one of the toughest days that I have had…and it’s only 11:35am as I am writing this! But this all didn’t go down only today. It probably started at the beginning of the week.
Here’s what happened:
So starting either last week or the week before, the Outpost had a new boy come. His name was Caleb, is 9 years old and is a very sweet boy. He also has Downs Syndrome. Before I go any further, let me take this time to recognize all people who work with Special Needs children (or adults) Thank you for your love, patience, kind-heartedness, and straight up awesomeness. I cannot thank you enough. On the days that Caleb acts out, he is very difficult to deal with, and Tuesday was one of those days. He wanted to go outside and play, but he was not allowed to at that time, so he was kicking and scratching, screaming and spitting! Boy, did he give me a work out! He also tends to take off, so I got him to settle down, but not after a few battle wounds. I ended up drawing blood in a few different places, had a fat lip for a day, and a few bruises here and there. Needless to say, Caleb is strong willed! So since Tuesday I became very tired...
Every Thursday is game day because I like for the kids to have fun. (I mean, it is summer afterall!) Today my 9-11 yr old class was playing Fraction Hangman. This game is played just like any other game of hangman, except they have to guess the numbers instead of the letters. To spice things up, I added a bonus round where they actually solved the problem afterwards. Kids soon started complaining that this wasn’t fun, and they wanted to play regular hangman instead. Naturally, I became frustrated. I told them that fraction hangman was the only option, and if there was enough time at the end, we could play hangman. That didn't quite fly with the kids, so they boycotted the game by drawing on paper, talking to their friends, etc. The frustration kept building, and my tiredness from the week all collapsed into one giant ball. I was quickly becoming upset, so I needed someone to take over for a minute while I composed myself. I called in a fellow intern to watch the class. The kids knew I was upset from that moment.
If you could send prayers of patience my way, I would really appreciate it!
Thank you for your constant prayers and thoughts. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cute kids.
Okay, Jessy again with a real quick update. So I just finished my first full week with kids at St. Tim's. These kids are a riot. Here's why:
Louie (age 6): He came to camp on Tuesday, and he is the real quiet type... at first. When we asked his name, he responded with Louie, or Lou was okay too. Today (3 days into him coming to camp), we were playing Bingo in math class. When I wrote down his name indicating he won, he told Cari that he didn't see his name. Louie's name was on the paper. It was then that we found out his name was in fact Tajuan.
Next example.
Layla (age 6): She came in today wearing the cutest outfit. Cari and I asked her if her daddy picked out her clothes today. She nodded "no". So we asked who did, and she replied with, "My daddy." Too cute.
And finally, Dayja (age 9): She was in the hall getting a drink of water yesterday when she saw the sign on a door that said "missions" on it. Naturally, a church will have some sort of missions going on. When she saw the door, she looked over at me and said, "Missions?!?! I didn't know you were a secret agent!"
Louie (age 6): He came to camp on Tuesday, and he is the real quiet type... at first. When we asked his name, he responded with Louie, or Lou was okay too. Today (3 days into him coming to camp), we were playing Bingo in math class. When I wrote down his name indicating he won, he told Cari that he didn't see his name. Louie's name was on the paper. It was then that we found out his name was in fact Tajuan.
Next example.
Layla (age 6): She came in today wearing the cutest outfit. Cari and I asked her if her daddy picked out her clothes today. She nodded "no". So we asked who did, and she replied with, "My daddy." Too cute.
And finally, Dayja (age 9): She was in the hall getting a drink of water yesterday when she saw the sign on a door that said "missions" on it. Naturally, a church will have some sort of missions going on. When she saw the door, she looked over at me and said, "Missions?!?! I didn't know you were a secret agent!"
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
First week on kids at St. Tim's
Hello again faithful blogging friends! This is Jessy, one of the interns updating you this week. Things are in full swing at the YLI house.
To explain my specific site a bit more, I am working at a program called the Outpost. Like I said before, I am teaching math to three separate groups. This week has been a little eye opening for me. I'm having a bit of a hard time especially with my 9-11 year old group because of the huge differences in what they now. A lot of my younger kids are still having a difficult time, whereas the older group is so advanced with fractions, it's almost ridiculous. So for the math teachers out there... any suggestions?
As far as playtime goes, I've learned real quick that my experience is really more one of a beauty stylist's customer. In my three days with the kids, I have had about 23 different hairstlyes a day. It's actually really cute. Today I was playing a sit down game, and I was attacked by 4 or 5 little girls. You can see the picture below!
They braid my hair so tight, and sometimes I think they forget that I'm attached to it! My roommate Cari, who also works at St. Tim's, tells me that I will probably be bald by the end of the summer. I hope she's lying.
Well, thats all I have to update for you right now. For all you tweeters, follow us @yli4detroit or by searching #yli for quotes directly from us. I promise that is updated FAR more often than this! (Sorry about no updates, by the way. I'll get on the other interns about it!)
Things to be praying for us about:
*Continued prayer for our placements
*Unity in the house: spiritual and others
*The City of Detroit, that people would see its beauty and God would make His presence known
*Family and friends back at home, that they would forgive us in times when we forget to call them back because we are exhausted or busy and just forgot. (sorry everyone, I promise I am still alive!)
To explain my specific site a bit more, I am working at a program called the Outpost. Like I said before, I am teaching math to three separate groups. This week has been a little eye opening for me. I'm having a bit of a hard time especially with my 9-11 year old group because of the huge differences in what they now. A lot of my younger kids are still having a difficult time, whereas the older group is so advanced with fractions, it's almost ridiculous. So for the math teachers out there... any suggestions?
As far as playtime goes, I've learned real quick that my experience is really more one of a beauty stylist's customer. In my three days with the kids, I have had about 23 different hairstlyes a day. It's actually really cute. Today I was playing a sit down game, and I was attacked by 4 or 5 little girls. You can see the picture below!
They braid my hair so tight, and sometimes I think they forget that I'm attached to it! My roommate Cari, who also works at St. Tim's, tells me that I will probably be bald by the end of the summer. I hope she's lying.
Well, thats all I have to update for you right now. For all you tweeters, follow us @yli4detroit or by searching #yli for quotes directly from us. I promise that is updated FAR more often than this! (Sorry about no updates, by the way. I'll get on the other interns about it!)
Things to be praying for us about:
*Continued prayer for our placements
*Unity in the house: spiritual and others
*The City of Detroit, that people would see its beauty and God would make His presence known
*Family and friends back at home, that they would forgive us in times when we forget to call them back because we are exhausted or busy and just forgot. (sorry everyone, I promise I am still alive!)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Off to a good start!
Hello bloggers and supporting friends and family! My name is Jessy Stark, and this is my first year as a Transforming Leader intern. I am originally from Brighton, MI. I just recently finished up classes at Central Michigan University this past semester, and will begin student teaching in the fall, followed by graduation in DECEMBER!!!!
We've been underway for about two weeks now, and things are going great. Last week was training at Lake Louise, and I thought it was great how we could escape to the (relatively) quiet wilderness for a couple days. I always love going up to Lake Louise. I'm able to really focus on what God is trying to speak to me at that moment in tim. One thing He was putting on my heart was the importance of community, particularly in 1 Corinthians 12... "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ" Working as a body to bring out the many talents and gifts of others is something I really want to achieve this summer. Living in a house with five others, I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to do that.
Speaking of living with others and working as a body of Christ...
Last night we went and visited some friends over in Hamtramack in the Ailanthus House. It is an intentional living community that we can definitely learn a lot from. We went for a potluck dinner (hooray for Methodism and potlucks!), and it was great to just sit around and fellowship. Before we ate, Jeremy (one of the guys who lives at the house) showed us the community garden in their backyard. IT WAS SO COOL! Seeing his passion for bringing people together and helping the environment all at the same time has really had me thinking about making a lot of my own food. So I am going to start by making some hummus! It's so yummy, and one of the women who was at the house last night gave me a great recipe.
So this summer I will be working at St. Timothy's United Methodist Church off of 6 Mile. I will be part of running an educational enrichment program. Basically it's a day camp where kids can come and have fun, but there is also a portion of the day devoted to school subjects like reading, math and science. I will be teaching math to three groups: 6-8 years, 9-11 years, and 12-14 years. Now don't get me wrong. I am very excited to teach. In fact, I am getting my degree in education. The only thing is that it is Music Education... Needless to say, this summer will definitely have me out of my comfort zone, where God apparently likes me to be. I am okay with it, though; I know that when I am out of my comfort zone, God will stretch me to my maximum capacity, and that I am eternally thankful for! Praise God!
This weekend we are having an open house for our neighbors on our block. We invited them over for hot dogs out on the grill, and some fellowship and "get to know you" time. The neighbors that we have met so far are so wonderful to us. They are very supportive of us and welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. One lady in particular, Mrs. Martin, has been such an angel. Every time we see her, she is so full of joy! We invited her to the barbecue, but unfortunately she has to work that evening. She said that if we need ANYTHING, she'll bring it over in a heartbeat. I think the Lord is going to use her this summer to teach me about humble serving towards one another.
Things you can pray for us about:
*Unity in our house, that God would make us stronger in love, patience, and humble serving towards one another.
*Our neighbors, that we may live our lives as a light to them, and that they would continue to be open to us in their neighborhood, and that the Lord would bring many blessings upon them and their neighborhood.
*Our internships; many of us start making contact with people on Monday.
*That God would give me knowledge and wisdom when teaching my math classes, and that I wouldn't feel inadequate in a subject that I have not had training for.
*The city of Detroit, that people would not look down upon it as a horrible city, but rather an opportunity to show God's love through hospitality. Also that people can find ways to meet that need and serve God's people.
*The many sites that are struggling financially right now.
We've been underway for about two weeks now, and things are going great. Last week was training at Lake Louise, and I thought it was great how we could escape to the (relatively) quiet wilderness for a couple days. I always love going up to Lake Louise. I'm able to really focus on what God is trying to speak to me at that moment in tim. One thing He was putting on my heart was the importance of community, particularly in 1 Corinthians 12... "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ" Working as a body to bring out the many talents and gifts of others is something I really want to achieve this summer. Living in a house with five others, I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to do that.
Speaking of living with others and working as a body of Christ...
Last night we went and visited some friends over in Hamtramack in the Ailanthus House. It is an intentional living community that we can definitely learn a lot from. We went for a potluck dinner (hooray for Methodism and potlucks!), and it was great to just sit around and fellowship. Before we ate, Jeremy (one of the guys who lives at the house) showed us the community garden in their backyard. IT WAS SO COOL! Seeing his passion for bringing people together and helping the environment all at the same time has really had me thinking about making a lot of my own food. So I am going to start by making some hummus! It's so yummy, and one of the women who was at the house last night gave me a great recipe.
So this summer I will be working at St. Timothy's United Methodist Church off of 6 Mile. I will be part of running an educational enrichment program. Basically it's a day camp where kids can come and have fun, but there is also a portion of the day devoted to school subjects like reading, math and science. I will be teaching math to three groups: 6-8 years, 9-11 years, and 12-14 years. Now don't get me wrong. I am very excited to teach. In fact, I am getting my degree in education. The only thing is that it is Music Education... Needless to say, this summer will definitely have me out of my comfort zone, where God apparently likes me to be. I am okay with it, though; I know that when I am out of my comfort zone, God will stretch me to my maximum capacity, and that I am eternally thankful for! Praise God!
This weekend we are having an open house for our neighbors on our block. We invited them over for hot dogs out on the grill, and some fellowship and "get to know you" time. The neighbors that we have met so far are so wonderful to us. They are very supportive of us and welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. One lady in particular, Mrs. Martin, has been such an angel. Every time we see her, she is so full of joy! We invited her to the barbecue, but unfortunately she has to work that evening. She said that if we need ANYTHING, she'll bring it over in a heartbeat. I think the Lord is going to use her this summer to teach me about humble serving towards one another.
Things you can pray for us about:
*Unity in our house, that God would make us stronger in love, patience, and humble serving towards one another.
*Our neighbors, that we may live our lives as a light to them, and that they would continue to be open to us in their neighborhood, and that the Lord would bring many blessings upon them and their neighborhood.
*Our internships; many of us start making contact with people on Monday.
*That God would give me knowledge and wisdom when teaching my math classes, and that I wouldn't feel inadequate in a subject that I have not had training for.
*The city of Detroit, that people would not look down upon it as a horrible city, but rather an opportunity to show God's love through hospitality. Also that people can find ways to meet that need and serve God's people.
*The many sites that are struggling financially right now.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Meat Water Basement
Hello!
My name is Josh McKamie and I am one of the 6 interns living this year on Wildemere St. in Detroit near U of D Mercy. I just finished my Junior year at Wayne State University majoring in Nutrition/Pre-Medicine. I just took the MCAT (medical college admission test) in May and am waiting for the results (hopefully soon, the suspense is killing me). I've lived on campus or near campus at Wayne State since I started there, so I'm somewhat familiar with the city already, but the area we're living in is new to me.
Most of us moved in last Monday on June 8th. The house is huge, old and has a ton of character. We'll put a picture of it up soon. We spent the first day exploring the house and finding lots of interesting things left behind by the people who were previously living here. We found boxes and boxes of shaving cream, honey marinade, magnetic poetry kits, salsa, and huge industrial sized cans of tomato sauce. The freezer in the basement was strangely padlocked shut until someone pried it open and found a solid block of ice with blocks of packaged meat scattered throughout. Later we found out opening this freezer was a mistake....
On Wednesday morning, we all headed up north to Camp Lake Lousie Louise for a teambuilding/training retreat with the other Transforming Leaders interns and 20 or so other Mission Interns not living with us. When we got back on Saturday night we had a nasty surprise waiting for us in the basement: meaty water covering half the floor. We're currently in the process of figuring out how to clean it all up, we'll keep you posted.
This summer I will be splitting my week working at the Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation in their free health clinic and helping to organize the Motown Mission Experience. I started working on planning the Motown Mission weeks today and am starting at the Joy Southfield clinic tomorrow. I'm not sure what I'm exactly doing there, but I will find out tomorrow and let you know!
Josh McKamie
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Welcome to TL 2009!
Hey all!
Welcome to the official blog for the 2009 Transforming Leaders Interns!
We hope that this will be a place where you can stay updated and informed on the work and missions that the TLs will be doing throughout the summer in the city of Detroit.
Follow the interns on their journey as they share the ways in which their hearts and minds are opened and expanded through this humbling experience, as they spread the love of Christ throughout the city of Detroit with their missions, community, and everyday interactions.
Last but not least, thank you for your support of Transforming Leaders and Young Leaders Initiative programs. If you wish to find out more information or become more involved with the programs, please visit our website at youngleadersinitiative.org.
Peace and Love,
Kristen Kosmider
Development Intern, Young Leaders Initiative
Welcome to the official blog for the 2009 Transforming Leaders Interns!
We hope that this will be a place where you can stay updated and informed on the work and missions that the TLs will be doing throughout the summer in the city of Detroit.
Follow the interns on their journey as they share the ways in which their hearts and minds are opened and expanded through this humbling experience, as they spread the love of Christ throughout the city of Detroit with their missions, community, and everyday interactions.
Last but not least, thank you for your support of Transforming Leaders and Young Leaders Initiative programs. If you wish to find out more information or become more involved with the programs, please visit our website at youngleadersinitiative.org.
Peace and Love,
Kristen Kosmider
Development Intern, Young Leaders Initiative
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)