Until recently I have never questioned the tradition of a summer vacation. Since I was a child, my family always took off a week or two and headed out on the open road. We primarily took destination vacations - seeing lots of sights and spending tons of hours on the road. As adults, Shawn and I have continued that tradition. We have taken the kids to Disney World and Disney Land. We have seen the Grand Canyon and the Sequoia National Forest. We have been to Sea World and multiple destinations in Arkansas, our home state.
This year, with finances a little tighter than usual and much to do with our home, school, and the church plant, I questioned that tradition of the family vacation pretty hard. Is it really that necessary for our survival as a family? I think that answer may vary from family to family, but I think for us, that answer is "YES!"
A few years ago we stopped doing the majorly busy, go, go, go vacation. A slower economy, a bigger family, and a smaller salary forced us to rethink how we vacationed. The turning point for us was 2006, the year Abby was born. Under great duress, we felt that we needed time away from the ministry, but Abby was too little to travel far. We rented an inexpensive Condo in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for a week. Our only agenda was to eat ice cream every day and go swimming. It was the best vacation of our lives. We relaxed, there was no rushing, no early mornings, no stress. I could sit and feed the baby without feeling like I was holding up the rest of the family. We returned to what was a difficult time in our ministry refreshed, renewed, and enabled to continue for another season.
Since that time we have stayed in a cabin in the Ozark mountains, road tripped to California with family, and camped in a variety of beautiful locations in Arkansas. We have amazing memories of lazily laying in cold mountain rivers and letting the water rush over us. We have great stories about the crazy stuff that happens to us when we are camping. We have spent many late nights roasting marshmallows over the campfire and laughing at our feeble attempts at ghost stories. We have hiked amazing trails to beautiful locations, using the opportunity to show our children the beauty of God's creation. We have invested long days and late nights into loving our kids and just being with them, without any distractions. Our kids love to tell our vacation stories, creating a sense of tradition for them. A tradition of magically beautiful moments.
This summer it would have been easy to stay home. We had originally planned a massive roadtrip across the West to Yellowstone, but our schedule didn't work out for the extended time away from home this year. With only two weeks left before I start back to work, I have tons to do here at the house, and many reasons why it would be more practical to just stay home.
However, I know from experience that on August 23, our lives will crank up to an entirely new level of crazy chaos with sports, school, fall church events and small group launchings. I know that I will not have a single extra minute to breathe for the next several months. So that is what this next week will be. An opportunity to breathe. We are staying in a cabin in Southern Missouri. We plan to swim, hike, lay in hammocks, read, strum the guitar, and play board games. It sounds boring - no amusement parks, no shopping trips - but it is an opportunity for our family to just breathe. It allows us to regroup, recharge, and return to ministry with the energy and focus that is necessary for success. It is possible for us to pour out our lives for others when we have spent time as a family getting filled up. We will spend this week doing lots of laughing, but we will also spend time praying together, reading God's word together, reflecting on the year past, and looking forward to the future. This week is one week that is just about us and our family and our God. I can't wait!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Monday Morning Update 8.2.10
Today the Mexico mission team shared in our services at The Crossroads. I think that capturing and sharing the impact and heart of a mission trip is incredibly challenging. Our team did a great job of sharing how the trip impacted their lives and how they saw God at work. I appreciated their honesty and focus. It was great to hear about the lives that were changed, and the 28 salvations that took place. I love that God is using The Crossroads both at home and around the world. It also really meant a great deal to me that several ladies volunteered to cover children's so that I could stay and hear about the mission trip. That was such a huge gesture of love!
I was so impressed with our worship team today. They all arrived extra early (without being asked) to help with set up, knowing that we would be short handed on stage. I appreciated their willingness to pitch in and work a little harder and a little faster than usual. I don't know how many times I turned around to run a cable or check a sound issue, and it was already being handled. Rachel did a great job leading the set, and I thought we did okay even without our fearless leader. I was proud of the team and how well they worked together this week to make this worship service happen.
Overall today I felt a little like a proud parent, I guess. I saw our people loving on each other, supporting one another, and giving testimony about how God is at work in their lives. I heard people praying over each other and watched them hug their friends. It is good to see people living out their faith in very real and practical ways. It makes me glad all over again to be a part of The Crossroads.
I was so impressed with our worship team today. They all arrived extra early (without being asked) to help with set up, knowing that we would be short handed on stage. I appreciated their willingness to pitch in and work a little harder and a little faster than usual. I don't know how many times I turned around to run a cable or check a sound issue, and it was already being handled. Rachel did a great job leading the set, and I thought we did okay even without our fearless leader. I was proud of the team and how well they worked together this week to make this worship service happen.
Overall today I felt a little like a proud parent, I guess. I saw our people loving on each other, supporting one another, and giving testimony about how God is at work in their lives. I heard people praying over each other and watched them hug their friends. It is good to see people living out their faith in very real and practical ways. It makes me glad all over again to be a part of The Crossroads.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday Morning Update 7.25.10
After a beautiful, but exhausting week at The National Worship Leader's Conference in Kansas City last week, I hit the road for home. I needed to be home by Friday night because I had new music to learn for services on Sunday, laundry to do, a shower to attend, and many other items that needed to be done. All week I felt urged to visit some cousins that lived about an hour out of my way. I ignored the urging because I didn't have time. I had new music to learn.
Well, I guess God needed to get my attention on that one. I was in the middle of praying through and thinking about my calling that He had finally clarified while at the conference. However, I was arguing that I was too old, too untalented, and too poor to take the next steps of obedience when I suddenly realized I needed to go to the restroom. I pulled off the highway and slowed down to turn into a gas station. As I slowed, my timing belt broke, my car died, and I coasted into a parking spot at the station.
After several hours of being stranded, a mechanic came to check on the car, but couldn't do the repair until mid next week, leaving me still stranded. My phone rang. My cousin (that I didn't think I had time to visit) was coming with a trailer to get me and my car. I spent the weekend visiting with him, his wife, and kids. I absolutely enjoyed the time together. I was drifting off to sleep on their couch when God said, "You really must learn obedience...." Okay, okay - next time I will just go for the visit. But more than that, I realized that God was talking about being obedient to pursue the calling he had revealed. No more excuses.
Shawn came to pick me up in Kansas on Saturday, leaving my car. Repairs are now completed, so we have an excuse to go back for another visit. Our long ride home gave us time to talk about the "what's next" steps. Shawn was just as worried about all the reasons that this is crazy as I am, but we are still going to be obedient.
So Sunday morning, I was bleary eyed, stumbling exhausted. I made it through set up, practice, and the service. I don't have a lot of details to share from the service due to my sheer exhaustion. We muddled through the Buble song that I didn't have time to learn since God sent me to visit my family instead. The worship set was fine, although I played very little since I was completely and totally brain dead. I couldn't even begin to tell you what the set even was. I remember thinking at the time it was good - in that foggy, tired sort of way.
Shawn concluded his family message series with a message about singles. I loved what he said about singles pursuing Christ completely while they wait. So many singles are so busy pursuing a potential mate they don't take advantage of the unique ministry opportunities that are available to them. I also agreed that being single allows people an opportunity to allow Christ to complete them - to be "their enough", developing a healthy character that will someday be ready for a great relationship. So many singles are seeking a mate because they want to be complete, but only Christ can totally complete someone. So good stuff, I thought.
Sunday afternoon, we drove to Arkansas to pick up our kids, then back home again to crash. I am still dragging, but I am starting to feel human again. I am excited, and nervous as I pursue the future.
Well, I guess God needed to get my attention on that one. I was in the middle of praying through and thinking about my calling that He had finally clarified while at the conference. However, I was arguing that I was too old, too untalented, and too poor to take the next steps of obedience when I suddenly realized I needed to go to the restroom. I pulled off the highway and slowed down to turn into a gas station. As I slowed, my timing belt broke, my car died, and I coasted into a parking spot at the station.
After several hours of being stranded, a mechanic came to check on the car, but couldn't do the repair until mid next week, leaving me still stranded. My phone rang. My cousin (that I didn't think I had time to visit) was coming with a trailer to get me and my car. I spent the weekend visiting with him, his wife, and kids. I absolutely enjoyed the time together. I was drifting off to sleep on their couch when God said, "You really must learn obedience...." Okay, okay - next time I will just go for the visit. But more than that, I realized that God was talking about being obedient to pursue the calling he had revealed. No more excuses.
Shawn came to pick me up in Kansas on Saturday, leaving my car. Repairs are now completed, so we have an excuse to go back for another visit. Our long ride home gave us time to talk about the "what's next" steps. Shawn was just as worried about all the reasons that this is crazy as I am, but we are still going to be obedient.
So Sunday morning, I was bleary eyed, stumbling exhausted. I made it through set up, practice, and the service. I don't have a lot of details to share from the service due to my sheer exhaustion. We muddled through the Buble song that I didn't have time to learn since God sent me to visit my family instead. The worship set was fine, although I played very little since I was completely and totally brain dead. I couldn't even begin to tell you what the set even was. I remember thinking at the time it was good - in that foggy, tired sort of way.
Shawn concluded his family message series with a message about singles. I loved what he said about singles pursuing Christ completely while they wait. So many singles are so busy pursuing a potential mate they don't take advantage of the unique ministry opportunities that are available to them. I also agreed that being single allows people an opportunity to allow Christ to complete them - to be "their enough", developing a healthy character that will someday be ready for a great relationship. So many singles are seeking a mate because they want to be complete, but only Christ can totally complete someone. So good stuff, I thought.
Sunday afternoon, we drove to Arkansas to pick up our kids, then back home again to crash. I am still dragging, but I am starting to feel human again. I am excited, and nervous as I pursue the future.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Deliverance
The smell of hot rubber and sweaty men assailed my senses as I pulled the door open to the sound of a tinkling bell. The oversized tractor tires were piled higher than my head. I felt like I had entered a scene from "Deliverance." I maneuvered my way through the maze to the back counter. The owner was negotiating a deal for large tractor tires. His accent was deep country redneck. "Well, William, I reckon I could knock 10 more dollers off them thare tires if youse is a gonna mount'em your own self."
I wound up in the dirty tire shop today after a stranger left a note on my car that there was a nail in my tire. When I came out of MacDonalds after lunch, there was the note. The town was small enough that the local wal-mart didn't have a tire department, but it was also a small enough town that the cashier hooked me up with a tire shop.
I had my doubts as I entered the smelly shop, but Sam, the owner, took good care of me. They emptied a bay and pulled my car right in. I guess they don't see a lot of Dallas women in the remote country shop, because all the mechanics took a long smoking break while I was sitting in the shop. They stared at me through the plate glass window like I was a foreign animal on display at the zoo. Not in an interested, attracted way - just like I was an odd novelty.
About an hour later, and $8 poorer, I left the shop and found my way back to the turnpike. After many more hours of driving, and laying hands on my little car, I finally arrived in Kansas City. Unfortunately my car is not excited about traveling through the mountains. It coughed and spluttered its way over each one.
I am registered, settled into an overstuffed chair amongst a crowd of bloggers. I am ready for an amazing night of worship with Phil Wickham. It should be incredible.
I wound up in the dirty tire shop today after a stranger left a note on my car that there was a nail in my tire. When I came out of MacDonalds after lunch, there was the note. The town was small enough that the local wal-mart didn't have a tire department, but it was also a small enough town that the cashier hooked me up with a tire shop.
I had my doubts as I entered the smelly shop, but Sam, the owner, took good care of me. They emptied a bay and pulled my car right in. I guess they don't see a lot of Dallas women in the remote country shop, because all the mechanics took a long smoking break while I was sitting in the shop. They stared at me through the plate glass window like I was a foreign animal on display at the zoo. Not in an interested, attracted way - just like I was an odd novelty.
About an hour later, and $8 poorer, I left the shop and found my way back to the turnpike. After many more hours of driving, and laying hands on my little car, I finally arrived in Kansas City. Unfortunately my car is not excited about traveling through the mountains. It coughed and spluttered its way over each one.
I am registered, settled into an overstuffed chair amongst a crowd of bloggers. I am ready for an amazing night of worship with Phil Wickham. It should be incredible.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Monday Morning Update 7.18.10
It was a crazy morning at the Kemp house. We had an open house scheduled from 1-3, which meant the house had to be pristine before we could leave for church. The twist on this is that Shawn and Grace rolled in from Mexico last night with their luggage and dirty clothes. We hid all that stuff in the garage this morning.
By the time we left for church, my temper had gotten the better of me. Somehow since yesterday, we had a huge stain in the carpet in the entry that I couldn't get up, no matter what I tried. The kids disappeared into the bathroom and outside to avoid the cleaning, which made me frustrated. I completely lost my cool on James, and I will say that I could not describe my attitude as worshipful by the time I was in the car and headed to church.
The great thing about set up in the church plant is that it gives me some buffer time before worship. By the time we actually began services, I had cooled off. It was good to have our Mexico mission team back with us. I am looking forward to hearing them share soon.
Shawn preached about the seven essentials for a successful marriage. This was a great sermon, looking at how to apply 1 Cor. 13 in our marriages. Whenever I look at 1 Cor. 13 and try to measure my love for Shawn against that standard, I always find areas that need improvement. While I am strong in perseverance and commitment, I struggle with being patient and unselfish.
My favorite part of the service was the closing prayer at the end. Shawn, on impulse, asked me to join him to pray over our people and their marriages. I love to have the opportunity to intercede for these people that I love. I was honored that Shawn allowed me to join him. For many years I supported Shawn's ministry both publicly and behind the scenes, but at The Crossroads it seems to be more of a team effort.
We enjoyed lunch with a few families after church, having the opportunity to visit a little with our friends. I love how the families at The Crossroads love to spend time together. I am excited about the future of the church plant. I can't wait to see what God is going to do next. I am never fully prepared for the depth and the might of his power.
This next week I will be at the National Worship Leader Conference in Kansas City. I am crashing at my cousin's house and commuting about an hour to the conference. While I am stoked about this opportunity, I am also very nervous about traveling alone and spending the week alone at the conference. It is most definitely outside of my comfort zone. I am hoping to improve my skills on the keyboard, but I am also hoping to hear God speak as I dedicate a week to worship without distractions. I am thankful to have a borrowed laptop to write while I am gone, since ours no longer holds battery power. You can read those updates on my worship blog. I would appreciate prayers for safe travel, and for direction about what's next musically for me.
By the time we left for church, my temper had gotten the better of me. Somehow since yesterday, we had a huge stain in the carpet in the entry that I couldn't get up, no matter what I tried. The kids disappeared into the bathroom and outside to avoid the cleaning, which made me frustrated. I completely lost my cool on James, and I will say that I could not describe my attitude as worshipful by the time I was in the car and headed to church.
The great thing about set up in the church plant is that it gives me some buffer time before worship. By the time we actually began services, I had cooled off. It was good to have our Mexico mission team back with us. I am looking forward to hearing them share soon.
Shawn preached about the seven essentials for a successful marriage. This was a great sermon, looking at how to apply 1 Cor. 13 in our marriages. Whenever I look at 1 Cor. 13 and try to measure my love for Shawn against that standard, I always find areas that need improvement. While I am strong in perseverance and commitment, I struggle with being patient and unselfish.
My favorite part of the service was the closing prayer at the end. Shawn, on impulse, asked me to join him to pray over our people and their marriages. I love to have the opportunity to intercede for these people that I love. I was honored that Shawn allowed me to join him. For many years I supported Shawn's ministry both publicly and behind the scenes, but at The Crossroads it seems to be more of a team effort.
We enjoyed lunch with a few families after church, having the opportunity to visit a little with our friends. I love how the families at The Crossroads love to spend time together. I am excited about the future of the church plant. I can't wait to see what God is going to do next. I am never fully prepared for the depth and the might of his power.
This next week I will be at the National Worship Leader Conference in Kansas City. I am crashing at my cousin's house and commuting about an hour to the conference. While I am stoked about this opportunity, I am also very nervous about traveling alone and spending the week alone at the conference. It is most definitely outside of my comfort zone. I am hoping to improve my skills on the keyboard, but I am also hoping to hear God speak as I dedicate a week to worship without distractions. I am thankful to have a borrowed laptop to write while I am gone, since ours no longer holds battery power. You can read those updates on my worship blog. I would appreciate prayers for safe travel, and for direction about what's next musically for me.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Be a Missionary day 9
The Mexico mission team is on their way back home today. They are absolutely exhausted after a busy week of ministry. I have heard from all involved that this was the most amazing mission trip any of them have ever experienced. I am excited to hear their stories.
In ancient times, when Moses went up on the mountain and spent time in God's presence, he returned with such a glow on his face that he had to wear a veil. I imagine that we may see God just through the glow on our mission team's faces.
Here is their last devotional thought for the trip. A challenge for us all.
Tonight you will sleep in your own bed. Tomorrow you will resume your normal, ordinary life. We are all called to be missionaries, every single day of our lives. Some people do that by living in other countries, but we do it as we go to work, as we love our neighbors, as we share Jesus with our friends. How can you continue to live your life as a missionary, seeking to fulfill these verses when you get home?
1 John 3:16-18, “We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help - how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and fee you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
In ancient times, when Moses went up on the mountain and spent time in God's presence, he returned with such a glow on his face that he had to wear a veil. I imagine that we may see God just through the glow on our mission team's faces.
Here is their last devotional thought for the trip. A challenge for us all.
Day 9
Tonight you will sleep in your own bed. Tomorrow you will resume your normal, ordinary life. We are all called to be missionaries, every single day of our lives. Some people do that by living in other countries, but we do it as we go to work, as we love our neighbors, as we share Jesus with our friends. How can you continue to live your life as a missionary, seeking to fulfill these verses when you get home?
1 John 3:16-18, “We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help - how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and fee you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Friday, July 16, 2010
Be a Missionary Day 8
Shawn sent me a text message that they returned to their hotel around 3 a.m. after another great day. I can't wait to hear about the trip. I was planning to leave town on Sunday to attend the National Worship Leader Conference in Kansas City, but Shawn asked me to wait until Monday so that he could tell me all the stories about the trip. I am so excited that he and Grace got to share this opportunity. It will be something special they will share for the rest of their lives.
The team begins the long trek home today. They are stopping in Victoria to do some prison ministry, so it may be a late night before they are back across the border. Pray for their protection as they drive. Pray for the drivers to be alert after an exhausting week.
The team begins the long trek home today. They are stopping in Victoria to do some prison ministry, so it may be a late night before they are back across the border. Pray for their protection as they drive. Pray for the drivers to be alert after an exhausting week.
Day 8
The trip home has begun. Now you are finally sitting still, able to begin processing all that you have seen God do this week. In John 10:4-5, Jesus talks about Himself as a shepherd leading His sheep “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice.”
God walked in front of you every step of the way this week. He prepared the way for you, maybe even through some steep, rough terrain, just like a shepherd. He guided every event that occurred.
Take some time today to remember how God walked ahead of you. How did he prepare you for this journey? How did he lead you this week? What did you see him do? Give Him some praise for all that you saw this week.
Remember the story earlier this week of Joshua setting up the 12 stones as a reminder of what God had done for the Israelites? Share with others about how you saw God at work. It is only as you share with each other that you will grasp a full picture of all the great things God did this week.
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