United Methodist Men Blog http://www.gcumm.org en-us Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:39:42 GMT 5 <p>Daniel Shorr, 93, a walking history book for National Public Radio, died July 23.</p> <p>I had the pleasure of having dinner with him the night before Dr. Tom Troeger was installed as the first occupant of the Peck Chair of Communicat... Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:28:49 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=98 1 <p>It is pretty embarrassing when I am reminded during the same week by the GCUMM staff and by my 25 year old son, that the purpose of having a blog is to WRITE something!</p> <p>Since my last post we have sold the house in Texas, bought... Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:21:10 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=97 3 <p>I will celebrate my birthday a week from Monday at the BSA Nat'l Scout Jamboree in<br />Virginia.I certainly hope to blog about some of the excitement,some of the happenings(not necessary associated with my birthday:)<br /><br ... Sun, 18 Jul 2010 03:56:35 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=96 3 <p>My little brother Calvin and his two brothers,Isaiah and Joseph, recently learned how to swim at the local Y.M.C.A.</p> <p>Every kid should know how to save their own life by learning to swim as well as the enjoyment of being in the w... Sun, 18 Jul 2010 03:35:19 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=95 4 <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I&rsquo;ve been thinking lately about the meaning of <em style=&q... Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:33:30 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=94 4 <p>Below are the words to one of my all-time favorite hymns.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day; <br />I don't borrow from it's sunshine, <br />For it's skies may tur... Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:59:02 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=93 3 <p>This week I had the opportunity to take Calvin, my little brother and his two brothers, to the Chris Johnson Football camp in Franklin,Tennessee.What a great life (not just football) experience this was for Calvin.Over 300 kids were at the camp.I... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:11:54 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=92 4 <p>Hello Friends,</p> <p>As many of you know, I have been living out of a suitcase for the past six weeks.&nbsp; Six weeks, six different cities.&nbsp; Over these weeks, I have visited churches.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have visited ... Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:03:25 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=91 3 <p>Bishop William H. Willimon was the keynote speaker at the Duty to God Breakfast,BSA's National Annual Meeting,Dallas,Texas, last Thursday.He spoke to over 1,200 volunteer leaders.Bishop Willimon is an Eagle Scout and his message of humor and ... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:15:52 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=90 3 <p>When I was a just seven years old I remember my father, sick with chronic kidney disease, playing baseball with me in the back yard of our asbestos-shingled duplex.He taught me how to hunt, how to fish and compete in sports.He taught me how to app... Mon, 31 May 2010 13:34:54 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=89 3 <p>Never in my wildest dreams have I witnessed so much rain in what is being called the 1,000 Year Flood, May 1-2. Nor did I think we would spend the weekend dipping it out of my basement trying to protect our son&rsquo;s bedroom and storage area... Fri, 14 May 2010 01:06:57 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=88 3 <p>National BSA Jamboree Mission Project<br /><br />Nothing But Nets is the United Methodist Church's 2010 National Scout Jamboree mission project.&nbsp; Each year approximately 500 million Africans contract Malaria from mosquito... Fri, 14 May 2010 00:38:35 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=87 2 <p>Surrogate son one is endangered.&nbsp; Schizophrenia lies to his soul.&nbsp; At eighteen, he chooses care or the street when released today.&nbsp; I told him he must trust the four who love him over and against the voices within.&n... Wed, 05 May 2010 14:28:04 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=86 2 <p>Just last Saturday my dad sat watching our legacy play soccer.&nbsp; Pop struggled to remember why we were there, and who was playing.&nbsp; I was there watching my father, son, and only blood grandson. My son pointed out the boy is the on... Wed, 05 May 2010 14:27:11 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=85 2 <p>Not enough time?&nbsp; Equal time?&nbsp; Time deficit disorder?&nbsp; There are a few things God was extra equitable with like air, gravity and time.&nbsp; Twenty four hours in every day times the number of days I am allotted.&... Wed, 05 May 2010 14:25:58 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=84 2 <p>The other surrogate son has some serious issues, and we are very concerned.&nbsp; He visited last weekend, and a bomb snuck out of his secret locker.&nbsp; More than two years ago, he witnessed his sister&rsquo;s boyfriend shoot and ki... Wed, 05 May 2010 14:24:47 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=83 2 <p>The boy&rsquo;s homework was to tell his family tree story in Spanish.&nbsp; Easy for some, but he choked on his imprisoned, abandoning father.&nbsp; Last time his father was out of prison, he saw him in a store and his father turned a... Wed, 05 May 2010 14:22:41 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=82 2 <p>I think I missed the point for years in Psalm 23.&nbsp; I thought God was taunting my enemies by preparing my table before them.&nbsp; Wrong.&nbsp; I get to be peace at this table.&nbsp; Peace is served, and I am expected to offer ... Wed, 05 May 2010 14:19:41 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=81 5 <p>John Procter, 91, former president and publisher of the United Methodist Publishing House, died April 15 in Nashville.<br /><br />After noting that two daughters, three grandchildren and one great-grandson survive him, the obituary not... Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:34:29 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=80 2 <p>We started losing his memory years ago, and I am grieving him today even though he is still here.&nbsp; We almost missed a moment thinking he should stay home instead of visit the Fresno clan &ndash; too tiring for him to make that long tr... Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:36:45 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=79 4 <p>Hi.&nbsp; I am excited to report that many good things are on the calendar.&nbsp; I'm speaking at a breakfast in Knoxville and a retreat in Houston during May.&nbsp; I also have several supporters that I will get to meet one-on-on... Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:22:32 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=78 1 <p>This was a great day.&nbsp; I am in Kansas and was blessed to address the Kansas East/West Event.&nbsp; Many of you know that I have lived about 35 years in Texas, and that I grew up in Virginia.&nbsp; But my roots go back to Kansas wh... Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:39:09 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=76 1 <p>One thing leads to another, and so it is with our wonderful staff.&nbsp; My last blog entry talked about 'Vital Connections' and some one asked how to start it.&nbsp; The answer, just click on it, it takes some time to open, but ... Sat, 10 Apr 2010 03:54:01 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=75 2 <p>Jesus said &ldquo;It is finished.&rdquo;&nbsp; Followers say he has done it, once and forever.&nbsp; As for me, what Jesus did and finished gives me a place to start, and re-start.&nbsp; The hand extended to me and you is pierc... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:23:12 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=74 2 <p>What a concept &ndash; unneeded money!&nbsp; Check out the Sky Mall mag on your next flight; heated dog cushions, bug vacuums, a $15,000 exercise machine.&nbsp; I just left a place where most live on two bucks a day.&nbsp; How did ... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:19:21 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=73 2 <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning /> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas /> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:18:11 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=72 2 <p>Today I met with hundreds of Filipino men, making plans to feed hungry persons.&nbsp; That was the &ldquo;official reason&rdquo; for the trip.&nbsp; But the true and deepest reasons are many and less obvious.&nbsp; Some of the ... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:15:42 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=71 2 <p>They built a new super-highway to my past and to Subic Bay today.&nbsp; I met an old Aeta tribesman at the jungle survival training camp.&nbsp; Still there, he might-could have trained me in 1972; I bought three blowguns from him.&nbsp... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:09:52 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=70 2 <p>Silver wing on high tomorrow - bound for Southeast Asia; Nashville, Detroit, Japan, Manila.&nbsp; Some mixed memories from 38 years ago: fast low flight over a lake in a volcano in a lake in an island in an ocean; tiny jungle people who gave l... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:02:18 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=69 2 <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning /> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas /> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:56:55 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=68 2 <p>Check out the presentation posted in the video resources section for a trip report from the Philippines.</p>... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:53:37 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=67 3 <p>Last week I attended a Bishop&rsquo;s Dinner for Scouting in Gardendale, Alabama, North Alabama Annual Conference. What a joy it was to witness Bishop Will Willimon, an Eagle Scout, as he delivered a poignant message encouraging the 130 clergy... Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:11:47 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=66 3 <p>About a year ago I penned an e-article entitled Put Some Fitness in Your Witness. Fittingly (pardon the pun), a new fitness competition of the general agencies of the United Methodist Church has donned a similar moniker. However, I prefer to term ... Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:40:26 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=65 1 <p>Thanks to the men of the NCJ, and the entire staff of the GCUMM, there is a new resource on our web.&nbsp; Go to Resources, then Video, then click on Vital Connections.&nbsp; This is a 20 minute presentation on men's ministry and was ... Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:37:23 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=64 4 <p>I had a very positive experience at the NACP meeting a couple of weeks ago.&nbsp; Now, imagine this...You are the only female on the panel to serve as a speaker at the&nbsp;United Methodist Men's&nbsp;NACP Conference Meeting.&... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:53:47 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=63 5 <p>According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center 41% of Americans say there is not enough coverage of religious and spiritual issues. Women (44%) are more likely than men (37%) to seek more coverage of this area; young adults ages 18-29 (49... Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:22:26 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=62 2 <p>Toxic Heart<br /><br />Unforgiving.Unhealed.Unconnected. A fractured vessel consumed from the inside-out.&nbsp; Standing firm in corralled rage; what a way to die! Drinking and serving poisonous venom seeping from an unhealed fathe... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:20:10 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=61 2 <p>Alps by Tank<br /><br />Dad was 85 when Sis pulled the WW II stories from our father.&nbsp; Even dementia is a blessing when it opens up the way past. As a radioman on a tank destroyer, they rolled through Europe and North Africa.&... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:18:19 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=60 2 <p>Fully Alive<br /><br />Can I catch a breeze; keep a rainbow? I feel it, see it or miss it.&nbsp; Being alive only has a present tense.&nbsp; Moments matter.&nbsp; Most get missed because they are never in my plan.&nbsp;... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:16:53 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=59 2 <p>Jim Bag<br /><br />He sat next to me, and he is a big wheel deal.&nbsp; His BlackBerry and Laptop are carried in a sorry old beat-up leather bag.&nbsp; The bag whispered to me &ldquo;Psst - I can tell stories&rdquo;.&am... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:13:16 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=58 2 <p>Green Light GO!<br /><br />Standing at the gate &ndash; here&rsquo;s the door knob.&nbsp; Inside the room, within the inner chamber is Prime Love.&nbsp; Love where it started- unleashed love unconditional.&nbsp; I d... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:11:11 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=57 2 <p>Half Moon Rising<br /><br />Sis awoke at 4:00 AM to a half moon rising.&nbsp; She said it illuminated heaven.&nbsp; Blessed and joyful, coming from one seared by divorce and wondering how she will make it.&nbsp; Knows her j... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:09:56 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=56 2 <p>Family Secrets<br /><br />Grandpa was a church man, but he ditched his family for his secretary in the 1930&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Uncle Sam (his real name) did not give up on him, encouraging him to do the right thing.&nbsp; After... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:08:18 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=55 2 <p>Father Safe<br /><br />Mom called to say his kidneys shut down; he&rsquo;s in the hospital &ndash; come home.&nbsp; Made plans for a flight next morning.&nbsp; Scheduled to speak that evening, but my thoughts are on him... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:06:31 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=54 2 <p>Goose Wind<br /><br />Fog hung cold low, as the geese honked in commitment for water landing.&nbsp; Standing on a lake foot bridge unnoticed, I was smack in the middle of their final approach.&nbsp; Lead goose was spread fannin... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:05:02 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=53 2 <p>Truth delivered<br /><br />The correct time is truth, and so is the color of my black shirt.&nbsp; What about big Truth; Hard Truth; Cosmic Truth?&nbsp; There is but one acceptable and effective delivery vehicle for capitalized... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:02:37 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=52 1 <p>What a week!&nbsp; Starting last Tuesday, men began arriving for a wide variety of meetings here in Nashville.&nbsp; By Friday we had about 130 guys (and some wives) here for training, worship, and spiritual renewal.&nbsp;</p> &... Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:14:10 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=51 3 <p>Each year on the third Thursday in March (March 18, 2010), Camp Fire USA asks parents and adults everywhere to let kids know just how amazing and valuable they are.Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (AIKD) is a national letter-writing campaign where ki... Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:58:59 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=50 4 <p>Hello Friends-</p> <p>A few months ago, I was so blessed to meet Lauren Kitchens.&nbsp; Lauren is a person who has become a friend, mentor and source of encouragement for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>If you visit&am... Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:31:44 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=49 5 <p>Frederick Mase says Wesley scholars disagree about the nature of John Wesley's 1738 experience on Aldersgate Street. <br />Some say it was a watershed moment and marked his true conversion. Others stress the gradual nature of Wesley&apo... Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:58:51 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=48 3 Some of my best private and relaxation  moments are shared with man's best friend. Jazz, a German Shepherd-doberman mix,came to us two years ago- skinny,pregnant,homeless and worn-out. My first thoughts were 'how could anyone give up such a beau... Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:14:52 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=47 3 <p>Amachi, a program of Big Brothers Big Sisters, is an African word that means &lsquo;Who knows but what God has brought us through this child.&rsquo;<br /><br />Without intervention over 2.4 million of our children nationwide fa... Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:58:33 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=46 1 <p>I hope you have had a blessed week.&nbsp; I have.&nbsp; I attended the Ash Wednesday service in the Upper Room Chapel, and was blessed by the message and gathering.</p> <p>The GCUMM has made some investments in technology.&... Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:47:59 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=45 3 <p>This past weekend we trained 23 scouters from around the country.The site was the beautiful Florida Sea Base in the Keys.Special thanks to my compadre faculty members,Mark Wappel,BSA and Karen Heim-Baugh,Evansville,IN. 21 of the 23 came from stat... Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:37:35 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=41 5 <p>British Christian men's magazine <em>SORTED</em> has listed the following hymns as the top ten favorites of British men.</p> <p><br />- Onward Christian Soldiers<br />- And Can It Be<br />- Guide Me ... Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:24:36 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=40 5 <p>John Haught, a senior fellow in Science and Religion at Georgetown University, recently described the situation for students at Petkins School of Theology:</p> <p>If the universe&rsquo;s 13.7-billion year &ldquo;cosmic story&a... Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:55:43 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=39 4 <p>Hello Friends!</p> <p>I have had an absolutely wonderful week.&nbsp; Believe me, I needed a wonderful week!&nbsp; :)</p> <p>I traveled to Austin Texas for meetings with several UMM leaders.&nbsp; While there,&... Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:08 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=38 5 <p>"God is great," observed Drew Brees after his Saints beat the Colts on Sunday.</p> <p>If this was nothing more than an observation that happened to follow a Super Bowl win, who could argue?</p> <p>However, if Dr... Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:28:19 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=37 5 <p>I took my wife, Joyce, to the hospital for out-patient surgery on her knee on Wednesday.<br /><br />The surgery went well.<br /><br />On our way home we recalled her last visit to a hospital during the 2003 snowstorm in Nas... Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:38:07 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=36 3 <p>This Sunday marks the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America (most commonly celebrated in the UMC on Feb.14).Many of you know that our denomination is the second largest sponsor of the BSA in the world. Rev.Greg Godwin, one of our lead cha... Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:15:32 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=35 1 <p>Greetings</p> <p>This has been a great week in my new job as general secretary. &nbsp;It was a long and ice filled drive on Sunday after a humbling 2 weeks of saying good bye. &nbsp;We have lived in Nacogdoches, TX for 28 year... Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=34 4 <p>My heart has been focused lately on suffering, grief and loss.&nbsp; The pain associated with&nbsp;grief is perhaps the hardest part of the human experience.</p> <p>As I watch my beloved Nanny dwindle through the tragic experi... Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:32:06 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=33 5 <p>I know two things for certain.</p> <p>1. There is a God.</p> <p>2. I'm not him.</p>... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:04:48 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=32 2 <p>Parked the car to get lunch. Who is the jerk blaring on the horn??? Whoops - it's my old deaf dog in the driver's seat! Best of all, two women watched, wheezing with laughter. They waited for my return, hoping for an encore.<br />&... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:25:10 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=31 2 <p>Island nation shakes and crumbles.&nbsp; Some say why, and lie.&nbsp; Some wonder what or how.&nbsp; Some blame God; some see God.&nbsp; Some just go.&nbsp; Mercy me! Yes, mercy ME.<br /><br />The moment comes<br... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:19:27 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=30 2 <p>Come be our guest at the hotel spa.&nbsp; Leave your clothes here - yes all of them.&nbsp; Gathered hundreds of natural Korean men, and then there&rsquo;s me.&nbsp; You have a special treat (oh no) for me???&nbsp; Sanded raw, s... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:18:02 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=29 2 <p>Nineteen-fifty Korea &ndash; the farmer family slips to the secret ship escaping tyranny. Six children onboard, then the ship leaves abruptly.&nbsp; Mother, father and baby cry as they watch ship leave.&nbsp; She tells him &ldquo;Y... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:16:44 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=28 2 <p>Twenty five thousand will die today of nutritional poverty.&nbsp; One dollar buys four life-saving meals.&nbsp; One million blessed commit one dollar daily through sustained sacrificial giving?&nbsp; Imagine ending starvation for many ... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:15:32 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=27 2 <p>Cameras snap while tourists cluster to view the ancient place.&nbsp; Bare trees line wet walkways leading through the King&rsquo;s guardhouse.&nbsp; Buddha gleams but can not heal. <br /><br />Grill smoke rises<br />B... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:11:34 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=26 2 <p>Nashville, Atlanta, Seoul, Ulsan, then Gyeongju City.&nbsp; The hosts wear dark suits, Asian men full of faith and soul.&nbsp; Bring us a message, we are listening.&nbsp; Whose plan is this &ndash; mine or God&rsquo;s?<br /&... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:06:32 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=25 2 <p>Five airports, forty hours, ten thousand miles, and now without luggage!&nbsp; Men and cultures meet to conspire against human suffering.<br /><br />Bleak harvest no food now<br />Feed them. Feed them.&nbsp; Feed them now... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:57:37 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=24 2 <p>Plan A; twenty-four hours and three flights to get there.&nbsp; Missed the first flight, so I miss them all!&nbsp; Plan B takes forty hours, and I know what happened.&nbsp; I wonder what didn&rsquo;t happen in plan A?<br />&a... Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:55:58 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=23 5 <p>Several friends have written blogs about the importance of social communications and how lost they feel when they don't have access to the Internet.</p> <p>These entires made me recall my childhood and the two-party line.</p&g... Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:40:00 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=22 5 <p>One of the most underappreciated groups in the United Methodist Church is United Methodist News Service.</p> <p>It has been my joy to occasionally work with that staff. They turn out copy on a daily basis that the rest of of take week... Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:49:10 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=21 2 <p>Malone GCUMM Blog<br /><br />January 26, 2010<br /><br />As GCUMM Director of Men&rsquo;s Ministry I get some opportunities to travel internationally.&nbsp; In 2006 in South Korea, I was elected as president of the ... Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:58:40 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=20 4 <p>Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to visit Blue Lake Methodist Retreat Center in Alabama.&nbsp; I was attending the Alabama-West Florida Conference Advance.&nbsp; When I got there, I realized I was in the middle of the woods.&nbs... Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:25:49 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=19 5 <p>I had the joy of preaching at 61st Ave. UMC on Saturday night. What a great congregation!</p> <p>Preaching there is more like conversing with the 100-member congregation. Each time I would describe sone of the lamentable conditions in... Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:44:02 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=18 5 <p>The year was 1934. <br /><br />Like most Americans, the Depression had disastrous effects upon Ralph and Norma Peck, their six-year-old son, Bob, and four-year-old daughter, Connie.<br /><br />Since no new office buildings ... Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:38:38 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=17 5 <p>Eight right hands pushed down on my head.<br />&nbsp;<br />"Hey guys, this is supporsed to be symbolic. My neck is about to surrender."<br /><br />I suppose the district superintendents thought that additional... Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:36:49 GMT http://www.gcumm.org/cgi-bin/blog.cgi?action=view&id=16