<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" 
    xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
    xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
    xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/"
    xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
    xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd">
	<channel>
<title>HudzinaRSS</title><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/index.html</link><description>Hud in the news.</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2006 Tom Hudzina</dc:rights><dc:date>2007-06-30T22:40:38-06:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
<admin:errorReportsTo rdf:resource="mailto:tom.hudzina@uscm.org" /><sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
<sy:updateBase>2000-01-01T12:00+00:00</sy:updateBase>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 30 Jun 2007 22:45:19 -0600</lastBuildDate><item><title>A note from us.</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><dc:subject>Journal</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-06-30T22:40:38-06:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/00faf4954b05f38fd01ee69a706da5f5-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/00faf4954b05f38fd01ee69a706da5f5-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Being here in Fort Collins is somewhat surreal.  Every morning from 8.30 to 12.30 we go to class and drink from what feels like a firehose.  It's a lot of information.  Thankfully much of it has been stuff we've been doing and so, we're well trained.  We're so glad to be a part of this mission.  What greater thing could we do than reach the world for Jesus Christ?  What a privilege.

Since we have been here it has been hot.  Real, stinking hot.  110 degrees always.  Not always.  But in the afternoon.  Jack loves kids camp, Jesse is a bit sick with something that makes his poop a light minty green, and I am, well, going with the flow I suppose.

Thanks for your prayers and support, we'll write some more.  Not sure why I haven't.  It's easy enough.  I blame the heat.

In Him.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Thirty. 30. Born in 1977.</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Hud</category><dc:date>2007-06-05T20:58:44-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/2078bbb6d5613c5cf16fae212fda2e1e-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/2078bbb6d5613c5cf16fae212fda2e1e-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[i just turned thirty and i swear it feels like 29.  go figure.

danae threw me a surprise party and she got me pretty good.  i've been looking forward to thirty for some time now.  I was sick of being a twentysomething.  I have two kids, been married for 6 years, and currently lead a ministry of college students who at some point look to me for guidance.

thirty is when life starts.  you're smarter about stuff.  stuff like, worrying about what people think of you.  yeah, it happens, but, less and less i think it will affect me.  finances.  you begin to realize, hey wait, this isn't my money.  maybe i shouldn't spend it all on me.  Jesus started his ministry at 30 or so.  that should tell you something.

if thirty is good enough for the son of god to say, well, i better get this started, then, things are looking up.  thanks for all you who contributed to fooling me into thinking there was no party.  i believed you.

on a downside, i now drive a minivan.  it was against my will, and i held out until danae signed the papers.  i like it, the van, i just don't like owning one or people seeing me driving it.  like i said, i only care what people think of me sometimes.  .]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Talk&#x2c; talk&#x2c; talk</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2007-03-29T15:01:45-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/4ed84b1ad857141117751957aac89592-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/4ed84b1ad857141117751957aac89592-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[What makes a conversation good is when we actually feel like we&rsquo;ve met another humanbeing on this planet who cares.  What makes a conversation great, is when we walk away knowing that we&rsquo;ve encouraged or made someone feel a little bit better.  What makes a conversation the greatest, is when we introduce Jesus and the other person is more the wiser and closer to knowing him.  So why are some better than others at talking to complete strangers?...  A lot has to do with the other persons demeanor, personality, age, gender, etc. There are a ton of factors that go into reasons why people respond the way they do.

...And, if you have something worthwhile to say, then others won&rsquo;t mind hearing it.

...The number one thing people like to talk about most is...themselves.

So how do we bridge from talking about ourselves, to talking about Jesus, and then talking about the raging burning fires of hell.

...He ate, drank, sat in smelly smoke filled houses where the floor stunk like stale beer and posters of naked girls were hanging.

...Why don&rsquo;t you go to their parties, what did you come from that repulses you now, why won&rsquo;t you go back?

...Sometimes our biggest fear is that once we start talking, we may actually make a friend and have to spend time.  OR, they may ask us a question about something we don&rsquo;t know.

...Jesus has given us a helper, essentially, he is right there with us. And if we trust him, and act like we trust him to come through in a clutch, then things will happen.

...Those who are scared to talk to strangers, hook up with those who talk with anything, including walls.

...Can you use your surroundings or the situation they are in to start a conversation naturally.

...Can you use a hat, a button, a shirt, a book, a location, anything to say something to someone that could spark a conversation.  Then can you ask them a question that bridges from the first observation to something more personal....  Can you learn their name, where they are from, what their major is?  How far can you go before it&rsquo;s like, awkward.  Or better yet, how far can you go where they wouldn&rsquo;t be weirded out by you asking them about their faith.

...At the Fennario's Coffee thing where you can blend in with others.  How many places can you use to your advantage too connect with someone you don&rsquo;t know.

...What do we talk about: Here are the subjects you can use.  Where are they from, what is their family like, what&rsquo;s their major, how long have they been here, where do they live in State College, do they watch Lost, are they religious, do they like coffee.  Do they live near your hometown, if so, do you know their high school, if so, do you know someone from their high school, if so, ask how they are doing, share a story.

Bonus points include: Anyone you get to talk to you about their spiritual experience here on campus.  Anyone you get who will talk to you about what they think happens after death....  And anyone who you can actually set up an appointment later to talk further.

...Be constantly asking the Holy Spirit to lead you and see what he does....  If you don&rsquo;t come back, we&rsquo;ll expect a cool story next week.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A New Year. a new beggining</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2007-01-18T11:05:51-05:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/b075fd76b6e2755790637c39398bb7ec-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/b075fd76b6e2755790637c39398bb7ec-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Someone asked me the other day how I was doing and in sort of a befuddled tone i replied, "Man, I'm good."  I had realized that optimism had crept into my daily routine.  Now, I chalk that up to the kitchen in my house being relatively finished and in operating condition, but that is another story altogether.  My optimism stems from a different source.

I sincerel;y think that God is doing something here.  Here being the Dub C.  Students eager to be developed, a hope that chance to tell other students about the radical message of Jesus will occur and adventure abounds in the future.  not to mention some clutch people we've run into.  The Nooch.  Holman, T Mad, and the dudes(that would be Holla', Hanley, Ryne-O, Hensen, and WCU Christian).  Life is good.

My boys are growing up fast and cute.  Jesse our 3 month old weighs a ton.  If it ever snows, we'll have plenty of weight in th eback of our car for traction.  Jack, is learnign how to talk in sentences which makes communication grand.  We have deep talks about Thomas and Tractors, Smelly Breath and pee.  I love it.  Danae is still a hottie and for some reason, the Lord has decided to provide for all our needs.  Unreal.  But it is very real and I am optimistic.  I'm sorry, I am.

So, here's to a new year.  I hope my optimism spreads and lasts until May.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Few Things to Be Thankful About</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Work</category><dc:date>2006-12-22T09:06:37-05:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/709634b8c3f044dfce8395f6e985d383-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/709634b8c3f044dfce8395f6e985d383-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[At the end of every semester we like to hear what's happened in the hearts and lives of students here at WCU, and for that matter, everywhere Campus Crusade Staff are .  We know that God is at work in ways we can't always see, experience or even hear about.

...&ldquo;He allowed me to see how important it is to continue to talk and be with those who do not believe and to be there for them.&rdquo;

...This semester, an old high school classmate that I&rsquo;d never had class with before was in one of my classes and spoke about her faith....  Well I&rsquo;ve been coming ever since September and I&rsquo;m so glad that God brought this person into my life to bring me to CRU.&rdquo;

...&ldquo;I have seen God place the desire to know Him on the hearts of my friends &ndash; whether people who do not know Him or people who do know Him and have fallen away....  I have also seen Him continue to work miracles in the life of my roommate who is a newer Christian, and it is AMAZING to see.

...&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been my first semester at WCU and God&rsquo;s brought some awesome Christian friends into my life who have been such an encouragement and blessing to me!&rdquo;

...Through praying for his heart, God has helped him to open up and at least consider more of God in life.

...But this semester God made it clear that there are only two different paths to take in life and I want to live my life on fire for God.&rdquo;

...But every morning I have been praying to God, and he alleviates some of the stress and worry as the days go on. My mom was really sick and God made her healthy again, because through my prayers to Him, he fixed her and took away part of the stress and fear for me.&rdquo;

...He has taught me that He is all I need and that He will really take care of me and take care of my burdens and issues when I bring them to his feet and humbly ask for help.

...I had to trust that He would take care of all that was at stake &ndash; my reputation, my grades, etc. and bring me to glory in my step of faith.

...God is teaching me how I have kept people at a distance and help myself in a shell for the past 6 years in order to protect myself.

...But I know that it&rsquo;ll be better with him and his followers my first time out there than trying to go by myself.

...Closed a door on a job that wasn&rsquo;t where he wanted me and forced me to trust him during a time of unemployment and open a new door with a new job.

...God has been showing me his faithfulness by answering many of my & other people&rsquo;s prayers that certain people would come to know/begin waking with the Lord.

...God has made big changes in my life &ndash; He has put a few really strong Christians in my life and they have really helped me strengthen my relationship with Christ.

...God has been showing me that I need to give up holding on to so much that is unimportant and to grasp hold of him and what important through relationships and life God is showing me grace and how to depend on him in everything.

...God has worked a lot in my life this semester, particularly by surrounding me with amazing people who keep me accountable and make sure that I have a quiet time every day.

...God has allowed me to be a part of seeing some freshmen girls grow into a close knit group of friends to be there as support for other.  He has also shown me that I can only find my satisfaction in Him and He is the only on I can trust.

...Helped me with really being away from my family, who continuously have supported my faith and introduced me to many more at WCU that will be able to walk with me and help sharpen me, especially at CRU!

...Her faith is not very strong, but it has been amazing to see the Lord tug on her heart and even help her to be excited to go....  I tried my hardest and now she is getting help from the Lord even if it is in the small way of going to the Bridge.

...God has taught me how to forgive He has shown me how strong I am He has reminded me that I need to lean on him during difficult times He has blessed me with amazing friendships Through these friends, God has reminded me that I am worthy and approved, and that they recognize the gifts I have been given &ndash; even when I don&rsquo;t see it myself.

...I pray that he would continue to give me the strength I need to wait on him to make his plan for my life known.

...He is the answer to everything in my life and I need to depend on him and trust him more.

...God has shown me to seek Him & intimacy with Jesus first and make it a poing to pray with others &ndash; with no plan but to spend time with Jesus.

...&ndash; Rachel Fink God has taught me so much this semester it&rsquo;s so hard to put it all on this card&hellip;I think one of the major things he&rsquo;s taught me is to trust him with everything and to be joyful even through hard times.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Being Let Down&#x2c; In A Good Way.</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Work</category><dc:date>2006-09-28T16:41:13-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/395ffd3078b5e26ea1427a1de089f177-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/395ffd3078b5e26ea1427a1de089f177-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As I looked around the auditorium I thought to myself, "Is this it?"  Always the optimist, I half expected the trickle in of students to continue on into the evening as Micheal talked, sure that the buzz of the evening would be this high impact presentation on the effects of porn on the culture and on our soul. The trickle eventually stopped, the room was maybe half full, and a guy behind me leaned over to his RA and whispered, "Why did you say I should be here?"

Inside, I had a disappointment that was hard to ignore.  My buddy Chip came and gave me a boistrous hug after the program and enthusiastically said, "Hudzy, good program."  I just wanted to say, "Are you kidding?  Did you see how many empty seats there were?"  But I know all the right answers.  In fact, as you read this, you're thinking them right now.  I know, I know.  But it's hard to deny that feeling inside that screams for attention.  I wish there were more.

As I think about, and have been all day, that is the sign of a good thing.  To dwell on the lack of numbers for long isn't, I don't think, God honoring.  But eventually, we need to come to th econclusion, and I have, that God is doing all that he needs to do and he's not worried.  Just the right amount of people were there who needed to be.  It was, a success.  is work was being accomplished.  but when Jesus wept over Jerusalem, it wasn't because he was worried about whether or not God was accomplishing all that he had sent him there to do.  He wept because of the inescapable feeling inside of deep regret and grief that more of his children didn't want or didn't care to see their messiah.  They missed their chance with God and that, grieves Jesus' heart.  As it should.

Hoping for a full house, expecting a full house, and wanting thousands to hear is what a child should want.  But when unmet expectations come, the child should also be thankful and d rest knowing as long as he was faithful, the Lord was honored and he did what he wanted to do.

Still, the feeling of joy doesn't come quickly.  It only comes when you remember, "Ah yes, the Lord is in control.  He's pleased and he does what he pleases."]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Handwritten Note</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2006-09-24T09:12:03-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/39e7e3d16b9cfd99510f33875e0336c6-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/39e7e3d16b9cfd99510f33875e0336c6-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The handwritten note is a rare breed these days.  In a world of email, text messaging, instant messenger(they're different, trust me) and cell phones which provide instant access to almost anyone, a note, written with pen and ink is worth keeping.  Aunt Betty sent us a note the other day.  Written on a small card no doubt chosen from amongst her many small cards purposed for encouraging or saying hello to various family members, her aged hands communicated what no email or phone call could convey better.  Love and thoughtfulness.  Every so often she'll send us a note catching up on what she's doing and letting us know we're in her prayers.  Sometimes short written notes are just the thing needed for a long time of encouragement.  Write a note to someone.  All the greats wrote voraciously.  Adams, Truman, Washington, Lincoln, Jenkins.  It's a habit I think I'll start but know it'll take me a lifetime to master.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Willow World</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2006-08-11T17:57:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/2b865c859062f2d5bb48ccbba55a57ba-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/2b865c859062f2d5bb48ccbba55a57ba-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Right now I am in Chicago attending the 2006 Leadership Summit at Willow Creek.  To say the least, it has been an incredible conference.  My biggest struggle here has been answering the question, How do I transfer all this to the campus of WCU?  More specifically, how can WCU contain all the breadth of impact I want to see WCU have?  Bill Hybels, though I have never heard him speak before this summer nor have I followed the long, faithful steps of willow, all the criticism is for naught.  Here I see a man striving after Gods heart, and Gods call to reach the lost and to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ.  Naysayers beware.  I'd follow Bill anyday because I have seen and heard, and know he follows Christ.

I've been challenged deep to think about how we are going to change the campus of WCU.  How can we as a staff team impact and influence to the greatest extent the community of West Chester?  How can I challenge local churches and pastors to join us and us with them in engaging with the world?  There are a TON of thoughts racing.  But, more and more, a clarity of thought and purpose begins to emerge and I am excited about what is possible and could be.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Start of Something BIG.</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2006-06-06T21:41:08-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/e42dc0d8c60d3f3072f325855eeff2ac-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/e42dc0d8c60d3f3072f325855eeff2ac-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I just finished a book on unity.  It was written in 1963 by a guy named D.  Martyn Lloyd-Jones.  It reads like it was written today, minus the references to his majesty King James.  Ick.

Anyhoo, so we're in the WC.  That's West Chester to you kinfolk.  PA.  Danae and I are here looking for housing.  We met with Matt Stancato, who by the way is an avid writer and heck of a nice guy.  I suggest you finance through him.  We spent the day worried about what idiots we would look like going into an office with not much income, very little to put down, and pay stubs from a lucritive non-profit you may have heard of, Campus Crusade for Christ.  That being said, we don't make much.

But what a fantastic opportunity to trust God.  We were pre-approved, and now there are numbers, concrete numbers of where we are, and what we can't afford.  Which is what we need.  The can't afford part.  This is an opportunity to rely on God.  Not just half way, but whole heartedly.  How many times in life do we actually experience a "this is gonna' crash and burn if he doesn't come through" kind of moment.

It's not the money we want, or the expensive house.  You wouldn't know it was that expensive just looking at some of these old homes.  It's the fact that God would provide something we could never procure on our own.  Everybody wants a nice house.  We are one of those everybody's.  But it won't happen because we decide, "Eh, let's get a house."  It will be because the Lord said,"Go."  and so we're going fully expecting he's going to provide for us, in the manner we need provided for.

I love my boy by the way.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A bit about me</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2006-06-01T14:39:33-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/adc2ee1952f2797022e05053f401cc3d-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/adc2ee1952f2797022e05053f401cc3d-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Hey, I Googled my name online, purely for curiosity sake, and found this interview I did for Crusade about two years ago:

Where did you go to college/when did you graduate?   West Chester University, 2001   When/where did you join staff?   We joined staff in the summer of 2002 and were assigned to Penn State University   In 100 words or less, what is your life story?...  When I accepted Him into my heart I couldn't tell you.  But it was at a young age that I knew I needed his love in my heart.  The oldest of four, I was an extremely independent person.  During summers growing up, I worked for a Christian camp and conference center where I grew even more independent and learned a ton more about the Lord.  Unfortunately, my Christian life and my social life didn't mesh together.  The more I pursued friends, fun, and my own desires, my witness as a Christian became less and less.  Crazy as it seems, during my pursuit of selfish desires I still loved the Lord and read his word being convicted of my sin but continued to live a life of active rebellion and against his will for my life.  After many heartbreaks and hard lessons learned, I got involved with CCC my junior year in college.  It was there that I learned what it meant to actually know him, love him, and most of all, my responsibility to live for him.  My life has never been the same and he has graciously showered me with more than I deserve, the cross not withstanding.    Where and how did you first meet your spouse?...   It was after a volleyball game that I walked in late to a weekly meeting.  There was a skit going on and I looked down at this beautiful girl in it and knew immediately the Lord was calling me to join their group.  It wasn't until months later we actually talked and longer that we dated....    How do you think God has gifted you to contribute to the Campus Ministy's mission?   I think God wants me to communicate.  The ability to communicate clearly and effectively has been something I have seen him develop in my life and hope will continue to be a forte in my life.  I have a passion to see men live and influence their world.  My hope is to be a leader in that direction, setting the pace for men in this region to come to know and grow in their knowledge of our Lord.    What has been a highlight in life/ministry this year?   Leading this year's summer project team to North Africa .  It was such an accelerated opportunity for my growth and we had a tremendous time.  I was able to experience leadership at a capacity I never have before.  At the same time, learning about the Leadership of God and being able to follow his lead at the same time.    If you were mistaken for a superhero, who would it be?...   Republican Man, fighting the crime of liberalism around the world and beyond!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Feeling the Crunch</title><dc:creator>tom.hudzina@uscm.org</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2006-05-17T11:26:23-04:00</dc:date><link>http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/e19adf66541c6495fc0cbe9431e228c8-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://homepage.mac.com/tomanddanae/My%20Website/page4/files/e19adf66541c6495fc0cbe9431e228c8-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Finally we got some what of a website up.  It's been on my to do list for quite some time now.  But, it's not the only thing on my list.  Quite honestly, I needed to do something that was tangible and actually able to be seen and accomplished.  Much of what we do, that is, work with people, trust in God for everything up to our food, is always, always unfinished.  When do you stop trusting God?  When is anyone ever finished?

Exactly.

This is a great life, but often an unfinished life.  We are moving.  SO there are boxes everywhere.  We are hoping to buy a house.  There are questions everywhere.  We are expecting a baby.  There is excitement everywhere.  So, what can you do to rush any of these to be finished?  You can't.  However, a website can somewhat be finished.  It's a work in progress but you can see progress.  You know what I mean?  Anyway, here's the first post.  Feel free to respond.  No sweat.  Tell me about your frustration.]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
</rss>
