Every year participants are asked to journal as they go through the UCLife Agricultural Intern program. Often they are asked to find a quiet place on the farm, simply observe their surroundings, and write any thoughts that come to mind. We find that focusing our mind outside ourselves, for even a few minutes each day, can lead to a much more satisfying 24 hour period. Less stress, more connection, and some wonderful thoughts from different participants throughout the years. We hope you enjoy the simplicity of a mind connecting with God

 

July, 2017. Week five, unedited, weekly, ag intern journal entry highlights. Pictures and writings posted with permission.

Journal prompt: In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus is speaking to each of you and asks why worry about everyday life. This farm is our school and He is our teacher. He wants to talk with us through nature, but we have to observe the lilies and the ravens. He wants us to think, question, and work together. “Why Am I On this Earth?”

“I am on Earth because of God. God knew I was gonna be something and to do something in my life that’s not what others do, but what I won’t to do which is unique. God put me on Earth to show respect to others and to help those that think they have no reasoning on Earth. My purpose in life is to express the world with drawing/music/magic and dancing.”
> Tyrone, age 13

“God wants me on this Earth. He believes I can do great things in my life so I can learn and meet new people, to go to new places all around the world, to get good grades, to give myself to God, and to love my family and friends.”
> Man Man, age 13

“I am on Earth to make a bunch of people Christians, and to take care of the animals, and to grow gardens and trees, like on the ark, and to pray.”
> Caiden Finn, age 10

“I am on Earth to have God. I am on Earth to take care of my family, to be a good father, and to be in the NFL.”
> DQ, age 10

“I am on this Earth to play football and get my education. I am on this Earth to live life and go outside. I am also on this Earth to go fishing, and God wanted me to be. I am on this Earth to work things out, to be a leader and not a follower, to be grateness.”
> Ty’Rese, age 10

“I think that I am in this world for a greater purpose than human excitement. I believe I am on Earth for doing church, helping other people, and serving God.”
> Keller Blue, age 12

“The reason I am on Earth is because God wanted me to be here, and because God knew that I could do something with my life, and also because my mom made me. People in my life want me to succeed in everything, and they want me to at least try, and never give up. I am also to be respectful so I could see his glory of his nature that he provided for us.”
> Xavier, ago 10

“We are on this Earth because God put me here and had something set for me and use the talents that I have. I am here because God love me and everyone else. I am here because God wanted me to learn discipline, and to have a lot more respect for my friends so they can respect me back. I can meet new people so I can love them and they can love me. I am here to be with nature and love it. I am here to worship God and so I can love him and thank him. I can follow my footsteps not nobody else.”
> Kamari, age 12

June 20, 2014. Week three, unedited, weekly, ag intern journal entry highlights. Pictures and writings posted with permission.

Journal prompt: In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus is speaking to each of you and asks why worry about everyday life. This farm is our school and He is our teacher. He wants to talk with us through nature, but we have to observe the lilies and the ravens. He wants us to think, question, and work together.

“I feel like this can be my home. I see the great power of our God and His creations of life. Every living thing has a purpose on earth.”
>Marcus, age 17

“Well I’m sitting near a lake and a tree. This tree is not bearing fruit. I can see the sun and the sand, and there is a be who keeps flyen around my head.”
>Malik, age 11

“First thing I seen was poison ivy and oak.
The squirrels were making the branches crack and fall.
Snakes were my biggest fear. I thought I was going to get attacked.”
>James, age 13

“I heard songs of birds like tweet, tweet, and peep, peep
I loved hearing the wind blowing and the limbs falling from the old tree”
>Keller Blue, age 9

“Looking at a tree
The tree is looking back at me
Asking in my head
a who are you”
>Christavious, age 12

“I feel like God have me and he’s watching me. I know that the Lord is speaking to me like he did last night.”
>Deyanciss, age 9