Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 54

Officiating
Maureen & Laura's Marriage

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 54 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for the opportunity to conduct the Burning Bowl & Gratitude Letter using the format that feels right for me.
2. Grateful for the support of our volunteers, musicians and members.
3. Grateful to celebrate this year and looking forward to kicking things up a notch in 2016.
4. I am grateful for being the officiant for Maureen and Laura's marriage tonight.  There are no words to say how much my heart sang asn I mae th pronouncement for these two dear friends who have been together for almost 39 years.
5. Grateful to see Jimmy and Mariah.
6. grateful to see Tracy.
7. Grateful for to see Kim and her lovely daughter.
8. Grateful For friendships that go back 40 years.
9. Grateful for many bridge games and evenings spent together.
10. Grateful that marriage equality is the lay of our land.
11. Grateful for delicious food from Cranks.
12. Grateful for an easy drive home.
13. Grateful for a fantastic year, Thanks God!

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 53

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 53 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for Margo walking Dion through resetting the cycler program.
2. Grateful for the doctors giving permission to resume dialysis.
3. Grateful for my sister Dion and her sticking with it even when it has been so hard for her.
4. Grateful that I have learned to hang in even when I cannot do anything to make things easier or better.
5. Grateful for Jeremy being there for Dion.
6. Grateful for Lemon with Ginger Tea.
7. Grateful for Organic Manuka Honey & Ginger lozenges and the way they sooth my throat.
8. Grateful my voice has come back and is getting stronger.
9. Grateful to hear the Julie is feeling stronger and can sing at our New Years Eve Burning Bowl Service
10. Grateful that I can stay home today to prepare the service for tomorrow night because the rest is ready at the church.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 52

Dion  (and I) with Mom in Recovery

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 52 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful that Dr. Yaldo will perform surgery today to install mom's new catheter.
2. I am grateful for Tech toys to play with while mom has surgery.
3. Grateful that Dion and I can bicker abotu stuff and still be okay with it.
4. I am grateful for Ashley & Alicia being here while their grandma has surgery.
5. Grateful that Darrin stopped and saw mom before Dion brought her to the hospital.
6. Grateful for Dr. Yaldo's thoroughness.
7. Grateful for Dr. Christian, the Anesthesiologist
8. Grateful for the cleaning lady who chatted with me about the good old days when we were both in housekeeping at the old Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.
9. Grateful for mom having no complications.
10. Grateful for Sheilah, the nurse in recovery and her sharing so much information with Dion and I about so many things. She made the waiting easier.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 51

Snow, Sleet & Ice

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 51 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful to have the opportunity to talk with my mom's kidney doctor this morning.
2. I am grateful for lemon & ginger tea and the way it is soothing my throat.
3. I am grateful for the electric tea kettle that sits on my counter.
4. Grateful that I have a recliner to sleep in when my coughing got bad early this morning.
5. Grateful for Porkchop's ability to adapt.
6. Grateful that Dion and I were able to get a little food into mom after her blood draw appointment.
7. Grateful that her test results support having the surgery tomorrow.
8. Grateful for remembering to stop at the grocery store and get the essentials before the roads got really slippery.
9. Grateful that there is no reason for me to go out in the storm
10. Grateful for a vivid, lucid dream I had this morning about a friend I have not seen in a long time.
11. Grateful to have a surgeon available and a time for the procedure tomorrow.
12. Grateful for the call from Duane this evening.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 50

Click Image To Read

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 50 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful that we got almost everything printed this morning before it indicated there was no more black ink.
2. Grateful that Judy, Maggie & Steve figured out the sound board challenge.
3. Grateful for the willingness of the team to jump in and find a hardcopy of a report that I had intended to reprint before we ran out of ink.
4. Grateful for the 100 Happy Days project that our kids are part of beginning Jan 11 and grateful that April made a brochure about the program and passed them out to the entire congregation. Click on the image in this post to read more about #UROIsHappy .
5. Grateful for Debby sharing the project on Facebook this afternoon and the positive response.
6. Grateful that Carol knew where the reports were filed.
7. Grateful for a quorum so that we could have an annual meeting this year.
8. Grateful for Carol sharing the background of the end of 2014 and Donna capturing the minutes.
9. Grateful for the quality of questions asked and suggestions made.
10. Grateful for a short, early nap this afternoon so I can stay on my sleep schedule tonight.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 49

Preachin!

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 49 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating

1. Grateful for receiving this photo via email this morning from Bonnie. I had neglected to ask folks to take pictures at service last night. 
2. I am grateful for the times that Spirit has a specific assignment for me and persists until I get it. This morning, I woke up early for a day off and remembered that my friends dog had taken a turn for the worse over Christmas and was being taken to the vet so I called to offer support. No answer so I left a message and texted,
3. Grateful that I got a clear, go now impulse. So I drove to the animal hospital and was able to support my friend who was saying goodbye to the dog.
4. Grateful for Starbucks bold coffee and a few minutes to share and talk about the long journey with this pet and the ultimate clear sign that it was time to release him into the next dimension.
5. Grateful for another nudge today to go work to work in my office for what was ultimately two good reasons.
6. Reason 1. I am grateful to have been abler to meet with a friend who is questioning many things at this point including a long term relationship and the challenges of showing up in their own life in a larger way.
7. Reason 2. I am grateful to have gotten the bulletins done for tomorrow's service. I had been procrastinating and had settled into getting the stuff ready to print at home and then going in early to on Sunday to print.
8. I am grateful for the long conversation April and I had about service tomorrow and her sharing detailed plans for Youth & Family Ministry over the next four months.
9. I am grateful for growing awareness that I am the leader of a team that looks different than I am accustomed to working with and yet is a team that gets the job done.
10. I am grateful that I am getting better at asking for help and delegating items to the team that is here to help. There is still much work for me to do here and I am willing.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 48

Christmas Full Moon Rising

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 48 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating

1. I am grateful for this Christmas Day!
2. Grateful for a conversation with Maryann this morning and for her receiving clarity about her beloved dog Jax.
3. I am grateful for time to reflect on our two Candle Lighting services last night and make notes about next year.
4. I am grateful for a phone call with Cindy and that she is allowing others to help her with this Christmas dinner.
5. I am grateful for the 7 day votive candle burning out front in honor of my father, Grand Mother's Brother's and friends who have moved on from this plane of existence.
6. Grateful for my nephew Eli and his interest in grilling.
7. Grateful for the gathering of most of our family this afternoon.
8. Grateful that I can afford to give my three nieces ane my nephew a decent Christmas gift.
9. Grateful for Jeremy's presence with my sister and in our family.
10. Grateful for a wonderful day, delicious food and love all around.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 47

New Meditation Garden at St Joe's - Oakland

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 47 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for my sister's quick thinking and phone call this morning when mom's catheter came out.
2. Grateful for the closeness of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital.
3. Grateful for the nurse who was so funny and supportive this morning.
4. Grateful for the new meditation garden at the hospital.
5. Grateful for the many people who immediately responded to my posting on FB asking for prayer.
6. Grateful that mom just seemed to want to sleep through the experience.
7. Grateful for the "green binder" and having a med sheet to give to the nurse.
8. Grateful for Dion's staying at the hospital with mom when I had to leave to get ready for work.
9. Grateful for my sister-in-law Stephanie's mother Patti Cooke's recipe for seafood cocktail and the time to prepare the dish.
10. Grateful for Carol, Liz, Donna ans Cindy all jumping in to get things ready.
11. Grateful for our candle lighting services this evening.
12. Grateful for my friend Judy Lewis' attendance at the 5 pm service and her comment about having wondered if I could set aside my situation with mom and be open to being an instrument and having seen that it it happened beautifully.
13. Grateful for Darrin, Steph and Eli attending the second service and their positive feedback.
14. Grateful for 137 people who joined with us tonight to celebrate Jesus's birth and the movement in consciousness that is Christmas.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 46

My Space!

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 46 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for a wonderful conversation with M this morning about her night with Jax and his relative comfort.
2. Grateful for Saundra Lamb and her gift of sponsoring one of our families to be recipients of the Ford Employees Fund Christmas Outreach.
3. Grateful for the employees at Ford and their gifts for a family that can use them.
4. Grateful for the opportunity to drive over and pick up the gifts and deliver them to the recipient family.
5. I am grateful for remembering to get the fixings for the seafood cocktail that is my contribution to our family Christmas dinner.
6. Grateful for a lovely message from Louis.
7. Grateful for the many people who have sent me Christmas cards.
8. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with Linda P and to catch up with each other.
9. Grateful to get the bulletins for Christmas Eve finished.
10. Grateful to have another conversation with CJ that was much more upbeat, healing is happening!

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 45

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 45 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the two young men from the used office equipment store who patiently took my the desk apart to get in into my office.
2. I am grateful to have office furniture.
3. I am grateful for the the possibility of separating work time and home time by shifting soem of my work to my newly updated office.
4. I am grateful that the office is now feeling like my office.
5. I am grateful for Dr. Cory, my friend Maryann's veterinarian.
6. Grateful to be a part of team with Jax today.
7. Grateful for the clear signs from M and the Dr and Jax that today was not his final day because M is not ready.
8. Grateful to be getting better at knowing when to wait and when to speak my opinion.
9. Grateful for the fine family man Ben Johnson has become and our close friendship.
10. Grateful for Steve M. and hie concern for his homeless/alcoholic friend.
11. Grateful that I am sought out as a goto person regarding advice and resources for friends trying to do something about another's drinking, drugging, etc.
12. Grateful to have some suggestions and resources to offer.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 44

A Rug For My Office

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 44 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for having a list of must do tasks this morning.
2. Grateful for getting the flash paper for New Years Eve.
3. Grateful for the happy guy at the magic store with really long locks.
4. Grateful for finding an affordable rug that I liked for my office.
5. Grateful for the food demonstration ladies at Costco.
6. Grateful for the gentleman in the parking lot who helped me get the rug into my car.
7. Grateful that an image of my office finished is finally forming in my mind.
8. Grateful for lunch that cost 1.59 @ Costco and thoughts of Patti Olds as I ate.
9. Grateful that our new tables are light enough for me to schlep around solo.
10. Grateful for dinner with a friend.
11. Grateful for tonight being the Winter Solstice so the days can start lengthening again.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 43

A Message for CJ  Recorded  During Service

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 43 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for the talk I delivered today that flowed easily and brought a good message.
2. Grateful for a relaxed morning.
3. Grateful for Carol and Donna getting the replacement candles to fit in the Advent wreath.
4. I am grateful for the music this morning especially for Stacey's bringing Breath of Heaven in a powerful and emotional way.
5. Grateful for new blue slacks.
6. Grateful for lunch with Marianne and Carson at Hamlin Corner.
7. Grateful for a nap with Porkchop when I got home.
8. Grateful to now focus on Christmas Eve which is the next "hurdle."
9. Grateful for the pasties I bough on an excursion with mom a  few weeks ago and for having frozen some. Tasty dinner.
10. Grateful for the response of our congregation to our giving tree (bins.)

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 42

CJ Being Silly

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 41 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful to have gotten cards out to my niece and her family in Alabama.
2. Grateful to not Christmas Shop (I buy gift cards and write checks)
3. Grateful to have finally opened all the cards I got for my birthday. So much love!
4. Grateful to have slept in until after 7.
5. Grateful for a telephone call from CJ who had surgery a few days ago.
6. Grateful to have finally figured out how the new Mailchimp Unity branded template works.
7. Grateful to have gotten the weekly (soon to be monthly - I think) email news out.
8. Grateful for time to work on  tomorrow's talk.
9. Grateful for the way my feet feel because I remembered to put lotion on them for several days in a row .
10. Grateful for the opportunity to go to bed early.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 41

Shirley Blackman

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 41 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct the celebration of life service for my dear friend Shirley Blackman.
2. Grateful for a beautiful drive out to Howell
3. Grateful for Bill, the funeral director.
4. Grateful for the confidence to be real in the service.
5. Grateful to ride to the cemetery with the director.
6. Grateful for Bonnie!
7. Grateful to talk with Marlee and reminisce about the beginning days of Rainbow Unity.
8. Grateful for my purple sweater and shirt to wear (Shirley loved purple.)
9. Grateful to the directors comment about the service, "It didn't drag and not overdone."
10. Grateful for the bunch of wonderful women to site with at the lunch.
11. Grateful for the woman who bought my lunch. She said I inspired her.
12. Grateful to make it home without incident after the 3 hours trip on black ice.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 40

Witnessing the Sunrise Looking Westward

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 40 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for the sweetness and stillness of this quiet morning.
2. Grateful to notice that the trees to the west of my house are illumined from the top down by the sunrise which is happening in the eastern sky.
3. Grateful for the two older gentlemen who help me life the box containing my new desk chair into the cart at the store.
4. Grateful for the woman and her husband who helped me get the box into my back seat.
5. Grateful for Donna who helped get the box with the chair into the church.
6. Grateful that I found a desk for my office which will be delivered next week.
7. Grateful for the gathering of friends at the funeral home this afternoon as we planned Shirley Blackman's funeral service.
8. Grateful for Mary Blackman's presence and faith.
9. Grateful for Bonnie as she says goodbye to the woman she has loved for 40+ years.
10. Grateful for the funeral home who took it all in stride.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 39

Sending a Wave of Love to CJ

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 39 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the gift of tears at the veterinary hospital from a friend whose dog has a brain tumor. I am profoundly blessed by the intimacy of shared moments of joy and sorrow.
2. I am grateful for a wonderful ACIM discussion today, so much pf our journeys through life shared.
3. Grateful to hear that CJ is having a better day today than yesterday.
4. Grateful for face time with Carol and her balanced approach to life. Wisdom + heart = awesome leadership!
5. Grateful to be part of the resurrection of Faith Alliance.
6. Grateful for a sweet connection and growing friendship with Megh.
7. Blessed by the gift of friendship by a young man who calls me papa.If I have any "oh I wish I had" thoughts about my life it is not having had children. I think I would have made an awesome dad. Blessed that I have had opportunities to stand in the role of father several times.
8. Grateful for a woman I encounter in meeting who asks a lot of questions, sometimes repeatedly. She helps me notice and manage my impatience.
9. Grateful for eh exuberant way Porkchop greets me, even when he tries to wet willy me in the ear - I am on to him.
10. Grateful for Alex, the clerk in a store I shop who exudes gratitude for his customers.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 38

Ready for Christmas

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 38 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for a sweet visit today from my predecessor, Rev. Chuck Hancock.
2. Grateful to learn the story behind the etched glass windows in our sanctuary.
3. Grateful to hear that the entire roof of our Spiritual Center is only 8 years old.
4. Grateful that there is no deep connection between the large painting in the lobby and our history.
5. Grateful for being a witness to big "aha" moments in two very different people today.
6. Grateful for my own deep knowing that the advice I give is for me.
7. Grateful for the transforming power of shared ideas.
8. Grateful for moments to catch my breath and being okay when priorities change many times in a day.
9. Grateful for people around who are willing to question and encourage to come up higher.
10. Grateful for emerging clarity about my office decor.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 37

Black and White Sky

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 37 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for Dr. Clyne, my mothers nephrologist.
2. Grateful for thje P.D. Nurse Margo who has guided Dion and I during this entire journey.
3. Grateful for Iris Cafe, a place where mom and I usually stop for breakfast after her doctor appointments.
4. Grateful for our server this morning who remembers that mom like an english muffin and we both drink coffee and always greets us with a smile.
5. I am grateful for my sister, Dion, who has given a lot  and done many things she doesn't really enjoy' to be mom's primary care giver.
6. Grateful for the Pinwheel bakery in Ferndale for their funky environment, friendly service, awesome latte!
7. Also grateful for a first time in my life, pear and brie galante and it was warm too! So awesomely yummy.
8. I am grateful that I was at our Spiritual Center today (usually my day off) to receive a UPS package and thus avoid the redelivery or pick it up myself dance.
9. I am grateful for the gift of all 15 issues of Seekers Into The Mystery from my dear friend Clayton which were in the package.
10. I am grateful for the beauty of the oddly looking almost Black and While sky this afternoon and my thinking to take a picture
11. Grateful for the opportunity to share some ideas with a young man today who is receptive and so ready to change his life.
12. Grateful for the ICU nurse caring for Mike tonight. What an amazing shining light she shares.
13. I am grateful for the coming Winter Solstice in 7 days which means the journey toward longer daylight has begun.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 36

White Tail Doe

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 36 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for the Unity Ministers & Spiritual Leaders resolution supporting  Muslims being published.
2. Grateful for the small group of Whitetail Does in the yard early.
3. Grateful to see Megh at service today.
4. Grateful for Deb's mac-n-cheese for lunch.
5. Grateful for our Board of Trustees.
6. Grateful for Frank's help.
7. Grateful for electric candles.
8. Grateful for no traffic on the way to Novi.
9. Grateful to meet Mother Blackman.
10. Grateful for singing in Shirley's hospital room.
11. Grateful to connect with Karen after hearing so much about her.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 35

We Remember Those
Who Served

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 35 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for the opportunity to participate in Wreaths Across America in the event at Clinton Grove Cemetery.
2. Grateful for Laura who suggested me for this event last year.
3. Grateful to be asked back for a second year.
4. Grateful for running into my Chiropractor and hus wife at lunch.
5. Grateful for Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
6. Grateful to have survived shopping for bins for our "giving tree."
7. Grateful for Rob's interest and commitment to Outreach.
8. Grateful for not having to cook tonight.
9. Grateful for a soft and warm bed.
10. Grateful for being able to go to bed at 7:30.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 34

Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 34 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for Kevin's gift of getting my office door open. Early this morning he texted  this picture of the open door this morning. I inadvertently shut the door with the lock engaged on Wednesday evening and was unable to get it open yesterday and there are no keys to the lock. That will change soon.
2. I am grateful for Meredith and the entire Interfaith Leadership Council Community Committee! We had a meeting this morning that I thought I would skip because I am behind on so many projects. Yet, Spirit nudged then pushed me to attend. With so much apparent darkness in our world, The work of the IFLC to help us find common values is very important. I am honored to have a part in this journey.
3. I am grateful to the woman who was my server today at IHOP. She had a sweet and shining energy!
4. I am grateful that I was able to clean out the gutters today! I had gotten myself wrapped around a story that I couldn't or shouldn't clean them myself because I was too old/fat/out of shape to be safe on the ladder and do the job. Today, I let go of that story and I am feeling awesome!
5. I am grateful to the pharmacy tech at the pharmacy I use who commented that she loved my Christian Left t shirt which says, Love thy neighbor!
6. I am grateful for a text message I received earlier from a friend who shared how she git that it is not my church but our church. Yes! Not me but we!!!
7. I am grateful for finally getting the time to check out the cards that were given to me on my birthday.
8. I am grateful for Zuma Blitz, the guilty pleasure game I play on Facebook.
9. I am grateful that I found my checkbook in the bag of birthday stiff I brought home from church.
10. I am grateful for the cashier at Kroger who asked where I learned. "Cray Cray" meaning really crazy! 
11. I am grateful for the spicy pasta sauce simmering on the stove.
12. So very grateful to hear that Cathey Jo's surgery was successful and the doctors expect good result and a full recovery.
13. I am grateful for this wondrous and unique day, December 11, 2015!

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 33

Providence Park Hospital in Novi, MI

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 32 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for time spent and confidence built with someone who need to use social media to further her causes and has had trust issues.
2. Grateful for Donna working with me on the getting my door unlocked.
3. Grateful for Jackie calling me about Shirley's worsening condition and hospitalization so I could go visit Shirley and support Bonnie as she keeps vigil.
4. Catching up with Bonnie & Marsha over a hospital cafeteria dinner.
5. Grateful for open, easy and real conversation with Marsha about the importance of women talking about women's sexuality because there is still so much sexism in our culture
6. I am grateful for the pastoral care gifts Spirit continues to express through me. Pastoral care is a favorite part of my work.
7. Grateful for a sweet  telephone conversation with Linda P. on the way to the  hospital which made the drive to Novi fly by quickly.
8. Grateful for the opportunity to visit Providence Park Hospital for the first time.
9. Blessed by the powerful prayer time Bonnie, Marsha, Jackie and I had around Shirley's bed in the hospital room. Sometimes it feels like Spirit could be touched if I reached out my hand.
10. Thankful for an easy drive home last night.
11. Grateful for a wonderful phone call and prayer session with CAthey Jo before her surgery in the morning.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 32

Fitting Final Ride for Rowland Lewis

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 32 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful and honored to officiate the funeral for Rowland.
2. Grateful for the Mandziuk Funeral Home's commitment to service.
3. I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me to connect with and be of service to families.
4. Grateful that we are truly becoming a team at URO.
5. I am grateful for the opportunity to eat at Loccino's which was the restaurant Doug & Dennis choose for the luncheon. I have driven by at least a thousand time but had not eaten there before.
6. I am grateful to hear the calm in CJ's voice when I spoke with her this evening.
7. I am grateful for Barbara's phone message asking for prayers for Joyce. The vision of community grows and is made real as we care for one another.
8. I am grateful that Spirit knocks on my hood, often more than once, to move me in the perfect direction.
9. Grateful to remember the Royal Oak Food Truck rally and stopping by there tonight. So many young families laughing, eating, connecting with friends. Awesome energy.
10. Grateful for this interesting and vibrant community I have been called to serve.
11. Grateful for noticing my friend Michele across the room at the rally and the opportunity to eat together and catch up.
12. Grateful for "Delecta Bowl" and the awesome bowl of Spicy Cajun Jambalaya and brown rice I ate for donner.

My forst food truck rally.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 31

Wall of Urban Art
Carson & Joseph at work

2015 Gratitude Practice, Day 31 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for this practice making it past 30 days.
2. Grateful for the outdoor art scene that Marianne created and that was so well received.
3. Grateful for the more than 150 guests who attended Stay Put.
4. Grateful for Cindy and Maryann collaborating to produce a beautiful brochure to share with visitors.
5. Grateful for the sheer number of young people that visited our Spiritual Center for the first time.
6. Grateful for the incredible energy around the show.
7. Grateful to witness Carson's rising up into teacher and sharer in a wonderful way and for the sense of aliveness in him.
8. Grateful for Maria's skillful execution of the refreshments and the amazing cookies with Carson's Ferndale light tag.
9. Grateful for the birth of an idea about a Women's Artistic show in the future.
10. Grateful for the attendance by artist Karen Berg and our reconnecting.
11. Grateful for the opportunity to share the #MoreThanAChurch here because #LoveIsOnTheMove elevator speech with such a widely diverse group of people.
12. Grateful for the Lewis family as we planned their father's funeral.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 30

Setup for Stay Put

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 30 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for Debbie decorating two of our Christmas Trees today.
2. I am grateful for the story Gracie wrote and recited to us.
3. I am grateful for Carson's presence as we setup for "Stay Put."
4. I am grateful for the ability to play music from phones and players through our sound system.
5. Grateful for finding an easy way to hang the light string out back for tomorrow night.
6. Grateful for the arrival of our stationary and envelopes.
7. Grateful for Cindy's help with our first brochure.
8. Grateful for the ways that the concept of #MoreThanAChurch inspires and pulls me.
9. Grateful; for dark roast coffee and Tim Horton.
10. Grateful that all of the skills I have gathered up over many years and different occupations seem to come into focus now in a way that serves.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 29

Velvet singing Christmas carols this morning

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 29 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful to all who helped get our Christmas decorating off to a great start.
2. Grateful to the trio "Velvet" who delivered awesome music this morning.
3. Grateful that Cindy located my misplaced notes this morning in the nick of time.
4. I am grateful for the presence of two new mom's and their children this morning.
5. Grateful for Harvey and his willingness.
6. Grateful for Terri Lynn's gift of prayer shawls.
7. I am grateful for a surprise conversation with Donna in our lobby.
8. Grateful for the incredible food that finds its way to our fellowship after service.
9. Grateful for a same day response to the request for items to share with the Welcome Inn and Song & Spirit.
10. grateful for the ongoing cluttering of our Spiritual Center.
11. Grateful for the energy present in the room as we gathered in a circle to bless and pray for CJ.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 28

Women members of the Family of Faith

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 27 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful that my talk ideas poured out in a rapid flow this morning.
2. Grateful that my sister came over to help me get Christmas stuff out of the garage rafters.
3. Grateful for my niece Ashley's help taking Christmas trees to church for tomorrow's decorating.
4. Grateful to the swivel rocker/recliner my sister brought over today - so comfy.
5. Grateful that Dennis & Donna took down the "oak leaves" sign at church so we can get another made like it.
6. Grateful for a wonderful Family of Faith Christmas Concert this evening.
7. Grateful for a wonderful group of folks from Unity of Royal Oak who attended the concert.
8. Grateful to offer the welcome and opening prayer at the concert.
9. Grateful to see so many dear friends at Renaissance Unity
10. Grateful to see Fanny Cooper at Renaissance Unity tonight.
11. Grateful I was able to join some of the URO bunch at Doc's for dinner after the concert.
12. Grateful for Lydia's good news!

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 27

Grandma Ledger on her 90th Birthday
Surrounded by our branch of her family

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 27 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for my Grandma Esther Karvala Ledger who would have been 104 today. Thanks for the fabulous DNA! I wouldn't be who I am without you.
2. I am grateful for the clerk at the men's store who found two pair of slacks in my size in record time.
3. I am grateful that I had a $20 off coupon at that particular men's store.
4. I am grateful for Cantor Stephen Klapper and his easy gentle way.
5. I am grateful to Song and Spirit Institute for Peace and the work they do to help us experience our shared God of Wonder.
6. I am grateful to Judy Lewis and her joy of life.
7. Grateful for Mail Chimp which makes sending our email blast very easy.
8. Grateful to God for guiding me strongly to attend Shabbat this evening and find solid ground in the midst of the storm.
9. I am grateful for a sense of humor.
10. I am grateful to Silent Unity for being the light that shines and a  prayerful presence in our world for more than 125 years.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 26

Royal Oak 2015
Christmas Tree Lighting

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 26 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful that I am okay with not having all the answers
2. Grateful for curly fries with coney chili.
3. Grateful for Terry Jo and the ways she is expanding her comfort zone.
4. Grateful for a sweet telephone conversation with Carol today.
5. Grateful for Mailchimp.
6.  Grateful for Jim Ellison remembering my name.
7. Grateful to be part of a Team.
8. Grateful for Doug & Dennis Lewis and their phone call today.
9. Grateful for Royal Oak, my second home town.
10. Grateful for a call from Rev, Gregory Gice to check on me today.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 25

Misty Foggy Frozen Morning

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 25 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the stillness of this frozen misty morning.
2. Grateful for a lively discussion in our Wednesday A Course In Miracles meeting this afternoon.
3. I am grateful for peace that comes from beyond shooting and fear.
4. I am grateful that Porkchop does not hold long days in his crate against me.
5. Grateful for a lively discussion about dogs at lunch.
6. I am grateful for Cindy's passion for Outreach
7. I am grateful for clarity about office furnishing out of price range.
8. I am grateful that there are people who are interested in what interests me.
9. I am grateful For life in all of it's odd, interesting and wonderful moments.
10. I am grateful for the ability to experience quiet in the storm.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 24

The Floor In My Office @ URO
After Sanding, Sealing & 1st Coat of Polyurethane

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 24 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the dear one who sent an email about the message that Spirit spoke through me Sunday was what they needed to begin to reclaim hope.
2. I am grateful for the warm glow of the newly refinished floor in my office at church.
3. I am grateful for the emerging plan to paint the rest of our office and hallways after the holiday and ultimately refinishing (in the spring) those wood floors as well.
4. I am grateful for Chrystal Matthews and the $500 we raised for our raised bed vegetable garden project through the gift of tickets to the Family of Faith Christmas concert this coming Saturday evening.
5. I am grateful to my friend Marianne and her master plan for our grounds & gardens including the vegetable garden.
6. I am grateful that my Nexus 6 upgraded to Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" flawlessly at 7:30 this morning.
7. I am grateful for the gift Google sent me for being part of Project Fi.
8. I am grateful that my cell bill this month for service from Project Fi was less than $25 (a savings of $70 over my former carrier.)
9. I am grateful for the spiritual gifts that allow me to be a Pastor.
10. I am grateful for the gas station at 12 Mile and Coolidge in Berkley that has the most incredible Middle Eastern food.
11. I am grateful for this day when we remember all who have died from or are living with HIV/AIDS so that we can continue to press on for a cure and a prevention.
12. I am grateful for Costco & Red Lobster saying no to genetically engineered  Salmon.