My Heart's Journey

New Year, Week Two

2012-01-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

Grateful for:

Windshield defroster in car
Guest speaker, Mary Morrissey, today
Being okay with running late
Hearing my voice on the answering sytem @ church

Any/Every day is Christmas!

2012-01-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

My family who; by birth, marriage or choice; come together in loving celebration's of so many kinds.
Having family Christmas 2011 on January 7, 2012
Realizing any day and everyday is Christmas when I allow/invite/experience the rebirth of The Christ in me.
The many ways chanting centers me in Love
Lynne Barrette for gifting me with a copy of the beautiful cd of the chant, River of Life, several years ago.
Composer Kurt Van Sickle.
Duane & Randy gifting Matt with a refrigerator.
Having "Noni's" seafood cocktail recipe.
The way The Work rises up in me at the exact perfect time.
My dear friend Duane
You
Creating an entry for today

Third day of this new year.

2012-01-03T11:00:00.001-05:00

Today, I notice that I am grateful for:

Realizing the fresh apple cake I baked (to use up the apples right) will be gone today. Yeah!
The interesting ways that hope grows in me. In particular the posting by a friend living in Germany, about a housing development in the United Kingdom that allows its residents to live within their share of our planets resources.
The love and support expressed at the passing of a colleague
Finally connecting with the family for tomorrow's funeral
Having Sandy back at our Leadership Team meeting
The heater in my car
Refocusing on my own health after the multiple distractions of the holidays
A workable plan for Master Mind Small Groups
Reconnecting with my dear friend Al after many years
Getting the order of service prepared on time

Oh one, Oh one, Two oh one two

2012-01-02T22:27:00.002-05:00

Grateful for:

Getting the email dragons under control and wondering why I sign up for so many e-newsletters
Getting up, out and going even when I don't feel like it
General Tso's Chicken
Sharing The Work with someone and watching the dawning of awareness
Peace of mind that is not dependent on any thing or person
The book, A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle
Peace Pilgrim
Friends who call to check on a family member, just because they care about what I care about
Standing back from a situation and finding a larger perspective
Fascination with date/number games/alliterations/plays on words
The empty feeling that winter sometimes brings because it makes me look harder within myself

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

Today I am grateful for:

A brand new year (525,600 minutes) filled with opportunity to make Love real.
Growing clarity about my role in ministry.
Great chat with Gail after service about her upcoming international adventure.
Awesome steak dinner at Outback on the way home from work.
This grey and windy day because it makes me stay inside and just be okay with it.
The end of the 2011 Holiday season - I have enjoyed each moment and am ready to move past it.
Coming out of the sanctuary today to find my friends Maria and Marianne in the lobby.
The sound of the winds blowing through the trees mixed with the chimes ringing on the neighbors back porch.
Memories of my trip to Anchorage, Alaska at New Years 2005 to visit my friend Scott.
Waking up without a hangover.

Eve of 2012

2011-12-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

I am grateful still:

Gel in my hair!
Cool new tasseled loafers with a gift card at DSW
Amazing ushers & greeters.
More than 800 people at our burning bowl service
Having sense to head home after service
My niece showing up at our Burning Bowl service
Friends who care enough to call twice to checkup
Knowing how to do a lot of things at church
Not getting stuck in my story for very long
Going to bed before midnight and being absolutely okay with it.

The Sixth Day of Christmas

2011-12-30T17:17:00.000-05:00

Grateful for:

Pam at Genisys CU
Internal Guidance which led me on an interesting journey.
Pressing through my fears.
Staying calm under stress.
Being able to pay the taxes.
Making it to the Treasurers office with 1 minute to spare.

The Fifth Day of Christmas

2011-12-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

My gratitude list for this day includes:

The ability to adapt my presentation style to the expectations of the audience.
Wisdom and guidance which show up just when I need them.
Calm in the face of the storm.
tissues to blow my nose in
7 layers bars
still loving myself after 7 layer bars
Love offerings
expressing boundaries without anger
realizing quickly when to surrender an idea
Connecting with a dear friend at precisely the perfect time to lend support

The Fourth Day of Christmas

2011-12-28T19:38:00.002-05:00

Four Calling Birds

Today, I am grateful for these among other things:

The confidence Tom and Greg place in me to serve the spiritual needs for a growing number of their clients.
Meeting & working with Cheryl's family, such sweetness.
Automatic Traffic Signals
My neighbor giving me his old PC so I can make a Linux jukebox out if it.
remembering to communicate next Wednesday's funeral plans to the staff a week in advance, WOOT!
The opportunity to remember Gus' Roadhouse and family memories there as I researched for Cheryl's service.
Growing up in Lake Orion
B.A. comments about how much The Work has helped him after a couple of conversations and a single Worksheet.
A beautiful crescent moon in the sky, visible from my office tonight.
Being invited to Craig's birthday party.
Acting on the thought to check in on M.S.

Tuesday, the Third day of Christmas

2011-12-27T13:29:00.000-05:00

On this third day of Christmas, I am grateful for:

Waking up early, even though I didn't need tom and watching the snow fall gently.
The sense of wide eyes wonder I still have at 56 for falling snow.
A dear friend and former colleague who called today to share her recent hear awakening that it is time to actively apply the principles by making Christ real in every moment. Yes!!!
Three way calling on my cell phone, which allowed a funeral planning meeting across state lines from the comfort of home.
One of the weeks three funerals being moved to next Tuesday
Great talk about some serious stuff with my roommate
Facilitating someone in The Work via telephone
The dark chocolate chip cookies are gone !
Noticing the dark chocolate chips were half off at Aldi
Seeing a picture of Greg's 7 month old son for the first time

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T09:50:00.003-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

Starting this 8th week of gratitude blogging. I had committed to keep this diary through Christmas and when I sat down at my computer this morning, I created this entry.
Having no official agenda of any kind for today.
Remembering to drink a protein shale soon after arising this morning.
Not leaving the house all day, not once
My KitchenAid mixer
Chocolate chip cookies from 60% Cacao bittersweet chips, yum!
the smell of a clean comforter straight out of the dryer
staying in my sleep pants all day
A wonderful phone conversation with Rev. Sheila.
George Strombolopolous

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:07:00.000-05:00

On this Christmas Day, I am grateful for:

The opportunity to share the message this morning
More than 400 people who attended
My niece Ashley attending service and being in a huggy, lovey mood.
The interesting, odd, wild & crazy family I am part of.
Having lunch with my dear friend Linda today
Big Boy being open on Christmas
The Gospel Truth
A Christmas tie that plays music courtesy of the "W" family
A really cool video to illustrate my sermon this morning
More invitations to dinner today than I could honor
The president of our Board of Trustees calling me this morning
Completing 7 weeks of gratitude journaling.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Morning 2011

I am filled with gratitude for:

Unexpected blanket of snow this morning
Christmas Day sermon coming together
Enjoying a "Cadillac" coffee (coffee + cocoa)
Early to bed last night and early to rise this morning
This blessed life that Lives me so gently.
Google translate which allows me to share Christmas greetings with international friends in their native language
The close shave of a new shaver
My smile looking back at me from the mirror
Knowing that my overnight package, which probably will not make it overnight, is arriving right on time. And it arrived in time, woot!
Loving what is!

The Day Before, The Day Before Christmas

2011-12-23T08:03:00.001-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

The opportunity to pick up and deliver a car full of Christmas to a family that is getting back on their feet.
The joyous look on a mothers face at unexpected Christmas blessings.
Christmas lights on the houses in my neighborhood
Finally getting some Christmas cards mailed
Being able to send my out of state niece and her family a small gift
The wonderful folks at the Ford Tech center who give so much of their time and money to make Christmas special for others and helped 143 families this year.
The warmth in Tracy's still very present hug!
Good directions to a house I have never visited
text messaging
Beautiful Christmas music on a PBS Christmas show.

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T09:28:00.000-05:00

On this day, I am grateful for:

First Day of Winter (one step closer to summer)
Folgers Black Silk coffee
Making it to Amanda's funeral on time
The attentiveness of the O. H.. Pye III Funeral Home Staff
"John" wanting to connect with me after service to pray.
The privilege of officiating Amanda's funeral
Carol calling to make sure the arrangements for tomorrows Christmas gift delivery are in place
Pamalar asking me to officiate her Father's memorial service next week
Someone calling me a "liberal weenie" in response to a post on my FB Timeline which brought interesting comments from unlikely folks.
The depth at which people share their lives with me which blows me away.
You as you read this gratitude journal which I hope inspires you to count your blessings!

Autumns Last Day (for this year)

2011-12-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Than You Loving Spirit! Today I am grateful for:

Foggy mornings which make the world feel smaller & cozier
The delete button for items people place on my Timeline that I don't want there.
The changing in the weather and scenery that the cycle of seasons brings.
This oddly warm last day of fall for 2011
Discovering the chili is a wonderful breakfast food
Quiet sound of the dishwasher running
Several invitations to Christmas after church on Sunday.
Experiencing the love of a sweet family as they celebrate the life of their sister
An expanding personal experience of Oneness
Fresh air to breathe.

Season of Light

2011-12-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

Dear God - Today, I am Grateful for:

Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights, celebrating the re-dedication of the Temple, begins this evening at sundown.
Loving the anticipation of seeing Wicked tonight with a dear group of friends.
We are having dinner at a restaurant I have not visited before, which adds to the excitement of the evening!
The Light of this Holy Season
The way this video from Agape, Standing On the Power of Love, gets me moving in the morning!
Patrick, our waiter at Andiamo's at the Renaissance Center.
Making it into the theater and to our seats with 2 minutes to spare.
A most amazing play - Wicked!
Awesome band of com-padres.
Great first experience at the Detroit Opera House
So many future sermon ideas from the play.
Finding some of the music on YouTube when I got home.

The Start of Gratitude Week 7

2011-12-19T12:10:00.002-05:00

Things I have noticed that I am grateful for today:

A comment that Martha Creek posted on one of my Facebook posts that she was was stretched to be grateful for underarm hair. The post caused me to have a few moments of uncontrolled laughter for which I am grateful beyond words.
Love the Daily Word message for today: Honesty: I am honest with myself and others.
The opportunity to make amends with a dear friend over one of my snarky comments.
I just noticed that my friend Cindy J is using one of my original FB posting as a signature line quotation. I so needed to hear the advice I shared in that quote. Grateful and humbled.
Grateful that the world around me isn't waiting on me to bring forth the Christmas Spirit.
Grateful for Christmas lights that burn brightly in the darkness reminding me that no matter how dark it seems, the Light will shine it away.
Chocolate covered cherries
Wireless Internet access all over the church and at home too.
Being a geek
The greater Rochester area where I have lived for many years or several different occasions.
Ashley, one of my nieces, coming by the church to rest in the stillness.

All About Joy

2011-12-18T21:00:00.000-05:00

Joy fuels this grateful day:

Jim jumping for joy in the midst of the challenges in his family.
Huge awareness personally that the Joy of the Lord is my strength - right here and right now.
Easy flow between Jim and I on platform.
Having Rob Hess in the house this morning for sound and just because.
Meeting Craig's new partner.
Discovering gifts from Peter & Sandy, Kathy and the mystery gingerbread house giver on my desk this morning.
Very long nap before bed.
Working the welcome counter with Angela today.
Last Sunday before Christmas
Being able to fix the problem with the home page of the website without having to recreate it.
Beautiful meeting with Linda to plan Ila's memorial service, so much love and acceptance. Beautiful!

Introspective Saturday

2011-12-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Today's gratitude flows from:

Being absolutely okay with not feeling very excited about Christmas yet.
Feeling better today that I did yesterday.
A day without any crisis calls.
The problem with my mother's water lines are not her responsibility!
New heavy duty heat tape on mom's water line.
Beautiful new bathroom at my sisters house, thanks John!
Remembering to pick up my shirts from the cleaners before they closed.
Noticing that my car needed gas while I was on the way to the cleaners.
Getting gas today, so I did not have to stop on my way into Church on Sunday morning.
Knowing when to stay home and allow healing to happen.

Renewed Attitude!

2011-12-16T12:11:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for:

The song, You Are Loved by Josh Groban which is a welcome and healing reminder.
The end of the war in Iraq.
My sister calling (on my seldom used home phone) to check on me because my cell phone was going directly to voice mail for the past several hours. (The battery had run down)
Waking up at 3 am and going to bed so I didn't spend the entire night sleeping in my chair
A down comforter on the bed
Chicken soup for breakfast
Being able to program the oven to shut off so I can leave the butternut squash baking and head out for a walk downtown.
My sister asking if it was too late for her to go to college at 42. I said, "it is never too late," which spoke to my heart too.
A slow and easy start to this day
The church absorbing the rate increase on our health insurance
Wonderful walk through downtown Rochester looking at the 1.8 million lights that are on the businesses for The Big, Bright Light Show.

Odd, Quiet Thursday

2011-12-15T22:30:00.000-05:00

Today, gratitude for:

To have gone shopping with my brother a day earlier than usual
Blah days are good for reflection
Swollen lymph glands, sneezing and a runny nose - nature letting me know that I need to slow down and care for me
Candlelight Wedding Chapel calling me for a quick, small wedding
The gift of officiating Craig & Karen's wedding and the two of them sharing tears and open hearts with me
Craig's adding a gift "for the alms plate at church" on top of an honorarium for the wedding
Noticing that it is not too late for love, taught by a 60 year old man getting married for the first time
Still loving me after an unplanned pizza
Noticing that I have friends from many and diverse political backgrounds: tea party to OWL devotee, Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians and everything in between and loving them all.
An evening at home, alone, when I really needed it.

Mid Week Miracles

2011-12-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

The ruins of the pool of Bethesda

Grateful for:

Wonderfully spirit centered Healing Service tonight.
Being able to drop of groceries to a dear woman and her two children on my way home from service
Honoring and serving our staff today with a Christmas Luncheon
An ability to touch people through prayer
A Visa gift card
An unexpected financial gift from a dear friend.
The color Royal Blue
Sharing the sermon with Jim.
The story of the healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda
The staff of Lil Mamas catering

Two Is Day?

2011-12-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

Daily Gratitude List:

The FB posts from Denise Brogan-Kator from the White House where she and Mary Kator were attending a reception.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software that converts scanned images into text
Winning a bronze medal in this weeks Zuma Blitz tournament
Not storming out of the meeting
Not taking things personally
Clean, dry clothes to wear to work
The Expressway
Ability to drive
Royal Lake by Mars Lasar (a musical piece)
Knowing when to apologize and let it go
The incredible example of Lisa Philips, Principle or Cass Tech High

Rolling in the Gratitude Week Six

2011-12-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

On this day I am grateful for:

The sacrifices made by USMC Staff Sergeant Vincent J. Bell and the other women and men of the armed forces as they respond to the nations call to serve and protect.
The consciousness of our Prayer Chaplains.
Ushers and greeter who respond to the invitation to serve a family they did not know.
The camaraderie and connection between the Marines who attended the service.
Deb's gift salad and raw vegetables (I am following the simple directions)
Being able to share the value of Costco optical with my friend Denise.
The opportunity to dig within myself for some meaning this Christmas season
Baked spaghetti made from last nights leftovers
Making it in as early as I said I would be there.
Escorting the Bless family into the sanctuary
Going to bed early because I want to.

Two Weeks to Christmas

2011-12-11T22:30:00.000-05:00

I am grateful for:

Attended the Detroit Repertory Theater for the first time, great venue.
Discovering a wonderful new dimension to Harold Hogan
The play, Engagement Rules by Rich Orloff
Divine unrest.
Meeting the actors after the play.
Finding a place where my Sprint 4G phone actually connected to a 4G network
The gift of tickets, thanks Cassandra!
Getting home before dark.
Spaghetti with meat sauce
Reflection of the advent theme for today of Love

Simply Super Saturday

2011-12-10T12:10:00.001-05:00

Full moon over pines on 12/10/11

Today, I am grateful for:

My friend Randy fixing the receptacles for the power window switches (I do not know what the assembly is called) on my car.
A most amazing full moon, cold, silver, winter moon.
An in the moment I love you text from Ben
Catching up with Mark on the phone today
Being able to borrow a truck from a friend
Turnips in soup, who knew they would be so good!
Amy's promotion, way to go!
First day this season where the high temp did not get over freezing so the pond has ice.
John repairing my sisters bathroom floor.
Being okay with missing the Family of Faith concert even though I really wanted to be there.
Knowing that although nothing happened the way I wanted it to today, everything was perfect.

Gratefully, I am back on track

2011-12-09T10:37:00.001-05:00

My heart is filled with gratitude because:

I have remembered I do not have to do it perfectly.
I have release the all or nothing attitude that keeps me stuck at times.
I have not given up on this gratitude blogging after missing a couple of days
Watching a pair of cardinals, his bright plumage and her subtle colors and a blue jay all playing in the snow covering the big pine outside my window
Celtic Christmas Music playing softly while a light snow falls
This quiet morning after a very hectic week of Medicare and medical insurance stuff for three family members
Making some new friends and reconnecting with current friends at the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion meeting yesterday.
My niece reaching out to Rev. Ric instead of Uncle Ric yesterday.
The reality that there is no difference between those two, neither role is who I am.
The deep knowing that God/'Spirit/All is fluid, dynamic and so much more than I can even imagine and yet I am intimately connected with the Presence in ways I feel and understand.
Our small groups Christmas potluck.
Being able to leave when it was time for me and not feeling like I have to be the last one to leave.

Free and Equal in Dignity and Rights

2011-12-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's speech regarding global LGBT rights.
President Obama getting more aggressive on gay issues.
The recent repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell
Debby's successful surgery
Officiating the funeral for Pat and meeting her incredible family and friends
getting back on track with conscious eating
a new Zuma game board
The gains for LGBT equality that have happened in my lifetime.
Passing 1400 FBF's
My many supportive nongay ally's.

Gratitude Journey Day 29

2011-12-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

Grateful for:

Resolving issue with Medicare part "D" to get Mikes prescriptions
Kim, a very helpful pharmacy tech, at Meijer
Being able to take the time to work on these personal/family things
The last night of 4T - potluck
Knowing when to get off the freeway and drive surface roads
My sister, Dion for so many reasons.
Sharing The Work with D & T as a way to move forward in their relationship
paved roads
having been delivered from addiction to nicotine 7 years ago
Getting a line on my great great grandfather for my family tree

Grandma Ledger 100th Birthday

2011-12-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

.

This would have been my maternal grandmother's 100th birthday. I still miss you Grandma!
Esther Minerva (Karvala) Ledger 12/4/1911 - 8/6/2002

Grateful for:

Voraciously inquisitive spirit
Her love of reading.
Our mutual enjoyment of the Earth's Children Series (Clan of the Cave Bear) of books by Jean M. Auel
Determination
Cooking - this is hardly a single gratitude. I spent hours with my Grandmother in her kitchen and then in my kitchen.
Making Christmas cookies with all of the cousins, Gram always had room at the table and in her heart, for one more
Many Christmas Eves spent getting a 30+ pound Turkey in the oven, I would stay with grandma on Christmas eve to help her get things ready. Often we would put up the tree as well as make stuffing and cabbage salad.
Always making me feel loved
Her absolute unwavering acceptance of me and my friends. I remember the day I came out to my grandma, she was so not concerned.
Story about clothes dryers being one of the inventions that most changed the world.
Her fierce sense of independence, she was her own person, regardless.
The Goose lady of Willet -
Grandma asking me on the night before she died after I got her back home from the hospital, "Can I have my glass now?" Our code for enough vodka for a couple of drinks.
Her love of Andre Schwartz'sa song "Dans Vanaand Met My" even though neither of us understood it, she said she knew in her heart what it meant.
Grandma making pasties & meat pies.
Stories of her growing up in Iron River
Stories of commodity rationing during WWII and using ration stamps

Ten Favorite Things

2011-12-03T09:18:00.001-05:00

These are ten favorite things that I come back to frequently: (there are more that I will probably share over time)

For laughing: 25 funniest auto-corrects (strong language)
For the song, Seasons of Love, from the play/movie Rent. Measure your life in Love.
Jami Lula singing Love Is My Religion
Renaissance Unity which is both my spiritual home and employer.
Attending our Volunteer Christmas Potluck this afternoon.
Grateful for the memory of Frank Firek sharing "Twas The Night Before Christmas" with us at so many previous years at Christmas potlucks.
Will Tillander
Sloane Tillander
First Birthday Parties
Adele's voice.

Day 26 on this Grateful Journey

2011-12-02T19:01:00.001-05:00

My top ten for today:

I am grateful that I survived the years in school when I was bullied.
Long handled ice/snow scraper
Rear window defroster in my car
A quiet day off, spent mostly at home
Realizing that the only item on my calendar for the day had been rescheduled.
Compliments from folks about the way I looked last night in my new Tuxedo, the first I have ever owned
My pharmacist, Anna, who always makes things work somehow.
Health insurance that covers prescriptions
Wonderful aroma of a pot of Boiled Dinner simmering in the kitchen
Finally catching up with Extreme Makeover Home Edition since the move to Friday night.

World Aids Day - I remember

2011-12-01T08:14:00.001-05:00

Grateful for the life journey we shared, for love, friendship and memories:

Douglas J. Arsenault
Dr. Eric Loranger
Richard L. O’Dell
Jon Rowe
Pat Lee
Woody Lee
Joe K. Grantham
Tracey Mae Artinian LaCroix
Larry Gaynier
James Proffit
James Holman
Rev. Roger Webb
William R. Fischer
Rev. James Sandmire
Phillip Gallnitz

First Snow

2011-11-30T07:41:00.001-05:00

Nov 30, 2011 - First Snow

My Gratitude Spills Over ...

The quiet blanket of the first snow.
My dental office sends text messages as appointment reminders.
Only got up once last night to pee.
Having two permanent crowns seated this morning
Incredible improvement (I may post the before & now pictures) in oral health and appearance over the last three years..
Meeting the family of an amazing woman whose life we will celebrate tomorrow.
getting my hairs cut
being able to listen to an audio of the lady whose funeral I am officiating tomorrow.
I love serving as a pastor. (may be a duplicate).
I appreciate Google and the access to information of so many kinds it makes easily accessible

Rain into Snow :-)

2011-11-29T10:03:00.001-05:00

11/29/11 Rainy day turning to snow later.

Grateful, even now ...

Forecast of snow tonight - I prefer snow to cold rain
Always changing weather
Payday
Direct deposit
My eye doctor telling me that my challenges with glaring lights when night driving, especially when it is wet, are from cataracts and not any of the number of stories I had made up.
Driving surface roads home tonight.
Bought my first tuxedo today, the salesman was awesome. Thanks John.
My neighbors, Fred & Alice, are safely home from a trip to New York
Enjoyed a belated birthday lunch with my friend & coworker Mike
Grateful that two of my standing weekly meetings have been canceled this week.
Happy to be home on this rainy, windy, cold & dark night.

Cyber Monday, really?

2011-11-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for :

Connecting with my dear friend Jo Horn this morning!
Getting a 30 day license plate and almost getting the title issue resolved with my car.
Introducing a couple to The Work as a tool for working on their relationship.
The passion Carole & Denise have for our Christmas Outreach program
Divine ideas that emerge to allow us to assist more people
Opportunities that arise to make some extra cash at exactly to most opportune moment
Ben calling to share favorite memories of dancing and laughter
The guidance that always comes when I listen and take time to notice
Making the healthier choice to buy roasted turkey breast over the ribs
Quiet moments in a very busy week
The deep knowing that everything I need to be happy now, I have now.

Three Grateful Weeks ...

2011-11-27T18:13:00.001-05:00

Today, I am feeling grateful for:

The opportunity to share some ideas and conversation with our Youth of Unity chapter.
Christening babies, I love to christen babies and adults.
The tunnel linking the parking structure and hospital at Beaumont's Royal Oak campus
Rainy days that offer the opportunity to curl up, reflect & read
The first Sunday in advent
Being able to return Chef John's knife to him
The amazing multifaceted diversity of our spiritual community
Remembering to take lunch to work with me
Actually having blogged for 21 days in succession
Singing aloud while driving and not caring what the other drivers think.

Twenty Days of Gratitude Consciousness

2011-11-26T13:24:00.001-05:00

Rochester Municipal Park, 11/25/11

Gratitude flows from my heart for these reasons today ...

Going to dinner and the theater (All Night Strut Holiday Show) with friends tonight in celebration of my birthday
Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Creme Cake
Taking a nap in the morning (may be a duplication)
Embracing the flow of this journey in gratitude for twenty days.
A clean kitchen
The "Rudolph" van in my neighborhood that has antlers sticking out off the side windows and a red "nose" on the grille.
The giant pine tree outside my office window that is home to so many birds and squirrels
Getting a hair cut.
a two days in a row break from the recent frenzy of activities.
This amazing Rochester/Rochester Hills area I call home.
I need to purchase new underpants because they are so big that are falling off, yeah!!!

Another day of Thanks Living

2011-11-25T10:36:00.001-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

The lesson I learned from eggs while making an omelet this morning: I had two white shelled eggs left and added a brown shelled egg from the new dozen just purchased. Interesting thing about white eggs and brown eggs; they look different until you crack them open.
The joy of delivering the surplus from our Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday to the kitchen at Grace Centers of Hope, the largest shelter here in Oakland County, Michigan.
The rich smell wafting through the house from turkey soup stock simmering on the stove.
Realizing that Christmas is one month away.
The Memo from God which is included in the Og Mandino's classic book: The Greatest Miracle in the World
59° weather on November 25, 2011
A wonderful walk on the Paint Creek trail and through Rochester Municipal Park.
Yummy taste of Rutabaga's in my soup
The smell of clean towels
An card from a dear lady I met when I officiated her sisters memorial service letting me know that prayers had been answered for her son. She has asked me to pray for her 48 y/o son who had been recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. His most recent PET scan shows the cancer has been shrinking and they now label it stage 1. Alleluia!

Happy Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

On this day we dedicate to giving thanks, I am grateful for:

Getting to the church to open it on time today.
Wonderful mixture of seasoned volunteers and brand new folks created an amazing energy and excited.
My dear friend Rev. Karen Boland who started this Community Thanksgiving Feast 37 years ago.
The great honor of continuing in her footsteps (although not in her shoes ☺)
Being able to step back from the kitchen and attend to the big picture of the event this year.
The way that this established event shifts slightly to accommodate new ideas and energy while retaining its essence.
The generous outpouring of support, turkeys and mashed potatoes that our Renaissance Community delivered in waves of plenty and abundance.
The idea that we all cooked our turkeys, mashed potatoes and stuffing at home individually and brought the dishes to church where a dedicated group of volunteers mixed everything together with love. What a modeling for sharing our resources for the good of all.
The 325 people from every age group, family & marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity came together in celebration and as family for a few hours top share a meal and their presence. Wow!
Being joined by Jim Lee, daughter Tracy and two of her kids for dinner. So very sweet!
The most amazing slice of homemade apple pie, little sugar allowing the natural apple flavor through and such a flaky crust.
A dear lady who came up to me as she was leaving to express her gratitude. She said she had resigned herself to not having a "Thanksgiving Dinner" this year because she couldn't afford it. One of her friends had told her about the church and she really enjoyed to food and companionship.
The movie Wally which so many stayed to watch.
Cindy staying to the very end to help make sure what needed to get done was done.
I give thanks for you who are reading these ramblings,
A sense of happy exhaustion as I locked the doors and drove home with unused food to take the Great Grace Center of hope tomorrow for one more day of Thanks Giving on this journey of Thanksliving.

Eve of Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T11:13:00.001-05:00

I am Grateful for:

The question "What would happen if you woke up this morning and all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?" ~Martha Creek
Being able to laugh at myself. I was cracking three eggs to scramble for breakfast, the first two were uneventful; crack an egg on the edge of sink and deposit in bowl. The last egg, I cracked and promptly deposited into the sink. I looked down at the egg and started to laugh, belly laugh. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants.Thank You God for laughter and not taking things too seriously.
Remembering to check my medications and order the refills
Having a dishwasher
the ability to change my current focus quickly
Beautiful drive to my brother Matt's home
a sweet Thanksgiving Eve service this evening
The opportunity to preach
amazing coworkers
knowing when it is time to go to bed.

Grateful to Be & Happy Birthday to Me

2011-11-22T00:42:00.001-05:00

On my birthday, I am grateful for:

Thank You God for this fifty sixth anniversary of my birth into our world. It has been an amazing ride so far and I feel like we are just getting to know each other and I am starting to get the hang of it. Thank You for the Life of me. Your life expressing in, through and as me. I give myself back to you. What is my role this coming year? How do I add value to the souls who cross my path? I love you Love! Looking forward to the second half. I am living in a state of Grace ...
Fifty Six Years and approx 9 months ago in an impulse of divine creativity via my parents passion I was conceived.
The flowers Cindy brought me and her ongoing friendship and support
20,440 brand new days so far in this lifetime.
Martha Creek's friendship and mentoring.
Scrambled eggs
An awesome outpouring of Love on Facebook today.
Great eye exam this morning
Finding 5 people to take part in our faces of RU Video project
Getting the shopping done for our Thanksgiving Dinner
The reawakening desire to be in a relationship

Gratitude Journal Day 15

2011-11-21T21:20:00.001-05:00

Things I am grateful for today:

Enjoying the last day of my 55th year.
My Droid powered Samsung Galaxy S 4G Phone
Awesome neighbors: Fred & Alice
Having my folding chairs home after 1 1/2 years
Finishing the Order of Service for Thanksgiving Eve
Topic and ideas for my Christmas Day message
The radio in my car
The Angry Birds game
Finding my blue tooth ear piece.
Successfully avoiding Christmas carols being played way too early for my taste.
Three amazing nieces: Ashley, Alicia & Jordan.

Second Grateful Week!

2011-11-20T22:39:00.000-05:00

Today, my heart is happy about:

From my friends at http://www.fellowshipfortoday.org/

An Awesome Youth of Unity bake sale today
Cake auction success and fun, who knew I could be an auctioneer?
The Interfaith Center for Racial Justice annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service this afternoon.
Being invited to share as a part of a Prayer Forum at Fellowship for Today.
The marvelous way everything turned out around the Flute Concert which I had not properly entered in my calendar. Cindy, April & Kathy had a good time and the day was not wrecked for my friend.
Meeting author Sal Sapienza and his partner Gregg Smith
The idea that Mark Fuss would ask Sal to make sure to get me to the next GLBT retreat at Unity Village
The energy & friendship of Brad Miller
Realizing more and more that life is a process of prayerful awareness and fun!
A beautiful, just over an hour, drive home from Fellowship For Today last night.
Great conversation with my sister-in-law Stephanie.
The happy glow I feel as I reflect on the activities of this day.

Grateful on this Thirteenth Day

2011-11-19T09:22:00.001-05:00

Today, I am deeply grateful for:

You
Going out for breakfast on Saturday morning.
Taking a morning nap just because.
The song "Firework" by Katy Perry.
High speed internet access at home
Being able to visit my Mom and tell/show her how much I love her.
Having learned how to cook & bake from my mother and both grandmothers as I grew up.
An ongoing love affair with Life that has served me so well for almost 40 years.
Reading Rev. Troy Perry's book "The Lord is my Shepherd and He know's I'm Gay" back in the early 70's which allowed the small god of my childhood to shatter, revealing a larger reality.
Giving up trying to get stuff because I know that I have everything I need.
Going through my Grandmother Miller's recipes.
Baking her Fresh Apple Cake

Twelfth Day of Gratefulness

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

New Year 2005 trip to Anchorage, Alaska

On this Twelfth Day of Gratefulness, I am thinking of:

Being up and awake to see this mornings glorious blue, purple, lavender sunrise.
Having Friday's off
Being part of a spiritual community that accepts and celebrates me as I am.
Waking up with the car in the driveway
My awesome neighbor Danny who mulched all the leaves in my yard.
Buckwheat pancakes
Fond memories of my last really went somewhere vacation to Anchorage Alaska in January of 2005.
Not having to replenish coolant before every trip in my car.
Not being concerned when the Warren PD pulled me over to check my ID (they thought I was someone with a warrant, NOT)
Lots of projects to work on which prevents boredom.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 11

2011-11-17T08:36:00.001-05:00

I will not drop my leaves just because the others have.

Be Yourself

Albert Einstein quotations which seem to capture the essence of spirituality and science.
The ability to imagine something different
Watching a huge flock of Canada geese waking up and beginning to graze, gaining strength for the journey south.
Dear friend Liz who touches my heart so deeply with her kindness.
This tree on my street which still is arrayed in fabulous fall finery while all the others have dropped their leaves and have slipped into winter mode.
Getting a new high score in Zuma Blitz
Hazelnut flavored creamer for my coffee
Electricity
Insurance is rewritten and in for the cabin (hooray!) my sister and brothers and I have.
The ability to celebrate myself and to decide what that means as I choose.
Memories of my grandma Ledger watching the geese leave for the season. It was hard for her to stop feeding them so that they would head south.
Telephone conference call technology that lets me attend a meeting when I am not able to be present in person.
Car repaired for approx. $150 less that estimated!!
The winter coat I could barely zip up last year fits wonderfully.

Day 10 of this gratitude experience

2011-11-16T21:48:00.001-05:00

Beauty is Everywhere. Notice ...

Sunlight streaming in my office window
Denise and Doug treating me to dinner
Sweet potato fries
Friends I haven't physically met yet.
The movie "Shelter."
The Internet
Facebook
Ideas and creativity that flow when Linda and I focus together.
Dear friends who are getting married.
Alaska's mountains

From Pity Party to Gratitude - Day 9

2011-11-15T21:51:00.001-05:00

Giving Thanks in All Things

My story this morning: I don't have time to walk, I have a full day of important meetings, I need to get to work early.

Reality: The water pump on my car has been failing for about two weeks and I had been hoping to make it to payday (the 15th) updated to hoping to get to Friday so that I didn't need the car and could put it in the shop. In a stroke of Divine Order, today is payday and the water pump failed. I got the car to the garage and walked home. Coincidence? I live in a friendly universe that conspires to help me love myself.

When the mechanic called me this afternoon with the estimate of more than $500 (Chrysler connects the water pump to the timing belt) , I had a pity party. Perhaps some of you can relate maybe to the story: Why me? Why now. Why after all the money I had to put into my teeth the last two months and the roof on the cabin two weeks ago. I am a minister, don't you know I need the car for God's work? Why? Why?

Fortunately, I stopped short of inviting others to my party. As the belief "my car shouldn't break down now" flooded my mind I found another set of questions rising up:

Is it true?
Can you absolutely know that it's true?
How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
Who would you be without the thought?

Deep breath and the sanity and peace are restored as I used The Work of Byron Katie to question my belief that the car shouldn't break down. Afterward I got so much done, walked, did laundry and created a plan for getting to work tomorrow.

I found many reasons to be grateful as well:

I had the opportunity to walk home which took 59 minutes and my goal is to walk an hour every day.
I have the funds to pay for the repair.
I was not far away from home when the failure occurred.
I have prior satisfactory history with the mechanic.
Got some housework done.
Was able to complete paperwork from my brother's case worker
Two friends stepped forward to give me a lift to work tomorrow.
Another friend committed to taking me home after work
Another friend called to see if I needed a hand or a loan
The experience has been useful as a teaching opportunity
Part of a larger demonstration of having my needs met this year.

Gratitude Week 2 begins

2011-11-14T16:18:00.001-05:00

. Amazing!

Summer dreaming on an almost winter day!

I woke up this morning
Brand new baby week
Summer memories
Chicken & rice soup cooking in the slow-cooker waiting for me to get home
The Work of Byron Katie which helps me remain centered and honest with myself.
The Jerusalem Bible.
Michael Bernard Beckwith's new CD, TranscenDance
Direct deposit of my paycheck.
My credit union, Genisys. I love being a member/owner.
Affirmations, the GLBT Community Center in Ferndale
Antonio David Garcia, the new Executive Director at Affirmations.

One grateful week!

2011-11-13T17:44:00.001-05:00

I Am Grateful for:

One week of compiling this gratitude list.
My ability to remain grounded in the midst of the storm.
Meeting Ed posthumously via officiating his memorial service.
Costco Gas
I am grateful for the breath I am taking now.
Cashews
Having food service in Mystic Grounds again.
My glasses
Tooth paste
Voice Mail

Gratitude that grows 11/12/11

2011-11-12T11:43:00.001-05:00

Today I am Grateful For:

Crisp (cold) almost winter mornings.
Bright sunny late fall afternoons.
Officiating weddings and commitment ceremonies
The sound and smell of leaves crunching as I walk through them
Having awesome neighbors.
Living in the Rochester area
My niece Jordan Rose posting new pictures of Noah and Allie on Facebook.
That I can still be a computer nerd even though I am a minister.
Friendships that stretch back 40 years.
Knowing that all of my needs are met.
Turkey chili

Grateful for Veterans and ...

2011-11-11T09:44:00.001-05:00

"It only takes one to end the war, me. I'm the one." ~Byron Katie

I am grateful for:

Veterans who have responded to the call, past or present, of our nation to safeguard our liberty and freedom. May their sacrifice never be in vain.
The telephone and my freedom to speak freely and without fear.
Having a car that runs and is paid for in full.
My own love of reading, which has opened the world to me.
The be grateful picture above that a friend sent to me.
The core team of volunteers for our upcoming rotating shelter week. We went through an orientation with the folks from the Macomb County Warming Center last night.
The gorgeous full (?) moon tonight
Being able to wear my favorite pair of blue jeans again.
Wireless Internet access all over our church
Google Music which lets me access all of my music from anywhere via the internet

Great & Grateful - 11/10/11

2011-11-10T09:10:00.001-05:00

Giving thanks from my grateful heart for:

That my alarm clock keeps ringing until I awaken.
The satisfaction (and clean nails) that come from washing the dishes.
A fried egg sandwich with cheese on toast which reminds me of Grandma Ledger
Getting a birthday card from the Youth Ministry folks even though I moved out of that department more than 2 years ago.
Having an office at the church with windows.
A text message from my brother Darrin asking if I was able to fix the water heater. (Yes, I did yesterday!)
A hot shower when I want to take one.
A warm home.
A comfortable bed.
Clean underwear everyday.
The power to choose.

Martha Creek delivered our Sunday Lesson on November 6, 2011 and challenged us with the question, "What would happen if you woke up this morning and all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?" She then invited us to keep a gratitude journal of at least 10 things we were grateful for each day for at least the next 21 days (with no items repeated) as a spiritual practice of developing an attitude of gratitude.

Copyright (c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie , all rights are reserved.

Gratitude list for Wednesday, 11/9/11

2011-11-09T09:23:00.001-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

The sweet smell of smoke from my neighbors wood stove wafting over the neighborhood this morning.
A solitary white crane fishing in the reeds across the pond; framed by reflections of russet, gold and yellow leaves.
Noticing how much easier it is getting to bend over and tie my shoes.
A profound sense of the state of Grace within which I live and move.
The awesome ability to change my thoughts & attitudes and therefore to change my world.
Having many choices about what to eat for breakfast.
Having close friends who love me and are willing to call me out on my stuff!
The stillness of this quiet morning.
An extra roll of bathroom tissue under the sink
The "balance" lessons learned watching squirrels busily hiding nuts for winter and taking time to play.
This friendly, supportive Universe I live in.
The hot water heater being out, which has led me to a do-it-yourself website and videos on how to change a thermocouple.
Hot Water, yeah!!!!!

Martha Creek delivered our Sunday Lesson on 11/6/11 and challenged us all with the question, "What would happen if you woke up this morning and all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?" She then invited us to keep a gratitude journal of at least 10 things we were grateful for each day for at least the next 21 days (with no items repeated) as a spiritual practice of developing an attitude of gratitude.

Copyright (c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie , all rights are reserved.

Gratitude list for 11/08/11

2011-11-08T17:49:00.001-05:00

This day, I am grateful for:

My mom! I am not sure she knows how much she means to me at times.
The lone tree with bright red leaves left intact at the edge of the church yard. It seems to stand alone as a silent sentinel.
The non-stop stream of ideas that flowed forth in our marketing team meeting today.
This autumn mornings mist.
Receiving an invitation to a special first birthday party!
The support that appears as helpful volunteers with amazing skills exactly when they are needed.
The guy in the blue Ram pickup who opened a space for me to change lanes on the freeway this afternoon.
My neighbor, Danny, who mowed/mulched the leaves in my yard.
Crisply starched blue/yellow checkered shirt with button down collar - my favorite!
My friend and coworker Denise whose nagging makes me nuts and makes my world work smoother.

‎Martha Creek delivered our Sunday Lesson on 11/6/11 and challenged us all with the question, "What would happen if you woke up this morning and all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?" She then invited us to keep a gratitude journal of at least 10 things we were grateful for each day for at least the next 21 days (with no items repeated) as a spiritual practice of developing an attitude of gratitude.

Copyright (c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie , all rights are reserved.

Gratitude list for 11/7/11

2011-11-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

1 - Work that is my passion, vocation and avocation
2 - Strong, hot coffee to start the day
3 - Scrambled eggs & toast
4 - November energy (my birth month)
5 - Indoor bathrooms
6 - Having a washing machine
7 - The furnace in my home
8 - An always expanding consciousness of God
9 - An amazing family
10 - Love that wraps itself around me as hundreds of hugs and smiles.

‎Martha Creek delivered our Sunday Lesson on 11/6/11 and challenged us all with the question, "What would happen if you woke up this morning and all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?" She then invited us to keep a gratitude journal of at least 10 things we were grateful for each day for at least the next 21 days (with no items repeated) as a spiritual practice of developing an attitude of gratitude.

Jamey Rodemeyer, 14-Year-Old Boy, Commits Suicide After Gay Bullying, Parents Carry On Message (VIDEO)

2011-10-04T20:35:00.000-04:00

Jamey Rodemeyer, 14-Year-Old Boy, Commits Suicide After Gay Bullying, Parents Carry On Message (VIDEO)

Jamey Rodemeyer had the love of his family and had even posted an "It Gets Better" video on Youtube last May. Evidently but the bullying (which can be intense in middle and high school) was intense and in the end, this bright 14 year old took his own life on September 18, 2011

When I was in high school (in the early 70's) three kids from our area took their own lives. They couldn't handle the constant harassing because others assumed they were gay. I know that two of those kids were indeed gay and the third was questioning his feelings. Unfortunately, he never got to sort things out.

Love for all people or fear of some. Each of us choose by the words we speak and think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtoBwOWc6Zs

Vulnerable

2011-08-02T13:50:00.001-04:00

Two blocks from the end of my walk this morning I was charged by 3 dogs, including a pit bull or pit mix. Although they backed me up against a pickup truck, I was not bitten. The owner and her 20 something daughter had a hard time getting the dogs under control. No collars on the dogs, no leads. Telling me that they won't bit as they snapped, growled and kept trying to surround me. I did report the incident to the Sheriff and animal control. Afterward I was absolutely drained emotionally. What if I had been a child or the older guy who runs in our neighborhood.

I am still shaking my head at the entire scene. The incident left me feeling vulnerable in a way that startled me.

I love dogs and do not blame any specific breed however I do think that owners of aggressive dogs should manage them responsibly.

Now, I need to get the dog in my head under control.

Happy Birthday to these United States of America!

2011-07-04T10:27:00.001-04:00

The Ideas of religious freedom and self governance by the people launched a movement 235 years ago that continues to evolve. Thank you to those military & civilians who have paid with sweat & blood over the years for the freedoms we enjoy. We are not perfect and we are not finished yet. May America be a blessing now and always.

I say may America be a blessing because I often hear people say God Bless America. And yes, I too want God's Blessing on America and the entire planet. We are not separate from each other. All of the nations, people, life and this planet are interconnected on multiple levels.

Technology has made it possible to communicate with and, often, see and speak with almost anyone, anywhere at anytime. A couple of years ago, I officiated a wedding in Royal Oak Michigan that used Skype to link with the bride's family in Mongolia. They were able to be a part of the ceremony in real time. I met people in South Africa in 1997 that I regularly email, Facebook and Skype with. More than 500 million people are connected on Facebook alone. Of the worlds 6.9 billion people, 2.1 billion are Internet users.

Corporations span the globe, rapidly moving goods around the planet. Our economies are increasingly intertwined in complex ways. While global commerce has positive and negative aspects, we are still learning how to live on a massively integrated scale.

The ongoing movement of Spirit, by all the names and ways we understand It, is the ultimate connector. More and more, people are realizing that we are not separate beings with individual lives. Rather, we are individualization's of One life. We are part of one living organism called Life.

The rate of interconnections is increasing. Have you noticed? We can allow this transformation to drag us along or we can choose to be intentionally involved with this exciting evolution in consciousness.

God Bless America and may America continue to be a blessing to all.

(c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie

Minister Resigns After Church Vote for Gay Clergy, Christian News

2011-06-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

Minister Resigns After Church Vote for Gay Clergy, Christian News

In this article, The Rev. Andrew Coghill announced that he was stepping down from his pulpit in a Presbyterian (Church of Scotland) church because of his opposition to gay clergy which the General Assembly moved a step closer to ordaining.

He is quoted, "The Cross is not simply to be preached, it is to be lived." And I absolutely agree.

The cross bridges the apparent gap between divinity and humanity & calls us into a life in relationship to God based on Grace and not on the Law. To live the cross is to follow Jesus and his admonitions & instructions to "Love one another as I have loved you."

To be anything less that I was created to be is blasphemous. Someone recently asked how many homosexuals does God need to create before we get the message that everyone is made in the image and after the likeness of God.

Celebrate your life for it is a wonderful and unique expression of the very Life of God.

Only Love!

Ric

Love is the Guide

2011-03-17T10:07:00.004-04:00

Dear God,

We remember that You are the unifying force that links all life.
In the stillness, we connect as One—heart to heart and mind to mind.
From this Oneness flows the guidance, ideas and courage we need to:

Cool reactors
Calm fears
Feed children
Love one another
Restore the planet
Heal the broken
End wars
And change course.

The effects of our error thinking are evident in many places on our planet.
Today, we move beyond effect to the deeper level of cause.
Now is the time for us to unite in thought, prayer and Love.
Remind us God that in You, All is well.
Thank You.
Amen

Waiting for the Storm

2011-02-01T21:35:00.002-05:00

I love snow storms. Perhaps I should say I love to be safely at home (or in a cabin with a fire and someone special) with everything I need to stay home for several days when a storm is raging.. I enjoy the imposed slowdown as well as the display of quiet power. Frozen water is tiny flakes that weight almost nothing accumulate as a formidable force capable of stopping our machinery, shutting down airports and train depots.

For several days the weather people have been predicting the big storm was coming, 10-15 inches of snow and the likelihood that most everything would be shut down for a couple of days. The church was closing early so that we could all get home before the storm made its appearance. On the way home, I stopped at the grocery store to make certain that I would not have to go out for several days if needed.

When I got home, I noticed that I had bough ingredients to make comfort food, or the food from my two grandmothers' kitchens.Supplies for chicken soup, chili and chocolate chip cookies. As I work through "A Course in Weight Loss," I'm simply noticing the connections between my emotional state, in this case, the storm and being safe with Grandma by recreating the smells and tastes of her kitchen.

I don't know if the storm will deliver as forecast, but I have experienced another important aha about my eating habits.

Keeping it as real as I can!
Ric

A bunch of Oneness

2011-01-11T11:11:00.011-05:00

It is January 11, 2011 or 1/11/11 for some reason I have been noticing the clock at 11:11 frequently for the last few days, and then again today. I take both the date and my noticing the time as pointing to our oneness. We are all connected for these is only Life which expresses itself in so many wonderful ways including you and me.

I am one with the One!

Peace,

Ric

River Rushes Over Me

2011-01-07T23:14:00.003-05:00

Hey God,

You are the River like in this song
running through my life.

Sometimes gentle

and sometimes

wild and raging.

W i d e then narrow,
fast and all at once still and serene.

I am once again navigating the rapids of change.
Life is asking more of me.
my past life
is rushing up in its wild and raw state-- flooding my mind and emotions.

In the very moment I am overwhelmed by shame and anger

The River washes over me
Grace floods my heart and awareness.
I am a little smoother for the journey.
Oh Yeah!

Always in Love,

Ric

"Rolling River God" performed by Bridgette Bryant at Agape

Lesson 1 continues - The voice -vs- The Voice.

2011-01-05T14:05:00.006-05:00

(This post is in relation to Lesson 1 in the book, A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson. This is a journey that I am traveling personally and facilitating a group of people through at Renaissance Unity.)

From the emails I have received, conversations shared and posts in our group area, I am not the only one who is having a tough time getting started on or processing through this list of 25+ words.

There are two voices in my mind. The voice of my ego: shrill, judgmental, fearful, absolutely committed to keeping things, me stuck exactly where I have been for so long. The other Voice, the Voice for God: the voice of Love, calling to me to rise up and into a higher possibility, calling me to face the fears and move through them, reminding me that we are all connected and that I am not alone, reminding me that I do not have to rely on myself alone.

Just reading the list slowly, as MW suggests, triggers my monkey mind to go in several directions at once. One direction is something like, "Oh really Ric, what do you know about changing your image in relation to weight, have you looked in the mirror lately?" Another direction my ego takes is, "If you are really openly honest about all of these things, they (the congregation/you) will know how weak, messed up, incompetent, nuts you really are!" Looking at the ways I have shamed myself, judged both myself and others, dealt with injustice, been unjust, been fearful - oh there is the trigger word for today, fear.

Fear of letting myself down, fear of failing the congregation, fear of failing, fear of not being able to follow through. Fear of being a fool. Fear of allowing myself to be vulnerable & transparent and being ridiculed. No, that isn't the big one. Fear of having shared publicly in a sermon, in the class, through this blog and my conversations and then failing to make the changes personally.

I realize I am at choice, I can continue living the way I have been which is slowly killing me by limiting my physical activities and isolating me, even in a crowd of people. Crying tears in silence, rather like the tears of the clown. Or I can dare to follow The Voice for love & life and my highest and best - calling me to change and be the man I was created to be - and encourage others to live their best lives too.

So I press on, a word at a time, a painful memory at a time, a thought at a time. It's just a thought. I can hear Katie say, "a thought has no bearing on reality". If the thought is bringing me stress, I question it until it lets go of me, releases my mind. Each thought is bringing me useful information that I can take to inquiry.

I am grateful for "A Course in Weight Loss" that I am certain Marianne Williamson wrote for me. And I am grateful too that I have The Work to process the list of stressful thoughts my ego would use to keep me stuck. I find it interesting that earlier this year I attended The School for The Work. Then again, is it interesting or Divine Order? I find the universe is very friendly and supportive when I notice. More importantly, I am grateful for those sweet souls who are traveling this path with me.

Yes I can do this work and transform my life! And you can too because together, we create an incredible field of potentiality.

Only Love,

Ric

The Connection Between Food Stains & A Wall of Bricks

2011-01-02T19:42:00.103-05:00

One hundred thirty-five people showed up for the first class in the series focused on Marianne Williamson's book A Course in Weight Loss this afternoon. So many people holding an intention together has created a powerful field of resonance. I am so grateful to have such a band of travelers on this journey. Many dear friends that I know well and another group of people that I don't know so well yet.

My approach to teaching this is very different that anything I have done in the past. It isn't like I have mastered this material already and am now sharing what I know. This class is live and alive. The strategy I have been guided to follow is to share my own journey as honestly and self revealing as I can. We are going to travel this journey of discovery and healing, together.

The assignment for our next meeting on January 23 is to read and journal the items in Lesson 1, Tear Down the Wall. The idea behind the lesson is that we have built a wall of bricks between ourselves and other people/life in order to protect ourselves.

The first "brick" in the wall is shame. So many images flood my mind, so much shame in me about my body, food, eating, clothing, etc.

On New Year's Eve, two of my dearest friends and I decided to check out the "scene" in Royal Oak after we finished our annual Burning Bowl service. Royal Oak was host to a free concert and ball drop and it had been years since any of us had done anything on New Year's Eve.

We began our evening with dinner. After a wait for a table (we did not have reservations) , we were seated in a booth. I normally do not sit at booths in restaurants because I cannot sit forward at my current size. Most people do not realize that they sit forward as they eat to keep the fork and food over their plate. If something drops from fork or mouth, it ends up back on the plate.

When I sit in a booth that is fairly narrow, I often find that I am reclining slightly, away from the table. If any food falls from my fork or a drip of soup or whatever, it ends up on my shirt. I knew that a couple of items had fallen as we had eaten our meal but when I went to the mens room and had a look at myself in the mirror, I was mortified. Several small stains were plainly visible along with the mother of all gravy stains, clearly visible. My attempt to clean myself up just left a larger, more visible smear.

I hurriedly got back to my friends and let them know that I was tired and going home. I was too ashamed to share that I was going home because I had stains all over the front of my shirt. I know that my friends love me unconditionally and would not judge me and still the shame was so great, I could barely stand. Carefully, I moved through the crowd to the relative safety/isolation of my car and then home.

This is just one shameful incident and shame is only one brick in a wall that is high and thick and so very effective at keeping others/love away.

Dear God,
Help me notice the feelings and thoughts that have formed into bricks.
Help me release them to You so that I might be whole.
I want to love and be loved.
Help me let Love into my life and heart.
May we all experience the transformational power of Love on this journey of discovery.
Give us all the courage to open our hearts to each other and to You.
Shine a light into this darkness that causes it to vanish forevermore.
Thank You God!
Amen

On the journey,
Ric

Happy New Year, New You & New Me too!

2011-01-01T18:28:00.004-05:00

Happy New Years Day! I am watching the final rays of a most glorious sunset as this first day of a New Year slowly gives way to the nighttime.

I have enjoyed this day spent reading Marianne Williamson's new book, A Course in Weight Loss, listening to a webcast on emerging consciousness, walking the neighborhood and quietly reflecting on the areas of my life that have been in motion lately. Front and center of which is my recent participation in The School for The Work of Byron Katie in Los Angeles this past October.

It feels like there is a huge connection between The Work and A Course in Weight Loss for me. When I was getting ready for The School for The Work, I set and held an intention of developing a new relationship with my body and of learning to release this barrier I had created that keeps people at a distance personally. As I read A Course in Weight Loss in order to prepare for our first session in the class I am leading at church, this seems to be next in this process of personal transformation that began in earnest at The School in October.

I don't know exactly where this is all leading, yet I feel big energy moving in and around me. I believe this process is the next step in several areas of my journey. I surrender myself to the process, trusting that Love is my guide and is leading the way.

How do you measure a year?

2010-12-29T21:22:00.004-05:00

As we come to the end of 2010, it is hard not to remark about how quickly it has passed. Indeed, how quickly this decade has gone by.

525,600 minutes - How do we measure the passing of a year? Cups of coffee, miles driven, thoughts thought, money earned?

For me personally: funeral services officiated, counseling appointments, meetings attended, weddings performed, sermons preached? How about measuring the increase in Love on the planet? Or in how many people I have loved? How many people have I allowed to love me? How many people are enjoying a real, dynamic, life changing experience of God?

I love this song because it brings up such a strong emotional response from the very depths of my soul.

Who is that man behind the curtain/mask/insulation?

2010-12-28T12:26:00.001-05:00

Many speakers, preachers & teachers (including me) say, "I always teach what I most need to learn." During last Sunday's sermon, when I shared the plans for the upcoming class I'm leading on Marianne Williamson's newest book A Course in Weight Loss, I knew that it would touch others though I underestimated just how many. I am encouraged and humbled by the number of people who want to travel this path with me.

As I prepare the class outline, I notice how many of the questions in the book take me directly to the process of inquiry known as The Work of Byron Katie. I notice the many stories I have created or adopted (from other folk) about my body and my weight. Who am I without the stories?

My ego is screaming at me, "I can't believe you dumped it all out in public during a sermon. Why are you doing this to us? Don't you see that everyone knows now. They are all laughing at us now. Who do you think you are? You are not smart/serious/grown up/ enough to pull this off. How will you explain it away when you fail miserably? How are you going to lead a group of people into a place you have only visited, and never for very long?" My ego is trying to drag me into The Hole:

So I say to my ego, Peace - Be still. Now is the time. I am not relying solely on myself for I have surrendered this deep stuck place to the Holy Spirit, a power greater that I am which does for me what I have not been able to accomplish. I am not afraid of my own darkness for it is merely the absence of light and not real.

I am not alone and neither are you! Make this an awesome day in some way.

Only Love,

Ric

Farewell Miss Jeannie

2010-12-27T20:11:00.027-05:00

I attended the memorial service for a giant of a woman this afternoon. Rest In peace Jeanne Frazier, thou good and faithful servant. Miss Jeannie as we called her at church, was an amazing woman. Her faith was enormous and her word was impeccable. She would often call you, "my love" in a way that made you know she meant it.

Miss Jeanie was grateful for every moment and rooted in the present in a powerful way. Thank you for sharing your gifts and faith with so many of us.

Otherwise, this has been a slow down take it easy day off. A bit of a cold is trying to settle in so a great day for some reading in " A Course in Weight Loss" in order to finalize our upcoming class. Many people expressed interest in being part of this journey. Come Holy Spirit and take us to the core of the issue.

The Beginning of the Beginning

2010-12-26T07:31:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago, I announced from the platform on Sunday, that I was forming a class/group to study/experience Marianne Williamson's book, A Course in Weight Loss because it is my journey to me

I was very touched by how people responded. Some thought I had a new diet to share, or wanted to share a new diet with me. This is not about diets or food or exercise. There is no magic pill, potion, lotion or drink. No perfect melt away the pounds exercise machine, video, system or wand. To lose weight eat fewer calories than you burn.

This is about transforming consciousness at the deepest level. This is about discovering the stuck story of me and healing it, releasing the story so that it releases me.This is about living the abundant life, a journey toward life in it's fullness. It is the story of my life.In a couple of hours I am going to share this beginning with a coup[le thousand people. Am I nuts? Maybe, but it is the thing that I am guided to do.

Hold onto your hats, this could be an interesting ride.

Only Love!

Ric

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-11-22T10:18:00.057-05:00

Hey God,

It's been another year already. Fifty five years ago in the early morning hours, I entered this experience of the Journey. I have come to understand that You are the Life that lives me. Life, Your life, the One life expressed in, through and as me.

As I begin this new year, my heart is very full. This song by Jami Lula, speaks to my heart. Into Your "hands" I surrender. Maybe into You as Your hands but those are not the words that Jami wrote. Into Your will, your plan, Your divine design I yield myself once again.

My birthday is an interesting day in that it is both not a big deal and I like people to remember.

No time to be weighed down

2010-09-29T08:01:00.009-04:00

Have you ever experienced having an idea float into your consciousness over and over in a short period of time from many different places and angels? Almost as if the idea is trying to get your conscious attention.

One of my great challenges in life has been maintaining a reasonable and healthful weight. Twice in my life I have released (not lost because I tend to find what I lose, like duh I found it again, over in the corner) more than 100 pounds. I am now embarking on that journey again.

Life/Spirit/God has been nudging me in the pesky way It does for a while and over the past few weeks, the pace has definitely quickened. This video below floated up in my face recently and as I watched it I laughed and cried. I know the story all too well. Now, I do not think I will be running anytime soon--the knees and hips of a 54 year old are not designed to run with the amount of weight that I am currently carrying which I am so not comfortable to post at this point.

Nudges and subtle pushes have come recently in a variety of ways:

Really paying attention to the way I feel when I exert myself
Watching a DVD of myself preaching, great sermon but who is that man?
Intentionally standing naked in front of a full length mirror
Trying to date someone recently (who pursued me) and having it bring up so many insecurities that I have never experienced before. I have been out of the dating scene for a few years, but there was a time, a long time, where fat or not I was a busy dating dude. Not now it seems.
I am a spiritual teacher, a pastor. To teach is to demonstrate and it is time for me to demonstrate leadership over my self, in this area. I know that the outer world is a reflection of consciousness. To change my life, my body starts with changing my mind and I know how to do that.
Desire to reduce or eliminate some of the medications I take for diabetes and my heart, hence part of My Heart's Journey
I will turn 55 in November and I am so not ready to sit down and be an old man, there is more Life to experience and express.
If Ben Davis (video dude) can do this, I can too! Thanks Ben for the push! Ben has also inspired me with his blog about his journey: http://bendoeslife.tumblr.com/

Five Freeing Ideas

2010-09-28T10:26:00.009-04:00

Originally a sermon, these ideas are my personal signposts.

Five Freeing Ideas

It is what it is. No matter how much we might try to convince ourselves that a situation is different; no matter how hard we “push”, things are just the way they are. We accept what is at this moment. No rose colored glasses, no drama, no denial, no aggrandizement. We realize that accepting what is does not mean we cannot change; it simply means that we stop deceiving ourselves and we stop fighting with the current reality.
It's not about me (or you). No one is out to get me; in fact "they" are not nearly as concerned about me or focused on me as my ego would like me to believe. I am not the center of the known universe nor am I a target of ridicule. I am an intrinsic part of the whole.
I forgive and I am forgiven. True forgiveness is coming to realize that every experience I have ever had-- every condition or circumstance in my life--is a perfectly designed opportunity for the unfoldment of my soul. I release the past and open myself fully to the opportunities I am presented with in this moment to evolve spiritually. I let go of my "story." I let go of the trauma and drama that I thought was who I was. I consciously shift from victim to victor.
God Is. I am. We Are. One. Who and what I am, in reality, is so different from and so much greater than I dared to think or dream until now. God is everywhere present in my life. The universe is wired in my favor. I am an emanation or expression of the pattern of energy that some call God. God is another name for the life that lives me. Wherever I am, God Is!
Freedom is Surrender. Surrendering to the moment-by-moment guidance of Spirit is the ultimate freedom. We do not have to try to figure it out! As we listen with our hearts, get honest with ourselves, and release what we think we know we will be led through any and every circumstance.

Magnificent You

2010-09-27T22:24:00.002-04:00

In this moment, right where you are, know that you are Loved. The world is waiting for you to be who you are here to be.

So be It!

A Prayer for Healing of the Gulf of Mexico

2010-06-23T11:29:00.006-04:00

Loving Spirit,

We join in prayer for the healing of all creatures, people, plants and waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
We have long known that we are connected to all life.
Now, more than ever before, our hearts are also aware of this truth.
There is only One Life, One Presence, One Power.
This One Life is shared by all living things.
We recognize that there is no them only us.
We know that all things are working together for our good.
Divine wisdom and guidance are now directing the efforts to stop the oil spill and restore the balance.
May this tragedy become a point of awakening and transformation.
We are willing to become better stewards of this beautiful Earth.
We are willing to change the way we live.
Teach us Your peaceful way to be a harmonious part of the whole.
We pray in the name and nature of our Way-shower, Jesus Christ.
Thank You.
Amen

Avatar is amazing

2010-01-02T23:04:00.005-05:00

I went to see the movie Avatar this evening with a dear friend. I left the theater with tears in my eyes, a smile in my heart and feeling more deeply connected to life.

I love movies that touch & inspire me. Avatar does both, extremely well. There is so much I want to say but this is a new movie and I certainly do not want to ruin the experience for you.

Below are a few general thoughts. I'll preach several of the themes the film explores in the near future and I will definitely see the movie again, soon and I will buy the DVD as soon as it is released.

In my collection, I place this movie next to Star Wars, The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz and Dune, among other movies, that use a fantasy (at the time) setting to communicate universal spiritual themes.

I marvel at the many people, forms, formats and methods that Spirit is using to help us awaken. A shift is happening in our consciousness. The old paradigm of the few taking what ever they want by force, consumer driven greediness and duty as a method for control are giving way to deep heart connections, life as a unified field and Love being real. This movie is another of those channels for a universal message that now is the time to arise.

I have added Eywa to my list of words that refer to that presence and power some people call God. Thank You, Eywa for this stunning reminder that we are all connected in You.

By all means, go see the movie (in 3D) and lets chat.

Welcoming 2010

2010-01-01T21:17:00.004-05:00

It has been an oddly quiet New Years Day. Perhaps that is in comparison to the extremely busy December that has just passed. At any rate, I am guided to share more of my own journey via this blog.

My Intention/Prayer for this morning (which I set as my Facebook Status) is:

Holy Spirit: I invite You to move in and through me as peace, strength, faith, wisdom, courage, hope, guidance, joy and Love. I dedicate this New Year to increasing my experience and expression of Your presence. Speak, write, witness, dance, walk and live me, as You will. Thank You!

One of the recurring messages for me has been that the "work" before me is to get out of God's way and allow that which Is to express. Not exactly sure how this happens, but I am open and inviting the process.

Happy New Year & New Decade.

Fifteen years and Dad, I Still Miss You

2009-02-20T19:29:00.002-05:00

Fifteen years.

Seems like just a few days ago and it also seems like a diffirent lifetime.

It has been 15 years since you left this dimension. Fifteen years since my world was stood upside down and shaken hard.

From that point of impact much change has spidered out across my life. I wonder sometimes what you would say about how I am doing in life. So many mistakes and so much growth. Feels like I have found my stride finally.

I wish we had spent more time together and I had paid better attention when I was younger. You get smarter and smarter in my memories.

I have always loved you.

Milk - The Movie

2009-02-06T02:08:00.006-05:00

I just got home from seeing the movie "Milk" with my niece Ashley What an emotional journey this film has been for me! Emotional in that I have not walked through those memories in quit this way ever before.

I am a child of the 70's. I graduated from Lake Orion High School in 1973 and promptly moved to Detroit's gay ghetto (at the time) which was Palmer Park. The several blocks of apartment buildings that occupied the North West corner of the Woodward Ave McNichols Rd (a/k/a/ Six Mile) intersection.

I moved to Los Angeles in 1977 just before my 21st birthday. I left the Detroit area with $330 in my wallet, a suitcase, my tool box (I was a machinist) and the name of a friend of my pastor who would let me stay on his sofa for a couple of weeks.

Within those two weeks, I landed a job, met two other transplants who were looking for a roommate and found a small church family at All Saints MCC (no longer exists) in what is now West Hollywood. Over the next few months a very naive young man from Lake Orion, Michigan came into his own as an activist for gay rights and in so many way had his eyes opened wider than he had previously thought was possible.

In the movie Milk, one of the several issues that Harvey Milk was working on was the defeat of Proposition 6: The Briggs Initiative. This referendum was an attempt to ban gay/lesbian persons from teaching in public schools in California. As part of my venturing out into the world, this political issue became my personal coming of age experience in terms of the ability of ordinary people to change the political tide.

Along with most of my new friends, I got involved with working to defeat Proposition 6. I because a deputy registrar of voters in and for the county of Los Angeles and spent a lot of time registering people to vote and encouraging them to get involved. In June of 78, I attended the Christopher Street West (gay pride) celebration in Hollywood and worked the crowd registering voters and talking to people about exercising their right to vote.

There were fund raisers top attend such as a $100 per plate dinner at the Beverly Hilton that was amazing. My first experience of Hollywood and politics coming together with big money. And my hera from the Vietnam War protest days , Joan Baez, gave a concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to help raise money to defeat Prop. 6.

Seeing the movie brought that entire time of my early adult life back for a walk through my memories. It also reminded me that a price was paid for the progress we have achieved thus far. Harvey Milk paid with his life. Few of us will have to make that sacrifice, for which I am grateful. But we all have work to do. One of Harvey's basic strategies was to encourage people to come out to their families and friends, because people who know someone who is gay are much more likely to vote with us than against us.

The work is not over. In fact, the work for equality in marriage and under the law is ramping up. Let us have the courage to overturn the recent Proposition 8 in California. Let us work to restore rights that have been repealed in many places in our nation. And may we all find the courage to proudly live with the fire of our lives shining brightly on the hillside for all to see.

Thanks Harvey Milk for your courage and thanks to Sean Penn for his courage and brilliant performance which brought this beautiful story out for us to experience!

World Aids Day 20th Anniversary 1988-2008.

2008-12-01T18:35:00.005-05:00

Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.

Today on this twentieth anniversary of World AIDS Day (1988-2008), we acknowledge those who have died from HIV/AIDS and we recommit ourselves to the eradication of this disease on behalf of the millions who are living with HIV/AIDS and for future generations.

During the early 80’s I had been able to side step AIDS. I was living in Detroit, Michigan at the time. Occasionally we would hear about this strange illness that seemed to be affecting gay men in LA, New York and San Francisco but there was no much real information. And we were too caught up in having a good time to pay much attention/

In 1984 I moved to Ventura, California and there was not much happening with AIDS there either. Oh, we would visit LA read the gay papers and slowly became aware that this disease was killing many men, but Ventura was an idyllic, sleepy seaside town that seemed off the path of this plague we were hearing about in the news. The sense of denial gave way as the pandemic exploded and men that I knew or rather knew of were starting to get sick and die.

Prior to moving from Detroit to Southern California, I had been very involved with Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit where I was part of a group of 12 guys who went to The Woodward Bar every Sunday night after the evening service. We would hang out and talk, eat a burger, drink a beer, play pool and play video games. It was a wonderful, easy end to the weekend and we were very much like brothers for each other. We loved, accepted and encouraged one another without hesitation or reservation.

When I moved back to Detroit and reconnected with MCC Detroit around 1990, I discovered that of that group of amazing men, only five were still living at the time and at least one of them was living with HIV/AIDS. I will never forget that day – I felt like someone had punched me in the gut, repeatedly. I struggled with learning of and grieving multiple losses all at once and I wondered why I had been spared.

During the course of the 90’s, I said good bye to many more men and one woman as each in turn succumbed to AIDS. At one point I realized that I was barely able to cry or feel anymore. I had become numb and detached. It was the only way to survive.

In 1993 we in the g/l/b/t/a communities marched on Washington D.C. for the third time to demand g/l/b/t equality and more action on AIDS. The entire AIDS Memorial quilt was on display on the mall and they were reading the names of all those who had died who had panels in the quilt. What a haunting sound. I walked the panels with my brother, who had just found out he was HIV+. I walked the panels, listening to the names being read and was crying for him and because I had discovered in those quilt panels the names of several former friends or partners.

Everything seemed to change in the latter part of the 90’s as the new drugs were being tried and seemed to be working. For the most part, people stopped dying of AIDS at least in the western world. But living with HIV/AIDS is not like ever getting over it, you are not an AIDS survivor, you live with the disease.

One of my brothers and several friends are currently living with HIV/AIDS. They endure endless drug regimens, doctor’s visits, blood tests, stress you and I cannot imagine, almost constant diarrhea and the long term side effects of the drug therapy which take their own toll on a person’s quality of life.

Many times over the past few years I have read about “bug chasers” and “bare backing.” It seems that some people are returning to risky sex practices because they think it’s not such a big deal to be HIV+. You just go to the doctor and take some pills and carry on with your life. While the drug therapies are miracles and preserve life, it is not easy to live with AIDS and no one really knows what the long term affects are of these powerful drugs. I hope and pray that anyone who thinks that HIV is not a big deal will think again. I also hope and pray that we continue to research a way to end this living hell for good.

On this twentieth anniversary of World Aids Day I remember these dear friends. You are not forgotten. I am a better man for having known and loved each of you. You made a difference for me and for many people. Thanks for sharing part of the journey we call life. You are missed!

In loving memory of:

Mr. Douglas J. Arsenault
Mr. Keith Apple
Dr. Eric Loranger
Mr. Richard L. O’Dell
Mr. Jon Rowe
Mr. Patrick Lee
Mr. Woody Lee
Mr. Joe K. Grantham
Ms. Tracey Mae Artinian LaCroix
Mr. Larry Gaynier
Mr. James Proffit
Mr. James Holman
Rev. Roger Webb
Mr. William R. Fischer
Rev. James Sandmire
Mr. Phillip Gallnitz
Mr. Dennis Tracy
Mr. Peter Salm
Mr. Andrew Satterfield
Unnamed

Dear God,

Today we remember the many that have died from HIV/AIDS and the millions more who are living with HIV/AIDS.
May our eyes and ears be open to those who cannot act or speak out for themselves.
May we maintain our vigilance and continue pressing for medical research.
May our hearts and arms be wide open to each other.
Expand our capability to love and care for one another.
Grant us the grace and courage to live in Love.
Help us to stop AIDS and keep the promise.
Amen.

Always in Love,

Ric

Historical Night: Barack Obama nominated for President

2008-08-28T23:01:00.005-04:00

I just watched one of the most amazing political speeches I have ever heard.

What an awesome testimony to the real strength of America - tonight, a man of color was nominated as the Democratic Party candidate for President of The United States of America. I cried through the culmination of the most amazing political convention I have witnessed during my life time.

That a person of color is nominee from one of the two dominant parties is something I was not sure I would see in my life time. The fact that the close runner up to that man was a woman is equally awesome. And for the first time, I have heard the candidate for the highest office in our land talk about gay rights as civil rights during a major speech to the nation. We have all come a long way from the late '60's. Thank You God!

I Lift Detroit In Prayer

2008-08-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

Today, Renaissance Unity launched a twenty-one day prayer vigil

McCain not sure how many houses he owns -- Queer Lesbian Gay News -- Gay.com

2008-08-22T07:47:00.000-04:00

McCain not sure how many houses he owns -- Queer Lesbian Gay News -- Gay.com

I'm not sure I even need to say anything about this story. In a time when many American's are struggling to hold on to the one house they own (with their mortgage company) John McCain is not sure how many houses he and his wife own.

Earlier in the same interview, he quipped that to be rich in America you had make at least 5 million a year.

Both of these ideas are a long way from where I live...

Randy Pausch - The Last Lecture dude dies at 47

2008-07-25T16:40:00.001-04:00

YouTube's star lecturer dies at 47 - CNN.com

If you haven't watched The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch I urge you to take the time to do so. In the process of dying Randy taught us all, and most importantly his children an amazing way to live in the now. Randy shares what the power of an intention or dream held in expectation can achieve in our lives. By sharing his own process of living though this experience, Randy inspires all of us to be alive while we are alive.

Randy made his transition today, Friday July 26, 2008. I am a better person for having been touched by his story. What childhood dreams are lying dormant in you? Watch this video and then allow Spirit to dance your dreams awake!

Co-Payments for Expensive Drugs Soar - New York Times

2008-04-14T11:06:00.000-04:00

Co-Payments for Expensive Drugs Soar - New York Times

Until recently, I understood insurance to be a method of spreading risk of loss over many people in order to provide coverage most could afford. Now, with the new "Tier 4" formulary prescription pricing, drug coverage for some of the people who need it most has shattered that illusion of sharing the risk among many for the benefit of the few.

I wonder if we will ever understand that we are all connected. WE are emanations of the One life that lives us all.

International Childhood Cancer Awarness Day

2008-02-15T11:17:00.002-05:00

Today is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. If you have ever been close to a child who is dealing with cancer then you already know the roller coaster of blessings and heartache that are involved for the entire family.

I am close with a family who have a 4 year old boy named CJ who has been dealing with neuroblastoma for the last 14 months. Watching him lean into (for the most part) each phase of treatment has been a real inspiration for me. This family has grown closer as they have lovingly cared for CJ. There have been moments of amazing sweetness and rejoicing and there have also been heartaches and unbelievable anguish. CJ is still undergoing treatment and we are filled with hope for him.

I invite you to do whatever you can for children who are dealing with cancer: Visit, pray, encourage, provide respite assistance for parents, send money for research to some place like St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Children's Hospital of Michigan. Above and beyond all else, will you keep your heart open to the people around you?

This too is part of My Heart's Journey!

In Love,

Ric

(c) 2008 by Richard L. Beattie

A Quiet Hush to Welcome the New Year

2008-01-01T06:29:00.000-05:00

The last few months have been very busy for me. Early on December 30th, my Mom had a critical health scare and was hospitalized teh same day I was leading our church in a first ever Youth Ministry led service involving more than a hundred children. It felt like I was running hurdles, each event completed merely revealed the next hurdle to jump, so when we had finished the New Year's Eve Burning Bowl service at church I knew it was time "To Be Still and Know..."

I have always enjoyed a big snow storm. There is a magical quality for me in watching snow fall one fragile, unique flake at a time while everything seems to move slower and slower until there is so much snow the machine of civilization takes a break. Snowed in at home and all is calm.

Take a moment to allow yourself to be...

gay news blog: Aging and Gay, and Facing Prejudice in Twilight

2007-10-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

gay news blog: Aging and Gay, and Facing Prejudice in Twilight

After reading this article about being gay and living in (some) nursing homes I felt a little like I have been punched in the gut. Perhaps because I'll turn 52 next month and my thoughts turn occasionally to older age and wondering what my living situation will be. As of this writing, I have not had any children so I am not sure who will care for me, should I require assistance as I get older.

It is one of the things you never think of when you are 30 or even 40. It seems that the party is always young and the men are cute and I'll think about those things later.

One day, later knocks at the door! Oh My!

I have heard of a few gay oriented retirement resorts. They sound fabulous and hopefully I'll be able to afford a lovely condo in a gay village where I shall gracefully age while living a rewarding and meaningful life filled with interesting people, parties and romance. However, I am not sure if that is an option for some GLBT folks.

Perhaps this is another step in our maturation as a people in our culture.

"Not special rights, equal rights. Nothing more but nothing less."
--Ric Beattie

RJ the DJ and his journey to wholeness.miracles, blessing, prayer, healing

2007-09-14T13:57:00.001-04:00

Do you ever think about the people that you "touch" that you do not know?

Most of us give some thought to the ways we affect the lives of those who are close to us--family, friends and co-workers. But what about those people that you have never met but have a connection with in some way?

I have been writing prayers for several years and many of them have been sent out from Renaissance Unity over the years in the form of a daily inspirational email message. Occasionally, I become aware of one of these prayers being posted on a website or blog.

This morning, I discovered one of my prayers posted on a blog called

I Am Doing Great- Just Like You which is published by a guy named RJ. His "handle" is DJ-RJ because he is a DJ in Austin, Texas. Since May of this year RJ has been blogging his experience of cancer treatment and healing. As I read his story, tears filled my eyes. Tears of joy and connection and blessing. Tears of the Oneness.

I have never met RJ but we have connected in that wonderful way that only Spirit can orchestrate. His story of moving through this experience and facing many challenges both health wise and financially touch me deeply. His quiet courage and remarkable faith inspire me. The journey is not over for RJ, but I can tell you he has already won the prize! If you have a few moments, check out RJ's blog.

We can share a blessing so easily. Perhaps your gift to the world today is a smile at a stranger or a kind word to someone who passes your way.

I invite you to join me in this prayer for RJ.

Dear God,

Thank You for RJ.

Thank You for the clarity and strength of his gentle words

which are a passionate and powerful witnesses to Your love.

Thank You for his willingness to share this journey

of healing and hope which is a blessing to many people.

Thank You for divine order and harmony

which are now established in his body and affairs.

We give thanks for Your Light as it shines brightly through RJ

transforming all that it touches.

In Your name we bless RJ and all who love him.

Expand their experience of health, joy, peace, harmony, abundance and love.

We know that You are the one life that lives in and as us all.

So it Is!

Amen

--Ric Beattie

My Nieces Ashley & Alicia Graduate

2007-06-01T21:41:00.000-04:00

On Friday evening, June 1, 2007 two of my nieces, Ashely & Alicia "The Twins" graduated from Lake Orion High School. I am so proud of them and of my sister, Dion who has done an amazing job raising the wonderful young women as a single Mom and solo breadwinner.

I remember the day Dion told me she was pregnant and I remember the day she discovered she was pregnant with twins! I clearly recall; the first ultrasound pictures and the day of Ashley and Alicia's birth, first bottle and first cereal and first food all were memorable. First time I baby sat and first time to use a potty, fist overnight stay, first day of school, first ... My nieces had given me a wonderful glimpse of what a father must feel for which I am eternally grateful.

The Other is me.

2007-04-13T15:16:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot of press recently about Imus being fired for his remarks about the Rutgers Women's' Basketball Team. Beyond the obvious issue of the racist and one wonders "what was he thinking" remarks which ignited the firestorm; I cannot help but notice the intense polarity between folks getting behind Imus and against him.

ABC News: Imus' Wife: Send All Hate Mail to Him

It jumped at me as I read -- here is another issue to add to the already enormous and growing every day it seems--list of issues arising in our world at this time that sharply divide people:

War & Peace in Iraq and elsewhere
Republicans & Democrats
liberals & conservatives
gay & straight & Bi
brown &amp; pink & more & mixed race people
moderate conservatives & the radical right
moderate liberals and the way off on the left
The ways we understand, think about and experience that Presence which some call God/Allah/Jesus/The Christ/Atman/The One/Mind/Spirit/Great Spirit
You are with us or you are with terrorists
us and "those people"
God Bless American & ? for the rest of the planet
urban & suburban & rural
Wars on: each other, terror, drugs, poverty, pregnancy, welfare, illegal immigration
______________ & ______________

We are creating more and more ways to see our selves as divided and thereby we feel increasingly divided and separate. Could it be that we look more closely for the oher than we do for our neighbor?

Always in Love,

Ric

PS. It's No Secret: what we focus on expands &
what we try to defend ourselves from we draw into our experience

Copyright (c) 2007 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved.

Support our Troops and our Veterns - Oppose Escalation

2007-01-31T19:04:00.000-05:00

I love the point that this video makes. Opposing the escalation of the war in Iraq is an action that supports our troops! This is not a issue of Republicans or Democrats. It is about Americans and whether or not we want to lose/shed more blood in the Middle East or anywhere for that matter!

And its 1-2-3 what are we fighting for?

The Little Boy in Me

2006-01-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

Today, I met a young boy who is bright, a bit shy, cute and who has been alone for a long time. It has been a while since he was able to give expression to himself.

The inquisitive, playful, frightened, precocious boy that I encountered is within me. I had not realized that he was really there or, if I was aware, I had left him behind. I now realize that in leaving him behind, I had left some of the best parts of my own character behind as well.

I am not sure where we go now, but I do know that we go together into this uncharted territory. Perhaps we can have a future unlike our past. Perhaps we can achieve a new sense of balance and purpose. Perhaps, together we will find love.

Ric and Richard are together at last!

Brokeback Mountain

2006-01-16T02:31:00.000-05:00

A few hours ago I finally went to see Brokeback Mountain.

Damn! My emotions are so raw. I feel elated, angry, sad, enthralled and lusting. But above all of that I am RAW. And I have been to Brokeback Mountain. And I have been both Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist.

I cannot even really put my thoughts into words. I have not been so "opened up" by a movie in years, maybe since "the kiss" in Making Love.

My tears are not for Jack and Ennis, I do realize that they are fictional characters in a movie scrips and in a short story.

My tears are for me
And my tears are for the child in me.
And my tears are for my nieces.
And my tears are for us all.

Katrina

2005-09-06T21:57:00.000-04:00

Dear God,

Please help us look at what happened after Katrina ploughed into the Gulf Coast without judging each other or ourselves.
This is not about Republicans or Democrats.
This is not about liberal or conservative.
This is not about liturgical or evangelical.
This is not about Jew or Muslim or Christian.
This is about people.
This is about Human Beings!
This is about Fellow Earthlings.
This is about Family.
And this is a shame.
Shame on us for our arrogance and unwillingness to do everything we could do.
Now and then.
Recently and historically.
It is time to change the way we live,
individually and collectively.
Help us God to get over our ego's and ourselves.
Amen

(c) Copyright - by Richard L. Beattie on Sept 6, 2005

Remembering Erik

2005-07-27T11:37:00.000-04:00

My youngest brother, Erik Jon, would have been 35 today. Although he has been gone from us for almost 8 years, I often wonder what might have been for him. So many things were just beginning to happen--he was a few months away from graduating from college when he died in his sleep.
I remember the day I first saw him as a baby and I shall never forget finding him dead in bed at his apartment.

Good reminder to live in the moment!

Churches face exile over gay issues - World - smh.com.au

2005-06-23T10:44:00.000-04:00

Churches face exile over gay issues - World - smh.com.au

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the courage of the US Episcopal and Canadian Anglican churches. It seems that both of these groups are following in your footsteps by bucking the status quo in favor of unconditional love.

Thank you for the courage of the people in Pasadena and for their pastor, The Rev. Susan Russell.

Thank you Lord for being the Higher Authority. May the Anglican Consultative Council awaken and rise up in love and compassion.

Amen