Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 29

1. I am grateful that the small amount of holidays related shopping is finished and I no longer need to wait in long queues or dodge peoples carts.
2. I am grateful; that I was able to listen in on the Christmas Eve music rehearsal this afternoon. The spirit of Christmas is finally stirring within me.
3. I'm grateful that Liz can play the piano for Christmas Eve which allows Kim to lead and direct.
4. I'm grateful that the piano tuning service was able to come out on short notice after the sudden shift to dry winter air took the sound south.
5. I am grateful for ongoing support from our Board of Trustees which makes things run smoothly.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 25

1. I am grateful for this focus on Peace this Fourth Sunday of Advent which led me to the meaning of Shalom which then led me to the awareness that peace is more than the absence of conflict and that peace is a consciousness of deepest connection to Source. Preaching regularly is a powerful personal spiritual practice.
2. I am grateful for the streamlined service opening that grew out of conversations with several people over the past week. I didn't feel like I had to rush the talk.
3. I am grateful for Harvey's singing The Holly and the Ivey today. I love to see people stepping into their gifts and sharing them in community.
4. I am grateful for Sharon and Richard choosing to celebrate his birthday with the entire community by providing lunch from Chicken Shack as well as ice scream and cake. The sense of community, connection and ownership grows each month.
5.  I am grateful for having nothing that I must tend to at the moment allowing time for a nap and some music. Now to dream about Christmas ...

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 24

Cleared Lot & Walkways - Thanks Leone Outdoor Services

1. I am grateful the parking lot and walks were already cleared at Unity of Royal Oak when I went in this morning for our Men's Group Meeting. Before hiring Leone Outdoor Services, the parking lot wouldn't be cleared until Monday (for the medical offices that share our lot) and the walkways and public sidewalks waited until I could find someone to shovel.
2. I am grateful for the six men who turned out on a snowy morning that had been forecast to be icy for our reformed Men's Group. A hearty bunch of guys who made breakfast and then had a heartfelt conversation.
3. I'm grateful for the new coffee maker and everyone liking the coffee. We're a group of coffee snobs in the men's group it seems. 
4. I'm grateful that ,y new snow thrower worked like a champ and had enough battery time to clear the driveway and Porkchop's spot out front too. Porkchop has short hair and is small so he isn't a fan of wading into the snow to do his business.
5. I'm grateful the forecast freezing rain did not materialize and I was able to easily get to the venue for a wedding I was officiating. I prefer a stress free zone.

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 19

1. I am grateful for the still winter morning after the first snow storm of the season. The stillness of a crisp morning makes me smile.
2. I am grateful that I was able to get out of the driveway this morning. I had many errands to run and I wasn't sure I'd get out because I am not supposed to shovel snow per my cardiologist.
3. I am grateful that I was able to order the snow thrower I wanted and it will be delivered.  After traveling all over SE Michigan looking, I found the item on Amazon at the same price.
4. I am grateful for the help of my niece Ashley who came over and cleared a path for Porkchop to do his business and a path for my car from the garage out to the street through where the city plowed.
5. I am grateful for the assistance of a knowledgeable clerk at Restaurant Equippers who helped me assemble the right coffee system for Unity of Royal Oak. Makes my job so easy!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 15

2016 Giving Tree

1. I am grateful for the growing traction that Outreach is establishing at URO because making the love that is God real has been a longstanding personal theme. #LoveIsOnTheMove
2. I am grateful for the very generous nature of our congregation as we reach out in love through projects like the Giving Tree which makes me feel happy and proud.
3. I am grateful that the energy that called me to join Unity of Royal Oak as Spiritual Leader is drawing the most amazing people with incredible passion, skills and spiritual gifts into community. Truly the dream I have long held for my life is unfolding in ways that are beyond what I had imagined.
4. I am grateful foe last Sunday's quarterly Town Hall Open Forum and the vision for our physical plant that continues to take shape. The building is not the church however it is a springboard and focal point for our community and the ways we  make Love ral and felt in the communities we are called to serve.
5. I am grateful for the ways that God made a way when I had all but given up on my calling. Grace given and gladly accepted.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 13

The McKeeman Family!

The Music Makers of Unity of Royal Oak

1.  I am grateful for the McKeeman family. Tonight they brought an incredible energy of young families from many backgrounds into Unity of Royal Oak. Absolutely amazing!
2. I am grateful for the Music Makers of Unity of Royal Oak who were practicing at the other end of the building. Beautiful music for our Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service.
3. I am grateful that the leaking toilet in the ladies room in Fellowship Hall is repaired. It was not the several issues I thought it might be. Thanks Mac!
4. I am grateful for the growing energy around Unity of Royal Oak and our intention to be a presence for love and peace. For a short time 21 months ago, I wondered if it was just me.
5. I am grateful for completing the process of selecting a new health and dental plan. It takes a load off my mind.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 12

Kruse and Muer on Main St, Rochester

1. I am grateful for a wonderful birthday dinner at Kruse and Muer with my dear friend Cindy. It was good to catch up and to walk along Main St and look at all the Christmas Lights.
2. I am grateful that all of the socks had mates. Sometimes, when I do the laundry, I have single socks left when I am finished. Today, all the socks had mates.
3. I am grateful for being able to sleep late this morning. I accept the gift of time for me.
4. I am grateful to live in the Greater Rochester Area (Rochester + Rochester Hills). There is lots to do and see in any season, small city atmosphere, multiple restaurants adn lots of green space.
5. I am grateful to be me and happy. Who, how and where I am is perfect. Thanks Love!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 11

Grandma and me in Ventura, CA around 1986

1. I am grateful for my maternal grandma, Esther Ledger. Today would have been her 105th birthday. She had a huge influence on me both genetically and in terms of my personality. She was smart, quirky, stubborn, a terrific cook and story teller, loving, curious and you always knew there was a little more to the story than she was telling. Thanks Grandma!
2. I am grateful for our creative director, Kim Lange, who knows how to suggest something that will stretch me in a way that I can hear. 
3. I am grateful for the sense own ownership that continues to grow at Unity of Royal Oak. Today, Simon and Harvey creatively got the power to the lights on the railing out front, 
4. I am grateful for the sense of centeredness that can emerge from a deep breath and a moment of prayer. This morning, I was feeling upside down with having crammed too many tasks into too short a time just before service. We finally found a moment to pray and in that moment I shifted.
5. I am grateful for this amazing song, The Heart of Christmas by Matthew West. This morning Julie Noe delivered this big time. Selfless love is heart of Christmas. Thanks Julie!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks as a Way of Living - Day 4

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why. Oh, and no repeats.

1. I am grateful for Courtney Wrubel and her gift of music today. The Andra Day song Rise Up was amazing.
2. I am grateful that I am in the right lace at the right time always. As I walked into RenUnity this afternoon, a dear lady that I know well was learning that her son was found non responsive in his home. 
3. I am grateful to have a message of Hope & Faith to share this morning. Together we are expecting our Good because God is at the very center of us all.
4. I am grateful that I was able to attend the Celebration of Life service for Chris McKee. So many friend that I have not seen since I left Renaissance Unity to assume to leadership at Unity of Royal Oak. So many hugs!
5. I am grateful to have been around since the inception of The Gospel Truth at Church of Today. It was an amazing time in the live of the church and in my life as well. It was so cool to watch many of the members of TGT come together today to bless Chris McKee on his way.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 29

Velvet singing Christmas carols this morning

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

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