Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 8

Lansing, Michigan, November 15, 2015

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 8
Ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for this stunning, flaming red tree in the courtyard of the hotel.
2. Grateful for the best hot, "included with your hotel room charge" breakfast I have ever had, thus far.
3. Grateful for the opportunity to preach at Unity of Clare this morning.
4. Grateful for the drive from Lansing to Clare up 127 this morning
5. Grateful for the windmill turbine farm I drove through south of Mount Pleasant.
6. I am grateful for celebrating ten years of pastoral, "parish" ministry.
7. Grateful to the point of tears for the Love experienced and expressions today at Unity of Clare.
8. Grateful for Tuna Noodle Casserole being served at Unity or Royal Oak while I was away.
9. Grateful to take a few days off.
10. Grateful for my mom and sister who loved on Porkchop while I was away.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 7

Martha Creek @ Angels Landing Spiritual Center

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 7

1. I am grateful for a weekend away.
2. I am grateful for an easy drive to Toledo.
3. I am grateful for time with my spiritual teacher Martha Creek.
4. I am grateful for The Work which gives me a way to return to sanity.
5. Grateful for the ways that Martha's teaching has morphed.
6. Grateful for deciding to drive partway to Clare while it was still light.
7. Grateful for the waitress in the restaurant tonight.
8. Grateful for free WiFi
9. Grateful for the news that my office has wood floors under the ratty old carpet.
10. Grateful for a hotel with a restaurant tonight.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 6

Renaissance Unity Shelter Week 8, Friday Night

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 6

1. Grateful for the opportunity to serve oatmeal to the guests at Shelter Week #8 at Renaissance Unity.
2. Grateful to get the debris from demolishing furniture and old closet drawers removed from our spiritual center.
3. Grateful  for a wonderful breakfast skillet at Royal Diner.
4. Grateful for a mid day nap with the Porkchop boy.
5. Grateful for a strong sense of guidance to attend Martha Creek's workshop on Living The Work tomorrow at Angels Landing Spiritual Center in Toledo.
6. Grateful for my mom watching Porkchop for me.
7. Grateful for the opportunity to serve with the dinner crew at Shelter Week 8.
8. Grateful for the being asked to share the prayer in circle with the volunteers.
9. Grateful for time with Carson Matlock to record some video's for the our upcoming "Stay Put" one man one day showing of his work at Unity of Royal Oak on Dec 8.
10. I am grateful for the technology skills I have accumulated over the last 30 years.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 5

My office, totally empty and ready for painting!

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 5

1. I am grateful that I was able to go to bed early last night and catch up on some sleep!
2. Grateful that Porkchop took care of his business in record time this morning.
3. I am grateful that this first cold weather storm did not bring snow
4. Grateful for the "pressure relief valve" effect of demolition and hauling stuff out to go into recycling this morning.
5. Grateful to be able to share Thanksgiving Dinner setup information with April Ellenburg.
6. I am grateful for our Board of Trustees.
7. Grateful for an awesome board meeting today and for decisions made.
8. Grateful for passion, peace, power and Presence that flows from walking in Love.
9. I am grateful that the power is on at home.
10. Grateful for dear friends who share a passion for Life and making a difference.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 4

Misty November Morning

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 4

1. I am grateful for being able to fall back to sleep after my 4 am meditation
2. I am grateful for the Veterans who have fought and died to preserve the American experiment in self governance.
3. I am grateful for the misty view across the back yard this morning
4. I am grateful for health insurance that includes prescription coverage
5. I am grateful for the dishwasher doing the dishes while I write this entry.
6. Grateful for the pictures posted from Shelter Week 8 at Renaissance Unity.
7. I am grateful for the ways that Rev. Jim Lee and the leadership team at Renaissance Unity let me take on Outreach which has transformed me personally and molded and shaped my ministry.
8. I am grateful for having a job I look forward to doing each day.
9. I am grateful for the way that Porkchop jumps enthusiastically about going with me in the morning as if it was the best thing ever.
10. I am grateful for a second cup of coffee, some quiet music the stillness of a morning spent with Spirit.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 3

ROPA Prayer Breakfast Nov 10, 2015

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 3

1. I am grateful for the Royal Oak Pastors 1st Quarterly Prayer Breakfast. The focus on this morning was homelessness in our area.
2. Grateful to Royal Oak Schools for the use of the "Boardroom" for our breakfast without charge.
3. I am grateful for the doors being opened and the connections made for ministry in the Royal Oak Area
4. I am grateful that Unity of Royal Oak was well represented at the prayer breakfast by Cindy, Karen, Delores and Matthew!
5. Grateful for the people who took a chit and committed to prayerful action in positive ways to help eliminate homelessness.
6. I am grateful for the example for civic service exemplified by Jim Ellison, Mayor of Royal Oak.
7. I am grateful and blessed by the progress demonstrated today in Shirley B's recovery and for the loving care being provided by her circle of friends.
8. Grateful for the staff at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak.
9. I am grateful that I can drive between work and home on surface roads.
10. I am grateful tp be able to go to bed early.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 2

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 2

1. I am grateful for finding several interesting desks.
2. I am grateful for having choices when I open the refrigerator or the pantry.
3. I am grateful for a reliable and comfortable car that allows great mobility.
4. I am grateful for the realization that I have been thinking small.
5. I am grateful for the experience of working online with three other pastors on the same documents at the same time via Google docs.
6. I am grateful that most of the leaves are off the trees now so when it drys up, I can mow.
7. I am grateful that I know that I don't know.
8. I am grateful for each and every "you" that might read this blog post.
9. I am grateful that Spirit has persisted with me.
10. I am grateful for remembering to make this post.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 1

Days of Gratitude for 2015

This is day one of a practice of listing ten things I am grateful for each day through the end of the year without repeating anything.

1. I am grateful for the music that Joel & Julie shared this morning during service, especially for them learning "I Am A Child of This Universe" by Faith Rivera
2. I am grateful that Renaissance Unity has continued hosting the Macomb County Warming Center's Rotating Shelter project that I had a hand in launching four years ago. Shelter Week 8 opened at their church tonight.
3. I am grateful for our Leadership Team at Unity of Royal Oak. This group of volunteers and staff have an amazing consciousness and are a joy to me!.
4. I am grateful for my friend and teacher Martha Creek who introduced this practice during a talk at Renaissance Unity several years ago.
5. I am grateful for the team who have assembled to paint my office at the church this coming weekend.
6. I am grateful to my family for their love and support over the years
7. I am grateful for the friends who have always been there for me.
8. I am grateful for my neighbor Fred and all the kind things he does for me without being asked.
9. I am grateful that Spirit never stopped calling me into professional ministry even though it took a long time for me to respond completely
10. I am grateful for the 10 pounds of love with a cold nose, in the form of a miniature pinscher whose name is Porkchop who has been my companion these past 2.5 years.

The Time Is Now

The Time Is Now

• To end the hatred that kills young people because they are perceived to be somehow different. They die at the hands of the other and of themselves.
• To profoundly embrace equality and to trust that Love knows what its doing.
• To accept responsibility for the mess we have created.
• To put hands and feet to our prayers.
• To be more concerned about thousands dying in thousands of disasters than we are concerned about the new outfit we "deserve."
• To feed, clothe, cherish, educate, love and protect all children as if they are our children. (Because they are)
• To make peace and end the war that rages within that gets projected into expression as wars, hatred, fear and greed.
• To risk being authentic, vulnerable and human.
• To gift others with the same Grace we have been given.
• To talk with one another instead of pointing the finger or the blame.
• To listen with our hearts wide open.
• To live with our arms wide open.
• To focus on giving instead of getting.
• To live in Love with one another.
• For transformation at depth.
• To stand on the right side of history.

Praying for the Supreme Court as it ponders Equality in Marriage.
Praying for the people of Baltimore.
Praying for the people of Nepal.
Praying for the world.
Praying for peace for all.
Praying for you.
Praying for me.
So it is.

There in only One life, let us nurture it together.

Always in Love,

Ric Beattie



#prayforpeaceforall



(c) 2015 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

New Tuesday Morning Pattern

Happy Tuesday! It is a sold and sunny spring morning. Today is also the dawn of a new day for me for a new pattern is emerging.

The Journey Is My Home

As write these words, the people I have worked with for the past 14+ years are gathering in a staff meeting which is followed by a Sunday planning meeting. I will work with several of these dear friends later today and for several days in the near future as I attempt to wrap up some of the projects that have been mine and document many things that others will need to know.

I am acutely aware that this morning begins a different and new pattern for all of us. I have come to a fork in the road, I am branching off and forming a new pattern.

I realize I am on a bit of an emotional hangover following the activities of this past weekend.

Friday night was the 4th annual Daddy/Daughter Princess Dance at Renaissance Unity,  a magical experience that brought up all the fatherly feelings I tend to tuck away. I escorted the 4 year old (almost) daughter of two dear friends. What a treasured memory. Gay men of my generation seldom thought of having children, unless we had gotten married in attempts to deny or hide who were were inside.

The service and reception at Renaissance Unity​ on Sunday morning was a celebration of our community and our shared journey these past several years. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective and call to Rise Up into the next grandest version of who we are, individually and as a community. After service, we had a reception in Fellowship Hall and I saw a video that was put together of photos and music has brought me to tears several times. So much of life shared with people that I love. My heart is filled with gratitude.

Long before I knew I would be celebrating my final Sunday as a member of the Ministerial Team at Renaissance Unity on March 22, I had booked myself to deliver the Sunday lesson at Fellowship For Today​ in East Lansing. FFT has been a part of several pivotal times in my life and this engagement was no exception. I spoke on the topic Forgiveness is my Function. I always teach what I need to learn which is amazing.

Usually Monday is a day of rest for me, my Sabbath. This Monday unexpectedly brought two more gifts.

I was privileged to spend two hours in a pastoral visit with a sweet couple who have been part of Renaissance Unity for 40 years. As they navigate together through the last stages of his earthly life, they shared the story of their marriage with the ups and downs that a 55 years relationship brings. I watched them care for one another. There was an openness in the sharing that seems to come when all the superfluous stuff falls away and we stand naked in the essence of who we are at heart. Many reminders of ways we stand on the shoulders of people who have come before us and why it is important that we maintain a solid foundation for the future for some day someone may stand on our shoulders too.

The second Monday gift is newly forming friendship with a recent acquaintance who comes from another culture, perspective and religious tradition. A man who is disarmingly open and interesting. Blessings for him and his wife. The energy between us feels very much like the energy between a father and son or at least how I have imagined it might be from the perspective a my being a dad.

Time to move forward with the day for there is work that is waiting for me at Renaissance Unity and worship planning work as I prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday at Unity of Royal Oak.

Thanks Loving Spirit. I love the life You live through me.

Always in Love,

Ric



Copyright © 2015 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved

Twas A Week Before Christmas. OMG

Christmas in a week. Really?

Personal reflections on that thought.

Am I ready for the experience of Christmas? Ready to move deeper in relationship with/in/of God?

Am I open and still enough for the miracles of this holy season?

If something is going to be born in any of us seven days from now, we must be/get "pregnant" now. What is alive and growing within me at this time? In my heart and in my awareness.

What is my consciousness preparing to bring forth into expression? What am I cultivating?

What am I open to receive and share?

I am grateful that there is time to clarify my intentions.

Lessons Learned While Doing the Laundry

What To Do With The Single Socks? - Random thoughts while doing laundry on October 12, 2014

• If suddenly all my outer clothing disappeared in the middle of a sermon, and I were standing there in my underwear and socks, what would the appearance and fit of the garments say about me?
• Time to retire some of this to the rag box. I lovingly appreciate past service and find a meaningful way to repurpose this item.
• Too many “holey” and not enough whole items.
• How long has it been since I really looked at the clothing I am folding?
• Some things that are comfortable and warn and I've had for a long time need to go into the rag box and this includes some clothes.
• An end to keeping my underwear and socks segregated!
• Socks
• Now mated (only) socks of any color are in one drawer.
• Someone must steal a random sock or two per week from my dirty clothes because there is always a solo sock when I am done mating the clean socks.
• I throw out both socks in a pair even if only one sock has a hole so that is not a cause for the singularity. I assumed that would nip this missing sock thing. So far, I have more single socks than ever.
• How long should the solo socks that used to be glob in the drawer be kept awaiting the matching sock to reappear?
• Should I tag the singular items with a destroy after date?
• What use for socks that are no longer part of a pair is there?
• Dusting furniture is one use.
• Underwear
• All the underwear are in one drawer regardless of color or style.
• After 45+ years of folding briefs one way, I adopted a more efficient (for my current dresser) approach proving that seasoned dawgs can learn new tricks.
• Worn out undershirts make great rags
• How long do I think I need to keep the pair of briefs that I never wear because they fit weird?
• Why do the sexy briefs always look better on the models than in the mirror?
• I have been taking a glob of lint out of the screen after drying each load and a large glob after loads of towels or white socks and underwear for many, many years. How long can this go on before articles of clothing just vanish?
• Perhaps this is where the missing socks go, they are transformed into lint and whisked away with the rubbish.
• The moment I think the laundry is done and there are no more dirty clothes in the entire house, I find something to throw in the basket that was missed.

Always in Love!

Ric



(c) 2014 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

Marvelous Monday Mystery

Good Monday Morning Loving One!

I am so very grateful for the cool evening last night with temps in the upper 50's and low humidity. Warm enough to have the window open and chilly enough to need the comforter on my bed. Grandma Ledger would have called this "good sleeping weather" and I agree.

Municipal Park - Before Arts & Apples

September, October and early November is a favorite time of year for me in Michigan. I love the particular  shade of blue the sky takes on at this time of year. The temperatures and humidity are lower and it seems like nature catches its breath between the extremes of summer and winter.

This has been a summer of change, some anticipated s well as several surprises. I have learned to view change as the ongoing process of creation. Situations and circumstances shift and transform.  I experience that all is truly in divine order, I trust that each season and phase of the year adn espeis exactly perfect.

I have also learned that if I focus on what wasn't or what might be, I miss what is right now. So, I embrace the mystery of this Monday with an open heart and mind. God is everywhere present as I notice and the Love that I understand to be God grows when I share it with others.

You are loved beyond anything either of us can imagine. Tag, you're It!

Grace & Peace,

Ric Beattie

Why not #letyourlightshine ?





(c) 2014 by Richard L. Beattie. All rights are reserved.

5 Day Positivity Challenge - Day 5 of 5

1. Happy to have completed my commitment to take the ice bucket challenge for ALS having been challenged by Jeffrey and April last week.
2. I am grateful for getting the house vacuumed and the kitchen floor swiffered.
3. I was blessed by two sweet conversations with dear friends today.
4. I am thankful for time with Mom, Mike, Dion and Ashley today for a yummy steak and corn dinner.
5. I give thanks for a low key Labor Day Holiday.

5 Day Positivity Challenge Day 4 of 5

1. I am grateful for this beautiful backyard view, almost another room - a sanctuary, which has anchored me for several years.
2. I give thanks for the unpredictable Michigan weather which has not brought the rain forcast for this holiday weekend.
3. I am blessed by the recent addition the technology of Fitbit and the way it integrates my MyFitnessPal.com to help me remain focused on health related goals.
4. I am deeply centered by the evening sounds of crickets and tree frogs which are powerful music for meditation.
5. I give thanks for the ability to "connect with" the Voice for God in the stillness of the silence.
6. I am joyously aware that summer is not over until 10:29 pm on September 22, 2014

5 Day Positivity Challenge 3 of 5

1. I celebrate the people I have connected with through the Pennsylvania - St Paul Park Adopt-A-Park project this summer.
2. I am grateful that summer doesn't end until September 21.
3. I am grateful to be able to have the A/C off.
4. I am blessed to have officiated April & Raymond's wedding on Belle isle today.
5. I lovingly release not having written a list for yesterday.

5 Day Positivity Challenge - Day 2

1. Grateful for a wonderfully productive World Day of Prayer planning team meeting this afternoon.
2. I am blessed with the opportunity to present the Sunday lesson this week.
3. My awareness of Presence is heightened by the sound of an owl screeching outside. Wherever I am, God Is.
4. I give thanks for guidance received and acted upon earlier this year to buy a lawn tractor. The recent rain has encouraged the lawn to grow. 
5. I am grateful for the opportunity to sleep in a warm and dry bed tonight.

5 Day Positivity Challenge - Day 1

I accepted a challenge to post 3 positive affirmations for 5 days. I declined to part about calling other people out by name. I do challenge you to begin a gratitude practice. What you feed grows. 

1. I celebrate the love of God that shows up in the form of my dog, Porkchop.
2. I am grateful for the waiter I watched take extraordinary care of an elderly couple this afternoon.
3. I am living in the divine flow--fabulous ideas for my sermon this Sunday are flowing freely into the outline.
4. I am beloved of Spirit and a powerful co-creator of love and blessings. 

Happy Independence Day #238!

On July 4, 1776 our Forebears launched an experiment in self determination and self governance that was radical and . The Thirteen colonies that heretofore were part of the British Empire announced to the world that a new nation had been born, founded on a powerful idea-- the idea of freedom. This ongoing experiment adopted the name, United States of America.

I have always loved this lines from the preamble to The Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Those words are truer today than they were when written. We have come a long way thus far: Slavery was abolished; Women can vote, The Civil Rights Act was passed, Couples of different races can marry and in some states we have Marriage Equality for same gender couples. We celebrate the progress!

In the midst of the rightful celebrations, we realize that we still have work to do: Religious intolerance is on the rise, women are still not equal to men in many ways, we continue to experience racial tension, marriage equality is not yet nationwide and we have a widening gap between those who have and those who do not.

As I reflect on Independence Day 2014 one thing that really stands out is that the nations founders created a system for government that was based on principles that were ahead of their time. At our core is a Divine Idea that all people are equal--all are expressions of One life. We are evolving into a truer version of who were are. Each step is important whether large or small. I celebrate the process that has brought us this far and I trust the the journey continues.

In the midst of the parties and fireworks, let us bow our heads for a moment and remember that freedom is not free. This land of the free and home of the brave is the most amazing place to call home.

Happy Independence Day America!


Ric Beattie





(c) 2014 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved.

God Loves Me! Really.

During service last Sunday, we paid tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou who had made her transition into the Light on May 28. 2014. Part of our program was showing a video clip of a Super Soul Sunday segment where Oprah asked Dr. Angelou, "Where do you go for solace and comfort." Dr. Angelou shared that she was a student of Unity and then shared an idea she gleaned from the book Lessons in Truth that "God Loves Me." Maya shared the journey of that powerful idea from intellectual understanding to soul knowing.

In a sweet and mystical way, it feels like the Universe has hijacked this day, June 3, and used many elements to remind me that God Loves Me, too.

Understand that I deeply know that God love you and me and all of life. I speak it and teach it and am witness to the truth of it in the lives of people all around me.

Today, I am reminded that beyond my story about God loves me is the experience of Love that rushes into me and floods my soul, filling my entire being when I let it happen.

Since last Friday I had felt a cold settling into my chest. I took some supplements and powered through the weekend and even through a Monday morning appointment that my mom had for some lab work. I woke up several times early this morning coughing and feeling like I couldn't breathe. Okay, I knew that this was more than a cold so I went to the urgent care center and after an exam and X-ray got the diagnosis that there was a cloudy area in one of my lungs -  "walking pneumonia" and a prescription for an antibiotic. I even knew which drug would be dispensed. The doctor told me to take all the pills, drink plenty of fluids and get some rest if possible. All of this was very routine because about once every 12 or 18 months I get one of these infections.

Garden of Healing and Renewal

Miracles and Mitzvah

While I was waiting to be seen by the doctor, I sent an email to the church to let folks know where I was and after the diagnosis, I sent another email (my name is Ric and I am a smart phone addict) as had been requested to update my status.

When I got through the discharge process and got to my car, I noticed this garden across the street from where I parked - a Garden of Healing and Renewal. The sign and the scene felt inviting, peaceful and were a reminder for me to notice where Love was moving in my life.

Then the emails started. One of my colleagues let me know that several of my "to do's" over the next few days had been taken care of and that I had been banished from being part of our Adopt A Park project this weekend so I could take some time off. Then another colleague emailed that there was nothing going on that through the end of the week that needed my attention. A few seconds later, a text inquiring how I was and then a phone call to encourage me to take a couple of days off to heal and renew. Oh and to make plans for the vacation I had mentioned I wanted to take this fall.

When I got home, my neighbor was mowing the last small part of the bottom of the hill I had not had time to get to last Friday. Then a sweet message via Facebook. And another message from a colleague.

I got it. The Universe was conspiring to remind me that God loves me. The Garden of Healing and Renewal is a lovely garden and it can be a state of conscious, almost overwhelming awareness that God Loves Me. The simple, powerful Truth for me and for everyone. Life itself can be profound Spiritual Practice when I notice that God loves me and take that idea to heart.

If God loves me then I might find the ways to love me as well. God loves you too, so I can love too. I tend to live like a human doing at times. Time to balance the doing and being.

How and what is the Universe whispering to you this day? Better to get the message when it's a whisper.


Grace and Peace,

Ric






(c) 2014 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

Reflections on Porkchop

Porkchop

A little before 7 am, Porkchop decided that I should get up. Evidently he didn't realize that the alarm was intentionally not set this morning. Now, after an hour of snuggle watching the news and a cup of coffee for me, he is fast asleep on the back of "our" chair and I am wide awake and wondering. Reflecting and wondering about almost everything -- as always.

I was sleeping!

It has been 11 months since my brother Matt died and I brought Porkchop home. It was just a temporary thing until my niece Alicia moved and she could take him. Porkchop has truly been a family dog since he was a puppy. Making his way into my sister Dion's home when he was very, very small. My sister ultimately gave the dog to our brother, Matt, who needed a companion and was a dog lover. Dion had another small dog and two cats at the time I am grateful Matt had Porkchop during his last 18 months. Just prior to Matt's death, our mother and her dog "Lady" moved into my sisters home and Lady is very jealous of Porkchop which prevented his return to his "Mamma."

When I discovered my brother's body, and turned around in the skiving room, Porkchop jumped up into my arms. He had been alone in the house and I am sure was confused because Matt wouldn't move.

I had been thinking about getting a pet for some time. I was owned  by a cat for 20 years that had come to me via my sister and the twins but that is another story. After the cat I took time to grieve and to be without the responsibility of a pet to care for. I told myself that my hours were too irregular for a dog and I spent too much time away from home to give a dog the love and care required. A friend introduced me to a breed of giant dogs called Leonberger and arranged for me to meet some around the same time that Matt passed. That meeting never happened.

Little did I know that opening my home and heart to this 10.4 pounds of lap dog (I had called all small dogs yip dogs and NEVER wanted one) would have such a profound affect on my life. His dependence on me to feed, take outside, pet and play with is humbling and life enhancing. If I work in my home office for more than an hour or so, he comes in and either wants on my lap or insists that I pay attention to him by jumping, barking and playing. Porkchop makes me play and not take most things quite so seriously. God knew what I hadn't realized, that I needed to get my mind off of me.

I never realized that dogs and children could teach me so much about being a pastor. My first job as a minister at Renaissance Unity was as Youth Minister. From those years and again from being Poppa to a Miniature Pinscher ,  I have learned and relearned several important things:

• Meet others at their level, towering over people or animals is intimidating.
• Be considerate of the potty time needs of others. Sometimes I must put the needs of others first or deal with the messy consequences.
• Opening the heart is good for the soul.
• Not everyone cares what I have to say and that is okay.
• Being stronger does not make me better or right.
• Life is more fun when I am connected to other beings.
• God is everywhere present, equally in Its fullness.

Some say that dog is God spelled backwards. I have come to see that this dog points the way to God several times everyday.

Loving the journey!
Ric




(c) 2014 Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved

Turn the Heat Up?

It is extremely cold this morning in Metro Detroit. At 1:30 am on January 28, 2014 it is  -5° with the current forecast for a low this morning of -8° and it is windy.

It is currently -5° outside and a moment ago, I turned the thermostat up from 68° to 70°. This may seem underwhelming for you. Up to 70°? Really? What is the big deal Ric?

The big deal is that I can turn the thermostat up.

I am thinking about the people who, for many reasons, are not able to turn the heat up because they cannot afford the additional expense, they have no heat where they live, or they have no home.

This morning I am humbly grateful that:

• I have a home with a furnace,
• I can afford to turn the thermostat up,
• that I can add a blanket,
• for a warm soft bed,
• for Porkchop who is a mini blast furnace laying next to me,
• for the work that I am able to do in the community to make a difference for those who are not able to turn the heat up.

May the Spirit of Love open our hearts to follow in Jesus example and care for one another.

Blessings along the mystical journey,

Ric

(c) 2014 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

A Shattered Birthday

On November 22, 1963 shots rang out in Dallas, Texas ending the life of President John F. Kennedy and imploding Camelot. The entire nation seemed to instantly erupt in grief and mourning.

In the village of Lake Orion, Michigan those same shots shattered my eighth birthday party and burst forever the bubble of innocence that surrounded me at that time. I suddenly knew that the world out there was potentially dangerous. I now realized that heroes could be killed.

My family seemed transfixed by the images on the television for many days as the nation paid its respects to our fallen hero.

We are forever connected Mr. Kennedy. As the nation remembers the events of fifty years ago I realize that there is an eight year old boy inside of me who was forever changed that day in 1963.

One of the ideas that he shared that has helped shape my life is:

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy

A Week of R&B (Rice & Beans) Completed

Rice and Mung Beans with friends!

Eat Less Give Life!

In the incredible way that Divine Order manifests in my experience, It is so perfect that the final meal of rice & beans (in this experiment) was prepared by my friend Chef John and was shared with friends as we took a break from food prepping for our Homeless Shelter Week #4. We enjoyed a tasty lunch of mung beans, nicely spice and cooked into an porridge like consistency.

I have had many "ah ha" experiences this week, many opportunities to reflect and notice changes happening in my thinking and, I suspect, in my living as well.

• Once again, I have learned that plant based meals are tasty, satisfying and easy.
• Like most things, when I really pay attention to my patterns and thinking there are simple changes, small shifts, that I can make that have incredible and positive results.
• I spend more money that I am comfortable with on food, especially eating out. When I calculated what I did not spend of food this week, the number was startling. Spirit has nudged me with a place to put that money to use.
• Eating mindfully is a powerful spiritual practice.
• This has been a journey, taken with others, that I will never see or know. People all over the planet who eat sustenance  meals such rice & beans, rice & noodles, potatoes, yarrow root and more.
• The experience has been deeply spiritual.
• Rice and beans are great for breakfast!
• I am being called by Love to simplify my routines, my practice my thinking and my life.
• I intend to incorporate more plant based meals into my weekly diet.
• I loved taking this journey in community
• More to follow ...

Thanks God for this powerful way to be aware.

Always in Love,

Ric

#eatlessgivelife

Halfway through a week of R&B (Rice & Beans)

This week long journey of eating rice and beans has allowed me to step back and observe my relationship with food. I have a heightened inner awareness of how much time, money and energy I focus on food. What to eat, where to eat, is it time to eat?

There is something very calming in the simplicity of rice and beans. Meals are quick with little fuss or mess and more satisfying than I had imagined. Not that I haven't wanted other things like a cheeseburger, pizza or ___. I noticed the smell of bacon and eggs wafting through the neighborhood as I took Porkchop out to do his business this morning.

I had some tortilla's so today I made rice and bean burritos. As I ate, images of the people all over the world who eat this way most every day filled my mind. Then images of the people who would eat this way if they could.

Thanks God! I am blessed by rice and beans.


Ric




#eatlessgivelife

A Week of R&B (Rice and Beans) Begins

The First Batch

• So why beans and rice for a week? And What is the purpose of this anyway?

On Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 - I was looking for some way to kill some time because the power in our neighborhood had browned out. After running errands and visiting family, I was driving South on M24 and drove by Kensington Community Church - Orion campus. I have been to Kensington in Troy may times over the years. Even though they and I have some big differences around issues like LGBT folks and women in ministry, I appreciate their commitment to God, Outreach and to service. I always take something home when I visit.
At the beginning of this particular service lead pastor, Dave Wilson, was talking about the three week series of lessons that would start the following weekend, Nov 9 & 10, entitled, "Rice & Beans." He talked about how approximately one thirs of the people on our planet live on a sustenance diet, such as rice and beans. 

The basic idea is that one the first week, the pastors would call the church members to eat rice & bean for breakfast, lunch and dinner and track what they would have normally spent on groceries and eating out. Whatever they saved by eating rice and beans will be collected on weekend #2 of the series and the proceeds would be used to support 10 initiatives that Kensington has going, local and global, to make a difference in the lives of God's people. 

The three ideas that hooked me into participating:

1. This is not about digging deeper so we can give more. This is about shifting how we live so we can do something to make a difference in our world. WOW! I have heard the "dig deeper please" pitch and frankly I have made that pitch many times. My brain was exploding with the idea of shifting how I live, even for a short time, to make a difference.
2. The journey we are on is a shift from charity to compassion. This really touched me in that we are gearing up for shelter week #4 next weekend and I immediately made the connection about shifting from charity to compassion. That place insides that is not trying to help the nice homeless people, but sharing part of the journey with them.
3. The invitation to do this week "in community." To tweet and FAcebook and Instagram and talk about this on Social Media and in small groups. 

So I began the seven days of eating rice & beans for every meal. We were told we can add items we already had on hand, and I have added some cheese and salsa a couple of times, however I am following the very basic rice and beans for the most part.

I have two events during this time that are dinners, so I will add two additional evenings of rice and beans next week.

This is a spiritual journey for me. I intend to be very introspective so that I might "hear" God's guidance and direction.

I am not sure what I will do with the money I save from not buying all the stuff I usually buy and from the meals I will not eat in restaurants. Spirit will let me know what to do at the proper time. There are plenty pf places that can use a few dollars to feed, house and clothe people.

Always in Love!

Ric

(c) 2013 by Richard L. Beattie

Happy Harvest - Happy Homne - Autumnal Equinox Blessings

Happy Harvest - Happy Home

Autumn is here and my thoughts turn to friends and the gradual shift to an indoor focus.

Soon enough the trees will embark on the change to fall colors and the lawn will stop needing to be cut.

May this fall and the coming winter provide us all with opportunities to reflect and renew. Autumn may appear to be a time of dying however the truth is that it is a time of replanting and preparing for the springtime which will surely follow winter in the perfect time.

Always in Love!

Ric

Forty Years Ago - LOHS Class of 1973

Reunions and Re-connections

I can barely get my mind around the idea that forty years ago last month I graduated from Lake Orion High School.

Today, member of my class as well as many others gathered at Bald Mountain State Recreation area for a multi-class reunion.

Our Twentieth reunion in 1993 was my first, having been in California for the prior celebrations.

Although life has not always turned out the way I imagined it might, it certainly has been a interesting and wonderful journey.

I enjoyed catching up with my first girlfriend Debra, who has also had an interesting life.

Everything in me knows that the best is yet to be!

Bill and John - seven decades of love.

Free to Be Together

This video makes me smile at the beautiful life these two men created together and makes me a little sad because the decades long relationship I dreamed I would have someday has eluded me.

When I was barely 21, I met two men from Long Beach at a party who had been together for 45 years. Wow! Two men in a partnership for 45 years, that was mind blowing. I had recently moved from Metro Detroit to Los Angeles and was busy expanding my ideas about what it meant to be a gay man. Until that point, a year or two with a partner was doing pretty well from what I had experienced. In a moment, I decided that I was going to find a husband, settler down and someday he and I would celebrate our golden anniversary. That was in 1977 and my longest formal relationship has been about 5 years. Oh, I have had two on again off again relationships that went past 10 years but that was not my hope and dream.

There was little in the community of gay men I was a fringe part of at that time to support long term relationships. I had no pattern for relationship success to draw upon in my family or circle of friends. The world I knew seemed focused on "where's the party" or "dang, you are you doing tonight?"

In retrospect, I tended to pick men who were struggling with their sexuality, who were "straight by day" and liked to play late at night. I also tended to be drawn to punk, hard ass, party animal guys who wanted to get high or drunk and have some fun. Okay on a Friday night however not someone with whom I could build a life.

At one point I had a several year live in relationship with a guy who had been my best friend for many years. We loved each other very much and still do as friends. There just wasn't much sexual energy between us and I am a Scorpio with a high intensity drive.

As Marriage Equality becomes a reality in more states of the US and other countries I am filled with a renewed sense of hope for my LGBT and curious sisters and brothers and for myself.

Happy pride month!

Ric

Shelter Week #2 is Complete.

Renaissance Unity, where I serve as a  minister, has been hosting the Macomb County Warming Center rotating shelter for the past week. We have provided a hot meal, human connection, a warm/dry/safe place to sleep and breakfast to 50/70 people each night. During a week that has been the coldest of this winter season.

Today, we handed off hosting duties to Grace Episcopal, in Mt. Clemens. Our guests have followed the rotation. Shortly after our guests headed out of the shelter, the MCWC trailer rolled out of our driveway loaded with soiled bedding, on its way to the laundry and then on to the next host church.

I am finally awake after an afternoon of napping since I got home from our Sunday service. It feels odd to suddenly "stand down" from Shelter Week related activities. The focus of my life for the past couple of months has been my mom's health, the Services for the Holidays and Shelter Week. Mom is home from hospital, the holidays are now history and we have completed the first of two Shelter Hosting Weeks for this season.

It will take me a while to catch up and process this experience, which has been quite different from our first hosting week last March. I spent more time this week being a pastor to our guests this week. Perhaps I was more available to the role of talking to and praying with people who are looking for hope and direction. Looking for a reason to keep going. Some are wondering if they will ever find a job, or be able to quit drinking or stop using heroin or get the medical attention they need. People wondering if they will ever have a place of their own again. I absolutely know it is possible for all of these things and more because I know and have demonstrated in my own life that with God all things are possible. Now for the how to do it piece. the larger challenge of helping people connect with the services and programs that can really help people break out of homelessness and hopelessness. 

I am so blessed to serve the congregation of Renaissance Unity. Our volunteers allowed Spirit to flow through them into expression as a warm open reception process, fantastic food,  a warm place to sleep and fellowship. Check out the pictures I took, of our volunteers in action.

My heart is full of gratitude for the amazing staff of our church who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the ministry and for our Board of Trustees and for Rev. Jim & Rev. Sandy, my colleagues. So much love, support and encouragement.

One of our guests asked if I thought our people were judging the guests, looking down on them. He also asked if this was just a "project" for us. I thought about his qiestions and responded, no and no. I shared that we were on a journey of attempting to follow Jesus Christ's command to Love One Another as a way of life.  I asked him if he felt judged or looked down upon and he said no and the reason her asked is he had gotten a bit cynical over the past two years but was still looking for a reason for hope.

We have another opportunity to host the shelter in 10 weeks. Perhaps I will have more guidance for the tough questions. 

After my conversation with this particular man, who was bright, articulate and had a manufacturing background similar to my own, I thought about my faith journey and personal mission:  To experience and express Christ as fully as I can  in every moment of every day.

Then I cried.

Grace & Peace,

Ric


(c) Richard L. Beattie 2013, all rights are reserved.

Nineteen Days of Gratitude

On this marvelous Monday, I am giving thanks for:

1. Marriage Equality in Washington State.
2. Being able to spend a full day in my church office after three weeks of scurrying to hospitals and being sick. Great to get a lot done.
3. Remembering to call Sandra back as I had committed about her journal issue.
4. Reconnecting with my dear friend Edie from Grand Rapids.
5. Mike buying me lunch today at Pei Wei and sharing the plans he has for attending his son's graduation from Marine basic training.
6. Making a meatloaf this morning which made making dinner a snap.
7. Fresh, steamed broccoli.
8. Whole wheat dressing.
9. The Josh Groban song, You Raise Me Up.
10. Getting caught up with publishing this Gratitude Blog.

Day 18 Along this Grateful Way

On this Sabbath day, I am grateful for:

1. Only waking up once in the night to pee.
2. Waking up early and getting my talking points for today's workshop finalized without hurrying.
3. Regina's smiling face and being able to get eggs and sausage at church.
4. Seeing Craig & David at church.
5. The generosity of our congregation regarding Shelter Week.
6. Being able to lead off the workshop with my segment today.
7. Having the opportunity to work with Kimberli Boyd today.
8. Eight new book study small groups forming around Super Brain.
9. A quiet evening at home without running to Oxford or making dinner.
10. Leftover roast beef and mashed potatoes for supper.
11. Barbara's loving my 2012 book lovers quotation.

Seventeen Days of Thanks for Living

Today, I am grateful for:

1. No line at the Post Office when I took Matt to mail his package.
2. Getting mom's medications list, and visiting nurse information organized in a binder.
3. Fresh hot Turkey sandwiches at Costco for lunch
4. Getting mom some Zyrtec which seemed to help her itching.
5. Being able to give my sister a break.
6. Mom's willingness to try eliminating Cymbalta for a while to see if that is the cause of her itching.
7. Getting home at a decent hour with some time to unwind before bed.
8. Getting a score of 2.6 million in Zuma Blitz.
9. The first night of Hanukkah and the ah ha that came as I pondered the miracle of the oil lamp. When our intentions are pure and in alignment with God's will (dedicating the temple) , we offer what we have (a single day's oil) and God makes it more - oil for 8 days.
10. The smell and feel of clean bed linens and comforter.

Sixteen Grateful Days!

Today, I give thanks for:

1. A wonderful Second Annual Faith Inclusion Breakfast meeting of The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion
2. Sitting with the keynote speaker at this event, Ross Murray, from GLAAD. He is a very interesting man.
3. That the church encourages me to host such events.
4. Being on time at the early hour of 7:30.
5. A whole new view of the Metro Detroit commuter thing being on the roads at 7 this morning.
6. Finally having Thanksgiving Dinner (turkey with mashed taters, stuffing etc.) Matt and I had a late lunch at Bob Evans, yummy!
7. Clear directions from the boss about this weekends workshop.
8. Chatting with Nancy Horowitz about her experiences as an activist in the 70's in New York City.
9.  Recommending Zan and Deb to Kevin Logan as caterers and the awesome job they did with the breakfast.
10. Getting to bed early.

Day 15 on this journey in Gratitude

On this Thursday, I give thanks for:

1. An alarm clock I can set by pushing buttons instead of going through all the way around the hours.
2. Hot running water in the house.
3. The way water runs completely over me in the shower.
4. Returning strength and vitality which allowed me to work the all day.
5. Reconnecting with Debra Kritzman Fielder after so many years. She and her husband Perry, were featured in a St. Vincent de Paul telethon spot which let me know she was back in Michigan. A quick Facebook search discovered that she had recently created an account.
6. Facebook which connects so so many incredible people.
7. Watching an interesting documentary on Norse mythology and particularly on Thor. This is Thor's Day - Thursday.
8. A very cool oblong covered dutch kettle that mom has acquired from someplace that I have used to cook several meals.
9. Catching the gleam in my sister's entire being as she has remodeled her house room by room. She inspires me in that she keeps on going in spite of bumps is the road.
10. A very pleasant evening and meal shared with Mom, Mike and Matt.

Thanks for a Fortnight of Gratitude

On this fourteenth day in this journey, I am grateful for:

1. Vernors ginger ale (especially when I am sick).
2. Health insurance.
3. The clarity that comes when I release what I think I know and look brand new at a project/challenge/my life.
4. Celtic Christmas music.
5. Being able to return to work today, even if it was only for a short time.
6. The restorative powers of the human body that are manifest through sleep.
7. The deep peace that flows from knowing that all things are working together for good. For me, my family and for all of us.
8. Deep and profound conversations between my mother and I that seem to take advantage of the medical journey that she is facing now.
9. When I picked up mom for her appointment with her kidney specialist today, my brother Darrin was putting mom's Christmas tree up.
10. A sweet dinner shared with Dion & Ashley at Oxford Nugget reminded me of how much I love my wonderful family.

Thirteen Days of Living Thanks

Esther Karvala Ledger

Today, I am thinking about some of the gifts I received from my Grandma Ledger who was born 102 years ago today in Upper Michigan. Grandma, thanks for:

1. An incredible inquisitive spirit.
2. Your unconditional acceptance, you were the first family member beyond mom and dad who knew I was gay.
3. Teaching me how to make your stuffing.
4. Salad Dressing Cake with Coffee Frosting
5. Oatmeal Squares
6. Your patience at having all of your grand kids over to decorate sugar cookies
7. Pasties and meat pies
8. Home made Bismarks
9. Being curiouser and curiouser
10. Many Christmas eves spent with you prepping Christmas dinner.
11. Countless hours spent together in the kitchen.
12. You once told me you wished more people could see God in everything like I did.
13. Interesting stories of your growing up in Iron River, actually Stambaugh and the surrounding areas like Beachwood.
14. Sharing the last few years of your life with me.
15. Your stubborn, iron will which allowed you to live your own way.
16. Helping me take care of Grandpa Miller.
17. Always making me feel special.
18. Your love of the underdog.
19. Never holding it against me when I failed you.
20. Visiting me in Ventura, which meant taking your first plane trip in your 70's
21. So much more lives in my heart ...

12 Days of Living Thanks

Foggy December Day

Gratitude abounds for ...

1. This quiet foggy day stay home, indoors and focus on lavish self care, rest and healing.
2. The way Rosemary and Thyme make the soup steam smell when I add them.
3. My home cooked chicken and rice with vegetables soup.
4. Knowing how to cook.
5. Friends who call and text to see what they can do for me and are cool with my saying, I just need to rest.
6. A wonderful Holidays Episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Certainly got the tears flowing and for a couple of hours, my sinuses open. 
7. I love that I can experience my emotions in the physical form of tears. The last three weeks have been intense emotionally.
8. Grateful that a host has been found for the week that had remained unfilled until a couple of days ago. Now we have churches for each of the weeks this shelter season.
9. The way fabric softener makes clothes feel.
10. Finally getting some sleep last night.
11. The credit union I have been a member of for 21 years.
12. Expanding awareness of Presence, here and now.

11 Days of Thanks Living

This day, I am grateful for:

1. Settling on the idea of Thanks Living for the tag line of these gratitude blogs.
2. A friend who brought chicken soup to church for me.
3. A very sweet voice mail message from my sister.
4. Jim leading the church in sharing a blessing with me for health and healing from the cold I picked up somewhere recently.
5. Learning the difference between chicken stock (made from bones) and chicken broth (made with meat.)
6. Making it through the work day and even having a small part in the first of two Super Brain classes. I love to teach!
7. Having the sense to cancel a social engagement after work yesterday, even though I wanted to attend the concert.
8. Seeing Gail A. after at least 35 years. Looking forward to a deeper conversation as we can.
9. Watching the program Aftermath: Population Zero on NatGeo - very though provoking. It was about planet Earth recovering from our pollution after humans disappeared suddenly.
10. Hot green tea.

Giving Thanks for ten days of giving thanks.

2012 Christmas Volunteer Pot Luck

On this tenth day of noticing the many blessings I experience, I am thankful for:

1. The many wonderful and amazing Renaissance Unity volunteers who give of themselves and invite Spirit to flow into expression through their lives.
2. A short nap in my car while brother Matt grocery shopped.
3. Unseasonably warm weather for the first of December.
4. Remembering the many friends and colleagues that lost their lives to HIV/AIDS
5. Cooking dinner for mom and Mike tonight, she liked the meatloaf!
6. Noticing how happy Dion was to get a break tonight and paint her dining room.
7. Darrin having the opportunity to fuss with mom today.
8. The quiet calm that fills me and whispers, "It will all get done" even though all of my projects are behind my schedule.
9. A call from a dear friend just to check up on me tonight.
10. Airborne, green tea and Ester C are quickly relieving my congestion and scratchy throat.
11. Catching up with daily blogging!