Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 17

40th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Renaissance Unity
November 28, 2013

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 17 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful that Porkchop slept well after his oral surgery yesterday and is up, frisky and hungry.
2. I am grateful for having flexibility with my work hours when needed.
3. I am grateful I was able to figure out what was wrong with the vacuum.
4. I am grateful that all of the printers are once again online and  shared.
5. I am grateful that we now have WiFi throughout our Spiritual Center.
6. I am grateful for my my first legitimate, I asked for it "senior discount" at Tim Horton's.
7.  I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with the team who have stepped up to carry on Renaissance Unity's tradition of Thanksgiving Dinners.
8. I am grateful for Rev. Karen Boland who was the start of those dinners. In 1972, she ate dinner alone in a restaurant (she was not yet married to Jack Boland) on Thanksgiving. She noticed the number of other people sitting around at tables by themselves, eating on the holiday and the idea for a dinner was born. She asked Jack if the following year the church , then Unity of the Infinite Presence, could have a dinner and he told her okay if she organized it. The first dinner was in 1973.
9. I am grateful for the passing of this baton to a new team. 
10. I am grateful for the understanding that every step in my life, every things I have learned and done, every experience has led me to this moment.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 16

Porkchop Guarding My Home Office

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 16 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for Donna and Kevin who have spent many hours working on my office, patching, priming, painting and indulging me to repaint the ceiling.  
2. Grateful for Erin Taylor, a friend and interior designer for helping me evolve a look, feel and environment that will maximize my work environment.
3. Grateful that there are is no more longer a tangle of wires, phone stuff and routers under my feet.
4. Grateful to see several items checked off on our Vision for Unity of Royal Oak board
5. Grateful for the team at Rochester Veterinary Hospital who took good care of Porkchop during and after his dental procedure today.
6. I am very grateful to have the funds to pay for his care.
7. I am grateful for powerful and fast routers.
8. I am grateful for my friend Marianne who shares her knowledge and tips about caring for Porkchop so generously.
9. I am grateful that my homemade chili gets tastier each day.
10. I am grateful to have gotten all of Porkchop's bedding washed while he was at the vet today.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 15

An Awesome Year to Be Born

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 15 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate 60 years of life adventure and spiritual journey today. 
2. I am grateful that God never let me go although I had tried to run so many times.
3. I am grateful that my spiritual journey has led me to where I am today, often in spite of me, and in ways that have startled me.
4. I am grateful for being born under the sign of Scorpio and on the cusp of Sagittarius.
5. I am grateful to a young girl by the name of Deanna who carried me and then labored to bring me into the world in the early hours, sixty years ago.
6. I am grateful that my mother, in spite of many challenges,(divorce, financial challenges and housing insecurity among others) managed somehow to raise 4 children, who all graduated high school, stayed out of serious trouble and are all self-sufficient. 
7. I am grateful for my dad and the many lessons he taught me about doing the right thing and not expecting someone else to take care of me.
8. I am grateful for my grandparents, especially my grand mothers, and all of my ancestors.
9. I am grateful for having grown up in Lake Orion, Michigan
10. Grateful for the skills I learned working in my dad's company, that were such a powerful foundation to grow from.
11. I am grateful for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration at Unity of Royal Oak today that included celebrating my birthday.
12. I am grateful that Dion and Ashley were able be a part of our celebration today.
13. I am grateful for dear friends and volunteers who helped with a wonderful Thanksgiving feast.
14. I am grateful that I am still learning how to be a better me.
15. I am grateful for indoor plumbing and running water.
16. I am grateful for joy that lives in me, filling my life and coloring my world.
17. I am grateful, honored and humbled by the outpouring of love and birthday blessings from more than 400 people on Facebook.  

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 14

First Accumulating Snow of 2015
Back Yard at Unity of Royal Oak

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 14 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for the first real snowfall of the year.
2. Grateful for the Welcome Inn Day Center in Royal Oak.
3. Grateful for the 6 people from Unity of Royal Oak who accompanied me to the Volunteer Orientation today at the Welcome Inn.
4. Grateful for a pre-Birthday lunch at Town Tavern with my friend Cindy.
5. Grateful for finding the perfect picture for the cover of the bulletin for tomorrow's service.
6. Grateful for this final day of my 59th year.
7. I am grateful for our Board President, Carol, who is a steady, calm hand on the tiller.
8. Grateful for my friend Ben who reminds me of the powerful of love and friendship.
9. Grateful for doors and opportunities opening up for our Outreach team.
10. I am grateful for Royal Oak, Michigan which is a beautiful city, more especially so in the midst of a wet snow storm which has left all the trees coated in white.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 13

Home Office View

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 13 - Post ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for Dr. Rodney and Dr Sara, my Chiropractors.
2. I am grateful for the always changing view from my home office window.
3. Grateful for the folks who are following these posts.
4. I am grateful for the song One Power by David Nahmod
5. I am grateful for the smell of clothes fresh from the dryer.
6. So very grateful for a washer and dryer.
7. Grateful for the furnace and my ability to pay for the gas.
8. Grateful for three nieces, one nephew, one grandnephew and one grandniece (so far.)
9. Grateful for the gift of Clarity
10. Grateful that Porkchop does his business outdoors.
11. Grateful for the Life that lives me.

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 12

Autumn is Fading Fast

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 12

Ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for this cold and rainy morning.
2. Grateful for Donna's thoroughness.
3. Grateful for the reconnection with a dear friend.
4. Grateful for the ways Spirit moves to bring about healing.
5. Grateful to have sorted out the cable tangle at URO.
6. Grateful for the time I spent in Ventura, CA.
7. Grateful that I can (usually) understand Porkchop.
8. Grateful that I now have an office with hardwood floors and windows that open.
9. Grateful for my neighbors, Arnie & Kathy
10. Grateful to be caught up with this blog series

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 11

Carson Matlock: Selfie on Wood

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 11

Ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Upcoming show of Carson Matlock's work on Dec 8 at Unity of Royal Oak
2. Grateful that CJ now has a plan for moving forward
3. Grateful for the huge shift in energy that came with my church office remodel project.
4. Grateful for a visit by Maryann
5. Grateful for Elizabeth pulling the pump out of the pond
6. Grateful for John and Delores
7. Grateful for my Nexus 6 phone
8. Grateful for cell service through Project Fi
9. Grateful that I have been able to keep up with technology enough to still be a "go to" person for people with questions.
10. Grateful that Porkchop doesn't hate his crate

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 10

Dinner?

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 10
Ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. Grateful for breakfast with Nancy
2. Grateful for understanding friends who don't take my changes in plans personally.
3. Grateful for a cold corned beef sandwich for dinner.
4. Grateful for the coffee machine in my kitchen.
5. Grateful for Laura & Ricky.
6. Grateful for the Fisher Theatre
7. Grateful that I know my way around this city.
8. Grateful I have a dishwasher.
9. Grateful for the play "Jersey Boys."
10. Grateful for Kenton & Patti

Gratitude Days of 2015, Day # 9

An Amazing Community!

2015 Thanksgiving Gratitude Practice, Day 9

Ten things (at least) each day w/o duplicating.

1. I am grateful for sleeping in!
2. Grateful for indoor bathrooms.
3. Grateful for Coney Special day at Antonio's.
4. Grateful for the credit union I have belonged to for 23 years.
5. Grateful for leaves to mow.
6. Grateful for my tractor to mow the leaves.
7. Grateful for the love behind this sign when I drove to the church (I am still on vacation.)
8. Grateful that I still had a pair of clean underwear this morning.
9. Grateful for the thought of two Thanksgiving Dinners this year.
10. Grateful to be the Pastor at Unity of Royal Oak

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