Grateful to Be & Happy Birthday to Me

On my birthday, I am grateful for:

1. Thank You God for this fifty sixth anniversary of my birth into our world. It has been an amazing ride so far and I feel like we are just getting to know each other and I am starting to get the hang of it. Thank You for the Life of me. Your life expressing in, through and as me. I give myself back to you. What is my role this coming year? How do I add value to the souls who cross my path? I love you Love! Looking forward to the second half. I am living in a state of Grace ...
2. Fifty Six Years and approx 9 months ago in an impulse of divine creativity via my parents passion I was conceived.
3. The flowers Cindy brought me and her ongoing friendship and support
4. 20,440 brand new days so far in this lifetime.
5. Martha Creek's friendship and mentoring.
6. Scrambled eggs
7. An awesome outpouring of Love on Facebook today.
8. Great eye exam this morning
9. Finding 5 people to take part in our faces of RU Video project
10. Getting the shopping done for our Thanksgiving Dinner
11. The reawakening desire to be in a relationship

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

Gratitude Journal Day 15

Things I am grateful for today:

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

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

Second Grateful Week!

Today, my heart is happy about:

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

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

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

Grateful on this Thirteenth Day

Today, I am deeply grateful for:

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

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

Twelfth Day of Gratefulness

New Year 2005 trip to Anchorage, Alaska

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

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

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

Attitude of Gratitude Day 11

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

Be Yourself

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

Copyright (c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie

Day 10 of this gratitude experience

Beauty is Everywhere. Notice ...

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

From Pity Party to Gratitude - Day 9

Giving Thanks in All Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

I found many reasons to be grateful as well:

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

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

Gratitude Week 2 begins

. Amazing!

Summer dreaming on an almost winter day!

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

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

One grateful week!

                 I Am Grateful for:

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

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

Gratitude that grows 11/12/11

         Today I am Grateful For:

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

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

Grateful for Veterans and ...

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


I am grateful for:

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

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

Great & Grateful - 11/10/11

Giving thanks from my grateful heart for:

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

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


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

Gratitude list for Wednesday, 11/9/11

Today, I am grateful for:

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

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


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

Gratitude list for 11/08/11

This day, I am grateful for:

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

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


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

Gratitude list for 11/7/11

Today, I am grateful for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vulnerable

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday to these United States of America!

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


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


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


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


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


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


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










(c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie

Minister Resigns After Church Vote for Gay Clergy, Christian News

Minister Resigns After Church Vote for Gay Clergy, Christian News

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

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

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

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

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

Only Love!

Ric

(c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie