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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear God,

Thank You for RJ.

Thank You for the clarity and strength of his gentle words

which are a passionate and powerful witnesses to Your love.

Thank You for his willingness to share this journey

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

Thank You for divine order and harmony

which are now established in his body and affairs.

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

transforming all that it touches.

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

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

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

So it Is!

Amen

--Ric Beattie

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

My Nieces Ashley & Alicia Graduate

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

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

The Other is me.

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

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

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

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

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


Always in Love,

Ric



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



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

Support our Troops and our Veterns - Oppose Escalation

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

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

The Little Boy in Me

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

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

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

Ric and Richard are together at last!

Brokeback Mountain

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

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

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

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

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

Katrina

Dear God,

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




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

Remembering Erik

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

Good reminder to live in the moment!

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

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

Dear Jesus,

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

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

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

Amen

Sri Lanka charges 1 million to charity who is working to help them???

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Oxfam pays $1m tsunami aid duty

Stranger Than Fiction!

I had to read this article twice because I could hardly believe it. The huge British charity, Oxfam recently paid the government of Sri Lanka 1 million dollars in import duty for some all terrain vehicles that Oxfam needed to assist the people of Sri Lanka rebuild after the Tsunami of last year. Supposedly, this duty policy is to encourage local procurement, which is fine under normal circumstances. In another twist, Sri Lanka does not even produce automobiles.

BBC NEWS | Technology | Microsoft censors Chinese blogs

BBC NEWS | Technology | Microsoft censors Chinese blogs

Modern times, ancient tactic.

Historically, governments have attempted to control access to the "press," to the exchange of ideas and information, as a way to control people. The press today includes the Internet, the worldwide blogging craze, Internet radio stations and email systems that can send thousands of messages per hour.

Standing at the foot of a moving mountain of information is the government of China, the most populous nation on the planet, swatting at the avalanche with a broom.

The question is not really about Google or Yahoo or Microsoft, It is a question about fear. Fear of the truth. Fear of change, of things being different than they had been. Fear of losing control and power. We cannot fight fear, for it truly is a no-thing. Fear, like darkness, is dispelled by lighting a lamp. Let us hold the people of China in Light, knowing that Truth will always find a way to shine. Of course, letters to the Chinese and other governments, flexing our economic muscles by "voting" with our purchases and travel are important efforts too. As we continue to shine light on the darkness, it will disappear into the nothingness from which it appeared.

In thinking about repression of freedom and choiuce, in China and elsewhere, I am grateful to be able to write what I want to in this blog. Freedom is precious. Perhaps Microsoft, et. al. must conform to the will of the government of China. But you and I can speak up, hold out and hold on to the truth. As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

"H" Day - One Year Later...

Happy Heart Day to Me!

One year ago this morning, I had just let the cat out and laid back down for those 15 minutes of quality "snoozed the alarm" sleep that seem like the best of the entire cycle. Then, an odd and funny feeling in my chest presented itself. Suddenly, I sat straight up in bed as I realized that I knew what was happening. I was pretty sure I was having a heart attack.

I took an aspirin and asked my roommate to drive me to the hospital. Five hours later, Dr. Dickey looked down at me at said, "Well, Ric--you have either just had or are currently having a heart attack."

I said, "What the #$^@ does that mean?"

In a moment I became aware that everything about life had changed. I have said it many times, "Having a heart attack is a highly underrated form of personal transformation."

Thank You God for a year without a cigarette! I am absolutely amazed and mystified.
Thank You for a new consciousness about:

• Life
• Love
• Food
• Surrender
• Exercise
• Priorities
• Work
• Money
• More ...

Thank You for this journey into the heart of It--that we are travel each day!

I love You! And I love me too.

Amen

Been awhile

I haven't felt much like blogging for the last month. Perhaps I am just afraid that I have been too all over the map. Up and down, second guessing myself. Finding my feet on the ground one moment and then wham bam everything upside down.

And yet, isn't that just life? I think so.

I am so glad that the weather has finally warmed. I can walk and talk and be with Love!

Visit my Space

I have created a new MSN space, which includes a blog at
http://spaces.msn.com/members/ricbeattie/

come and visit.

Ric

A Monday Prayer

Hey God,

It's Monday morning and I am lingering at home with You for a few minutes before I plunge into another week. The weekend was very nice. I attended both of my favorite churches and heard two incredible messages. I see the role that they both play for me at this time and there is still a missing piece I think. Could I find a spiritual community that was a blend of the two? Could I help create such a community?

One of the thoughts that has been bobbing around in my mind for the past couple days is about how easy it is to sing praise songs and to worship you, but that is not living by faith. Jesus said to love You with all of my being and to love my neighbor as myself. The words sound sweet to say and to hear. I want to live a faith that is real and meaningful and beyond pretty words. May my actions and attitude, words and thoughts (yes, even my "private" thoughts) be loving and encouraging. Jesus, help me walk with You.

There are so many issues and challenges that seem to demand my time--so much to do. Direct my days and my activities in ways that I understand. Guide my life today and this week. Help me to notice Your presence. Grant me the courage to live in love with everyone. Help me make it real.

Thank You for the journey I am traveling. Thank You for the work that I have to do. Thank You for the abundance You share with me so generously.

I love you God!

Ric


(c) 2005 by Richard L. Beattie

I Miss You Dad

Dear Dad,

I have been thinking about you all day and I still miss you. It has been eleven years and still, I miss you.

I can remember the events of that day so vividly, as if it unfolded in slow-motion. The death of a parent is one of those "milestone" moments in a child's life. At some level, we must realize fairly young that we will probably bury our parents. Until it happens however, it is just an intellectual knowing and it doesn't hurt.

You seem to be getting smarter to me every year. I can still hear your voice at times--especially, your infectious laughter. I miss the time we used to spend at the end of the work day, talking about all the odd interests we shared. History and technology, space and extra terrestrials, politics and taxes. I recall your frequent statement that there was going to be some very cool shit developed in the next 100 years and you wished you could be around to see it.

Well, I wish you were around too! This has been a tough eleven years. So much death and change. I have tried to take care of things. Sometimes, I wish you had been able call you and get a little advice. Seems like at the point in my life when I was willing to really listen and even seek out your council, you were gone.

Happy Birthday Mom

Hey Mom,

It was great to just spend some time with you tonight. And I am glad you like the flowers. The older I get, the more I appreciate you and realize the sacrifices you made to raise us kids.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I love you so very much.

Ric

Celebration of Love

Happy Valentines Day!

Some say this day was created by the greeting card companies and floral industry and maybe that is true. But so what?

I think that being focused on love in a big way for a day is a wonderful thing. Valentines day is not about what you buy for your spouse or lover, it is not about how large a bouquet of flowers you send. This holiday can be about opening our hearts to those we care about and letting them know how we feel.

The bible tells us that God is love. On this St. Valentines day, let us acknowledge the sacred source of love and hold this day holy by keeping it real and honest and close to our hearts.

Dear God,

Thank You for Your love which fills and fuels our lives.
Thank You for love and for the people who love us.
Today, we open our hearts to each other and share what we feel without reservation.
Expand our ability to care deeply for one another and for our selves.
Help us not get hung-up on who or what introduced this holiday but focus instead on the incredible intention to bring more love into being in our world.
Instead of being caught in the frenzy to purchase the best, prettiest and most extravagant gift;
we intend to be open, honest and loving today and always.
Amen


Ric Beattie

copyright (c) 2005 by Richard L. Beattie

Awesome Day

Sweet Jesus,

What a glorious day this has been.
The new client and new possibilities are wonderful. Thank You God!
Thank You for leading me to attend church tonight to hear a terrific message.
Thank You for the consciousness awareness of Your presence.
Intellectually, I know that You are always with me.
But, when I actually notice that awareness, it is so sweet and deliscious.
Hold me close to Your sacred heart.
Sweet dreams of Your love and peace bless my sleep and renew my spirit.
I love You.
Amen

Ric Beattie

02/12/05 - copyright (c) 2005 by Richard L. Beattie

Rising Up

Dawn comes swiftly in a swirl of pink and blue as the rising sun chases the nighttime from the Eastern sky. I, too am rising up. Rising in consciousness and in expectation.

This day has begun to unfurl. I pray that each activity and every circumstance that I encounter today be guided by the Love that has created me. I open my heart and my mind to Your presence. I lift my hands and my voice in prayer and praise to You.

Here I am Lord! Use me for Your purposes. Love Your people through me.

So it is!

Ric Beattie

(c) 2005 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved