Monday, December 22, 2014

Monday Medley: A Charlie Brown Christmas - Christmas Time is Here Song



A Charlie Brown Christmas tradition.  I have watched many of the Charlie Brown Holiday programs for years, along with Rudolph, and frosty.  One of my favorite Christmas movies is the original Miracle on 34th Street, followed by It's a Wonderful Life.  I also have enjoyed the Santa Claus movies with Tim Allen. I hope you enjoy the season.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Monday Medley, a Quiet Song of Faith: Be still and know that I am God



No matter where you are, where you have been, or what you are going through,  God is there. be still and know that  I AM God.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

IT'S VETERANS DAY

The 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, was supposed to the end of the war to end all wars.  Well so much for that!  So this day is set aside to honor all who have and do serve our country in the military.  I thank you for your service in protecting the freedoms we have and share.

As a child, on this day my father, who was a navy Veteran of WWI and I always put the flag out front of our house.  It was a tradition I have continued.  Though in an apartment its a garden flag.  

To all the Veterans,  I thank you





Monday, November 10, 2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

Monday Medley: Let It Be



Today I feature another song sung by John Legend (I am a fan)  but also Alicia Keys.  They sang this together at the tribute for the Beatles.  There is significance to this song, in the words,  "whispering words of wisdom Let it be"  Do you have something in your life, your heart and mind today or this week you should just let it be? 

Phil 4:6-7   "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your request be known to God, and the peace of God which we cannot comprehend will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus our Lord"  

My paraphrase,  Worry about nothing, prayer instead and give it to the father, and ho do thoughe will give you peace.  Another way of saying it...give it to God and let it be.

That is not always easy to do though. You just do it as much as you have to in order to let it be.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Monday Medley: John Legend - Made to Love



We were made to love, such a truism! Love is the most important thing in life.  Love for God, he created love. Love of family, friends, love for a life partner.  This is why I think marriage for same sex couples who wish to be married is so important. It is one of the greatest expressions of love on earth. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

For Ottowa

Today a tragedy occurred.  A terrorist act took the life of a soldier serving his country. The relative calm and security of a government building was shattered.  I write here tonight to say that I am praying for Canada, and all those who are victims of terrorists

Please join me in remembering and praying!



Monday, October 6, 2014

Monday Medley: Song of Faith, Newsboys - We Believe (Live From Ocean Way)



An appropriate song for the Monday after Communion Sunday for many. I love this group and the music they create!

Monday, September 22, 2014

Monday Medley: Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass




There seems  to be a controversy around this song.  Some say Meghan is bullying skinny girls.  Personally I don't see it that way, the message I hear is everyone is attractive.  So I featured this song today for that reason.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Monday Medley: A Song of faith: Phillips, Craig & Dean - Revelation Song lyrics



An appropriate Song for the Monday after Communion Sunday in many churches.  May this song bless you and may it being featured on this blog honor Our God Most High!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Monday Medley: Alicia Keys John Legend Let It Be Happy Labor Day



On this Labor Day 2014, I hope your day is filled with satisfaction from the fruit of your labors.  Be it a job, family, education achievements, or some other personal achievement.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Monday Medley:It Is Well With My Soul [Live]



This old hymn is very special to me, I was able to sing it as personal Worship during a very difficult time in my life.  It was then and is now well with my soul. By the grace of God.

This hymn was written by Huratio Spafford over the spot where the ship his children were on sank and they were lost.  What faith! What grace!

I love the line in this song, not sung here, but it says "My sin oh the bliss of that glorious thought my sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more it is well, it is well with my soul" 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

For The Children

Is it me or does there seem to be a rash of parents neglecting and or "giving" up their young defenseless  children?  Allowing a child to suffer and die in a hot car is cruel.  Riding a metro train and just pushing your helpless child out the door in a stroller is senseless. If you don't want or can't handle the responsibility of raising a child then don't have children or give them up for adoption.  many states and localities now have a safe haven law, which allows parents to safely give up an infant or toddler by taking them to and turning them over to staff in an emergency room.

Our children are a precious gift from God, and need to be loved, nurtured, and protected. I agree with a friend who always says people should be required to take parenting classes and be certified before they have children. Extreme but could make a big difference in a lot of lives.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Ministry with a Twist

Recently I was at work going over the list of patient's in the facility.  I saw a familiar name and wondered. so I went to the room to visit and it was who I thought it was.  We had a good conversation, this patient is someone who has known me since I was a teenager in the church I was part of from the time my family moved to Hampton Roads. He got better and went home, this week he was back in the Hospital at the end stage of a cancer diagnosis.  He chose to go home with hospice.

Part of the purpose of this blog is for me to reflect on things that impact me.  Mostly about being gay and such.  However, today my thoughts are with this gentleman and his family.  Now there is a twist, often times events at work effect me in different ways, but usually there is a certain distance. This time there is no distance, this is someone with whom I have Worshipped, had many a church dinner with, I have been in his home, his children and I are the same age group, and went to school, youth group and Sunday school together.  This is different.  Yet it is also not different in the way I respond but I gives me sadness on a different level.  He told his children he worked to teach them how to live and have faith.  Now he said he wants to teach them how to die with faith.  They are in my prayers.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

MY HOW TIME CHANGES THINGS!

Back in the early 1970's I was a preteen, we lived in Northern Virginia.  At that time, I started attending a local Southern Baptist Church.   I was Baptized in that church, and stayed there until my family moved to Hampton Roads.  Looking back, I guess that church was always on the moderate to liberal side, thinking back to the worship style and traditions we had.  For instance exchanging Pulpits with an Episcopal, a Presbyterian, and a Methodist Church.

Flash forward to 2014,  I was on a site  I go to sometimes called www.Gaychurch.org, Looking down the list of affirming churches in Virginia, I noticed northern Virginia has the most affirming churches in the state, followed by Richmond.  Second thing I noticed there was a church with the address of that church I attended on the list!  However it had a different name, so I clicked on its website, and  found it was the church I was Baptized in!  It's American Baptist and part of the Alliance of Baptists now.  Yes it is open and affirming!  Wonders will never cease, will they?  In fact, as I scoured the site, I found that Music Director is openly gay, the Church Administrator description says she lives with her partner, (Female).  I noticed a link to the DC Pride site, and the Co Pastor saying they would have a table again this year at DC Pride.  WOW! to think I was a member of that church. 

I am going to try and plan a long weekend soon and go to church there.  If I there was ever a position that would pay me enough to live there again, I might try it.   

Monday, June 16, 2014

Monday Medley: Classical Monday, a Modern Composer Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich - Beginning



Welcome to another Monday.  Today something a bit different... a classical song by a modern composer Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich. 

I know I have not posted much here lately, too much going on and it seems not enough time to put into words here to express it all.  I shall as I can.
Hope you enjoy the music.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Monday Medley: Calvin Harris - Summer (Audio)



Hope you had a good weekend, here its Monday again!  So time for another Monday medley, I heard this song on the radio and liked it so I thought I would share it here.  Hope you enjoy!



Friday, June 6, 2014

IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THOSE WEEKS...SAY THE WORDS DC TALK





Back in the early days of Chaplaincy work, when I had a hard day or night in the Hospital, I often would put this song on in the car on the way home and I would crank it up.  Some how it got out of me what I was feeling or thinking.  I can't explain it, it just helps me. (I have written about this before)  Especially when a family member says "I wish I could tell him/her I love him/her.

A week ago today, there was a multiple shooting in the area.  Two of the victims were police officers responding to help.  One of them died as a result of his wounds. One victim killed, was a 17 year old just driving down the street.

I was at the Hospital with the family and officers there, when the news of his death was reported to them. All I can say here is the entire experience from the Trauma bay to the OR area was intense.  Perhaps the most intense I have experienced in this ministry, at least in a while.

It has impacted me all week, one problem was the fact I had very little down time afterwards.  I was on call with other calls afterward, and worked straight through to Tuesday.   I would make visits and answer calls, but afterward, be exhausted.

Crisis and situations though not mine, still has effects, physical, spiritual, and emotional.  Its been tough, but its better now and will be better even tomorrow.  Good self care is key to good health for a helping professional.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Monday Medley: A Song of Faith: Stellar Kart - Me and Jesus



Through the good times and  through the tough times, the lonely times,  the quiet times...  Bidden or not God is there and loves you. 

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." 
Deuteronomy 31:6




 
 

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I'M JUST FINE!

When I walk into a patient's room and the patient tells me he or she is  "just fine"  I have to smile, because we have an acronym for the word fine.  Often when someone says they are just fine, they really aren't.  Especially if that person has just received devastating news.  In the early stages of grief, or dealing with a reality, it can be part of a defense mechanism.  It can also be used to deflect and keep from discussing something the person needs help in dealing with.

The acronym:

Fouled up
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotionally Unstable

So now the next time someone tells you they are "fine" you can think of the acronym.
 

Monday, May 26, 2014

Monday Medley: Memorial Day Tribute




Memorial Day is not meant to be "celebrated" rather it is meant to be "observed".  To pause and think of all those who have given their lives for our country, our freedoms.  Yet we celebrate the freedom the sacrifice of so many has provided to each of us. 

When I was a child, my father, who was a WWI veteran, taught me to fly our flag on special days.  Such as Memorial Day, Flag day, The Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day. I continue that tradition today. Even though I am in an apartment, I have a garden flag I place out on the front patio. 

Today on this Decoration day, I observe and think of the Sacrifice so many have made for the freedoms we have today.

 

Monday, May 19, 2014

Monday Medley: Lady Antebellum - Need You Now



Another Monday:  Last week was a busy one, for Hospital week we provided Blessing of Hands for all Hospital staff who wanted it.  I worked 6 hours doing just that in one facility.  It was nice and a special time. 

It's exciting, The Triple Crown races, California Chrome won both the derby and in Baltimore on Saturday.  Will we have a Triple Crown winner this year? The first since 1978?  It would be something if this horse won.  We shall see!



Monday, May 5, 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Its Sunday

Its Sunday, and I did not go to church this morning.  So often I work on Sunday, so when I am off I try to go.  But today I did not, no particular reason.  I am reading, praying, and listening to Christian/worship music.  Guess I am feeling a little blah and did not want to get ready and go.

I discovered something very interesting on the Gay Church site.  The church I was baptized in, a Baptist church in northern Virginia, is now American Baptist, and part of the Alliance of Baptists.  It is listed on Gay Church.com as an open and affirming church.  On the church webpage, they identify as welcoming, and affirming. Makes me wish I could attend there again. 

Its a gorgeous day so I'm going to get out in it some today.  Hope you have an awesome Sunday.  

Sunday, April 20, 2014

HAPPY EASTER - Sandi Patty We Shall Behold Him



Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

Eph 2:8-9  Rev.3:20,

HE IS RISEN!! HE IS RISIEN INDEED! King's College Choir - Jesus Christ is risen today



The Resurrection of Christ I Corinthians 15

15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

The Resurrection of the Dead

12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[c] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
    for tomorrow we die.”[d]
33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[e] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

The Resurrection Body

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[f]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we[g] bear the image of the heavenly man.
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[h]
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”[i]
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.




 

Friday, April 18, 2014

Good Friday: VIA DOLOROSA - Sandi Patty




Good Friday the ay of the Cross and Scripture Account

Gospel Jn 18:1—19:42

Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley
to where there was a garden,
into which he and his disciples entered.
Judas his betrayer also knew the place,
because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards
from the chief priests and the Pharisees
and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him,
went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?”
They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.”
He said to them, “I AM.”
Judas his betrayer was also with them.
When he said to them, “I AM, “
they turned away and fell to the ground.
So he again asked them,
“Whom are you looking for?”
They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.”
Jesus answered,
“I told you that I AM.
So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”
This was to fulfill what he had said,
“I have not lost any of those you gave me.”
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it,
struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear.
The slave’s name was Malchus.
Jesus said to Peter,
“Put your sword into its scabbard.
Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”

So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus,
bound him, and brought him to Annas first.
He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas,
who was high priest that year.
It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews
that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus.
Now the other disciple was known to the high priest,
and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus.
But Peter stood at the gate outside.
So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest,
went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter,
“You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”
He said, “I am not.”
Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire
that they had made, because it was cold,
and were warming themselves.
Peter was also standing there keeping warm.

The high priest questioned Jesus
about his disciples and about his doctrine.
Jesus answered him,
“I have spoken publicly to the world.
I have always taught in a synagogue
or in the temple area where all the Jews gather,
and in secret I have said nothing. Why ask me?
Ask those who heard me what I said to them.
They know what I said.”
When he had said this,
one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said,
“Is this the way you answer the high priest?”
Jesus answered him,
“If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong;
but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”
Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm.
And they said to him,
“You are not one of his disciples, are you?”
He denied it and said,
“I am not.”
One of the slaves of the high priest,
a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said,
“Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”
Again Peter denied it.
And immediately the cock crowed.

Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium.
It was morning.
And they themselves did not enter the praetorium,
in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover.
So Pilate came out to them and said,
“What charge do you bring against this man?”
They answered and said to him,
“If he were not a criminal,
we would not have handed him over to you.”
At this, Pilate said to them,
“Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.”
The Jews answered him,
“We do not have the right to execute anyone, “
in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled
that he said indicating the kind of death he would die.
So Pilate went back into the praetorium
and summoned Jesus and said to him,
“Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered,
“Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered,
“I am not a Jew, am I?
Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.
What have you done?”
Jesus answered,
“My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him,
“Then you are a king?”
Jesus answered,
“You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

When he had said this,
he again went out to the Jews and said to them,
“I find no guilt in him.
But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover.
Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
They cried out again,
“Not this one but Barabbas!”
Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.
And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head,
and clothed him in a purple cloak,
and they came to him and said,
“Hail, King of the Jews!”
And they struck him repeatedly.
Once more Pilate went out and said to them,
“Look, I am bringing him out to you,
so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”
So Jesus came out,
wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak.
And he said to them, “Behold, the man!”
When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out,
“Crucify him, crucify him!”
Pilate said to them,
“Take him yourselves and crucify him.
I find no guilt in him.”
The Jews answered,
“We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die,
because he made himself the Son of God.”
Now when Pilate heard this statement,
he became even more afraid,
and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus,
“Where are you from?”
Jesus did not answer him.
So Pilate said to him,
“Do you not speak to me?
Do you not know that I have power to release you
and I have power to crucify you?”
Jesus answered him,
“You would have no power over me
if it had not been given to you from above.
For this reason the one who handed me over to you
has the greater sin.”
Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out,
“If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar.
Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out
and seated him on the judge’s bench
in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon.
And he said to the Jews,
“Behold, your king!”
They cried out,
“Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them,
“Shall I crucify your king?”
The chief priests answered,
“We have no king but Caesar.”
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, and, carrying the cross himself,
he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull,
in Hebrew, Golgotha.
There they crucified him, and with him two others,
one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross.
It read,
“Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.”
Now many of the Jews read this inscription,
because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city;
and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,
“Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’
but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews’.”
Pilate answered,
“What I have written, I have written.”

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus,
they took his clothes and divided them into four shares,
a share for each soldier.
They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless,
woven in one piece from the top down.
So they said to one another,
“Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be, “
in order that the passage of Scripture might be fulfilled that says:
They divided my garments among them,
and for my vesture they cast lots.

This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary of Magdala.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved
he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”
Then he said to the disciple,
“Behold, your mother.”
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

After this, aware that everything was now finished,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
Jesus said, “I thirst.”
There was a vessel filled with common wine.
So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop
and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said,
“It is finished.”
And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

Now since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and that they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;
he knows that he is speaking the truth,
so that you also may come to believe.
For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:
Not a bone of it will be broken.
And again another passage says:
They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

After this, Joseph of Arimathea,
secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews,
asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus.
And Pilate permitted it.
So he came and took his body.
Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night,
also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes
weighing about one hundred pounds.
They took the body of Jesus
and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices,
according to the Jewish burial custom.
Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden,
and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried.
So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day;
for the tomb was close by.
 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

What is Maundy Thursday ?



In honor of the observance of Maundy Thursday, I found this video I though I would share with you.  Tonight my church, A Baptist Church, will hold a service of prayer, music and Communion.  I find this service meaningful and since I am not working tonight I plan on attending. I hope this may help you in your observance of Holy week.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Monday Medley: In Honor of Palm Sunday and Holy Week



Here are a few songs in honor of Palm Sunday.  I hope you enjoy.

Today I went to an Episcopal Church, I wanted the formality a the service today. The congregation gathered in the Parish Hall and I was standing at what I thought would be the back of the gathering.  Next thing I know the Rector asked me (a second time visitor) once several months ago if I would assist in handing out Palms.  Surprised, I said yes.  It was a nice service and I got to receive Communion. it will be a good memory. 





Saturday, April 12, 2014

A Free Saturday

Well for a change I have not just a Saturday, but a weekend off!  I am glad, and resting.  However, I have worked straight through since Thursday a week.  With the exception of last Monday where I came home early.  It was a busy week, and last night I was on call but there were no calls! My diet is going well for the most part, but I tend to cheat from time to time.  I am trying allow myself a full sugar dessert once a month, that I enjoy.  However, my tastes have changed, and I don't enjoy it like I used to.  A waste of carbs and calories if I don't enjoy it!  So my next sweet day will be Easter, I am going to try and pick something I know I will enjoy.  But that day I plan on having and and a small bake potato. 

Yesterday, I was in the gift shop and picked up a book titled "A Guide for the Christian Counselor" as I thumbed through it, I noticed the section on Homosexuality.  It was disappointing to me, but I was not surprised.  It used all the standard Scriptures that condemn the homosexual.  It made me feel a bit unsecure, but I went back through my struggle and reminded myself of the conclusions God gave me that led me to accept myself as a gay man.  The "counseling" guide makes the assumption being gay is a choice.  That is a wrong assumption.  Enough said.

Well off to enjoy my weekend!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Monday Medley: "Montana Sky" by Whiteheart



As usual the first Monday after the first Sunday is a song of faith day.  I worked all weekend, on call Friday night with a call in the middle of the night, and I worked a 24 hour with calls Saturday night.  I am exhausted today!.  I had planned on going to a Vesper Service at 5 yesterday, BUT I had a call at 1505 and ended up not leaving  until well after 1600.  So I missed the service since I am 35 miles way from this facility, and there were traffic slow downs.  As usual. 

Well next week is Holy Week Already. Hard to believe, Easter will be here.  The winter was long, slow, cold and snowy! I am glad its April.

Hope you enjoy the song.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Welcome April!

April is finally here, and I hope this longish, snowy, cold winter is finally ending.  I heard on the news that the Cherry blossom festival in Washington DC, did not have the cherry blossoms. They are blooming now.  I noticed on my walk yesterday the trees that are normally leafed out by now here locally are just starting to bud. The Pear trees are just about in full bloom, a few weeks late.  Better late than not at all!  I am afraid the pollen is going to be a problem this year. 

There are a few issues I wanted to blog about, but did not have the time to formulate my thoughts into writing.  Now its seems like too late to write those thoughts into a post.  Time to move on to other issues I think.

Investment update, the stock market was so so in the first quarter of the year.  Today we begin a new quarter and hope for better times.  Of course we cannot always expect the stock markets to be always positive. the bull will give way to the bear from time to time. Or there are bubbles in particular sectors.  I have completed a re-balance of my Roth portfolio, but the new stocks I want to add are expensive, so I will wait for those to moderate their price.  I have added some fixed income mutual funds that are no load, no transaction fee funds.  I did consider moving my Roth to another firm that charges less for trades. However, when you add the cost of transferring and other fees, it was not worth it, and would be a wash. 

401K, my employer is changing from one investment service provider to another. This is on top of a 2012 change in how they match my contribution, and the defined benefit they provide.  So I will need to evaluate how I am invested in light of what this new provider offers. Maybe it will have something better to offer. 

That is all to share for now.  Happy April!  Happy Spring! 


 

Monday, March 31, 2014

Monday Medley: American Authors - Best Day of My Life (Official Video)



This was a good weekend, rained but I was off most of the weekend.  I am behind on my blogging, now I have to choose what and when to blog in between work, and all the things I need to get done.

I hope we have seen the last of winter it is spring after all!  The week ahead will be a busy one but tha is normal. Hope you enjoy today's music selection.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Read, Read, Read!

In an interview the other day on CNBC, Warren Buffet made the statement that he reads many pages every week.  Between news, financial reports, professional writings he reads several hundred pages a week.  One of his assistants, and a mentee of Mr. Buffet, stated he reads about 500 pages a week.  Wow!

Now that is not to say that if you read 500 pages a week you too will be successful in business.  But it got me to thinking...

I should read more than I do, more than the news, more than what is required for any class I am taking.  Here are a few examples of  reading material I am looking for

First Spiritual, in the form of Bible and devotional reading apart from any class I am taking. I already have a few of these books to recycle in my reading.

Second, work and church related.  Possibly a general Christian/religious news magazine and a professional journal related to Pastoral Care and Counseling.

Third, a business and financial news magazine to give me ideas, guidance in my finances.

Then fun reading, mystery and other books of interest. 

Read to expand my mind, my knowledge, my opportunities.

Perhaps you have or need a reading plan?  Consider it!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Monday, February 17, 2014

Monday Medley Part 2: In Honor of House of Cards (2013) Intro Credits Theme - Jeff Beal



This is a great theme song for this series.  Very fitting for this program.  One of the big differences between this and the original British series is the addition of Raymond Tusk, fitting since America is a Capitalist nation. 

Monday Medley Part One: In Hoor of House Of Cards - UK



This is the original series I watched and enjoyed.  I was excited when Netflix created an American version and I am enjoying watching the program.  I recommend watching the original series, but you might not get inot it after watching the American version.  But try...

Friday, February 14, 2014

Valentines Day 2014

Big historic news in Virginia for same Sex Marriage.  A Federal judge has declared Virginia's ban on same sex marriage unconstitutional!  Now of course there will be an appeal so any actual changes will be a long time coming if it ever comes.  Still its a victory! 

Happy Valentines Day to all, but I say Bah Humbug!  Guess because I don't have a Valentine.  If you do enjoy the fruit of the day!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Monday Medley: (Get yourself a bad boy) - Backstreet Boys



Backstreet Boys is one of my favorite groups.  I have a number of favorite songs, this among them.  I am praying the Jetstream and vortex moves north and gives those in the grip of these storms and extreme cold relief. I am also praying for the southwest to have much needed rain.  Will you join me in praying for this?

Hope you enjoy the song.  




Saturday, February 8, 2014

Its Saturday This and That

Its the second Saturday of February, I like this month since spring is not too far away.  There are a number of events this month, among them, Black history, Heart Health focus, President's day and of course Valentines Day.  During February certain bushes in the area here begin budding and even flowering,  depending how cold it gets.  I have noticed hearing birds I have not heard in a while, not sure what there are. Then there are the Robins, I awoke yesterday quite early and hear not one but a flock of Robins.  I peaked out my window and the ground was covered with a large flock of the pretty birds!  They are still around.  The other day I saw the most beautiful blue Herrin on the lake.  I tried to take a picture, but it move too far to get a good picture. 

I so hope we don't have anymore snow and ice around here this winter.  We have already had more than we get in a year.  I am praying for this Vortex thing to move north and provide relief for the folks suffering in this cold and snows.  The past month was rough for me, I am still recovering from the virus I caught.  It is gradually getting better, my appetite is back for the most part, still having issues with fatigue, but not as much. 

The Olympics!  I love the winter Olympics, but this year its fore shadowed by the terror threat and all the issues of it taking place in Russia. I understand why so far its been under attended. Its too bad.

Well that's it for now.  Stay warm, and stay healthy!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Monday Medley: Salt-N-Pepa - Push It



Monday Medley Returns.  Sorry for the absence.  Its been a rough few weeks. I am glad January is over, and look forward a better February. Hope you enjoy todays selection!

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Ground Hog Day

Well its February 2nd, and that means its Groundhog Day.  This predictor is not always so accurate but it is a lot of fun.  There are several now who attempt to predict the end of winter.  Old Phil saw his shadow.  Six more weeks of winter for the northeast.  General B Lee did not see his shadow so a early spring in the south.  There are now 3 others, all saw their shadows. :(  I still hope for moderate temperatures in the coming weeks.  We all need a break!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

A Cold and Sick Week.

Sorry for no Monday Medley and other potential posts.  I have been sick, an infection snuck up on me and knocked me down.  I am some better not as fatigued.  So I hope to be back to normal soon

Monday, January 13, 2014

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Good Time to Hiebernate

Its winter, its the coldest here in Southeast Virginia it has been in 20 years!  We are not used to it!  It dropped from 67 degrees yesterday morning to 14 degrees this morning.  A wind chill in the minus range. It will be warmer tonight only 17 but no wind chill.  This time of year I come home and stay put! Drink cocoa and fall asleep.

I hope you are where it is warm and cozy!

The crazy thing it is supposed to be in the 70's by the weekend!  So goes the roller coaster! 

Monday, January 6, 2014

Monday Medley: Song of Faith: Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster



The first Sunday of the New Year. Also the first Sunday of the month, Communion Sunday.  Today I worked at the Nursing Care Center and did a Communion Service, The first of 2014.  As is the custom for this blogger, The first Monday Medley of the Month is a song of faith.  Today a great song Everlasting God.  I hope you enjoy. 

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Saturday Cartoon Commentary

This was in the editorial section of the newspaper today.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Friday This and That



The above is because its the January BLAHS, have a laugh! Funniest is UPS driver is being chased around a FEDEX truck!

Its so COLD today here in southeast Virginia, we don't have snow or ice but its only going to be 30 and drop from there today.  I feel for all those who have the cold and snow/ice to contend with. 



So last year, but a News anchor I highly respect came out between Christmas and New Years, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America. 

What's going to happen to Same Sex Marriage in Utah?  The Supreme Court has been asked to stop it. We can only watch and see.

Up in the cold north people were crazy enough to take a polar plunge in freezing water with sub freezing air temperatures!  How many of them are sick now? 

A note from 2013, Pope Francis is more popular than his predecessor.  He had more people visit the Vatican and attend Mass since last March than the former Pope did in his entire time in office.



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

WELCOME 2014!!! London New Year's Eve Fireworks 2014 (OFFICIAL) Full HD



I enjoy clocks so I chose the 2014 London Fireworks display to post here.  The most spectacular and record breaking fireworks took place in Dubai. 

I hope 2014 is filled with good health, good progress, prosperity, and more to be happy about than sad about for everyone!!

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!