Ash Wednesday 2013

Today is Ash Wednesday, the day on the church calendar that marks the beginning of Lent. Many churches celebrate with services, including the imposition of ashes.  I will participate in this at the Hospital.

The church of my membership, a Baptist church, has a special service tonight I wish I could go to.  Its a service of Contrition and Thanksgiving. we have ashes and Lord's Supper. I will be at work. 

The meaning of the ashes.  Its a symbol of sinfulness, but also healing because if you feel ashes in your fingers there is an oil substance to them.  Oil is a symbol of healing. Much can be said of this and the meaning of ashes.  In the past few years Ash Wednesday has been celebrated across denominations and in various ways.  I think this is a good thing. I will miss my churches service.

 

The Pope to Resign!

Yesterday's news, but I had to comment.  I am not Catholic, but as a Protestant who knows many who are Catholic, this is really big news.  The first time in 600 years a Pope who is resigning. It has taken the world by surprise!

 

 

My hope for the next Pope as a Protestant, gay man.

 

I hope the next Pope is more progressive than any there has been in decades.

I hope the next Pope is able to at least crack the door to making the Catholic church more open, accepting, and affirming of the LBGT community.

I hope the next Pope is open to discussing allowing Priests to marry.

I hope the next Pope is open to discussing Women as Priests. 

I hope the next Pope is from Canada or the U.S.A.

One can only HOPE!

 

Oh and apparently the picture above is indeed real! Ponder that one!

 

Monday Medley: Valentine Edition

Good Monday, What a weekend of weather for many of us.  Folks are still digging out, others are looking at tornado damage.  It seems no matter where you live, there is exposure to storm damage of some kind.  It seems weather interrupts life. 

This is a busy week, with Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and Valentines Day. Today I'm sharing some Valentines/love music. Hope you enjoy!


http://youtu.be/Wg9Urm2_7xQ Daylight Maroon 5

Top 20 loves songs: http://youtu.be/T4KS2JUrQCY

Top Valentines day Songs http://youtu.be/IiivCsCx4Lw

Gay in The News

Happy Friday! At least for those who are off the weekend.  I hope all those in the northeast can enjoy the snow without much trouble out of it...  Yeah right!  

There have been some gay issues mentioned in the news recently I want to highlight here. 

First, in Great Britain, Same Sex Marriage moved closer to approval! The bill passed 400 to 175, but has to pass the House of Lords where the fight continues.  The bill exempts the Church of England and other faith groups from being required to perform Same Sex union services so this is a Civil marriage bill. Legal marriage none the less.  A step forward, I pray it passes all the way to the PM's desk.

A stupid bill introduced in Tennessee" Don't Say Gay" would require teachers to report to parents any student  who confides they are gay. This law is meant to restrict sex education in schools.  Fortunately this bill is doomed. It keeps being reintroduced, so I hope it never passes.

The Boy Scouts, are at least discussing repealing their ban on gay members and leaders. I doubt it will lead real change. 

Lake County school District in Florida is considering cutting all student clubs in order to block the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance club at one of its middle schools.  The extreme measure taken to discriminate and perpetuate hate. Think of the positive impact a club like this could have on those involved. But I would think that way!

So we have the good, the bad and the just plain stupid  in the news

 

Monday Medley: Scream and Shout

Its Monday again! It was a busy day and night, a lot of calls at least the last one was at 01:00 this morning. Hope you have a great day and week.

Scream and Shout (language warning)

http://youtu.be/kYtGl1dX5qI

Welcome February! Friday This and That

Wow its already the first of February! For many reasons I welcome February every year with a sigh of relief and smile.  Its still winter, but around here it marks a move toward spring.  When I had a yard to play in, there were always things that needed to be done in the garden, mostly cleaning, winter feeding.  Alas no yard to play in, but I do have a small piece of dirt area I can plant flowers. that will need cleaning, but not yet.

February is packed with all kinds of things to look forward. It's Black History Month for starters.  I remember in school the recognitions and lessons we had for February. its also known as the heart month, and the looove month! Then there is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, the last few years I have gone to IHOP on Fat Tuesday and had crepes. My mother always made Crepes for Mardi Gras. I might try to make my own this year.  That week is a full week, with World Day of the Sick, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, followed by Valentines Day.

The Health System I work for always does something special for World Day of the Sick.  Usually some kind of service.  This Ash Wednesday I will be working, so I will be participating in the distribution of ashes.  Not sure how that is going to work out but we shall see.

Then Valentines day!  I read where every Valentines day, we spend millions of dollars on candy, cards, flowers,  gifts, and alcohol. Not to mention  money spent on a night out on the town.  So many millions of pounds of chocolate, gallons of wine, in all Valentines day is a very profitable day for many.


So its now February!  Much to look forward too.

Monday Medley: Your Love

Good Monday to you.  We had snow over the weekend, about an inch, enough to snarl traffic for hours.  This week its supposed to be near 70 degrees!  A saying in Tidewater, don't like the weather? Wait a minute, it will change! 

This week the Dow could hit 14000! The S&P is over 1500, they say we are on track for the best January for stocks in several years.  How far can the rally go?  We will see what happens.  I think much depends on the Jobs report, and continued good earnings reports Plus the cliff?.  The downside is what this does to the bond market.  That's the market for you!  Diversify is the name of the game.

Today's music an older song, Your Love Is My Drug


 http://youtu.be/QR_qa3Ohwls

hope you enjoy

An Anniversary

This past week there was an anniversary. It marked the first year of the passing of my Mother. I did not do anything special.  I am doing well with everything, better than I thought I would be. The first anniversary of the death of someone special in your life is significant.  One should be on his or her way through the stages of grief to what is referred to a new normal. I am not sure where I am in that process.  Though things seem to be "better" life will never be the same. Holidays will never be the same.  Life does march forward though and one must move forward with it. 

I think of Mom often, I imagine that will continue, and I am fine with that.  It's not being stuck in the past, but the past does inform our present.  So my journey continues, the memory of my mother in the back of my mind. Life will go on, I carry on. Its what we do. 

 

Thursday Thoughts

Today I am off. Not really doing much though, and its cold here, but not like other places though. 

DoMa so I understand that the Supreme Court is going to hear a case concerning the Defense of Marriage Act.  I am glad and hopeful for a result in favor of same sex unions.  In fact I am praying for a good result. 

Who is out? They say the percentage of the population that is LGBT is around three.  But that is the percentage of those who identify as LGBT.  Many more do not identify themselves publicly.  So you see that percentage is obviously much higher. 

It is my belief,  as acceptance of the LGBT community increases , those in our community will feel more comfortable  in being out.  At least in theory.  

Fiscal Cliff,  Just not seem to be going away! Our congress is not accomplishing much.  But they have not done much in awhile.  I hope soon!

The Plan,  This year I have developed plans for my giving, saving/investing, and spending.  Rather than a plain budget, I have broken it down to specific items to purchase, and savings/investing goals It pays to have a plan.

Seminary,  Application is completed, now waiting for the file to be completed. 

Finally Snow? They are calling for snow here tomorrow night. I am on call tomorrow night!  Please Lord NO!  I am afraid of ice. I will be praying for no snow, no ice, or no calls.





 

Monday Medley: Champion

Happy Monday! Good Martin Luther King Day to you.  Hope you have a Holiday today and enjoy it if you do.  Stop to reflect on the contribution to Equality made by Dr. King.  Pray for all those seeking to make a difference , to "champion" equality in the 21st century!

Today's song is by the Script with Will I am The Champion!

http://youtu.be/mk48xRzuNvA

Go With The Gut Feeling!

Well I did not go with my gut feeling and I should have. Several Posts ago, I talked about a date I had. I said then I did not think he was the one.  So I thought I would try and be friends with him.  After spending sometime with him, I knew this would not work.  He was too nervous, afraid someone would "know" we are gay. Everything to be secretive, it seemed.  I continued to text and call, trying to be a friend.  Then every time a plan was made, for a lunch or dinner, it was cancelled for one reason or another. So I got the message.

Next time I will remember to listen to my gut, something I learned to do in my work, I have to remember this in the off hours.  As the saying goes...NEXT! .

Flu Season Suggestions

We are in the middle of flu season.  It is wide spread across the land, the particular strain is not covered by the shot we have available.  In some area's it has peaked for the moment, I hope it won't become worse, but one never knows.  Plus there is an virus called Norovirus running around as well.  A lesser publicized but equally serious virus in my opinion. 

So what's a body to do?  Here are a few suggestions that might help keep from being knocked down.  First, the flu shot,  its still a good defense, if you get the flu it should help lessen the severity and length.  I have been getting the flu shot since 1996, and since I work in Hospitals, its required.

Second and most importantly is hand washing! Not enough can be said about this!    Its a good idea to wash your hands often, especially when your out and about. touching shopping carts, door handles etc.. The use of a hand sanitizer will kill the most germs, and most brands today include lotion in them. Be sure to rub your hands until they are completely dry. 

If your in and out of elevators, use your knuckle to push the buttons, this way you less likely to pick up germs and transfer them.  Again wash your hands often! In public restrooms, wash your hands warm water counting to 15.  Then use the paper towel to dry then turn off the water AND tough the door handle.

Consider increasing your vitamin intake. I am taking one of those immune boosting drinks each day I am working at the Hospital. This in addition to vitamin c, and d.  Be sure you get enough rest it also boosts your immune system.

Consider limiting your time in public places, flu is air born, if your at the mall in a crowd of people, your more likely to pick up the flu virus as well as other cold germs and Norovirus!

Right now with the flu and Norovirus around, it might be a good idea to eat at home. Again limiting your potential exposure to people and places where you  might pick up the germs. 

If you or a family member is sick STAY HOME, create a sick room, effectively quarantine the virus. treat yourself well, rest, fluids, medications.  There is healing in sleep.

Just a few suggestions that might help navigate this flu and Norovirus season.  Hope it helps!