Maundy Thursday 2013

Tonight is Maundy Thursday, and I was able to attend the service at my church.  It was nice we had Communion, music, and Scripture readings.  Its a particularly meaningful service. 

In honor of this day I want to share a passage of Scripture which tells the story of the Last Supper.

Luke 22:7-23 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” 9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. 10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.” 13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this  

 

The religious leaders of the day sought ways to destroy Jesus Christ, He would not to conform to their norm. He came to bring a new normal. he came to change the status quo.  Even today those who don't conform to the religious traditions are marked as outcast, and even persecuted. how this must grieve our Lord!

 

A song to share Secret Ambition by Michael W. Smith. http://youtu.be/2vHedm6ycsY  

 

Signs of Spring and a Trip to Richmond

Yesterday I was in Richmond for a few hours, and to my amazement, there was snow on the ground!  On Sunday/Monday we had rain, Richmond had three inches of snow.  It was odd seeing blooming trees, and bulbs with the white stuff on the ground.  I wish now I had the presence of my mind to take a few pictures. Alas and the blossoms I did not.  as I drove there and back, I noted the bird songs I heard, and the blossoms I saw.  Forsythia, crab apple, pear, daffodil, hyacinth to mention a few.  I look forward to seeing the azalea and dogwood blossom.

My mind was on my purpose for being in Richmond.  An interview with the Admissions Director of  graduate program I have applied for. it went well I think.  The next step is for my application package to go before the admissions committee. I do not anticipate any issues at this point.  Some exciting news is they are retooling the Master of Divinity program, pending Association of Theological Schools approval.  I may take another look at that program in the next year.  For now I'm sticking with my application for the Master of Theological Studies degree. My interviewer is suggesting I need to have a conversation with the dean concerning transfer of my Clinical Pastoral Education Units into academic credits, especially if I transfer into the new M.Div.  I will pursue this, and I hope most if not all of the credits I have will transfer into my program. 
   
First though is the official  acceptance into the program must be attained. .


 

Monday Medley: Holy Week Edition

It Holy Week Monday.  Today begins Passover for my Jewish friends as well.  This week in many Christian churches there will be a service on Thursday call Maundy Thursday which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and his arrest. On Good Friday there are vigils commemorating the Crucifixion.  All leading up to Easter Sunday!  In honor of this week I want to share several songs with you Hope you enjoy
Have a great week!


 http://youtu.be/WBaEA0H02fI   All Glory laud and Honor (organ)



http://youtu.be/_ajFnnKFivY Hosanna Hillsong United.

http://youtu.be/EqmLkLDE82U  Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord Michael W. Smith

 http://youtu.be/FHrRJVjQCMw   Passover Seder Song

Gay In The News

Another State has legalized Same Sex Civil Unions!  Thank you Colorado! This brings the number of States with some form of legalized Same Sex Unions to eighteen. The forms of approved Same Sex Unions are marriage, Civil Unions, Domestic Partnerships.  Its nice to know progress is being made on this front.  Though my preference is marriage, any movement toward same sex marriage is a positive development. 

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has defended the company's support of same-sex marriage.
Mr. Schultz stated the decision to back marriage equality was not for economic reasons, but for "respecting diversity." a very good reason, I like companies who value diversity. 

Chik Fil A, an update according to various sources, the company no longer supports or lobbies against Marriage Equality.  I may reevaluate my avoiding this Chicken.

Here is a link to a Stephen Colbert comment piece on the challenge to DOMA.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/423360/january-30-2013/the-word---it-gets-worse

Happy Friday to All

Monday Medley: In Honor of St. Patricks Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day. .a day late.  For today I thought I would share an Irish song,  hope you enjoy.


http://youtu.be/8ozdTZjaZyE

So There Is A New Pope!

Though I am not Catholic,  I watched with interest for the selection of the new Pope. So now the selection has been made, Pope Francis is set to be officially installed next week. I like the name he selected for himself, Francis, obviously a nod to St Francis of Assisi.  I wonder what kind of leader he will turn out to be? How will the trappings of his office and power impact him as time goes by?  Well only time will tell.

He is the first Pope from this hemisphere! That is a good change, from Argentina, South America, I am told this area of the world has forty percent of the Catholics in the church.  I also understand the part of the world he is from holds to a liberation theology.  I wonder if or how that will carry over to his Papacy?    Again time will tell. 

Pope Francis is conservative, traditional which does not surprise me.  This means we will not see any movement on LGBT issues, female Priests, or other social issues. In Fact I read in Jeremy's blog,  My Side of the Street, his post  title New Pope Francis believes same-sex marriage and gay adoption are the Devil’s work, where the new Pope has made anti LGBT comments in the past.  I do not expect this to change.

So no surprise it will be the status quo. yet there maybe changes in other ways on other issues. As stated before only time will tell!

Monday Medley: Hand of Providence

Today is the beginning of my new position within the health system I work. Its a small promotion, but big to me. I will be in orientation, which is kind of odd as I am not a new employee. Its a step in the process. I thought an appropriate song for today would be this song by Michael W. Smith, "Hand of Providence"  A Scripture I want to share here that is meaningful to me and appropriate to the occasion. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

http://youtu.be/K2HbrNcfmYs

Hope you enjoy and this is meaningful to you!  Happy Monday!

A Reason To Celebrate!

Next week I begin a new position with one of the hospitals I work for.  I will have a change in my classification.  Which means guaranteed hours per pay period,  benefits. I will stay non exempt which is good since I will still have shift differential,  holiday pay when I work a holiday, and overtime.  (not that they allow overtime) Did I mention benefits?  Something I really need!

Most of my hours will be at the hub Hospital, but I will still work a shift hour at the smallest Hospital in our system.  This will give me more hours, and I will still work flex-pool for the other health system. I may need to reevaluate that but I like the idea of keeping my foot in the door there. 

This has been a long time in coming.  I am relieved, and very pleased! Next I have an interview for admission to the Master of Theology program I have applied to. I hope to start this in the summer, and that most of my credits will transfer. However, I have discovered my Clinical courses will not transfer which is a disappointment. Also I may not be able to take the pastoral counseling courses I want for my electives in this program.  Though it maybe allowed, I hope!  So if you pray please pray for that to be allowed. its part of the reason I chose this school and degree.

I want to celebrate!

Monday Medley: Usher

This Monday is a beautiful day. cold but sunny and bright.  Apparently we are supposed to have a major storm later this week.  Coming on a day I stay at one of our Hospitals, which means I maybe snowed in there! Guess I better go prepared, one nice thing about our area, snow does not last long.

Today I want to share a song by one of my favorite artists, Usher, I like his music, and his style, plus he is nice to look at. ;)

http://youtu.be/ZRXqQFXqXn8

Hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading my blog!  Hope you have a great week!

  

Self Acceptance or Self Hate.

There are a number blogs I follow, some publicly, a few privately. Usually, there is something in particular in the blog that draws me to keep checking and reading, sometimes commenting. A few I check and read daily.  There is one I read today which struck a chord in me, I want to highlight here. Its Rick Modien at This Gay Relationship.  He writes about his relationship with his husband of twenty plus years. In the post "Do The Work Now", he makes the point that until a gay person, comes to the place where he or she "learns to understand, accept, and love"  him or herself  how can  one accept and love that special someone?  Indeed this is true for anyone, straight or gay.

Rick has hit the nail on the head with this comment in his post. This is so important, somehow, some way there is a path to understanding and loving oneself as a gay person.  Otherwise, I think we can sabotage our relationships.   Self loathing only leads to self destructive behaviors, and destroys loving relationships

I recall when I finally came to the place where I found peace with my sexuality.  It was such a huge relief to me, I blogged about it here in a series of posts in 2008, then updated in 2010.  Yet the work continues. I don't think it is something that is ever complete, because I believe we evolve and grow.  Speaking for myself, I know its something I need to keep working on and growing.  For others it maybe something you need to grow through. 

The work is often not easy, otherwise it would not be called work!  How do you start?  One step at a time, one issue at a time find your path.    I encourage you as Rick says in his blog "do the work"

It's A Girl...the Day My Neice was Born

Today is my niece's Birthday!  She is married, has a very responsible job, and is a very creative person. She is the first born child to my sister, and grandchild to my mother. She is very special to our family. 

Today on her birthday,  there are a few historical events I want to mention.  On this date in 1638 the Scottish National Covenant was signed in Edinburg.  1784 the Methodist Church was chartered.  1935 Nylon is invented, In 1954, the first color TV is sold. 

Then today is the day Pope Benedict XVI abdicates his position. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!

 

A Hip First Lady and Tuesday News Items

On Jimmy Fallon's show our First Lady promoted the Lets Move program by dancing with Mr. Fallon.  I thought it was great! We have a cool and hip First Lady.  Mrs. Obama does great work promoting healthy living.  Hope you enjoy!

http://youtu.be/U5qr4ThoeQM


A Celebration is in the works! I will be receiving a small promotion (big to me) at one of the Health Systems I work for. This is welcome news!  Benefits, Benefits, Benefits!  What a relief that will be!  what shall I do to celebrate? Praise God.

Master's degree, I am waiting to hear from the school I applied to for finishing my graduate degree.  I am praying for good news in this area. I look forward to study and finishing my degree at this school.

Gay in the News, according the Huffington Post, and the New York Times, 75 republicans have signed a brief going before the Supreme Court, stating  same Sex marriage is a "constitutional right"
That is worthy of mention.

Investing News,  Investors appear to be moving money from fixed assets to equity assets.  I am following that trend in my Roth account.  I have made a plan to purchase specific stock positions this year, no plans for fixed in come investments at this point, but that is subject to revision. The companies I am purchasing positions in are for long term hold, and all have a history of paying dividends. I consider myself not just a small investor but a minuscule investor. A key for me is flexibility and responding to but not being ruled by market conditions.  Following a plan being long. unless short term speculation is part of the plan.  

My 403B account at work, I currently have 75% in an equity fund, 25% in a fixed income fund. I am looking at changing the mix to 15% fixed income and start allocating10% to a broad basket commodity fund.  This is a risky move but limits the risk exposure to 10%.  So I am thinking of making some combination of change.

Happy Tuesday







 

Monday Medley: In Honor of Oscar

Happy Monday!  The day after the all important Oscar awards.  Did I watch it all? No, do I follow the nominations and winners? Yes.  I like all the news stories surrounding the Oscars and the Red Carpet.

How about the weather?  I hope this pattern changes soon.  Fortunately I don't live in a snow prone area, however what we tend to get is sleet and icy conditions.  I would rather have snow than ice! The current weather pattern has foul and potentially winter weather hitting here every weekend. I'm on call every weekend!   So I don't like that! 

Please call your Congressional Representative and Senators! Let them know they need to come to a reasonable compromise to avoid the Sequestration.  Consider telling them to stop governing by self created crisis.  I am concerned it will create financial havoc for the average taxpayer/consumer. I hope they get to work do what we pay them to do and get something good accomplished. 

Today in honor of Oscar

I am sharing famous movies themes.   http://youtu.be/9S7EsAzITEs

Hope you enjoy.

Monday Medley: A Mixer

Another Monday,  today is Presidents Day, many have today off in its honor. Something that really gets me, in the midst of a financial crisis, pending sequestration, Congress is on yet another break.  A paid  break!  WHY? There are millions of people who will be negatively impacted by the sequestration on March first,  and Congress takes a  nine day break. Well they are a do nothing Congress. 

I hope today is a good day for many. Here are several items for your enjoyment.

In honor of Presidents Day: http://youtu.be/zGq4MPxEwqQ

Paul Harvey God Made a Farmer: http://youtu.be/nHjV-FPMm_I

God Made A Gay Man, Crewe Magazine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCuw-cIoWa0&feature=player_embedded

Lord of the Dance woke up with this song on my mind: http://youtu.be/1fzRZuGEr04   2 Sam 6:12-15,

      12Now it was told King David, saying, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. 13And so it was, that when the bearers of the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. 14And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet.








 

The Great Backyard Bird Count Amoung Other Things

Yes its true, I'm a birder.  That means I like to notice the different birds around, I love awaking in the morning to hear birds singing. Now I'm no expert at identifying the birds, just appreciating them and noticing different and unusual bird around.  The Apartment complex where I live has a lake, and lots of trees, its part of what attracted me here. It also attracts many birds and other wildlife.  The past few weeks I have noticed new geese at the lake.  I mean different and unusual color geese.  Plus I heard then saw Robins.  Spring is on its way!


Why did I talk about birds?  Well this weekend the 15th to the 18th is the Great Backyard Bird Count the Audubon Society spearheads each year.  They encourage participants to count as many different birds wherever they are as they can and report the numbers on their website.  Those numbers are tallied and used for research.

Interested?  Here is a link to their site.   http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html  It can be fun!

Gay in the News.  This past week, France's National Assembly passed a bill in favor of Same Sex Marriage. The news report stated they expect the bill to be passed along in their National Senate and by signed into law.  Wow, first Great Britain now France! I am glad.

Work can be hard sometimes, last night I was called to a trauma death.  A  young victim of a motorcycle accident.  I do not like motorcycles, if there is an accident the rider loses.  What a tragedy a waste.



 

Happy Valentines Day, Evening

Another Valentines Day, oh wonderful.  Today has been an uneventful day.  The Hospital where I served my overnight shift last night , decorated the cafeteria with white and red table cloths.  They served wonderful chocolate treats. 

I hope you had a great day and your Valentine did something special for you!

 

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! .