Monday Medley

Today is a tired day, as I just finished what unintentionally became four days of 12 or more hour shifts. Only one was meant as a twelve, the others became twelve (or longer)with calls and crisis added to the day.  Today I seek rest, relaxation, prayer, good music,  at least one good comedy. Eat something good, and generally recharge. I think I am wrung out.  I love the ministry I work, but it can be draining at times.

I will share one thing, something that evokes a range of emotions and thoughts in me. That is seeing, hearing, experiencing our local emergency medical helicopter.  It's a strange set of emotions to experience all at the same time.  Its exciting, awe inspiring, terror invoking, and action provoking.  A great deal of the time the result is successfully satisfying.  The Trauma team does great work. I am proud to work with these professionals when I have opportunity.


Today there are two songs I've heard that I like, and seem to have meaning for me today. One by Gym Class Heroes "Fighter" the other by One Republic "Good life" both feature Ryan Tedder (One Republic)  Again I do not endorse any advertisement that may appear before the video.

First  http://youtu.be/bxV-OOIamyk


Second  http://youtu.be/bxV-OOIamyk

Mana From Heaven

So its the time between paychecks.  You know that time when you have paid certain bills, but are waiting until the next paycheck to pay others, and the cash available is for the other bills.  Well this is one of those times...one has to be careful what one does with cash available its earmarked for something important.  I'm thinking there is enough food in the house to get me through, or at least I will make it last and just buy the essentials.  I'm going to walk every where I can and save the gas in the car for getting to and from work. I think, hope and pray I can squeak by.

Then something small but wonderful happens. Where I park my car is near some trees on a grassy area. The other morning coming home from a late call, its windy, and threatening rain. As I pull into the parking spot, I notice something flapping in the grass.  As I get out of my car and walk by it becomes distinguishable.  It's money!  I grab it before the wind can take it away.  I look at it and discover to my surprise, I have "found" a $20 bill!  I look around to see if there is anyone nearby that might be chasing it.  The area is deserted.  I stick that "mana" my pocket and thank God for His provision in my life.  Its a small thing, but significant to me. Now I have $20 to buy essentials if I need to and not touch gas, medication or rent money.  It meets a need not a want, that is why I call it "Mana from Heaven".   He is Jehovah Jireh, The Lord our provider.

The Monday Medley

Happy Monday!  Is that a contradiction?  Well this morning we have a two song musical Monday.  Shall we say two extremes? a song I like by Taio Cruz. Then I thought it is time for another classic by Wagnor Ride of the Valkyries. Used in the movie Apocalypse Now. Let it not be said there is no Culture on this blog!  Disclaimer, I am not responsible for nor do I endorse the content of any commercial which may appear before the music.

Hope you enjoy!

http://youtu.be/VUjdiDeJ0xg


http://youtu.be/CGBDWER-wUI

A Musical Monday Two For

I heard this song on the radio and it stuck in my mind, so I thought I would share it here.  Its by boy band One Direction.  Today is a two for Monday, the second song is one I heard and liked, is a little mellow for this artist.  Yes I'm actually posting a song by LiL Wayne! Hope you enjoy.  Happy Monday!

http://youtu.be/QJO3ROT-A4E




http://youtu.be/xe91Doq757A

Donna Summer Tribute: Musical Monday

Hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.  It has a great message.


http://youtu.be/tNMgPFp66lk

Sunday's are Special

At home growing up, Sunday was always a special day.  My mother would fix a spectacular meal, we would eat off the good china.  I recall as a small child going to the neighborhood church with my sister and brother. As I got older, I started attending a church on my own.  I was thinking about this today, as I walked to a nearby church for the service.  Its a good size church, they had Communion (which they do on the first and third Sunday)  The people were friendly, the pastor came all the way to the last pew where I was sitting to greet me. They showed the songs, Scripture and responsive readings on both sides of the front wall, which I thought was well done, and helpful.  I may visit this church again.

Today, I want to share what I think will become a regular Sunday post.  A short Scripture and thought, devotion, or whatever you want to call it. Its my opportunity to share from the Scripture, and perhaps about my path, belief, convictions. (I'm a preacher after all) I invite you to share your thoughts in response and perhaps have a conversation.  However, I won't respond to or post comments that I deem disrespectful, hateful, hurtful, or otherwise offensive.  Hey, its my blog.

Ascension;  today is Ascension Sunday on the church calendar. In Acts 1:4-11. I invite you to look it up and read it.  Jesus gathered his followers together and told them of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  He would leave them, but would send the "helper" The Holy Spirit to empower, guide, teach them the way they should walk on this earth.  Two things I wish to point out and I hope encourage you with.  First, In Matt 28:20 Jesus says he is with us always, " I am with you always, even until the end of the age"  Note the term I AM, remember what  the Father said to Moses?  I AM?  In Acts 1, Jesus says will send the Holy Spirit.  We as Believers today have the presence of God with us in the person of the Holy Spirit.  That means we each have within us a guide who if we listen to him, will lead us the way we ought to go.He will give strength, comfort, and peace in midst of life's storms.  That also means through the Holy Spirit God is present with us always.  Bidden or not God is there.  I find comfort in that.  I hope you do too.

May He bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you. May He give you His peace! 

IPad or Apple Stock?

A question was asked sometime ago.  If you had a choice of a gift of and Ipad or one share of Apple stock, which would you choose? I would choose the share of Apple.  Which would you choose?

Facebook Friday and its IPO are now done.  For many it was a disappointment since the stock price did not "pop" as expected.  In fact the price actually dropped until it was shored up by the underwriters.  I think it had a lot to do with investor uncertainty of how FB will be able to monetize and crate the kind of profit that is expected.Plus many were looking to make a quick profit by selling on the "pop", which did not occur.  I believe that over time it will prove to be a good buy.

As for me, I was able to purchase a few shares which I plan to hold, with a wait and see approach.  If overtime this stock proves to be like Google or Apple... great for me!

Facebook Friday!

Today is the day investors have waited for with anticipation. The pundits at times seem to be talking out of both sides of their mouths.  Oh buy FB on its open, No wait till the aftermarket, No you don't want to buy in the aftermarket, buy in 2 weeks. Others  say they would not touch it at all. Just depends on who you listen to.

For me as a tiny investor, IF I can buy just a few shares of this stock and hold it, I hope it will increase much like Apple, or Google.  For me the key is a longer term view, for instance if my parents had bought 10 shares of Johnson & Johnson in 1944 when it opened, and held them those shares would have made millions over time. 

What I hope to do, is place an order this morning for a few shares at a mid price point, and be able at complete the sale when the stock goes public.  Then hold that position and see what happens. Along with my plan, IF the stock price warrants it, buy more shares in the future. At the same time be flexible enough that IF the stock soars in the short term, be open to taking profit.  These are big IFs, as with any plan.  Depends on how things go in the future.  Remember, economies macro and micro change daily.  Personal finances are impacted by these changes everyday. 

Contingency plan, another IF, assuming I can't buy at my price today.  Then I will earmark an amount I want to invest in FB, and place FB on my watch list and wait.  Buy when I can, at a reasonable price.  That is IF that is even possible.
Oh and if any of my stocks increase exponentially, my plan calls for me to sell all or a portion, reinvest the profit in a fixed income type fund to grow that money at a smaller rate and protect that profit.  Then reinvest my original investment in something else. 

Happy Facebook Friday everyone!

Investing

 Some time ago, I blogged about my "financial plan."  With the Facebook IPO looming tomorrow, I thought I would post an update.  My plan has evolved some to include a more detailed giving, saving, investing and paying plan.  No plan however well developed is perfect, there are just too many variables, unknowns in the form of market fluctuations, job changes, price point increases ect. 
Here is a brief overview,  beginning with giving, the first thing I pay is a percentage to church and other ministry organizations. I'm looking at a suggestion that I read in a Christian magazine is to give half of your "tithe" to your parish, and half to the world's poor. Interesting concept.  Second, a percentage equal to what is given (as a goal) is squirreled away in savings. This I divide between cash reserve and a personal ROTH IRA that is in a brokerage account. Doing that consistently is key to saving for the future.

Now I also point out that I participate in my companies 403b plan. I place the maximum percentage pretax possible in order gain the employer match.  Due to changes in my employers retirement savings plan, I reallocated my investments from fairly conservative funds and fixed income, placing the majority of funds into a retirement year strategy fund offered by a large mutual fund. I am now placing 75 % into that fund, with 25% into fixed income. So far this year, it has increased my returns significantly.  (at least to me)  I will re-examine this and might add an additional fund later.  
if you can participate in an employer 401K plan I encourage you to do so, it pays off.

Second my Roth is allocated between four funds.  An equity mutual fund, a bond fund, a fixed income cash fund, and "Frank's fund."  I most want to talk about my own fund, which is what I have invested in individual stocks, and ETF's.  These are company stocks I select, that I either know well, do business with,  or have a long reputation. In the near future i will focus on stocks known for paying dividends  consistently.  I have several to choose from already in my watch list.   I buy once a month, unless there is a stock in my watch list with a price to good to resist. I try to buy at least 10 shares of a stock, but often can't.  So I buy at least 4 shares of a particular stock, and if the price drops and funds are available, I buy more. I am in the process of building.  I have a few stocks that are purely short term speculative.  Everything else is a long term hold, perhaps purchase more if the price warrants it.  I wanted to add a commodity fund, but decided against it, due to the volatility of such a fund. I do plan to purchase an ETF that is a commodity index fund.  This limits my exposure to loss because its a smaller portion invested than if I bought into a mutual fund.

In the investment world there are large corporate investors, brokers, there are institutional investors, small investors, and then there is me.  I'm a tiny investor. 

Next post, my plan for Facebook.

A Musical Monday

Good Monday, Here is another Monday mucial selection.  By the group  The Wanted. Hope you enjoy


http://youtu.be/wLMsyZY3oRk
A question, every time I attempt to embed a videa the link I paste, says its broken, so I have to paste the url here instead.  Any ideas?
Thanks

Happy Mother's Day

To all of you who are blessed to still have your mother with you; tell her you love her everyday.  Enjoy her while you can, honor her as often as possible appreciate her love, and all she has done, and does for you.  There will come a day when you won't be able to go see her, pick up the phone and call her, have  a meal with her on a special occasion.  That day is now for me and my family.  We can still honor her memory, but its not the same as having her with us. 


In memoriam of my Mother, I rise and call her blessed

A Historic Moment for Gay Marriage

Yesterday was historic, a sitting President let the world know he does not have a problem with same sex marriage!  My how things have changed over the years. I did not expect this to happen for many years.  This came on the heals of North Carolina making it laws in favor of traditional marriage much stronger. They are among 30 states that have such laws.  however there are a few states which have approved gay marriage laws, I hope they won't be overturned.  Times are changing, to marriage whether heterosexual or homosexual can only strengthen family values.  Because marriage civil or religious is about committing to one person for a life of love, challenge, and sticking together through thick and thin. 

What is so wrong with a same sex couple wanting to make that kind of commitment to each other in a way that is official, legal, public, and that others can?

Be prepared for the far right wing, unmovable tea party people to be loud, mean, and discriminatory in the upcoming election season.  I hope the silent majority gets out and votes for reason, compromise, and civility. 

Lets Talk About Sex...Survey

Several months ago I took part in an online survey by OUT magazine and Gay.net.  It was a survey about sex, first I wanted to see what kind of questions they asked.  Then I decided to respond with my views, I don't put too much stock in survey results because they often are skewed.  Well they have released the results of that survey and I thought I would highlight some points I find interesting here.
I did not see any data about the average age of the respondants.

There were 13300 respondants

Who took it:  88% gay,
10% bisexual,
1% were questioning,
Of respondants 5 were straight, 4 were lesbian.

Relationship status, 59% are not currently in a relationship
55% are single (I wonder a breakdown by age group?)
25% have a parnter/husband (again age group)
12 % have a boy/ girl friend
7% are dating

Coming Out
31% between 18-22
13% 23-26
13% 30+
17% 13-17
17% still have not

Sexual role
52% are Versatile
28% Bottom
20% Top

Now the survey also covered questions about intimacy which I don't care to report. I don't recall questions concerning communication in relationships, or about safe sex.   A question I wish they had asked, is about fidelity in relationships.  I would like to see something about this, even though not sure I believe a lot of survey results.  Anyway I thought this was interesting.

Its May Day!

The first of May seems to have significance around the world.  I remember during the days of the Soviet Union, they had a big military display and parade. I think the remaining Communist countries still do.  The first of May is also known as Law day, a celebration of the laws that govern us, and the law profession.  Its also the International Day of the Worker.  I also understand gay organizations use this day to promote equality.  So the first of May is a busy day!

I saw on the news that today there is expected to be many protests by what has become known as the 99% movement in recognition of the worker. I have two comments...

First regarding the 99% movement.  I am sympathetic toward this movement and hope it can help move the politics(through the ballot box) of our country away from partisan idealogical bickering to real action for the good of the nation. I am not naive,its just a hope.  However, I am not in favor of any protest which is violent, detroys the property of others, tramples on the rights of others to make their living.  I think it is counter productive to this movement. Also, I have to note there has not been a clear, announced goal of those leading this movement. (if there is indeed any real leadership) I've seen signs protesting a myriad of issues, none related to the other it seems.  Without true leadership it will not be effective.  This movement should promote changes in laws to protect workers rights. Not transfer of wealth or restrict capitalist engagement.  It should promote laws that keep the big and powerful in check so to keep greed on Wall Street,Madison Ave, and Main Street from creating situations that led to the Great Recession.  Just my opinion, hey its my blog.

Second about Law Day, as a gay man I have a vested interest in any legislation, or movement that affirms our personhood, right to marry or be in a civil union, whichever term floats your boat.  As a christian, I prefer the term marriage.  Also I am hopeful for laws that protect those of us in the LGBT communitie's right to not be fired because we are gay, protect our right to live out our lives in a way that is fulfilling. Without fear of or actual retribution because we are "different" from the "norm".  That is what I hope for on this May Day 2012. 

A Musical Monday -Classic

The Downton Abbey theme.  I love this show and look forward to its next season.  A  creative and poetic look at a bygone era.  In the last episode of the current season the New Years 1920, the dowager Countess (Dame Maggie Smith) makes the statement something like this...1920 how things have changed in ten years, how will they change the next 10 years?  her traditional yet a touch progressive character comes out with some very comical lines throughout the program. for instance when Matthew talks about coming to the Abbey on the weekends, she asks "Whats a weekend?" 


http://youtu.be/n7ULKKJ5UpI

A Musical Monday

You can say I have eclectic tastes in music.  It just depends on my mood, what I'm feeling, thinking what I want to listen too. It was not until a few years ago I really became interested in popular music.  I feel like i had been missing out in a sense, just listening to only christian music. Now I listen to everything from classical NPR, to the latest chart hits.  Though I don't care much for country, or "grunge" I don't listen to lyrics depicting violence  or anything offensive to me. I don't hesitate to change the station!  I still listen to the christian stations.

Today's song is  one I listen to at times when I have had a particularly difficult day at work or on call.  Today is one of those days.  I hope you say it to those you love, and never need to say "I wish I had told him/her..."  Please click the link below to listen if you wish. 

  http://youtu.be/dcDkjkxhnpY

Good Musical Monday!

A Musical Monday

Ok I know I have done this before, embed a video in this blog. This time try as I might, it would not work! So if you would like to here Secrets by One Republic, please click the link. This will be a periodic, perhaps weekly post, as I find songs I like to share.

http://youtu.be/qHm9MG9xw1o

Happy Monday!

The First Sunday

Today is the first Sunday not employed at a church. I chose not to go to church today. I slept in, then had a leisurely breakfast watching morning news programs and reading the paper.  Then I spent time reading Scripture, praying, and singing a few old hymns.  So I had church on my own, just my self and God.  It was nice, peaceful, and worshipful. Yet being in community is still important, but its not always possible.

Now, next week I am going to begin traveling down a list of churches I want to visit. Different denominations, I want to visit a ELCA church, I hear they are open and affirming. I know there is one Episcopal church in our area that is open. As well as several UCC churches.  I'm going to look on Gay church .com (www.gaychurch.com) to see what other churches in the area I might wish to visit.  Not sure where this traveling or church hopping as it were, will lead me. I am willing to be led.  led by the Holy Spirit.

How do you cope with the price of gas?

How do you cope with the price of gas?  I'm fortunate to live in a neighborhood where I can walk most places I want to go. I drive to work, and places beyond walking distance. Still the gas price increasing impacts how far I might go that I don't have to.  Here is what I do to help me stay within a budget for gas in my automobile.

 First, there is a Kroger not too far from my apartment that has a gas station.  So I can combine shopping for food with filling up the gas tank.  Plus with a Kroger shopping card, I get .03cents a gallon off. Plus if I have enough points, I can get .10 cents a gallon off. Kroger tries to compete with Sam's club on their gas price.  So planning when to buy gas helps.

Second, I completely filled my tank and don't let it go much below a half a tank before adding fuel. This allows me to spend what I budget and no more.  Where ever that amount of money puts the needle is the gas I have to use.  This allows me to keep a reserve amount in the tank for extra travel I might need for on call etc. When I use more fuel then I expect, I try to refuel when I can maximize the discount.  This has worked for me in the past, and I hope it will continue.  Of course if I had the money etc, I could convert my car to natural gas, which I hope in future will become a more viable solution. I heard a news report that a converted engine which can run on either natural gas or oil gas can get as much or more than 80 miles to the gallon.  So why not promote it and lessen our dependence on the middle east?

So how do you cope with the price of gas?

Moving On!

Today was the last day of my employment at the church. I won't go into details, no need to. I will say, I am experiencing disappointment, some sadness, but also relief.  As Ecclesiastes states there is a time and a season for evetrything under the sun.  I thank our Lord for grace to handle the change in seasons!

Now my question is...Whats next?

Happy Easter!   He
                               Is
                                  Risen

                                             Indeed!

Lottery Mania

Well I have to admit, I caught lottery fever.  I bought a ticket $640 million dollars is certainly  A LOT of money.. So we will see what happens tonight, I am sure with as much hype around tonight's drawing and with millions of people spending a billion dollars or so on the game tonight.  SOMEBODY is going to win.  They say that the chances of winning no matter how many tickets you buy, is 1 in 176 million.  Actually, I don't have any real objections to the lottery, as long as people are reasonable/responsible about how they play. Spending one's entire paycheck on tickets is not reasonable or responsible.  I have heard of people doing that.  Or buying tickets instead of medicines, or food, or some other need is also unwise.

But buying a reasonable amount of tickets with money not needed for something much more important is not a problem in my book.  It does have some entertainment value, dreaming about what you would do with the winnings, joking with others about your numbers, and such.  Plus I saw a breakdown of where the $1. goes.  Something like this, .52 cents goes to the winner, .06 cents to the retailer, .09 cents stays with the lottery authority, with the rest going to some need in the state.  Here in Virginia, Education is the winner of that money. 

For me reasonable is buying one ticket, that's all I need, a chance...1 in 176 million. Not playing guarantees not winning. I did not stand for hours in a long line to buy it either.  Perhaps I will win one of the lesser prizes? I would be happy with $250, 000, or even $1000.  We shall see what happens tonight..

St. Patrick's Day 2012

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY. 

LUCK OF THE IRISH TO YOU!

Feeding the "Pig"

 The Story of my piggy bank.  As a child I always had a piggy bank, as an adult I have put the change from my pocket in a mug or cup.  A good habit to develop! When it got full, I would roll it and either deposit it to a savings or use it for something. Several years ago, I found a large size piggy bank on sale, and bought it.  I just kept "feeding" it until it was full, almost a year's worth of change.  (Also I never pass up a coin on the floor or ground, it feeds the pig)

I had been saving to buy a large screen TV for sometime, one was on sale, but also a surround sound and Bluray.  I did not have quite enough saved.  Then I remembered I had not emptied my bank in quite some time. You would think I hit the jackpot!  It held enough along with my savings and a paycheck with extra hours, to buy the TV, Surround, and Bluray! ALL ON SALE! It paid to wait, save, and time my purchase for the closeout sale. 

Since then, I keep feeding that pig, almost everyday.  Whenever I empty it, I think of that purchase and how even pennies add up to make a difference. Patience, discipline pays off.  So I happily feed the pig. 

Happy Birthday To my Sweet Niece!

You were born today. I won't say how many years ago.(it would be impolite to mention a ladies age)  I remember that day well, your grandmother, who was there for your birth, called to tell me you had arrived.  Such excitement!  You have brought much joy to our family and made us proud.  I remember when you were two, you sat on my lap and I read to you, you picked out colors, and objects and even recognized a letter. Such a smart girl! look at you now! All grown up, married, working in a responsible position.  A beautiful little girl turned in to a beautiful young woman.  I think of you, your husband, and your brother every day.  My prayer for each of you each day is for your success at what you do, protection everywhere you go, satisfaction and happiness follow all through your life.

Today is your day, today I thank God for you, and ask he give you joy, peace, protection, and much happiness.

I love you  Happy Birthday
Your Uncle

Post valentine Day Thoughts

Yesterday my mother's memory was very strong. Our mother's are our first Valentine after all, a mother's love transcends all but agape.  Each Valentine, my mother would bake a delicious chocolate cake in a heart shaped pan. Usually with pink icing,  it was special.  That is a memory I will carry with me and think of each February 14th for the rest of my life. This year it was a memory filled with both sadness and also sweetness. 

Yesterday was also a day where several friends reached out in different ways and cared for me. that was special.

So day by day, piece by piece I continue the work of grief, (which is really just beginning) as do the members of my family whom I think of daily. Each day is better in some way, some days are hard at times, but this too shall pass and cherished memories will remain.  I am glad to say amidst the grief through prayer, Scripture, devotional time there is peace.

Thank you for reading.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Happy Valentines Day 2012. I hope it finds you with the love of your life, or at least love in your life.

Happy Ground hog Day 2012

I enjoy February, it means the seemingly dead of winter January is over, there is a looking toward spring.  Plus in Feb. we have today Ground Hog Day, Washington's birthday and cherry pie, and of course Valentines day. My mother used to make a chocholate cake in a heart shaped pan for valentine day.  It was a tradition, as was a cherry pie on Washington's birthday. Oh the pleasant memories...

Today Feb. 2, 2012, the ground hog predictions are mixed, Phil saw his shadow, more winter, the on Staten Island and General Lee in the south did not see a shadow, so less winter. It will be interesting to see which one actually happens? 

Either way, I think there will be payback for all these nice warm days we have had.  I do feel for those who make a living in winter.  You know the snow plough drivers, ski resorts, even the teenagers who shovel snow.  However, the lack of cold and wintry weather enabled myself and my sister to travel to our mother's side before she passed away from us.  That was a blessing.

I say Happy Ground Hog day to you!

About My Mother

Early Wednesday morning Jan 25th 2012, my beloved mother passed away very peacfully.  She was 96 and had several health issues, but at her age still had her mind. she was keenly aware of the things that interested her, such as the birds that visited the feeder at her window, the weather and what would be blooming or growing, what should be fixed for dinner according to the time of year, what would be nourishing. The activities of her children and grand children.  Those were important to her.

My Mom had a long, good, life, starting in Montreal, Quebec where she did many things among them, piano, singing in church choirs, and community Oprah.  She was a lady of principle, graciousness, faith, love, a true saint. I will miss her very much.  I rise and call her blessed!

As for me, slowly I will pick up and carry on toward a new normalcy as we call it in grief share. Toward the life that I am called to, the path that is for me. I am comforted by my family, and friends who call and care for me. I am comforted by the memories of a life well lived that spoke life and love into my life. I am comforted by the Scripture where Jesus says "I will never leave you nor will I forsake you"

Mom, I rise and call you blessed before God and humankind.

Soli Deo Gloria