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

11-11-11 Veteran's Day

Today we celebrate our Veterans!  I recall as a child helping my father fly our flag each Veteran's Day.  I learned about our country, my family heritage, and about the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918, when WWI ended with the Armistice signing. Today we have military members fighting two wars, we have veterans of those and other wars struggling with health issues, finding jobs, and moving forward with their lives. Other than my vote, and voicing my support for our veterans to my senate, and Congress members, there is not much I can do.  However,  I always fly my flag on special days for our nation. Today I continue a tradition my father taught me and I am flying my flag. In honor of the service all our Veterans and military members.  But Especially for the members of my family who have served from the Revolution to current day. I say THANK YOU!

Specifically to James, Branden, Chantal, Charles, George, my father,Thank you.

Also on this day I remember those service members who suffered because of Don't Ask Don't Tell and the policy that was before it.  I celebrate the removal of that barrier.

Enjoy your lifestyle? Freedom? Vote? Thank a Vet!

National Coming Out Day

In honor of National Coming Out Day, I want to say congratulations to all those who are on  their journey of coming out.  Its tough at times, but it DOES get better. To those who have made that journey I say lets keep moving forward. I'm glad I made the journey! I thank all those who have supported and encouraged!

My Three words  "I CAME OUT"  Here is a link to the song "Good Life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEpEeAPwdgs

Happy October

Its October already! Where has time gone? I remember when I was a child, I was always excited when October came...because of Halloween, dressing up and trick or treating. It was fun and I think it still is. As an adult, I have rediscovered Halloween in the last few years. You see when I was in a fundamental place, Halloween was dispised as a night for the devil and evil things.  in those and many christian circles it still is. Now we still did fall festivities to provide a safe place for children on Halloween night but it was viewed differently.

A few years ago I was on staff at a church that had an All Saints day service, which was a new experience for me and helped me rediscover Halloween. Last year for the first time I participated in Trunk or Treat at my church, you should have seen the elaborate decorating of the trunks, it was fun and most of all a ministry to the kids and their families.  I'm going to participate again this year. Since it is October, I'm including a video by Timbaland I think is appropriate for October. I like Timbaland, he is down to earth.  I hope you enjoy it.

Church Stuff

Rally day has come and gone...for this I am glad. That is the start of the Sunday school year.   It was a great day but a lot of work for all involved.  Well worth it though.  We included a 9/11 remembrance which was very appropriate.  People are funny, some thought the whole service should have been remembering 9/11. that would not have been appropriate, due to the fact it was a regular worship Service and it was Rally Day.  People are people no matter where you go! Oh well that is church.

The speaker for our Senior group next week has had to cancel. So I have been asked if I can be the speaker. I'm going to talk about Chaplaincy.  Though Ive been thinking and perhaps show and tell my Matchbox Toy collection.  hmmm. Have to think about that one.

Happy Labor Day everyone!  Its Labor day weekend here in the U.S.A. The traditional end of summer, School starts in many places on Tuesday. I'm sure many parents will be glad to have their children back in the routine of school, and in a learning environment. Well have a great one everyone.

Happy September! September is the beginning of my favorite four months of the year, They include special days, my birthday, my mother's birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. The Autumn is just a nice time to me. I enjoy the cooler temperatures, changing leaf colors, harvest festivities, church festivals, the sights, aroma's, and sounds of the various holidays. I just love and look forward to the season, as much as I do spring.  September is the start of it all. Happy September! 

Through the Storm

Irene came and Irene went. I am Hurricane weary, it was a long and tedious time waiting out the storm. However, we were blessed. Yes there was flooding, wind damage, power outage. Some folks who own houses on the water had significant damage. But it was not as bad as it could have been. The fact our area had a moderate drought helped, the ground was not saturated as it is north of here. The fact Irene weakened to a category 1 helped. The fact that it jogged slightly west did not help. That meant we had more of the storm to contend with. not just a brushing. There was no damage at my apartment complex (other that limbs) I work in a Hospital so power was restored within hours not days, I live in a critical power grid so it was restored in hours not days. To have an Earthquake, and a Hurricane all in one week!

I pray for the folks in the Northeast who have experienced far more damage and devestation from Irene. It is a truly horrific thing to experience. Living here with the threat of Hurricane land fall is hard enough, to have one come through is another. To have one come through in an area that rarely experiences is something more than even that.

No matter where you go, there will be weather, and forces of nature that impact our lives. There is no escape.

Go Away Irene!!!

Today I have to remind myself what it is about about this area that makes me want to live here! Hurricanes are fearsome, unpredictable, just plain dangerous to person and property! We expect 6-12 inches of rain = flooding, major high tides = more flooding, high winds 60 to 80 miles and hour = down trees and power lines. AND the storm does NOT come on shore here! So we prepare, canned food check, water check, batteries check, radio check. Oh and since I work at a Hospital, I will be there for the duration of the storm. possibly 2 days! At least I will have generator power there! Better food than I could at home under the circumstances...maybe.

Irene is 700 miles wide sustained winds of 115 miles an hour as of this writing. The picture below is what one looks like.

A Very Special Day August 13, 2011

Well, as usual I'm way behind in my blogging. It has been a busy few weeks between work, and travel, a wedding, and travel then back to work. Whew!

Saturday August 13th my precious niece was married! Its hard to believe but she is now a married woman. Seems like just yesterday she graduated High School, she is now in her mid 20's! I was so blessed to be able to attend, and see her walk the isle with her father at her side in his dress whites, and see my handsome nephew escort my sister, his mother, to her seat. It was exciting, and quite a celebration.

It was an outdoor wedding, on the grounds of a castle, yes a castle! The reception took place in the upstairs ball room of the castle. It was a splendid day and evening. I can't think of a serious glitch. Something I have never seen before were chinese lanterns being lit and set aloft in the night sky with the moon as backdrop. What a sight! Below are a few pix of the wedding site, the castle, and the bride and groom's table.

Coming Out Again Part II

Since I introduced this subject in my last post, I want to share that after much thought, and prayer. I decided it was safe, and appropriate for me to come out to the Pastor I work for. So I did! I set a meeting with him, and we sat down and I told him. It does not get any easier, especially with what might be at stake. He did not seem surprised, and we had a good discussion. He was affirming, even stated my being gay maybe part of the reason I was called to the church. "for such a time as this" The only thing he did ask is that if at some point I find myself in a relationship to let him know. So that if it were to come up he can say that he knew.

We had Session, last night. One of the conservative members of the church wrote a letter to the Session asking that there be an official response and position concerning Amendment 10A. This person would like to see the church become part of a "fellowship" of PCUSA churches being formed to "stand for Biblical standards". No action was taken, not much discussion either, I think the focus is on examining the biblical texts involved and going from there.

I have to say my gut tells me this "fellowship" of Churches could be the begining of a new Denomination. Only time will tell.

Coming Out Yet Again! Part I

Sorry for the infrequency of posts, but life is hectic! In previous posts, I have mentioned the church I serve part time. Church work/ministry is a don't ask don't tell kind of working situation for a minister who is gay. As long as they dont know for certain it can work. You may have heard the PCUSA has past Amendment 10 A. Concerning Ordination of both Ruling and Teaching Elders. Although it does not specifically say it, this amendment to the Book of Order or Constitution, could open the door to Ordination of Gay and Lesbian Elders. It removes the marriage between a man and woman clause as well as the fidelity and chastity clause. It puts more emphasis on gifts, call, and preparation as well as making the decsion on ordination a local issue. Rather than mandating who, what, when and where. I thnk its a very good thing and could raise the bar on ordination.

Now this has caused quite a stir in the church, but my parish...not so much. That too is a good thing. It has created a dialogue particularly in the Session.(governing body) The Pastor with whom I serve is very gay friendly, as I said before we have a few members who either are gay or have family who are. Our Session has a Bible study the last 30 minutes of it's monthly meeting. For the next few months Scripture related to the issue of Homosexuality will be examined and discussed. I hope a positive consensus can be reached! Please check back for part two of this post.

Where to begin? My life is so hectic, sometimes barely enough time to sit and take it all in. Other times too much time and I just sit not accomplishing a thing. I don't like either situation. Yet I like the adrenaline of the hecticness of my work? But it takes a toll, physically, mentally, emotional and spiritual. I miss my garden! There needs to be more balance in my life but how do I get there? Im an organizer, I like routine and schedules to follow. However, half my work mandates I hang loose, ready to run at a moments notice. The pager rules the day not the routine or schedule or plan for that particular day. Such is life!

The church seems to introduce a little sanity into hectic workstyle. At least most of the time. I am reminded of the Scripture in Mark where our Lord tells the disciples to come away to a secluded place and rest awhile. To find a way to do that!

wow! Not what I intended to write here tonight, but I suppose I needed to write this.

Books Books and more Books

You don't realize how much stuff you accumulate until you go to move it. In my new place I have a room I am making into a study. Where all my books will be stored, well not all of them some are at the office. There are some books I am going to try and sell. These books, about 10 or 12 are of a verierty I dont use or need anymore. I think I'm going to join this site I've been looking through and see if I can sell them.

I love shopping online for the commentary set I am collecting, and using at the office. I found a used hard back in very good condition for $2.99, it will be $7.00 with shipping! The way to go.

Out In The Park

Yesterday was the annual Pride celebration for our locality. I did not go due to work related issues. Im sorry I missed it, because this year, the festivities were moved to a much larger and more prominant location in the downtown area. In fact it was on the front page of the of the local section of the paper today. In the past it was a little blurb in the Entertainment section. It also warranted mention

in the local TV news! Our local gay community is receiving some positive publicity. Its about time!

Moving Along

May was moving month for me. I moved out of an apartment I had for three years, to a new apartment closer to the job I spend more time with. Wish I could buy a place but its not to be right now.I moved myself mostly with my little car, which was a challenge since it is small. What I was able to do before in 4 trips with my wagon took 10 times longer. Not to mention I could not move things I did before because they just would not fit! Oh well I thank God its done!

Right now I'm just resting a bit before I dive into unpacking and arranging things...Starting with the kitchen. Although I threw away stuff, I suspect more might go. Things I just dont need and have no attachment to.
No my Matchbox collection will NOT be on that list.

At the old place I learned I had to pay for carpet cleaning??? It was clean no spots, I kept it vaccuumed, still hmm. Money out of my pocket that to me should be normal maintence for an apartment. Well I'm tired and on call tonight so I think I'm going to bed.

more later.

Memorial Day Remember

Take a moment to pause and thank God for this great nation and remember that our freedom is not free. It was paid for with the blood of those who died on the field of battle in every war since the Revolution. Those who fought and still fight today for equal rights, Today remember.

Staying Busy

Its been awhile since my last post...AGAIN. Its been a busy month, in addition to working, I have been in the process of moving to a new place. I'm so glad I made the decision to move. Moving is alot of work, I dont have a lot of stuff, or so I thought until started moving it!

I will be closer to everything I've been going to regularly and so much will be in walking distance. On the downside, its farther from two medical centers I go to, but it all balances out in the end.

I hope you all have a good Holiday Weekend!

Carbon Footprint

At church on Wednesday night we began our Spring CHOW, (Church On Wednesday). Theme is being green, I'm using the book "Green Church" (Cokesbury) along with information from "Stewardship of God's Creation."

I found a web site Carbon Footprint.com (http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx) That can calculate your carbon footprint, and suggests ways to reduce that including donations. My focus is what we can do to reduce our individual footprints. Specifically, reduce, reuse, recycle. It is as much spiritual as anything. For instance: Reuse, when I buy something new (a blessing to me)to replace something else, the thing that is replaced is given away, to a cloths closet, or the Salvation Army, or some other organization. Instead of sending it to the landfill. If it is not usable then I try find some other use for it.

My Carbon footprint, According to the above website, I calculated my footprint and it is 14.2 tons of carbon. The average in the U.S.A. is over 20 tons. The goal is to reduce this as much as possible, a world wide goal is to reduce it to 2 tons. So I continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

I hope the next five weeks of Spring CHOW will encourage the participants to be better stewards of God's creation.

Happy Easter

What a glorious morning it was this morning! I was on call last night but no calls, which is a mixed bag. The church was full, as you would expect on Easter Sunday, the music was glorious. I hope your Easter is special.
He
IS
RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

2011 NOT 1511

This is 2011 and I am so glad! The reason for this is simple, we are post renaissance, post reformation, post industrialization and products of the 20th century.

As a result we have a path to individual freedom and responsibility, a path for anyone to achieve his or her goals. to find their path, their way to life, love, God, or even happiness. For me personally, the opportunity to discover who I am and grow spiritually, emotionally, professionally...My path. More so than I did or could 10 or 15 years ago!

The church where I serve, has a Wednesday Bible study that is a prime example of this. We operate on the premise that this should be the place where one can come and ask any question, share any ideas and thoughts or experience without fear of being ridiculed. what I have witnessed thus far, it is, all are honored. We think deeply,pray hard and usually come up with more questions but we look to the Bible and the Holy Spirit for guidance and are not disappointed. In this group most are from our church, we have some who attend regularly from the Catholic church, the Methodist and Lutheran churches in our neighborhood. Some of the conversations we have, the ideas we consider, if it were 1511 and not 2011 would have us burned at the stake I'm sure. There is a freedom in that!

Yet, it is 2011, and still in parts of this world we have terrible oppression. Economic, political as well as religious oppression. In parts of this world the oppression of women and children is a way of life. There are death threats that are carried out based on religious belief. Even in these United States we have various forms of religious oppression, and its OK because of religious freedom. Or is it? In most cases folk submit themselves to it through a set of ideals they are taught and can escape when they become enlightened. In some cases if they are allowed to ask, and seek...At least in theory. Yet there are parts of our country where a set of beliefs are held to, if left unchecked, will carry our nation and legal system down a very difficult path. We must require all persons no matter of religion, race, creed, to live by our laws, and under our constitution. Yes, I am talking about Islamic communities in the United States. I hope and pray for a reformation of Islam, especially of fundamentalist Islam. Then we have people like the leader in Florida who burned a Quran, and the Westboro Baptist folk who picket everyone who is different than them. How does that show God's love? or love at all? It serves only to propagate hate often under freedom of religion, speech.

Galatians 3:28 and following "In Christ...there is no longer, Jew or Greek, Slave or Free, male or female, all are one in Christ..."

Think about it please.