Thursday, October 31, 2013

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Its Halloween day celebrated in many ways by many people. Some see it as a harmless day for children to get dressed up and Trick or Treat.  Others see it as a day to be ignored, not recognized in any way because it is the "devils day".  As for me its a harmless observance, I don't give out candy anymore, I don't like the idea of opening my door to strangers or giving candy out in this day and age.  I have not given candy out in about 10 years.  In honor of the day here are a few pictures and a Youtube video of the Headless Horseman from the movie Sleepy Hallow.  Unfortunately, I could not embed it, so there is a link to it below.

Happy Halloween!!





http://youtu.be/D-sX7fyWyf0

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

October 29, 1897

I was reminded this morning when I looked at the calendar, that today would have been my father's 116th birthday.  He died in 1976, for many reasons, this is the first time I have paused to remember this day in sometime.  Usually busy and it dawns on me after the fact.

Sometime in the future, I want to have a garden bed or corner of a patio for a memorial garden of plants that remind me of and can honor my grandparents and parents, perhaps something to honor those patients I remember who have died.  Roses, Iris, azalea, other plants, anchored by a dogwood would be nice.

Today I pause to honor my father.




Sunday, October 27, 2013

Church Today




Once a month now, I am visiting a church of a different denomination.  Mostly I am looking for different Worship experiences, but also looking at the possibility of finding a denomination where it my sexuality and being a minister/chaplain would not be an issue.

Today, I visited an Episcopal church close to home.  This particular Parish has been on my list since it  is listed on the website www.gaychurch.org, as being an open and affirming congregation. Also, the Episcopal Church, ordains gay Priests, Deacons, and Bishops.  I enjoyed the service, it was very different from what I am used to.  I did not stay for the Eucharist, or Communion since I am not Episcopalian.  The Sermon was brief, (nothing wrong with that) and spoke to me in that the Rector talked about singing the song that is in your heart, and singing it loudly.  He made the point our individual song are the gifts, and talents we have within us.  Let them out of us and use them to the glory of God. I left after the offering was taken and they were singing the offering Hymn. 

I may visit here again sometime. Next month I am thinking of visiting a Disciples Church.

Tomorrow's Monday Medley will be the annual Halloween edition.   

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Pastoral Care Week

This week is National Pastoral Care Week.  This means there are programs set forth by the Association of Professional Chaplains, National Catholic and Jewish Chaplain Associations, encouraging Health and other organizations which have Chaplains to highlight their role in the organization and thank them for the service they provide. 

The theme this year is "Prophetic Voice"  This week already at one facility we had a service of appreciation and our Director gave us mugs, with Journey theme.  Being that we are all on a journey together, and as Chaplains we journey with patients, their families and staff through their situations.

I like that theme, as I am on a journey, you can tell by the fact the name of this blog has journey in it. 

Today I have opportunity to serve one of my other facilities by staffing a table with information highlighting the work we do in that place. 

If you work where their is a Chaplain, take a moment this week to thank him/her for the work he/she does.  It is often stressful, physically, emotionally an spiritually draining. 

I am thankful to be able to do the work I do, and enjoy it!

Friday, October 18, 2013

The First Exam



Well this week, I experienced the first exam of the course I am taking.  It was not terribly difficult, just the preparation was tedious.  The professor gave us ten study questions and selected three to be on the exam, out of the three, we selected two to write.  I spent the weekend reading and more reading, writing the answers out.  I completed the test in the allotted time and was so relieved! So on to the next assignment, plus I need to select a topic for my paper. It feels good to be working toward this goal and looking forward its completion. So its onward and upward!




Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Monday, October 14, 2013

Monday Medley: Big Sean feat Jhene Aiko & Lil Wayne - Be Aware (Lyric)



Happy Columbus day!  Another Monday has arrived, a new week.  This week I have my first exam in this class I am taking, and I am nervous.  I have studied, I will be as prepared as I can, and praying all the way through. The material is pretty deep and some of it is abstract, I will get through it!

Today I am sharing a song I have enjoyed on the radio, in fact this is the radio version.  I love the beat all through the song. Hope you enjoy it and that you have a great week!