It's a beautiful morning! Sitting on the deck drinking a cup of coffee, reading the paper with Talos running around the backyard with a plastic flower planter in his mouth, actually almost covering his head. Now, for those of you who haven't met Talos yet, (I wrote about him earlier) he is 1/2 Wiemeraner and 1/2 Lab I call him a Wiemadore. He weighs 85 lbs. The plastic tub he's carrying around is about 18 inches across and use to be full of dirt and flowers. Again, he decided we needed to do some rearranging in the back yard, and the flowers and dirt ended up on the back patio. But watching him run around throwing the planter into the air is worth it. He is just loving being outside in the backyard in the warm sunshine. I am also loving being in this moment the warm sunshine on my face. Appreciating all the beauty, love and grace God has blessed me with in my life.
This morning at our church we are having a funeral for a young man who was 26 years old and the principal cellist for the symphony in Augusta, Georgia. He was shot early in the morning last Sunday. Just like that, a life is gone.
Life is so amazing and yet can be so fleeting. We never know where the journey will lead and what turns will come next. So just a little reminder, enjoy the day, love your friends and family, and love yourself because you deserve it!
Peace and Love, brian
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Keeping Writing
So, I've decided that I like putting my thoughts down on, well, I was going to say paper, but that's not really true. I guess I should say posting them for the world to see. Even though everyone and their dog has a blog these days!
Got some pictures from some friends of mine with their kids playing outside and they had dumped a planter of dirt all over the deck and eventually all over themselves. In the pictures, you can see how much fun they were having with dirt in their hair, all over themselves and caked on their bottoms. All the while with big smiles on their faces. Those were the days weren't they? When you didn't care what time it was, what you had to do, or if your clothes were clean. Just a time to be, genuine, with all of our lumps and bumps. Living in God's light.
I know that is how God wants us to be, but sometimes it is so hard. People are watching, other's have expectations, there is so much to think about. We can be pretty hard on ourselves. Then I remember this scripture.
Psalm 139: 12-14
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
I hope we all know, I hope you know, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. A beautiful child of God. May you know that today and everyday and never forget. Blessings!
In it for the journey, brian
Got some pictures from some friends of mine with their kids playing outside and they had dumped a planter of dirt all over the deck and eventually all over themselves. In the pictures, you can see how much fun they were having with dirt in their hair, all over themselves and caked on their bottoms. All the while with big smiles on their faces. Those were the days weren't they? When you didn't care what time it was, what you had to do, or if your clothes were clean. Just a time to be, genuine, with all of our lumps and bumps. Living in God's light.
I know that is how God wants us to be, but sometimes it is so hard. People are watching, other's have expectations, there is so much to think about. We can be pretty hard on ourselves. Then I remember this scripture.
Psalm 139: 12-14
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
I hope we all know, I hope you know, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. A beautiful child of God. May you know that today and everyday and never forget. Blessings!
In it for the journey, brian
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sorry
So, I'm sorry I didn't write following the vote at General Conference on Wednesday to change the language in the Book of Discipline. I felt so confident that this was going to be the year, but it wasn't to be.
In reflecting the past few days, the first thing I need to say is "THANK YOU" to everyone who had the courage, faith and the hope to try and make this happen yet again. To my friends who stood and supported not only me, but everyone who stands in the margins of our church, you are a wonderful people! To Dale and Bev who were there with us this time, you are loved!
In my heart, I know that the day will come when everyone is loved, accepted and compatible in the United Methodist Church. For now, I'm glad that I have been blessed with working at two amazing churches. Trinity UMC in Salina, who started me on this journey, and College Hill United in Wichita an amazing place to be and work. Everyday, I become more and more aware of the special place these churches are, not only in our conference, but in the United Methodist Church as a whole. Thank you Trinity! College Hill know that our church is an oasis. Sometimes I think we forget. What a blessing you are College Hill!
To those of you who were hurt by the church and by the vote at General Conference, know that you are in my prayers. I pray everyday for the day when the church gets it. That no one should be excluded from the everlasting, undeniable love of God.
For those of you who voted to keep the language the same, I pray for you as well. Know that you are loved by a God who loves us all. No one stands outside the circle.
Keep on keeping on! Love and Faith, brian
In reflecting the past few days, the first thing I need to say is "THANK YOU" to everyone who had the courage, faith and the hope to try and make this happen yet again. To my friends who stood and supported not only me, but everyone who stands in the margins of our church, you are a wonderful people! To Dale and Bev who were there with us this time, you are loved!
In my heart, I know that the day will come when everyone is loved, accepted and compatible in the United Methodist Church. For now, I'm glad that I have been blessed with working at two amazing churches. Trinity UMC in Salina, who started me on this journey, and College Hill United in Wichita an amazing place to be and work. Everyday, I become more and more aware of the special place these churches are, not only in our conference, but in the United Methodist Church as a whole. Thank you Trinity! College Hill know that our church is an oasis. Sometimes I think we forget. What a blessing you are College Hill!
To those of you who were hurt by the church and by the vote at General Conference, know that you are in my prayers. I pray everyday for the day when the church gets it. That no one should be excluded from the everlasting, undeniable love of God.
For those of you who voted to keep the language the same, I pray for you as well. Know that you are loved by a God who loves us all. No one stands outside the circle.
Keep on keeping on! Love and Faith, brian
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Disappointment
Suffice it to say it was not the outcome we prayed for, more later. Need to process. Blessings, brian
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
General Conference Live Feed
Just FYI if you want to check out what's going on at General Conference, there is a live feed. You can check it out here. General Conference Live
I will try to let you all know when the vote is going to come on the new 161.G
Have a great day! Blessings, brian
I will try to let you all know when the vote is going to come on the new 161.G
Have a great day! Blessings, brian
Human Sexuality Text
Ok, here is the text for the new 161.G that people have been asking to see. It's long. We still have to get it passed by the whole conference, but have faith and keep the prayers coming. It's not perfect, but a step in the right direction.
We recognize that sexuality is Gods good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the church and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. United Methodists, along with other Christians, have struggled to find principles for applying traditional teachings to contemporary understanding of human sexuality. We recognize that sexuality is part of the larger human mystery, to be received and acknowledged in grateful responsibility. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us. We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sexual relations, with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality.. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults and encourage efforts to hold perpetrators legally and financially responsible. We call for adequate protection, guidance and counseling for children thus abused. We believe that the Church family should support all families in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults. We challenge all members of our community of faith to commitment, integrity and fidelity in their sexual relationships. We know that all are Gods children and of sacred worth; we have been and remain divided regarding homosexual expressions of human sexuality. Faithful, thoughtful people who have grappled with this issue deeply disagree with one another; yet all seek a faithful witness. We continue to reason and pray together with faith and hope that the Holy Spirit will soon bring reconciliation to our community of faith. The fire in our disagreements points to a deeper human mystery than we knew. We believe that the Spirit has brought our collective conscience to acknowledge this mystery more honestly and to make our claims with greater humanity before God and our neighbors. We therefore ask the Church, United Methodist and others, and the world to refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices until the Spirit leads us to new insight. In the meantime, let us seek to welcome, know, forgive and love one another as Christ has accepted us, that God may be glorified through everything in our lives.
We recognize that sexuality is Gods good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the church and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. United Methodists, along with other Christians, have struggled to find principles for applying traditional teachings to contemporary understanding of human sexuality. We recognize that sexuality is part of the larger human mystery, to be received and acknowledged in grateful responsibility. We reject all sexual expressions that damage or destroy the humanity God has given us. We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sexual relations, with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality.. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults and encourage efforts to hold perpetrators legally and financially responsible. We call for adequate protection, guidance and counseling for children thus abused. We believe that the Church family should support all families in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults. We challenge all members of our community of faith to commitment, integrity and fidelity in their sexual relationships. We know that all are Gods children and of sacred worth; we have been and remain divided regarding homosexual expressions of human sexuality. Faithful, thoughtful people who have grappled with this issue deeply disagree with one another; yet all seek a faithful witness. We continue to reason and pray together with faith and hope that the Holy Spirit will soon bring reconciliation to our community of faith. The fire in our disagreements points to a deeper human mystery than we knew. We believe that the Spirit has brought our collective conscience to acknowledge this mystery more honestly and to make our claims with greater humanity before God and our neighbors. We therefore ask the Church, United Methodist and others, and the world to refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices until the Spirit leads us to new insight. In the meantime, let us seek to welcome, know, forgive and love one another as Christ has accepted us, that God may be glorified through everything in our lives.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Winds of Change
Well, it's been another good day. I have several pictures on here today. I hope you enjoy. One of the pictures is from worship. The worship so far has been great. Lots of different kinds of music and the preaching has been pretty good as well.Last night, we were treated to a concert by the Texas boys choir. They were great. Then, now don't get to excited, we had the opportunity to set on a real live Texas Longhorn and have our picture taken. Have to tell you I was deeply disappointed that the bull had to leave before I got my picture taken. He however seemed pretty happy to be going home.
Today, we had an African children's choir who sang for us. They were amazing. Dancing and singing with so much joy. It was great.
As I've experienced this conference, it seems to me that their is a wind of change. A new spirit that is sweeping through. It's hard because you want to have faith that things can change, and they appear to be, but you're also scared because you've been hurt before. I've decided that I'm going to believe and live on the faith side of things. I'm going to have faith that this will be the year that change happens.Today we had a vote on the judicial council. All of the council members elected were those recommended by the Council of Bishops. None of those lifted from the floor were elected. A good sign.
Please keep the prayers coming. I'm not sure when the new paragraph 161. G will come to the floor, but it's looking like late Wednesday or Thursday morning. I'll keep you posted.
One of the great things about conference is meeting new friends and getting to know other acquaintances better. I have to say I have been having a great time hanging out with the Kansas East delegation and getting to know them better. What a great group of people. Not that I didn't know that already, but it's been fun being with them.
Thanks again for your prayers and for reading my blog. Have to say hi to my mom. She's been reading my blog so I just want her to know how much I love her. Love ya Mom! Actually, I have a great family and couldn't be anymore blessed.
OK enough of my emotional babble. Thanks for reading. Hope you all have a blessed day and we will chat again soon. brian
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