Okay, one more post and I'll stop for the day

I have been blogging over at theOoze.com and discovered this nifty list of ways to keep alert during a boring sermon. Maybe you can add some ideas of your own- if so, please do by commenting to this post. Just so you know that I am sympathetic to "those in the pews", don't you know. (smile)

Summertime Hours

One of my most favorite things about summertime is how my body responds to it. Only in the summer (or when there is more daylight) am I able to get up at 6:00am, or like this morning, 5:00am. I love being awake so early (assuming I get to bed early enough)- I get so much more accomplished.

This morning I was able to check my email, download an update to my firewall, install an updated Adobe Acrobat reader, have coffee, post some messages on theOoze.com and generally feel better. Oh, and I had the guts to step on my weight scale- and, you're not going to believe this (or you are going to believe it and you admit that I freak out too often), I weighed 228. I dropped 6 lbs in 2 days. What is up with that?! Maybe that extra weight I picked up on vacation was lazy weight? Or, fun weight that needed time to leave..? I have no idea. I wonder if I'll be back to my 224 weight by week's end? My body is so freaky sometimes.

However, I am sure happy to be up at this hour (it's 7:25am now). I think I'll head into work early and see what I can get done.

The Rule of Four

The Rule of Four is a book I just finished (leave it to me to do more reading on Fire Island than dancing) and it was really good. If you like those Emberto Eco style books that have a plot surrounding archaic discoveries then you'll enjoy this book about a couple of college seniors who interpret the hidden meanings in a 500 year old manuscript.

One thing I enjoyed about the book is how the writers weaved into the story a 'coming of age' theme about love and relationships while going about solving the secret to the manuscript. It was filled with heart-warming wisdom although in the end, rather than the boy getting the girl, the boy decides the girl isn't what matters to what he thought he wanted all along.

My next Eco-like book is going to be The Eight by Katherine Neville. I hear this is supposed to be a great read. Have your read it? If so, drop me a note and let me know how you liked it.

The Price of Fun

You're just not going to believe this!! I was away for 4 days during the holiday and gained 10 pounds! I didn't even think this was possible! I stepped on the scale last night and it complete horror, I weighed 234 lbs.

Last week, you have to understand the whole picture, I had my annual physical and my doctor said, "Bo, you're in the best shape I've ever seen you." I told him how I eat sensibly and exercise like a fiend and finally enjoy looking and feeling great. My doctor had me get on the scales and, watching his reaction with glee, I weighed 224 although earlier that week I weighed 222. My goal is to get down to 218 and I was all excited that I was almost there. My doctor congratulated me and I was beaming!

And then.. then I went to Fire Island.

Fire Island is a resort community (of sorts). Divided into different sections (some for families, others for various relaxers and party-goers), I stayed on part of the island for fabulous men who gather during the summer every weekend to relax, dance, and have the time of their (our) lives. On the island, there are a bajillion fancy beach houses surrounded by miles of boardwalk (no cars are allowed on the island thus, no streets, just boardwalks). In each beach house, there are between 8-10 people (usually friends) who rent a beachhouse every summer. Several of the regular summer renters are friends of mine who invited me out for the weekend.

This year, like last year (my friends invited me out last year too), I went to bed early and awoke early, tanned often, and read books (taking periodic naps throughout the afternoon). In the evening, I danced and mingled (in a good way), sipped cocktails and enjoyed all the relaxing fun that a vacation is meant to encourage.

In our house, one of the housemates is a bona fide chef. He is amazing. His name is Tony and every meal was like dining in heaven. And, since there isn't a place to exercise or workout, and since all our evening meals were eaten after 'high tea' (around 10:30pm!!), what you eat stays on you. Most of my friends would go out after dinner to dance the night way- except, I didn't go out, I went to bed.

It'll take me a month to get this weight off of me (grrrrrrrrrrr!!)-but then, I did have an amazingly wonderful time. I wonder if this is the price I pay for such a vacation? I know there is a lesson to be gleaned in all this and I am sure you can think of some nifty Aesop-like fable to make this point even more true; while you're doing that, I am going for a bike ride- maybe I can lose a pound today.

A Friend's Creative Humor

A friend of mine posted this on his blog. I thought it is hilarious and wanted to share it with you:

Please pray for me. My scalp is going through a messy church split - and I don't mean a part. They seem to be fighting over the color of the carpet. The traditionalists want to stay a sandy blonde because, well, that's they way things have always been. The others are arguing for white because I guess it looks more sophisticated or something.

Many have left altogether. I suspect they've become non-denominational. Others have begun congregating in my ears and they must be quite evangelistic because they seem to be multiplying at a rather healthy pace.

So far I've been able to keep them off my back.

Unexpected Surprises

Well it happened, my pastor made her announcement official on Sunday, she has accepted a call (a new church position) at a church in upstate New York. After 20 years at Broadway Church, she will be leaving to continue her ministry in an old and faithful parish.

Church on Sunday was bittersweet. We are happy for her that she is following God's lead to a new pastorship and we are incredibly sad that she will be leaving us. During the evening prayers that I led, it was tough to concentrate on the prayers and not break down in tears as we prayed for her and thanked God for her ministry among us. We thanked God for all her gifts and the gifts of peace and certainty she instills.

The Psalmist has said,
How wonderful it is, how pleasant,
when brothers and sisters live
together in harmony! (Ps 133:1)

Thank you Pastor Bonnie for the harmony you bring to us; may your new parish experience the profound joy and peace you have brought to us.

Them Republicans better watch out when they come to NYC.
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Do you know what you believe?

For those of us in the United Church of Christ, asking us exactly what we believe is not only a challenge, but often humorous too. Being non-creedal yet affirming the creeds of ages past, gives us the permission and "go-ahead gumption" to pick and choose at random (which is a good thing, don't get me wrong). If however, you have discovered that you have forgotten what you believe or, are too confused to put it all together, then go to this fun link to help decipher all the "theological-gobbledygook" that comes along with the free membership into the Christian faith.

What Really Is Going On

We like to think that what happened to Berg and the torture of prisoners in Iraq is the worst sort of nastiness that our troops are facing when in reality is only a part of a whole bunch of other nastiness that is happening.

One way to think about the nastiness of this war is to contemplate what would happen if America were invaded and what would we do. Remember that teen movie that came out in the early 80s called Red Dawn? It was about how a bunch of teenagers reacted to an invasion in America. I loved the movie then and it makes me think again, how would we feel about war if is was happening on our soil. What would be the Christian response if we were taken captive or if fighting on the streets and bombs blew up our houses and killed our children? Would we still shrug off the idea that collateral damage is a natural result of war? Or would we be outraged?

Here is a good article to help you remember what exactly is going on and it gives us something to think about.

People respond so differently..

My sermon this past Sunday got mixed reviews. Some people really liked it, others were furious. Leave it to me to specifically name Donald Rumsfeld and this administration as people who pursue peace the wrong way- who knew there would be sympathetic Republicans actually visiting Broadway Church.

One couple (I heard this info from a member who overheard the conversation), a man and woman, got up after the service. Turning to his wife (or partner or friend, this is NYC so one never really knows for sure), the man said, "Come on, lets get the h*ll out of this place!" And they did just that.

But then, I heard from so many others how much they enjoyed the service. A couple of older members said it was one of my best sermons and liturgies. Another friend of the church said, "Bo, you gave me so much to think about- so much good things to think about."

Admittedly, I wrote the sermon based on a brief conversation with a very good friend and a guy I really respect back in Oklahoma. While we have a different understanding about the nature of war, our conversation initially began questioning how God's good news could be proclaimed in the Iraq situation. My friend got me thinking about the nature of peace- so, my sermon is indebted to my friend who inspired me to think more.

I guess a person, who speaks the truth they believe is important, must also be prepared for others who don't look at it their way. I hope I didn't offend that couple who left in a huff but I also hoped I presented them with God's good news too.

You can read my sermon at the church were I serve by going to the sermons section of the church's website at www.bwayucc.org.

Neiman-Marcus Bars

Here is a receipe for the best treats that you can imagine- and they are so easy to make. I made this for a church dinner one night and they were inhaled in 5 minutes. If you want your friends and family to love you even more than they already do, then this treat is for you. :)

Here is what you'll need:

1 box of any yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter
1 egg
Mix these ingredients (I use my mixer for a long time, until the batter looks like playdough) and pat into a 13x9-inch pan

Then,

1 8oz package of cream cheese
1 lb of powdered sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup of nuts
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
Mix these ingredients and spread over first layer in pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Cut into squares after removing from oven. Makes 24 squares.

If you use this receipe, write back and let me know how it turned out.

God's peace is different

This Sunday's lectionary reading is taken from the Gospel of John where Jesus tells his disciples, "The peace I give you is not the the peace the world gives." One might think that peace is the same everywhere but its not.

The kind of peace Jesus was talking about is indeed very different. Taken from the Hebrew word for peace, shalom, God's peace is about wholeness, completeness, and security. To have God's peace is to be full in God- integrating the goodness of God into our whole selves. As 1 Corinthians says, it is about loving (remember peace is a definition of love).

The world offers a different kind of peace- to the world, peace is the absence of war brought about by justice, threat, controlling resources, and intimidation. Ironically, when we seek peace through justice and intimidation, we will never be able to bring about peace this way because violence, even when used with honorable (is this really possible) intentions, violence breeds violence. After reading about Nicholas Berg and the horrible things of war, is it possible to think that striking back against Iraq will bring out peace via revenge and intimidation?

We must fight the urge to be violent- our natures, I believe, were accustomed to war and intimidation as our ancestors hunted for food and created clans to claim the best resources. Jesus however, was the epitome of non-violence and calls us to peace. The only way we can achieve that sort of peace, is through right-relations with God and one another.

Since we not only have peace in God, we are required to seek peace and pursue it. Pursuing peace means forming right-relations based on love- not threat or intimidation. Pursing peace means sharing ourselves and what we have; it means respecting other people, their land, and their resources. It means not hording our wealth but treating everyone as if we were one large family.

Sadly, our greed keeps us from sharing and giving- and this only incites more jealousy and anger.

Misplaced anger and revenge also contributes to an antithetical pursuit of peace. When our World Trade Centers were bombed by terrorists, seeking a War on Terror with another country to redirect our anger on a tangible target was not a way to bring peace (nor an end to terrorism). It only incites it further.

Our belief in a justified torture of detainees in military prisons to force confessions to end terrorism to end the fighting to bring democracy to Iraq only begets more violence. There is no way that violence can ever beget lasting peace.

You see, God's peace is very different indeed. The world bases its peace on resources, while God's peace depends on relationships. To be right with God means to enjoy the peace of God. The world depends on personal ability, but the Christian depends on spiritual adequacy in Christ.

May we look for ways to bring true peace rather than allow our pride and greed to force a peace that will never take hold or prosper.

One of my Life Tricks-

A friend once asked me, "Bo, how come you're always so danged annoyingly cheerful?" I responded, "Because I have a good internal filter that keeps bad news and energy away from me." Perhaps my attitude has a dose of fatalism (or Calvinism, depending on how you look at it) or maybe escapism (not wanting to know so I won't have to deal with it), either way, I tend to be blissfully ignorant (at times) of really bad things.

Well- I am wondering if this is such a good idea after all. I was talking with another friend about a month ago and we were discussing my refusal to watch horror movies. I told him that I didn't like being scared and I do not like scary dreams (which happens when I watch scary movies). He said that I have other issues that need to be explored. I told him he's spending too much time in therapy and to stop analyzing me. He said that he may be in therapy a lot but that analyzing me was too much fun to quit. I had no idea what to say.

So, this morning- I have been thinking its time I get more involved in things I have no control over, to stress out more, and to "think this world is going to hell in a handbasket." It's time I quit avoiding conspiracy theories and blaming our country for all the world's evils, such as pollution and foreign disdain (okay, so I have always done this a little).

Want to know what I did? I subscribed to Salon.com. Let my maturity and eye-opening begin! Whether I'll long for the day in which I "should've taken the blue pill" is irrelevant at this point.

Joe Kort's Chapter Headings

I am reading, "10 Smart Things Gay Men can do to Improve their Lives" by Joe Kort. It is a book I picked up over the weekend. It is written by an openly gay psychotherapist in private practice in a Detroit suburb. The book is a great read because it is very inspiring and offers good advice without being condescending or trite.

I have noticed that the book begins each chapter with a revelant quote to what each chapter is about. Here are a few of the chapter headings and related quotes:

Take Responsibility for your own life
It is hard to love yourself more than you have been loved. -Charlotte Kasl

Affirming Yourself by Coming Out
It is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for who you are not.
-Andre Gide

Resolve Issues with Your Family
A man can't make a place for himself in the sun if he keeps taking refuge under the family tree. -Helen Keller

Graduate from Eternal Adolescence
Would the small boy you once were look up to the man you have become? -unknown

Take Advantage of Therapy
We see the world as we are, not as it is. -the Talmud

What do you think about any of these quotes? Does any particular one speak to you?
I like the one, 'if the boy I was would respect the man I've become' quote. It's gotten me thinking about how much I've grown and changed in my life. In many respects, I am a completely different person now than I was when I was younger: my eyes have opened to new peoples and cultures; I am not as close-minded as I once was; and I enjoy being around people (something I did not enjoy when I was a kid). I don't know if the kid I was would 'approve' of the man I've become but he would surely admit I am much more fun and kind hearted.

A New Week

Being back to normal is pretty cool- however, the downside to it is that it tends to be a bit boring. Not that I am bored, mind you... only that, I can see boredom peeking its head around the corner, wondering what I am up to nowadays. I have to be careful and evade it lest we meet up and I get into all sorts of trouble.

For me, when I have less to do I am more prone to find other things to get into. I'll stay up later than normal, I'll hang out with my friends on a worknight, or I'll fiddle my time away postponing that something special because I am always thinking, "I have plenty of time to get it done."

I remember my grandma used to say, "Idleness is the devil's playground," of which I really didn't understand what she meant until I grew up. Now I know exactly what she means.

I am really not all that idle- I have some pretty big stuff coming up soon- I just have a lull in my hecticness which I find pretty cool. During this lull, I've been checking out my friends' blogs, writing emails to old friends, calling grandma and generally reconnecting with old hobbies, friends, and favorite websites. Heck, I've even watched television for awhile. This Thursday is the last show of Friends- which, I really haven't followed but I am going over to a friend's apartment to watch the final episode. It is sure to be fun.

This is my update- were you bored to tears reading it? LOL- watch out, boredom might be sneaking a peak around YOUR corner. (smile)

Life Back to Normal

Well, things are finally slowing down for me- yeee-ha! This season (usually whenever I talk in terms of seasons, I am referring to the church calendar) has been great and I've really learned more about myself than I have in times past. I think I may have stressed myself out too much- working on too many projects at once. However, all my projects save one, are over. I am leading a retreat on Saturday about developing personal devotions as a journaling exercise in your daily meditations with God.

This last week, anticipating my summer, I took my bike to the bike shop for its annual tuning up, bought some fancy gadgets for it (its a racket I tell you, all the fancy stuff you can put on your bike for a "special discount price"), and am ready to ride the new bike paths that stretch all over the island. The city parks department has completed most all the routes and I am excited to get riding. NYC has 32 miles of bike paths that circle the island. I am way psyched.

So- everything seems to be going well with me. Were you wondering? Well, even if you weren't I am glad you're reading this now. (smile) I have learned that with the coming of the summer sun, many of my friends (including myself) are getting out of their winter funk and are eagerly anticipating a happier and relaxed time of year. If you know someone who has been in a winter funk, drop them a note and say hello. It'll help make them feel better to know that people are thinking about them.

The Psalmist wrote: "Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people. Let me praise you with those who are your heritage." (Ps 106:5)

When we share in other people's joys and happinesses, we are extending their faith as well as enriching our own. Besides, it makes everyone feel better too. Can you think of someone who'd like to hear from you? I can think of several people who I am going to email and call today. I hope your Thursday is as bright and sunny as mine will be!

One of my best weekends ever

I think its amazing how, at one turn, life is full of stress and the feeling that you're just not doing everything you should. And then, suddenly, everything turns around and life is fulfilling, rewarding, and productive. While this may sound very bi-polar to some, I have discovered it is also a part of my life at times.

My weekend was absolutely stellar! On Saturday, New York City had the best weather its had in months. The sun was shining bright, there was a light breeze that made sure you wouldn't feel too hot, and all the colors of Spring were beginning to dot the scenery. You wanna know what I did? I got outside and enjoyed it all. I met friends in the late morning. We had coffee and went strolling through one of NYC's many public parks. Later in the day, I went riding my bike until the sun fell below the backdrop. At night, tired and exhausted from my day, I watched a movie until well past midnight. I tell you, I had the best day off I've had in months.

And then came Sunday. In the morning, I preached for a friend deep in the boondocks of Queens. The church is a small but very friendly one. I preached well and the prayers were right on target. Everyone loved the service and enjoyed themselves during it and the coffee hour. After my morning sermon, I headed back into Manhattan where I went, 'to work' so to speak, at my church. The service was beautiful, my pastor preached an incredible sermon, and we all had a great time worshiping and fellowshipping together.

Last night, as I was saying my prayers, I had to thank God for one of the best weekends I've had in a long while. My prayer time was not spent praying for what I needed; it was simply a long 'thank you' for being allowed to participate in what God was doing.

I gleaned a lesson in all this: the more my work depends on me doing what I ought, the more stressed out I feel and often doubt how hard I am working. However, the more I do what God has laid before me and, simply do what I would normally do and join in where God is already working, the less stress I feel and the more time I have to simply enjoy being alive and 'look around'. Now, don't get me wrong, I work hard and prepare well- but then, once I have been the good boy scout and prepared as I need to, I think my life lesson is to simply do whatever task I am to do- and then let God take that and be responsible for inspiring and enlivening others. Maybe this is my key to a life of less stress.

Okay, so this might not sound very wise and may not carry that 'A-hah!' moment to you- but it sure does with me.

Now if I can just figure out a way to bottle this idea and carry it with me throughout the weeks and years ahead! :)

Easter is over.. sort of

Okay, so I know that Easter isn't "really" over. What is over, is the season of Lent and the holiday of Easter: the Christian High Holy days, as it were. The season itself has been a bit long to me- what with the self-reflection of Lent and asking myself how and why I continue to sin and how that sin affects both myself, my faith community, and my larger community (country and world). I have spent this season in serious reflection and the Easter celebration was just a day after 40 long days. I guess I just wasn't ready to be happy all of a sudden. Sure, I know that the Easter season lasts for several week up to Pentecost- but its suddent celebration from Lent was difficult for me to transition into.

For many New England church folk, the church year is about over. When Pentecost happens, most church choirs will be off for the summer. Apart from Vacation Bible School, most church activities will dwindle. Many church members will be showing up less and less and spending more time away at their out-of-city cabins and beach front properties. Pastors will begin coordinating their summer vacations and study sessions too. Soon, church attendance will look more sparse than full. And so it is with the church season. In spite of this regular happening, my personal life hasn't been so even-keel.

My personal life has been on a roller-coaster of late. Having ended a dating relationship that lasted quite a while, I found that working more and spending less time moping around my apartment was what I needed. So, I poured myself into my work. I worked more hours, attended more meetings, volunteered more often, and generally created so much work for myself, that it'll be months before I can catch my breath. And you know what? I think that is just fine. Perhaps it is a self-medication of sorts. I tend to be happiest when I am most productive- even in my personal life. Sure, I realize that perhaps I oughta be telling this to a therapist instead of my weblog; but it feels good to write this down (and I know that it is therapuetic to do so).

So you can see, this season for me has been a bit stressed. I've been certain to dot all my "i"s and cross all my "t"s. I have been preparing for and attending meetings, both at church and within my non-church commitments. I am planning a retreat for May, looking at my summer plans, and working on a new ministry within my denomination. Work, work, work... but then, its work I enjoy (and, fortunately for my occupation, I do believe that God is in the details).

After some thought, I guess one lesson for me in all this is to realize that Easter is not a one day experience but a continual one that lasts all year. And, while the church season works on a regular clock, my personal life doesn't. I am hoping that I'll catch up a bit and better appreciate the resurrection experience I have in Christ.

I am, honest to goodness, beginning to feel a bit better today. I took the day off yesterday and spent most of it relaxing and sleeping. I also went shopping for nothing in particular at a discount shopping store around the corner. I also brought my bike down from storage, cleaned it up, and got it ready for summer. I do love riding my bike. Yesterday was a peaceful day.

Please pray for me that I'll be more peaceful, find more relaxing distractions than more work, and that the resurrection of Christ will become a daily exhortation for joy- even if I don't think I have time for it.

Peace to you all-

April Newsletter Column

Here is what I posted in our church newsletter this month:

During this holy season, we have been bombarded with more religious imagery and talk than in recent memory. Recently, we have heard the hoopla over the movie The Passion of Christ, the issue of gay marriage seems to be on the front pages of every newspaper in the city, and religious zealots of every flavor have been telling us what God thinks about these days we're living in. It seems everyone including Mel Gibson has an opinion of what God thinks and how God wants us to live. And yet, God works in ways so profoundly different from our perceptions that I believe we often do not recognize God's voice or we are unable to recognize when God is working right in front of us.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a mule, some people cried out “Hosanna!”, while others had no idea what was going on. Even those who recognized Jesus as something more were the first to later exclaim, “Crucify him!” Did they really understand who Jesus was in the first place? Regardless of what the people said to Jesus, their cries of both praise and shame had nothing to do with his journey or his desire to love them. In spite of them, Jesus went about doing his Father's business.

There are some of us who like to think that God does exactly what we think God “should do,” and yet are unable to grasp why this thinking is so dangerous. When we love others as God loves us, we are doing right. However, when we turn that around and suggest that God loves those whom we love and hates those whom we hate, we cross the line into blasphemy. I remember someone who said, “You know you are practicing idolatry when your God hates the same people you do.”

May this season remind us to discover God working around us that we might listen and live as God would have us to do. May we remain open to the truth that God works in many ways, both easily recognizable and in unique and unexpected ways. Let our prayer this season be, “Reveal yourself to me, O Lord, that I might see you at work and go about doing your business.”

With Grace and Peace to you,

Pastor Bo

No Bake Cookies

Here is a great receipe for cookies that you can make and your guests/friends/family will love. And the great thing is that its quick and you make them on your stove top.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter (half a stick)
2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions
1. Heat cocoa, sugar, milk and butter over medium heat. Boil these verrrrry
slowly (they will turn out better) when they reach the boiling point boil
them for no longer than 90 seconds.

2. Stir together oats, peanut butter and vanilla with a big wooden spoon.
Pour the hot mix over the oatmeal mix and drop on wax paper.

Makes 2 dozen