oh my

HELLO FRIENDS. Wow, what a day. OKAY, let's catch you up a bit. You know how in my last post, I wrote about the only thing we have control of is how we treat each other and respond to each other. WEll...yesterday was a day of testing for me on this very topic. As most of you know the seminary that I attend, Pacific School of Religion is a Progressive Christian Seminary. Some of you might say that it is LIBERAL. Whatever term people might want to throw at this place, it is a wonderful place to explore God and to search out answers so that we can all be able to minister to God's children...There...I said it and I am glad.

That being said...The "political correctness" of this place is a constant learning curve. For those who know me well...you know that I do not filter out a lot that is in my head and heart sometimes. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not a cad, but if it needs saying...I will probably say it. Well...I learned yesterday that it is not a good thing to use the work "bitchy" when describing a female scholars writing style as it offends lesbians. that probably is not the whole truth...it can offend all women, but yesterday, it was a lesbian who basically seized the opportunity to shall we say....snip snip say of the balls ay way.

I tried so hard to respond like I wrote about yesterday. For the most part I did...but all I really got was a little broken heart and a wake up call. I was wrong for using the word. But it was the way I was feeling about the article and its style. I left the situation mad and ended up crying myself into a well deserved nap. Today was better as I believe that after a crucifixion, there is always a resurrection.

PHASE TWO

I got an email late yesterday that the Music Director of PSR was ill and that she needed me to take over the chorale rehearsal last night and play for chapel this morning. AGAIN...those of you who know me, know that I would rather give birth to broken dishes than play the piano in church. I can do it OKAY...but I am just not comfortable doing it. Chapel was awesome and I got so many compliments from professor types...so the day was looking up.

PHASE THREE

One of my favorite classes is Jesus in the Movies. We have surveyed 16 films this semester on all topics in Jesus' ministry. Well last week was Crucifixion week. Imagine, watching one crucifixion scene after another. Draining to say the least. We post out ideas on an online forum each week to share with our classmates our reactions or lack there of. My reaction to the Mel Gibson, crucifixion in THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, was one of knowing the movies problems with the Jewish people and the probelm of gore and violence, I made the case, that even if those are both true, I had known people whose lives had been completely transformed by that movie. Well...I mentioned the "Jewish Race." OOOOOPPPPS. Not the right wording when there is a Jewish woman in the class. I received an "YOU ARE IMMORAL" email and reply post. WHAT...What did I say? Got that situation cleared up. but once again, my reaction to people was called into question and I had to fix it. Or rather God had to fix it. HE/SHE did and all is well....So...I am exhausted. What was God trying to let me in on? Well...I know now that saying something inspiring is nothing unless you are living up to it in your daily life. The fact is...we are all involved in a learning curve of life. I can take my mis-speaks this week...and know that knowledge is power....search out the RIGHT words to use. The right heart to portray, and the right intentions behind my every word. Will I screw up...oh yeah! But hopefully, I will get better adept at seeing a potential situation. Until then...do not use the word "bitchy" or the phrase "Jewish Race" in any context. Gotta Sleep

Happy New Year to me!

Another birthday come and gone. I have been forced the past couple of days "celebrating" the fact that I have finished my 48th year and into the 49th to look at my life head on. Where did the time go and what the hell am I doing now? God has blessed me more than I can put on these pages. God has allowed me to flourish in every endeavor I have taken on with Him on my side. (yes....I did say HIM). Today I put behind me the pronouns of progressive Christianity, of which I am a huge follower, to testify to the FATHER that has directed my paths for almost a half of a century.

The biggest lesson I have learned this far is that is possible to "defy gravity" at 48. I am finding more and more that as I leap...God provides a net, not only to catch me, but also a net to buoyantly toss me round like a chicken leg being tossed in a bag of shake-n-bake. The richness of the "batter" seeps into the very pores of my being and enhances the "flavor" that I have to offer God's world. (shaken-n-bake chicken sounds so good right now.)

In this place called Holy Hill, I am discovering that my age and life experience are actually a help to me in discovering and accepting the mysteries of the Bible. Just last night, I went to party in one of the "kids" rooms. I look at them at 22-26 or so and thank God that he brought me through those years unscathed and quite honestly still alive. Thank you God for watching after this slightly off center man.

So I see this "new year" as a time to reset and enhance the goals that I feel in my heart will take into this year. Part of those goals is that I will write more regularly in this blog. Yeah, it is fun to keep up with all of you...but this is becoming a way that I can commune with God. I find that as I have a spiritual intent in everything I do that I have more real chances to listen to God, ponder his leadings and gain the Holy Spirit's power to act. I am becoming more and more convinced that the Sermon on the Mount is not only a wonderful collection of Jesus' sayings...it is indeed the way he wants us to respond to each other...and that, my friends, is the only thing that I actually have control of in this life, HOW I RESPOND TO OTHERS. I pray this year is one where I can have a more immediate response to all those in need, whether it is in their spiritual, physical, or mental life. In stepping out, I will be able to spread that flavor of Jesus that they might not experience any where else. What a gift...What a responsibility!

I am back.....again

Hello friends. I am so sorry for my neglect in postings as of late. Midterms are over, and we are now gearing up for the hard 7 weeks until the end of the semester. I am finding that if I miss this time with myself and with God that I am more scattered than usual. Those who know me, that can be a pretty daunting statement.

This past weekend we celebrated the lives of those who have transitioned into eternal life. Whether you call it, All Souls, All Saints, Day of the Dead, or maybe even Halloween (Hallowed Eve)... it is a time when we look at our loved ones and some, maybe that we don't love at all, and remember that they EXISTED. I hope that it was not a day of sadness for you, as we are promised resurrection in Jesus. I fondly remember the words to a couple of songs during these days:

"if you could see me now, I am walking streets of gold. if you could see me now, I am standing tall and whole. If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face. if you could see me now, you know the pain's erased. You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place."

"I can only imagine, what it will be like, when I walk by your side. Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel. Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still. Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall. Will I sing Alleluia, or will I be able to speak at all....I can only imagine."

We had a very memorable sermon today in PSR chapel. The text was the "Dry Bones" of Ezekiel. The preacher, a very gifted third year student, related the fact that as we remember those gone...we really need to RE-member them. The bones in Ezekiel's vision were DIS-membered and became fully whole by the Divine hand of God. All the bones...the good people and the not so good....It did not matter to God...He breathed life into them. So, today, I ask you..are there those who are gone, that you would just as soon see them remain...DIS-membered. RE-member that they are God's children to and to some extent they made you who you are today...good or bad. And as always...RE-member the one who, although did not have his bones broken at all, was oppressed, tortured, and used as a scape goat for you. Jesus was RE-membered by the power of his glorious Father. Let us all be agents of "RE-membering" this day and always. May God's peace be with you all.

REALITY SEEPS IN

So...it is the 7th week of class already. It is amazing how fast this is going. BUT...this week the reality of school has definitely seeped in. It is as if all the professors got together had a meeting and decided that we were all not working nearly hard enough for the 15 grand we are spending. Everything is piling on. Okay Greg...DEEP BREATHS. Good news is that I convened Chapel for the seminary on Tuesday and it was a huge success. Those of you who know me will know what I mean when I say...GOD SHOWED UP! I am thankful for the gifts that God has given me in crafting and leading worship...may I never be complacent with the time we set aside for worship of the Divine.

So...this week, as the deconstructing continues we learned that David, probably did not kill Goliath. I know you literalist out there might have just thrown up a bit in your mouth...But alas...Scholars question the position of the legend in the canon as possibly being added to the story to elevate the David Dynasty. Plus...There are two other places in the Hebrew Bible where there was a Goliath that was slain by one of David's mighty warriors. Amazing how even now, many rewrite history to make their personal situation bearable. Whatever...So sunday school is screwing us all up....

But really...is it important in the grand scheme of the wonders of God and Christ. Like I said last week....TRUTH BEYOND THE FACTS....Ain't seminary fun.... Blessings to you all and for those at CLC I will see you Sunday as we celebrate the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and the lives of our dear church.

Another Sunday come and Gone

I hope this reading finds you and yours fulfilled from a day of worship and rest. The world is a crazy place and we all need a little Jesus to empower us through another week. This morning, I attended the First Congregationalist Church of Berkeley. It was a beautiful place that reminded me of some of the large Baptists churches in the south...very clean lines, beautiful stained glass windows. After I arrived, from the LOOKS of the place, I anticipated a glorious worship. Perhaps it was my own mood or desire to truly connect, but I can honestly say, I did not. I have no doubt that there were those in the sanctuary who did connect with God and I am thankful for that. But isn't it interesting how God can let you know where you belong and where you do not. Although this was a completely inclusive and affirming congregation, I did not hear the name JESUS on time. It is almost as if they were trying NOT to say his name. Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that these folks are doing the WORK of Jesus...alot of social ministry to the poor and disenfranchised. Just what Jesus calls us to do. But me personally, I need to hear HIS NAME. So...the church hopping continues. Next week, I am going Lutheran back in Vegas...gotta get my Jesus fix. But the week after that, I think I am gonna search out a congregation that is not afraid to offend those who do not wish to be Jesus Freaks. AH...the discernment process continues. It is a big week...lots of papers, tests, evaluations about to happen. I still believe with all my heart that I am to be in this very special place. I just need to surround my self with people who also need JESUS to make the academics of this place make sense. I hope you heard the name JESUS this weekend. There is power in that name...There is peace in that name...There is Hope in that name. Here's to Jesus!!!!!

observing your sabbath

I am becoming more and more convinced that God fully intends us to keep a sabbath. I am not so sure that God is just talking about Sunday and keeping that Holy for worship. We should be worshiping in all that we do, Sunday is the celebration. I am talking about our own personal sabbaths. Those days when we simply do not commit ourselves to anything. In Seminary it is hard to do that. There is always something to read (as you never do get caught up) always something to write, always something assimilate. I have not been faithful in keeping a sabbath since I have been at PSR. Yes...I have gone to church worship services every Sunday, but that has always been followed by getting to the library or cramming for a class, or reading or writing. So what is that day going to be for me...I must find it!!!!

It would be nice if I could continue my Sunday from worship to something else that feeds my soul, but I don't think that is going to happen. I must find another day!!!! It looks like Saturday is gonna be the day. Even on my frequent trips back to Vegas and Community Lutheran, I am going to strive to maintain that Sabbath. This will take discipline, but as I practice those things that center me with God, I know that I can make this happen. God is so great. The by product of keeping my sabbath will be that I am taking care of myself physically and well as spiritually. I hope you have a sabbath of your own to keep. Oh that it could be Sunday..to continue to commune with God. If not Sunday, I pray that each of you find a time to just BE. Let God speak to you in the nothingness. Let us all be surprised at what God does!

HE/SHE/IT/GOD/GODDESS/DIVINE/HOLY ONE

HEY FOLKS....so, I received, from more than a few of you, replys that either question my use of pronouns, or simply say GOD IS NOT FEMALE.

Please understand, all of you, that the pronouns I choose to use are based on scholarly disciplines. In Progressive Christianity, pronouns for God have been neutered almost completely. We use he/she etc in an effort to make the MESSAGE of the scripture applicable to all. I myself refer to God as my father. However, there are many women and men out there whose childhood picture of father is not so positive. To refer only to MALE gender in talking about God is to leave out a good deal of society that need to hear the message of God. Be assured I will never refer to Jesus as anything but a man. I encourage you to open your hearts a bit to inclusive language. God has many attributes that are both masculine and feminine. You do not have to be a full fledged feminist to see that God basically has NO SEXUAL IDENTITY, beyond the fact that the scriptures were written, we assume through study, by MEN and NOT WOMEN. It really is kind of interesting to look at different passages of scripture through different lenses. (feminist, queer, economic, anthropological etc.) Different gender references are simply an attempt to fully understand who God is. In the meantime...don't forget that God is pleased with all of our questioning. I believe that God smiles every time I write and often giggles every time you read these posts. So in HIS/HER/DIVINE/HOLY ONE name we live out the truth beyond the facts.

Blessings...Greg