December 31, 2011

Today is New Years Eve.  All across the globe, most people celebrate it in many different ways.  In the US of course on New Years Eve we party until either the 12am “ball drops” or we pass out.  And of course, there is always the “resolution.”  The New Years Resolution to… lose weight, pay bills, buy a new car,  be on time, be nice to someone, stop drinking or smoking, move, find a partner, buy something, have a baby, or… just to be happy.


Let us remember that happiness is not a coincidence! In principle, anybody can learn it. It is scientifically proven that it occurs based on an inner balance of body and mind. It is the result of a maturing process that depends on each person individually.


This includes to get rid of the power of negative emotions like hatred, envy, desire and self-centeredness. Let yourself be guided instead by compassion, humility and kindness, in order to live in harmony with yourself and the world.

SO, if you are going to give this NYER (New Years Eve Resolution) a try, I suggest that you do something you LOVE to do, and that you do well, and you do every day.  You will find you will have a greater chance of making it happen AND no matter what, you will still be happy that you are doing something you love!

 I know extend a happy new years wish, hope and prayer for our world.  That we ALL know peace.  That we ALL know respect.  That we ALL embrace diversity.  That we ALL know that each human is beautiful, loved and worthy just as they were created, without exception.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One new year at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Doors

Doors.  When you exit one, it creates an opening on the other side…  So even those times that we make an exit that may not be on our terms or in our plans, it can still be viewed as an opportunity.


And what an opportunity did I have many years ago.  I have been in three serious, committed relationships in my life.  The first two involve people whom I remain friends with today.  That is important to me.

The third and my current has been one of the most fantastic journeys I have had in life.  Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it!


I sought someone who will love me, care for me, and engage me as much as I love them, care for them and engage them.  Someone who would challenge me, hold me accountable, and love me despite who I can be sometimes.


On Christmas Eve we traveled to Woodbury, CT to be with family.  Nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, grandparents, parents and in-laws made for a great venue of love, peace and the perfect setting to ask for a hand in marriage!


I bought a Hallmark story book that you narrate using your own voice, I just happened to add a few verses at the end of the recording that allowed me to ask the question, will you marry me.
The family was supportive, excited and displayed unconditional love.  It brings me to tears just thinking of that specific moment.


Jonathan and I will be wed next year.  We both view this as an important step in our 4 year relationship AND an important leap for the community at large by saying here is a couple who claim their full citizenry and refuse to be considered second class citizens or play into the logic of those whose fundamentalist views of religions makes us anything less than whole, loved, worthy, beautiful and good.

We can be the change we seek in this world. and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One door at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as a Multifaith Chaplain with Inclusive Life.  He studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and with the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. Chaplain Royal shares two important messages: You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.  And: Now is time in this world that every human being is called to life up the weak, offer a hand UP to the impoverished, cherish our elders and stand up for the oppressed.  Chaplain Royal is available in Omaha for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching and pastoral care.  He is also here to help with marriage ceremonies, end of life planning and funerals.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!   Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, Pastoral Care, and Pathways Worship.

To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone

402-575-7006. 105 S. 49^th Street Omaha, NE and 500 Willow Ave Council Bluffs, IA.  

Criticism

In the last month we have talked about many self preservation topics, personal items that really engage us to take ownership of our life.  Today I would like to share a bit about criticism.  It is certainly all around us.


Let’s talk politics, religion or current events and you are sure to have at least 100 examples of criticism.  I don’t know that it will ever be something that we eliminate, and perhaps it is something that decrease and change how it is what we share with others.


Rule #1.  YOU (YES YOU) are the only one (the ONLY one) who has the authority to give someone the power to bring you down, chip away at your self-confidence, or make you feel upset.  YOU AND YOU ALONE! 

Sure if there is someone who is loud, rude and in your face that may be a bit to take in, it would be for anyone.  And again I still say, see Rule #1.  You are the author of your life story, are you going to include them in that or not? 


Too often we allow the negative criticism of other people to have so much power over us, our self-confidence suffers as well as our drive to try and do new things.  We must always remember… after you remove the tone of voice, and the body what is left?  Simple; A personal opinion.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.


Two important lessons: It is important to distance yourself emotionally so far that the criticism does not hurt your feelings. And there may be times that some of what is being criticized is something valuable that you could learn from.


Above all: do not begin a war, that emotional, off the cuff counter-attack that is when we normally defend ourselves.  It is a bit about self preservation.  You will do yourself a favor and openly listen to constructive criticism, thank them for it and think about it!

Regard criticism not as a personal attack, but an opportunity to learn, grow and improve.  It will not be easy at first, nothing is.  It will take some time to learn this skill, and you can do it!

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One lesson at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Commitment

I wrote a few days ago about downsizing things that surround you in your home and perhaps even people.  Today, let’s think of doing that for what is in our minds.  We take time to wash our car, freeing it from dirt and trash on the inside.  We empty the trash can on the computer and clean the hard drive, why not do that with what is on our minds too?

Eliminating unimportant and perhaps useless information and worries will lead to the reduction of stress and will in fact produce a positive result: It will allow you more time and space for the essential things in your life! And that's good, because these are most often the things that are fun and do us good.


Even considering a "mental cleanup" will not be easy at first sight, and will require discipline, patience, support and a system.  You can begin by creating a list of your THEE important goals, tasks and issues. Answer these questions; “which one is needed to complete a larger goal, which one is for satisfaction and the “trash” will put itself in the can!

After having answered those questions, begin the process of arranging your life according to those priorities.  “Throw away” those unnecessary issues and worries that you so often burden yourself with.  One by one, week by week you will see great changes…YOU CAN DO THIS!

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One commitment at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Thank you

You are incredible!

You are so talented!

You do great work.

I could not have done this without you.

Do you know how much you mean to me?

You rock!!!

One word.  Angel!

You are a blessing.

I love you.

Thank you.

You make it look so easy!

How many times have you witnessed someone do something (anything, play piano, bake, speak, create something, run a meeting) and you thought they make it look like anyone can do it and they are so good at that?  AND THEN you tell them that.  AND THEY… feel uncomfortable, turn colors, and want to pass out.  They don’t know how to take a compliment.

There are some, yes, who have convinced themselves not only do they deserve your praise, but they are deserving of more.  I am not talking about those folks today.  (That WOULD be a good topic wouldn’t it?)

When we hear praise, sometimes, we start to second guess ourselves.  Am I really good or have they just been around other people who didn’t do it like I do?  Am I really that good?  I am nothing special, they are just being nice.

LISTEN UP!  YOU are beautiful.  YOU are loved.  And YOU (YES YOU) are WORTHY of praise and words of compliments. 

If in doubt a simple, time honored two word response will do EVERY SINGLE TIME… THANK YOU!  We live in a time that we don’t thank people enough.  Those who are in front of us every day, co-workers, family, friends, pets, neighbors, service workers, your partner.  Thank you is THEE most inexpensive gift that you can honor anyone with.  IT IS FREE!  And yet the return on that investment could be the difference that is needed in someone’s life.  To the world you may be only one person, to one person your thank you could be the world! 

Give it a try.  Tell someone thank you, better yet, go buy a pack of thank you cards and write a note or two to people whom are always looking out for you, helping you or are there when you are.  I bet the response you get will be 7 fold!  TRY IT!  You have NOTHING to lose and everything to gain!

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One thank you at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Downsizing your life

I remember hanging out with a group of friends.  One, it was very important to have ALL and the LATEST home furnishings, gadgets, and decorations.  Tastefully of course, but to me, a bit over the top at times.  Especially when paying bills was even harder.

Yet another friend in that group always had a home that was like walking into a model home that was for sale.  You could tell someone lived there, but the word minimal sure came to mind.

I think that there are times in our life that we need to downsize or minimalize the excess in our life.  Modern day “downshifting” is about reducing, simplifying, and doing more with less.  It is about the ability to live life in a way that excess is a thing of the past.

Do you need 5 sets of sheets?

Do you need 25 dishes?

Do you need 15 bath towels?

Do you need to purchase paper plates?

Do you need two cars?

Do you need a desktop, laptop, pad, and a smart phone?

Do you need a home phone and a cell phone?

Do you need 20 shirts?

Do you need 5 pairs of shoes?

What if the number was one?  One pair of shoes.  One set of bath towels.  One computer device.  One…  You get the point, you may need more than one, but getting rid of excess allows for other changes.  Without the excess, perhaps you don’t need as much space to live.  Or you could share your space, or…

Start the simplification in some particular areas of your life and don't demand too much of yourself. To do this, ask yourself very self-critically, what do you really need in your life. Do you really need two TVs, two cars, or 20 pairs of shoes?  Are your various acquaintances really valuable?

So far this has been focused on material things.  Let’s expand this to people and relationships.  Wouldn't it perhaps be better to focus quality instead of quantity in terms of friendships?  You would have more time, more quality time to spend with them.  Perhaps the relationships would grow to deeper and more meaningful levels.

Is it possible that you do not need a 14-hour job that takes you to the limit of your capacity (travel time, work time, mental health time, physical stress time) Wouldn't a job with a slightly lower income, but more satisfaction and more time for family, friends, recreation, hobbies, for yourself, be more meaningful and healthier?

I asked you to think about these questions and this idea.  It will not be easy.  And it is something that most people will not have the courage to do.  Perhaps this article was written just for you.  Maybe it was only for one person to get this time. 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One moment of change at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

December 25, 2011

Wikipedia tells us that Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world.  Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians, and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season. 

For my friends and family who identify as Christian; Merry Christmas to you.  May the peace, love and light of Christ be with you on this very special day.  A day that was not promised to any of us, a day of life, a day of love, a day of rebirth, if we choose.  From our home and hearts to yours, I pray that abundant love, good health, and great blessings will be with us all as we enter 2012.

For my family and friends who observe Christmas in a non religious way, Merry Christmas to you.  Thank you for sharing life with us, thank you for being a part of what we know as love, life and health.  As we awake each day let us all remember to embrace it as a gift, and treat it with as much respect.  2012 is knocking and before we let it in be mindful of all the great things that have taken place and all that we can be a part of and make happen with new beginnings.  Hugs, Love, and peace for us all in 2012.

For those that do not celebrate Christmas in any form.  Thank you for any day to be included as part of our family or circle of friends.  Like every day that passes, I am glad you are here.  I hope for health, good fortune and the chance to wake up tomorrow!  Peace.

I am sorry in advance if this next statement offends anyone.  However you celebrate the day I believe that one of the most important aspects of this day is that we keep the most important things, the most important thing… respect, peace and love; for, with and because of each other.  May what I know to be sacred bow, include and respect the same of you.  This day and every day.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One bow at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Be Still And Know

I read the blogs and social media sites of my friends and those whom I am connected to.  I read posts, blogs and entries that on Monday say they are going on a date.  Tuesday they went to a movie.  Wednesday they had lunch.  Thursday was a great day just hanging out.  By Saturday they are dating and all the world is right.  When I check in on Monday life is horrible and that person is the worst person in the world.

There are so many lessons here, I don’t know where to begin.  A few things come to mind, and not in any order.  You are beautiful.  You are loved.  You are worthy.  Just the way you are.  That means with or without someone.  You don’t have to be in a relationship to be happy (we just need to convince the media of that now…)

Likewise you don’t have to be single to be happy either.  Many couples ARE happy with themselves and being with each other.

Happiness is a big word to try and define (for the sake of this blog entry) and I will just say if you are a person who spends a lot of time focusing on trying to find the next Mr. or Ms. Right, perhaps it is time to realize that you are really seeking Mr. or Ms. Right Now AND maybe it is time that you focus some of that time, energy and resources on taking care of you first.

Maybe it is time for you to get to know yourself a bit more before you ask anyone else too? 

I am reminded of a song that comes to me when I need it… “Be still and know that God is God. Be still and know that God is God.  Be still and know that God is God.”  That song can be used for every human being…  just the act of being still changes our ability to hear, think, grasp, learn, grown, hear…

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One moment of being still at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Earths Wonders

"It's below freezing outside," I thought to myself as I glanced at my watch knowing it was time to go out and start my car that had been sitting outside all night and head home.  One would think that growing up and living in Nebraska most all of my life I would understand that concept that it was winter and I did live in Nebraska.  The ultra cold days where being outside for seconds takes your breath away are not my ideas of great weather.

We had one year a while back that winter was cold, record breaking cold.  It was long, record breaking long.  And it was depressing, it was lifeless.  Gray.  Mean.  Unforgiving.  And inflexible.  It has seemed that the life force had been sucked out dry… and nature had nothing to offer.  The birds flew south, insects tucked away, snakes warm and asleep.  Many months went by without a glimpse of bright sunshine. 


As I walked to my car, I look out into the field in front of my car and noticed that the snow on the ground was undisturbed, fresh, brand new.  How could I have missed this before in my life?  There were so many lessons for me to realize.  Then I looked up and found three more.  A family of three deer grazing at 7am (an unusual time for them to be eating) they saw me, they heard me and they were at one with me for a while, being less than 50 feet from me.

Today I will be mindful of the beauty that there is in this world, given freely for us all to take in, respect, harness, behold.  I am most thankful for planet earth, this country, my community and my life.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One wonder at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Communication a 2 way process

You’re pathetic.  You’re ignorant.  You’re stupid.  Are you deaf?  How many times have we heard or said or thought those words (or something similar?)  Especially when heated words were being exchanged…


How many times have you and your companion ended up walking away after a “debate” and feeling angry and frustrated?  How many times have we allowed words to come out of our mouths in the heat of the moment only to regret them and wish they would not have escaped our months.


I remember being at a wedding rehearsal and watching the Bride and Groom participate in a "growing activity." The Groom's brother had them hold hands, the Groom's on top of the Bride's, and had them count to 10. After the groom had said 10, his brother turned to the crowd and said that something had just happened for the very last time... He looked towards the Groom and said, "This will be the last time you have the last word and the upper hand!"


It is true that in life, we focus so much on winning: Winning the argument, being right, being accurate, or proving our point to the other person.  Too often our mouths may be shut (maybe) but we are still not hearing what the other person is saying because we are too busy figuring out what our next thought process or words will be.

And then someone throws out some words to try and be funny when it backfires and comes out sounded very crass, or smart aleck, which often just makes things worse and the other person to have hurt feelings. 

Think about it!  The next time you are engaged in words with someone, think about how you are actually participating in this conversation.  Are you really hearing AND listening?  Are you really communicating?  (that is a two way thing you know) and are you REALLY taking time to value their input and much as you wish they would yours?  If not perhaps you should stop while you’re a head.

Maybe we should try to understand what they are saying, and where they are coming from. Maybe, we should try to be wise, and hold our tongue long enough to make the conversation productive, instead of destructive.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One conversation at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

ME ME ME

ME ME ME!  Are you (as if we would admit it) or someone know (pointing someone ELSE out is easier isn’t it?) Like that, a "It's all about me!" person. 


Are the attitudes that people have “today” (last few years) a bit different than that of several years ago?  Instead of sacrifice, sharing and caring people are looking at ways to make themselves feel better, put themselves ahead no matter the cost.

I see this in movies, TV shows, books, magazines, advertising, on social media and sometimes within the circle of my family and friends.  And even at times, within myself.


I encourage often, for us all to stop and realize and experience the many blessings and good fortunes that we have in our lives.  There is SO much to be thankful for.  If you don’t think your rich, why don’t you stop and add up all the things you have that money can’t buy!


Relationships are rare gifts and they come in many sizes, types and lengths.  With ourselves, our family, a companion, friends, co-workers, and perhaps the Sacred.  It is often during the last couple months of the year that we really think about all of those relationships.  During the year do we REALLY spend much time on them…  COME ON.. REAL QUALITY TIME?  Or is it only when we are deep in crisis or need help that we reach out to that relationship?


Maybe that is one reason why relationships happen for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  When we focus too much on me, me, me and not putting others first we allow distance, time, and long bridges to form. 

I urge you to stop what you are doing.  Write down the names of 5-10 people whom you NEED to reach out to, maybe to say hello, I am sorry, I forgive you, I love you, I miss you… no matter the reason, writ them down. 

Within the next 3 days take time to look up as many as you can, reach out on the phone, in person, via a letter (email as a last resort.)

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One ME at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals

Home Sweet Home

John Denver sang the words “Country roads take me home to the place I belong…” and there are certainly times that being “at home” is just where I need to be.  It may not be West Virginia, where exactly is home?

Is home where you were born?  Where you were raised?  Where you spent most of your life (as an adult or a child, or what you remember most?)  Is it where you went to school the longest?  Or where you liked the most?  Is it where you first lived or where you last lived?  Is it where your heart is?

There is something compelling about going home or being home.  "Home" immediately conjures an image of a place that is warm, clean, safe, maybe like being on moms lap or in her arms.

I have visited people in their house before, and I have visited others in their homes.  There IS a difference.  It does my heart wonders when someone leaves our home and they say you have a lovely home thank you for sharing it with me.  I could cry!   THEY GET IT!

I am grateful to have a house that we have lived in for five years, that we call home for us and others whom we share it with.  Friends that stay, roommates that find a temporary or stabilizing environment before they begin their journey of creating there…  home.

What do you most remember about your home as a child (and as an adult?)

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One home at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals