2012

I attended worship the Sunday after Thanksgiving in Omaha.  The church is a most spiritual place, for me, and bring me great comfort to worship there.  Friends of mine were giving the message that day, “The Waiting Room.”  They shared the story of their recent journey in life, for them it resembled life in a waiting room.  One of the songs that was sung was so beautiful.  Blessings, by Laura Story, has wonderful lyrics. 

It just reminded me of that message we too often forget during the other ten months of the year.  It seems that in November and December many seem to mindful about their connections with one another, family and friends and sometimes very connected to the hold to be Sacred.  Then as we get into January it often seems our love for one another, helping others and the connection that was so strong in the past two months begins to fade.  It becomes less and less as each week and month pass by.

In that song that was sung, the lyrics included these words: “…what if Your blessings come through raindrops?

What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?...”

When our lives are being rained on with hurdles, changes, times of no change, and challenges we often focus on why it happened and what we can do to get out of it.  Another concept is we could focus on what new doors are opening.  With every exit a door is opening on the other side!  I believe the message my friends gave, “we were right where we are supposed to be” and often times, most all of us are. 

As we prepare for this new year of ours, I hope that we can continue counting our blessings, sharing good will, believing in what we believe in and living what we believe in… all 12 months of the year.

Someone once told me that grace is what is given when we need it, mercy is given when we don’t deserve it and love is given freely at all times.    That may resonate with some of the readers and others it may not.  And that is okay! 

I will not make a resolution or promise, and I do pledge to make 2012 a year that I spend more time on keeping the most important thing, the most important thing.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One month 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

Homeless 3

Vets, individuals, couples, families, GLBT youth all make up segments of the face of homelessness here in the United States.  In your own state, hundreds (if not thousands) are going to sleep hungry, and they are not going to sleep in a home they are going to sleep where they can. 

The last two days I have talked about homelessness, I received one email asking what my overall point is, and where I was going.  I do have a point.  And that email helped prove it.  This person is a regular reader.  They were taken out of a comfort zone, I put something in front of us all, words, photos and images in our heads to wrap our minds around that people just like you and I either on the street, and hungry or are only one paycheck away from being there.

So what do “we do?

1.  Talk about it.  With your family.  At work.  At worship.  With your neighbors.  Great minds can do great things!

2. Volunteer at a shelter or agency that serves the homeless .

3. Be an advocate for the homeless.

4. Educate and hold local and state officials accountable for helping address this issue.

5.  What can you do?

I understand that this issue will not be solved tomorrow or end next month.  It is growing, it is getting much worse and it is hitting closer to home for most all medical class Americans.  Surely in a country as vast as ours, we can take care of our own.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One opportunity 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

Homeless 2

Yesterday I talked about homelessness in general.  Today I would like to focus on families that are homeless.  In today’s economy in the US, we talk of debt in multi-trillions dollar amounts, we send billions of dollars to foreign countries (not all of which are true allies), we waste so much on pork barrel spending, and yet waste more on bailing out those robbed by CEO/boardmember thieves whom are allowed to roam free WITH “their” money.  And while all of this is going on, we have senior citizens who don’t have enough money for both food and pills, families who are only one paycheck away from no home, and no resources from this “great country” to stop any of it from happening.

I know that last paragraph sounds a bit of rant, and it is.  It is also what I see right here in Omaha, Nebraska.  Pantry shelves running empty, shelters over crowded, and individuals, couples and families living on the streets.  In the land of the plenty, how do we allow this to happen?  How does it continue?  When does it stop?

It happens because “we” allow it to.  We do not hold politicians accountable.  It continues because “we” have chose to let it be ok, it doesn’t effect our life.  It only stops when enough people create change to make something lasting happen.

The National Center on Family Homelessness shares that families experiencing homelessness are under considerable stress. They move frequently and many are doubled-up in overcrowded apartments with relatives or friends. Others sleep in cars and campgrounds or send their children to stay with relatives to avoid shelter life. Once in shelter, families must quickly adjust to overcrowded, difficult, and uncomfortable circumstances. Despite the efforts of dedicated staff, many shelters are noisy, chaotic, and lack privacy. Homelessness increases the likelihood that families will separate or dissolve, which may compound the stress the family feels.

Families experiencing homelessness:

• Are typically comprised of a mother in her late twenties with two children
• 84% of families experiencing homelessness are female-headed.
• 42% of children in homeless families are under age six.
• More than half of all homeless mothers do not have a high school diploma.
• 29% of adults in homeless families are working.
• Have much higher rates of family separation than other low-income families.

Knowing that there are up to two million people in this country alone, that are homeless, there is a good chance that someone in your family, someone you know, someone you work with, or someone you attend worship with are either homeless or on the verge of being homeless.

In order to make ends meet in our home, I have a part time job.  At that part time job a mother of two and her boy friend live in a long term economy hotel.  They make due, but are unable to “get out” because they lack the resources for deposits, moving fees, and furniture.  So, for now, a hotel is their home (which I understand is better than living without.)  My point is that there is far more people who are so close to being on the street, then ever before.  A culture shift is due; not a hand out, a hand up!   

Check out the CBS Story on this, including their video of Florida youth.  CLICK HERE


We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One hand 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

Homeless 1

Let’s play a word game.  I say a word or two and you think about the fist image that come sto your mind.  Ready?  Car.  Pet.  Office Building.  Homeless Person.

The image that many living in the US have is similar to the one posted to the left.  Is it what you thought of?  Let’s talk about homelessness, it has sure changed.  Especially in this economy.  

It is said that homelessness best describes the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are often unable to acquire and maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing.

The issue and topic of homelessness is broad and very dynamic.  I do not profess to be an expert on this topic.  I am certainly wanting to bring awareness to our lives, perhaps if one person changes how or what they do, it could make a difference in the life of one other person.

Up to two million people in America spend their nights on the streets everyday.  Out of these people, thirty five percent are people with families and twenty five percent are below the age of eighteen. That means that there are 700,000 family members calling, cars, streets, shelters and the ground home each night.  Think about going camping in the wilderness, no restroom, no shower, no stove.  And now that is your way of life.

The topic and challenge of homelessness has been on my mind for some time.  it seems that each day or week there is a new “sign” for me to read or see.  Tonight, it was watching the news about Florida homeless families.  “...its only life” one girl said about living with her dad and sisters in their makeshift mobile home truck.  She went on to say; whenever I see a teenager fighting with their parents or arguing with them, or not doing what they are told it really hurts me.  They could be in my shoes, and I don’t want them to be, they need to learn to appreciate what and who they have in their life because this might be the last day they might have it.  Another young girl said that she was scared that someone would break in to get her mothers purse.

I am going to explore this more in the next day or two, I hope you will share the journey with me.  We need to consider the many possibilities that we have to help bring about real change.  If  you are reading this on your computer at work or home, you are among the 10% of the wealthist people in the WORLD!  

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One family 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

Can you see me? Can you hear me?

This will be a three part series of my recent trip to Ogden, Utah.

Part Three.  Can you see me?  Can you hear me?

I have been to the Salt Lake City area many times in my life.  The great Salt Lake, those hilly things.. oh yes, they are called mountains here.  (In Council Bluffs they are called foot hills.  Maybe because they are a little smaller)

I have NEVER noticed the mountains before.  Yes my eyes were open, and the mountains were just not in my visual range until this trip.  I heard them too!  I have never been called by nature to this degree in my life.  My former pastor talked about how “heaven” for him can be spending time laying on the edge of a cliff or hiking or running.  I heard what he was saying, but never ‘got it’.  This trip, I got it.  I hear it.  I see it.  I feel it.  I know it.  I don’t understand all that it is saying yet.

Catching up with the many friends out here was great.  Spending time with Phillip was incredible.  Seeing so many older friends and making many new connections was a great part of this trip. 

25^th Street in Ogden is filled with great shopping, great food and lively music on the weekends.  A hip, happening place to be.  Who would have thought?  Comfortable AND progressive. 

I was sad to go home as I felt that I had unfinished business there.  I didn’t know what it was but I know that I have some things that either the mountains will help me understand or being in Ogden will help me on my life journey with.  Only time will tell which or both!

There is light at the end of any tunnel.  I hope that as I continue my journey of life that I continue to seek the light, seek enlightenment and trust the journey it takes me on.  I love all that I know to be sacred. 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One mountain 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

I know you!

This will be a three part series of my recent trip to Ogden, Utah.

Part Two.  I know you!

One of the things I like best is the shock value of going to a city, where people know you, and they don’t know you are coming and they have not seen you for 5+ years.  THEN, when you walk into them they glance at you, walk by, come to a complete stop, turn around and say… “I KNOW YOU!”  We laugh, we normally hug and spend a few minutes catching up. 

Most of the time I can tell instantly how they are in life, the eyes are the windows to our souls (and they don’t lie.)  I am so excited to see people who had once, not been in a good place in life; to be smiling, living life well and healthy.  And it pains me, perhaps makes me sad to see people whom are not doing well.  They “haunt” me in a way.  When I see a commercial, an event, a product, or hear a story that closely matches theirs it all too often reminds me of a string of other people whom I know or know of.  They do rest in my thoughts, in my prayers and my “wonders” I wonder how they are doing…

They say that each of us handles about 150 connections pretty well, beyond that we start to lose control and touch with those people (that is an average.)  I surely met 1/3 of my quota that weekend!  There were so many people that I re-connected with.  Some whom I had great times with, in the past, but just never kept in close touch.

Regardless if I am at home, traveling or in a place that I call home away from home, there is always a group of people who I know where they are at in life.  They were “broken” when I met them, when I saw them last and on my trip back, yes, they are still there.

I wonder who they surround themselves with that would allow them to remain broken, or in this continues state of need for… need for health, need for love, need for self preservation, need for a hug, need for tough love, need to stop addictions, need for…  A need for someone to say I love you and I would like you to think about changing your life, NOW!  

A Buddhist saying is “As the rain falls on the just and unjust alike, let your heart be untroubled by judgments and let your kindness rain down on all.”  Of course according to the Bible we are to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.  Both lessons of life are very difficult to live sometimes, are they not?  Let my heart be untroubled by judgments?  That is a tough one, especially when you know that person or that person is hurting so badly.  And love someone else as much as we love ourselves.  What if this neighbor really angered us or did us wrong or, or, or… 

I believe that in my life, I have had people look at me and see and say “what a mess!”, “so much potential”, “what a loss.”  And I give thanks to all those who stood by me, pushed me, pulled me, and lifted me who saw and thought “he can do it”, “slow down, shut up and listen, learn and watch”, “be still and know…” 

When I see people today whom I have not seen for a long time we both say “I know you”, and it is my hope that we take time to really make that true… do you KNOW me?  Do I KNOW you? 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One “I know 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

Words

The Power of Words...

Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!  How many of us remember hearing that as a youngster or saying it?  (I do!)

What we know, today, is that sticks and stones do break bones, and often leave scares.  And we know that names and words do not break bones, and they often leave scares.  Let’s just see how…

I invite you right now to find a piece of paper.  Any will do.  I ask you to write down a few words, words that you remember either calling someone else or being called in your life.  Go ahead.  Write them down.  Now, I would like you to crumple up, roll up and smash that piece of paper in your hands.  Go ahead.  Now, I would like you to unfold it.  And using your hands make it as smooth as you can.  Go ahead.  Roll it back out.  Stroke your hand across the paper trying to get out every last crease.

Hold that paper up in your hand.  Are all the lines gone leaving the paper exactly as it was BEFORE the words were written?  No.  No the wrinkles and the words remain.  Perhaps a bit faded or hard to read but they are still there nonetheless.

And so are those words.  Much like sticks and stones, words can have a lasting impact on ones life.  In both a positive and negative way.

For those separated by distance, perhaps traveling for work, confined, imprisoned, military deployment, or life journey letters, emails and voice mails can mean the difference for so many trying to stay connected to family, loved ones and friends.  It is that needed vital link to their life.  Without them they can feel disconnected, alone, and without.

And words can be powerful in a harmful way as well.  If you tell someone that they are pathetic, they will become pathetic.  If at work you tell others that someone is lazy, no good and worthless, they will become lazy, no good and worthless. 

A great teacher said “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  And so shall we have that opportunity.    

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One word 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

Running

It has been written that the best way to cross the finish line is one step at a time.  Never give up, never quit, and never give in are all reminder that have been spoken to most of us at one time or another in our life.  Most all of my in-laws are all runners.  They enjoy running, biking, walking and entering marathons too!  You would think that since I am round, like a bike tire, I could join them in this journey, but no, running is just not for me.

My partner Jonathan has always said never give up, always keep going.  His email is runner34424.  He held the best marathon running time (until recently beat by his brother) and that was 3 hours, 44 minutes and 24 seconds.  Running for over 3 hours (26.2 miles!), are you crazy?  I get out-of-breath running to my fridge! (kidding)  I applied this logic to other areas of my life and found that I am a runner too.  Sure, it is easy to say I have ran from things in my life, and that is true I have.  I am speaking directly to the things I have ran to or towards. 

The biggest and most recent is Inclusive Life.  This is a ministry that I created in 2009, and it continues to amaze me what will unfold the next day.  Religion is such a “hot topic” word for so many for so many reasons.  Some I share!  I am beginning to understand that my focus is not ABOUT religion, it is focusing on the human being and their journey or truth or enlightenment.  All in all that has been a pretty mild “run” for me. 

The steep hill I run is when I process these thoughts: The number of people have been harmed, killed or changed forever in the name of religion.  The territorial behavior of many places of worship and “clergy” who believe they “own” certain groups of people or territories.  Those that preach and teach and talk about radical inclusivity and their actions (and those of their places of worship) do not match that message.

I have a message; YOU are beautiful.  YOU are loved.  YOU are worthy.  Just the way you are.  And that applies to all, without exception.  Now THAT is radical.  THAT is Inclusive Life!

 So as my in-laws continue to run, one step at a time.  I continue to explore how we can fit together in community, worship our diverse beliefs and still come away loving, respecting and enjoying each other despite the different paths we walk.

 We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One step 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.

INCLUSIVE LIFE   (402) 575-7006   info@inclusivelife.org

In Omaha at 105 S. 49^th Street, Omaha, NE 68132

In Council Bluffs at 500 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

AIDS

December 1^st will mark World AIDS Day.  Observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day.  Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day.

Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

How has HIV/AIDS touched you, your family, or your life?

To many, it has claimed their life.  As a former American Red Cross, Instructor Trainer for the HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention program I have taught classes, and have spoke at schools and churches on this topic.  Personally I have lost countless friends to the disease.  I see young human beings engaging in high at risk behavior today and I sit amazed that after knowing that it is a preventable disease, why anyone would take a chance. 

I ask that as December 1^st approaches we all consider what we can do to help educate our youth and others engaging in high risk behavior.  For some it may be a donation, it may be getting involved and volunteering.  I ask each of you to consider doing something different.  Talk about it!  With co-workers, family, neighbors, friends, loved ones, and yes, strangers.  Arm yourself with facts, information and a commitment to make a difference.

RESOURCES

http://aids.gov

http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.htm

 We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One saved life 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.

INCLUSIVE LIFE   (402) 575-7006   info@inclusivelife.org

In Omaha at 105 S. 49^th Street, Omaha, NE 68132

In Council Bluffs at 500 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51503