Before Kindergarten, Bellevue, NE

I was born in 1967 at Children's Hospital.  My family was living in Bellevue at the time.  I recall times prior to being in Kindergarten at Bertha Barbara Elementary School.  

I remember that we lived at 307 East 16th Street and that I had a dog named Tags (a black lab.)  She was outside in her pen with no chain but she never tried jumping.  She was a good dog, was always there to lick my face.

I know that next door the McCoy family lived.  Mom babysat for Gary and Loraine.  Lisa and Lori and I would play often.  Across the street two families, one was the Johnson family and the other was the Lane family.  To the other side of us was the Smith's (big family) and when they moved the Park's.

I remember hanging out with mom, spending time in the yard.  I remember we had a lot of ferns, on the East side of the house.   I had a sand box.  And I knew I had a lot of toys.  Match box cars, legos', GI Joe stuff, Lincoln Logs and so much more.

Mrs. Elefson (not sure on spelling) was my first teacher.  I liked school.  I liked her.  I remember playing games, the sand box in the class room, nap time, playing house and building wooden train set tracks under her desk was "big deal"????!!!

I remember walking downtown with mom and there always seemed to be kids with us.  I am not sure who they are, but there was always kids with us it seemed.

I remember going trick or treating and wearing my superman costume.  We would get caramel apples, popcorn balls, and good candy.   It was great!

A new day, a new year

I went to see Les Miserables at the theater during the holidays.  I really enjoyed the experience.  The story was incredible.  One of the many great quotes, for me, was "To love another person is to see the face of God."  A friend of mine has shared many times that something for Christians to strive for is to see "God" in others.  Seek out their passion, love and talents and help celebrate those gifts with them.

Regardless of your religious, nonreligious or spiritual beliefs, I think there is something in that quote for us all. I believe that the true spirit of God is that of happiness, forgiveness, and healing.  So for me, to see the face of God in others, is putting your baggage in the "parking lot", putting that persons baggage in the "parking lot" and loving them for exactly who they are.

Perhaps if all "Christians", and followers of organized religions would share this belief, we would have a happier world, more peace in countries, inclusive communities and families without outcasts... and a bit more love in this big blue planet we call Earth.

Happy New Year to you, your family, and your friends.  May peace, love and compassion be with you and from you.

Rev. Royal D. Bush is the founder of Inclusive Life, where he serves as a multifaith Chaplain.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.” 

Chaplain Royal is available for Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Grief Support, End of Life Planning, Hospital Visits, Baptisms, Blessings, Dedications, Officiate Weddings, Officiate Funerals, and other Pastoral Care.

ABOUT INCLUSIVE LIFE…

Inclusive Life Pastoral Services.

Religious, nonreligious, spiritual.  We serve all without exception.

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105    

OFFICE: (402) 575-7006  TEXT: (402) 909-1668

Another Day

Holidays…  every culture has their seasons, their traditions, their customs, their observations, and their “days.”

I have observed Thanksgiving and Christmas with my families since I was old enough to remember. 

My family will recall one Thanksgiving, my oldest memory, that I announced that I didn’t want turkey and wanted Oatmeal with raisins please.  I my mom made it for me.

Today, mom is 94 and after living the last 15 years with me, has transitioned into a care facility where she will spend her remaining time on earth.

She did not join us for Thanksgiving this year, she stayed “at home.”  I missed having her come to the kitchen and ask for samples, tastes and a hug…  She wanted to make sure everything tasted good.  She should not worry, she taught me how to cook.  She should have taught me how to exercise too! HAHA.

My friends seem to be a bit surprised at how easy it is for me to approach mom’s end of life with strength and beauty.  It is easy.  The moment we are born, we are old enough to die.  And if life is precious, if being born is beautiful, then surly death is something as equally incredible.

No, I don’t want my mom to die and I know that she can’t be here for another 100 years.  For now, I will take each day as given.  For it is another day that was not promised.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves. 

One day.  One journey.  One person, at a time.

May peace, love and compassion be with you-and from you!

Rev. Royal D. Bush is the founder of Inclusive Life, where he serves as a multifaith Chaplain.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.” 

Chaplain Royal is available for Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Grief Support, End of Life Planning, Hospital Visits, Baptisms, Blessings, Dedications, Officiate Weddings, Officiate Funerals, and other Pastoral Care.

ABOUT INCLUSIVE LIFE…

Inclusive Life Pastoral Services.

Religious, nonreligious, spiritual.  We serve all without exception.

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105    

OFFICE: (402) 575-7006  TEXT: (402) 909-1668

Moments that are bigger than you

A friend of the family shared that his father was taken of his ventilator and they are letting life, nature and the what is meant to be, be.  Being a devout Christian, I asked if he wanted to attend a mid-week healing service that the church he goes to offers, he agreed that would be a good idea and we invited some of our other friends to share in that night.

I sat with the group when I was there.  I must say, the group didn't seem that engaged in the service.  As the night progressed, we began praying for each other and others...  in the course of that moment I too prayed out loud with the group lifting many people up in prayer.  Healing touch and healing prayer is a gift I have.

I thought the night was about our family friend, and in some ways it very much was.  It was a gathering of those who care for him.  AND, it was a moment that was larger than the sum of all of us.  

We were meant to be together to pray, love and share compassion with one another in that moment of time. Life, the Sacred, and paths seems to allow that to happen.

Amen.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves. 

One day.  One journey.  One person, at a time.

May peace, love and compassion be with you…AND from you!

Rev. Royal D. Bush is the founder of Inclusive Life, where he serves as a multifaith Chaplain.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  He holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary.  He holds a current certificate of spiritual counseling with the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling and is a member of Spiritual Directors International.  He actively volunteers and remains active in many social justice issues.

Contact me:

chaplainroyal@inclusivelife.org

www.inclusivelife.org

www.facebook.com/chaplainroyal

402-575-7006

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105