Thursday Challenge

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.  We live in a society that promotes a faced paced, get a head, must win, must be better world.  It is easy for anyone to get lost just trying to live, let alone to make a difference. 

As the story goes a mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!

This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of his courage and ability to keep trying!

THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.

I can be the change I seek in this world… I will remember that  some progress and lessons are measured in a lifetime, not hours or days.

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Wednesday Wisdom

Perhaps part of our life journey in finding love is to also understand the walls that we build to “protect” ourselves from it.  Finding that special someone, allowing others to get close, maybe saying I will never allow myself to fall in love again.  Do you understand how you love?  Do you understand your expectations?  If you don’t, how can anyone else be expected to?  Pause, grow and learn about you!

Performing couples coaching I hear often that people feel that they were betrayed by this person or that person or wronged while in a relationship and therefore built this wall or made choices that kept them from growing in relationship with other person.

I have heard that some people simply do not believe in the concept of love and the need for intimacy with another person.

All of which are choices that each person has the free agency to make. There is no law, rules or supreme ordinance that requires any of us to love anyone at any time.  I submit that when we make the choice not to love others are we not preventing ourselves from being loved as well.  Are we not preventing ourselves from growing, learning, and exploring who we are, how we live and what we are as a human being? 

I can be the change I seek in this world… I can connect with others.  I will pour my full presence into learning about me before I expect someone else to!

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Tuesday Morning

      

Robert Valett wrote “The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand.” Briefly re-experiencing a cherished memory creates synchronization in your heart rhythm in mere seconds, which increases release of healthy hormones while at the same time decreasing damaging stress hormones.  Your immune system is strengthened, blood pressure decreases and health and focus increase.

Using a simple prescription that consists of a number of exercises that anyone can do anywhere in a few minutes—the details are coming shortly—HeartMath is successfully battling the greatest threat to health, happiness and peace in this world: stress.

A quite startlingly simple answer was found to that question in the redwood forests of Boulder Creek, California, south of San Francisco. Since 1991, the Institute of HeartMath has generated a large body of convincing scientific evidence that it is indeed possible to create love. HeartMath’s research shows that emotions work much faster, and are more powerful, than thoughts. And that—when it comes to the human body—the heart is much more important than the brain to overall health and well-being—even cognitive function—than anyone but poets believed. Its dominance inside the body is now clearly demonstrated. Thinking clearly with your brain is useful. But feeling positively from your heart provides an amazing boost to health and creativity.

I can be the change I seek in this world… I can focus on my love for my own mind, body and spirit!

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Pets

Robert Brault wrote “I believe in animal rights, and high among them is the right to the gentle stroke of a human hand.” 

As the chair of a cultural festival in Omaha I over extended the life and use of my physical and mental abilities by working a bit too long and a bit too hard.  Sunday was reminded of my mortality in that I am not twenty something years old and I have limits.  I was home alone for a period of time, or was I?  Our cat who normally runs the house stayed right by my side.  A bit chatty at times with me, either on my lap or wanting to be petted or always within eyesight.  It was a comfort.  It brought me to tears once when I needed a little extra love and she was very chatty with me meowing and purring as if to say “I’m here it is ok…”

What I have come to know is that Animal's have the ability to speak a great language that allows them to return the love you lavish on them.

I can be the change that I seek in this word… by respecting all forms of life.

Chaplain Royal

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

Together

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.”  Some choose to play, some choose to listen and some choose to not participate, and that is okay!  Today our community embarks on a two day celebration of cultural celebration.  It truly has been an experience that I shall never forget.  I pray, give thought and hope for a peaceful, pleasant and safe weekend for us all.

Chaplain Royal

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Thursday Challenge

Good morning friends, family, allies, brothers & sisters.  What a peaceful, deep, wonderful sleep I enjoyed last night.  Thank you!  The word I have today is simply… PEACE.  Whatever that means to you.  Peace with life, work, family, friends, processes, relationships, health, or…  Ponder how PEACE affects your world today.

Chaplain Royal

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

It takes a village

Today the message must be about children and community.  The quotes, readings and passages are all about children.  “There is no finer investment for any community than putting milk into babies.”   A Omaha Juvenile Court Judge said, “If you put money in the playpen you will end up putting less money in the state pen!” 

There may be no greater responsibility, privilege or joy than helping the next generation to become who they are destined to be.  It does take a village to raise a child.  A village of caring, loving, teaching, healing, disciplining village. 

I remember growing up in Bellevue, NE and riding my bike down to the liquor store to buy a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk.  Today I am not sure that any parent would send their child to a liquor store, allow them to ride their bike more than a few blocks let alone a mile, and certainly not by themselves!  Times have change, but the need for that village has not.  We need to figure out how to achieve that sense of village again. 

Today I live in a neighborhood where I don’t “know” any of my neighbors.  I know when they leave their house to go somewhere, what cars are normally there and if they spend any time outside or not.  I don’t know their telephone numbers, names, birthdays, where they work, how many kids they have, or if they make good pie or not.  As I was growing up, even as a kid, I knew all those things about my neighbors.

We can be the change we seek in this world.  Helping nurture our youth of today (the here and now) will help provide for a better tomorrow for us all.

Chaplain Royal

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Social Justice

Large and small matters of the treatment of people are no different because of size, and many can be expressed with a single word: freedom, grace, justice, mercy, hope, strength, and love.  As the song goes: “Guide my feet…Hold my hand…Stand by me…Search my heart while I run this race.  I don’t want to run this race in vain.  You can be the change you seek in this world.

The Rev. Jerry Miller contemplated suicide when he was 15, to end the guilt he felt for being gay. He credits the youth minister at his church for saving his life and vows to pay it forward. Miller's personal struggle and the countless others he has encountered in his more than 35 years as a pastor inspired "Darkest Before Dawn: A Gay Cabaret," which runs through Sunday at a most unlikely venue: a Methodist church. "I think the church needs to address social justice issues and put themselves out there, and I think the arts are a wonderful way to do that," said Miller, 65, who since he has retired only now feels comfortable coming out publicly as a gay man, something he couldn't do in the pulpit because of Methodist law.

In the midst of our lives today, we are unable to pick up a newspaper, watch a news broadcast or listen to the radio without hearing of an act of violence having been committed.  We keep being told that stories about bullying, murder, rape, oppression, and assaults “sell” more and create higher ratings than “feel good” or truth stories.  (I often wonder how they arrive at that prediction.  Where did they buy THEIR Magic Ball?)

I am ashamed to say that instead of building peace by attacking injustices like hunger, not having clean water, medical care, and illiteracy, there are faith based organizations that continue to be allowed to be tax exempt in the United States, spend millions of dollars on political “statements” affecting those who are oppressed with regards to sexual orientation, gender identity and marriage equality.  I challenge them, their leadership and their followers to seek better resources for use of their millions.

You Can Be The Change That You Seek In This World… Our world can be a place, an entire place we are all proud of.  One person, family, city, region, country at a time

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Thank Goodness it is Monday (TGIM!)

Thank goodness it is Monday right? (TGIM!)  I hope your weekend was a good, safe and fun.  Let us take time today for those people who have taught us valuable lessons, given us tough love, shared special moments to help us become who we are today.  If not today, than soon, share a bit of gratitude with them.  Let them know how they helped you in your life journey.

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” He said, “Then I thank you from my heart.”

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She began to read the following words: “Paid in full with one glass of milk”, Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly.

YOU CAN BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK IN THIS WORLD: The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.  Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We receive training from the International Association of Faith Based Counselors. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Sundays Message

Whether you believe in religion or not.  Regardless of your political party.  Despite how much you live on each year.  Each of us should value kindness, compassion and strength that can be found in diversity.  It is something we all need to teach, preach and live.  They are more than pretty words to put on a poster, button or bumper-sticker. 

I would ask us to consider that celebrating diversity is not being tolerant of “those people’ it is about learning, growing, and accepting the differences that each of us have (the one thing that unites us!)

As the story goes, on a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African Lady has found herself sitting next to a black man.   She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating.

"What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant.  "Can't you see?" she said " You've sat me next to a kaffir. I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!"   "Please calm down Madam." the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do-I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class."

The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers). A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self satisfied grin: "Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class."

Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues..."It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person."  With which, she turned to the black man sitting next to the woman, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..." At which point, apparently, the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the black man walks up to the front of the plane.

I CAN BE THE CHANGE I SEEK IN THIS WORLD:  People will forget what you said, what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel!

May I offer this prayer "God of love.  God of light.  God of life.  Thank you for the blessings that you have bestowed upon us allow us the strength, passion and love to share such with others who have yet to open their blessings.  We also ask for the gift of loving our neighbor as we would want them to love us.  In your precious and many names we pray, Amen."

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiants-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-and much more…

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.

Inclusive Life is a member in good sanding with American Association of Wedding Officiants.  We also partner with other industry experts like Wedding Wire, Eventective, Gathering Guide, Decidio, Wedding Manor, WedPlan, and My Wedding to provide networking abilities for those selecting officiating services as well as other ceremony services. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiants-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Saturday

Good morning and Happy Saturday!  Patience, compassion, gratitude, strength and vulnerability.  I find that these words are powerful examples of experience, meaning and healing and perhaps sacred at times. 

I’ve also learned-

that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

YOU CAN BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK IN THIS WORLD: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-Pastoral Care.

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.

Inclusive Life is a member in good standing with American Association of Wedding Officiant’s.  We also partner with other industry experts like Wedding Wire, Eventective, Gathering Guide, Decidio, Wedding Manor, WedPlan, and My Wedding to provide networking abilities for those selecting officiating services as well as other ceremony services.

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiant’s-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Friday (yes, it IS finally here!)

I have lived for about 382,560 hours.  At points in my life I have been: loud, cute unable to communicate, hungry, lazy, undirected, wrong, mischievous, in need of discipline, in need of love, capable of giving love, able to learn, unable to learn and…  I still have knowledge to gain, love to share, kindness to sow, lessons to learn and relearn.  I am thankful for my hours.  It has made me who I am today. 

Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for the light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistant complained, “All our work is in vain. We have learned nothing.”

Edison replied very confidently, “Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We know that there are two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb.”

I am the change that I seek in this world.  To the world I may only be one person.  To one person, I may be the world!

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiants-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-and much more…

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.

Inclusive Life is a member in good sanding with American Association of Wedding Officiants.  We also partner with other industry experts like Wedding Wire, Eventective, Gathering Guide, Decidio, Wedding Manor, WedPlan, and My Wedding to provide networking abilities for those selecting officiating services as well as other ceremony services. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiants-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings

Thursday Challenge

I agree with what Cleveland Amory said… “What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind.”  Holding a door, saying hello, helping carry a bag, sharing a word, and yes maybe even buying a cup of coffee just makes a difference.  Most of the time random acts of kindness take very little or no money, so what is the hold up?  Get out there and start committing…

When people say committing random acts of kindness does NOT make a difference and when people say that one person can NOT make a difference I recall real life examples, like this one, and am reminded on how much of a difference can be made!

Hasifa’s work ranks in the top 10 among the most diverse companies in America. With this being the case, a lot of times we run into situations where there is a language barrier.  A while back, one of her coworkers twisted her wrist while lifting something that might have been too heavy for her.  This particular coworker speaks little English and Hasifa’s Spanish needs “mucho” work.

Hasifa knew, being an athlete, that first aid for this type of injury required RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.)  With little understanding of what I was doing, she trusted that I meant to help. So she handed me her arm and I wrapped it up before she left to see her doctor.

A few days later, the coworker came up to Hasifa without a word; and she hugged Hasifa and patted her  on the back. When asked why the wonderful affection, her reply was “thank you for taking care of my arm when I got hurt”. I had forgotten about the incident already and when I looked down I saw that her arm was in a cast. She went on to tell me that her doctor told her putting ice on her injury was a good thing but she never would have known to do.  Reach out today and pass on the kindness, pay it forward, care to share!  You never know what a difference a simple act of kindness makes to a person.

YOU CAN BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK IN THIS WORLD.  It is nice to be important.  It is more important to be nice.  Think about what you have done, what you are doing and what you can do to, with and for others that will make life on earth better for us ALL!

Who can individuals, couples and families turn to when they need care & services traditionally found by a place of worship?  US!  We are Inclusive Life, and we serve all without exception.  We know that up to 70% of the population in America does not attend worship on a regular basis, so we are here to provide care & services to everyone regardless of they attend worship or not.  Wedding Officiants-Premarital & Couples Coaching-Funeral Ministers-and much more…

(402) 575-7006     www.inclusivelife.org     [TEXT ‘ceremony’ to 90210 for TEXT info!]

Inclusive Life is very proud to be a member of “All About Weddings”, a local organization focusing on bringing together premier local vendors that provide wedding services.

Inclusive Life is a member in good sanding with American Association of Wedding Officiants.  We also partner with other industry experts like Wedding Wire, Eventective, Gathering Guide, Decidio, Wedding Manor, WedPlan, and My Wedding to provide networking abilities for those selecting officiating services as well as other ceremony services. 

www.inclusivelife.org     Inclusive Life Wedding Officiants-Premarital Coaching-Funeral Ministers

www.ulcnetwork.socialgo.com     Universal Life Church Social Network (and information)

www.2grooms2brides.com     2 Grooms 2 Brides Same Sex Weddings for Council Bluffs, Iowa

www.weddingsinomaha.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Omaha area

www.weddingsinlincoln.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Lincoln area

www.weddingsincouncilbluffs.org     Religious and Nonreligious Weddings in the Council Bluffs area

www.spiritualfriendsofnebraska.org     Spiritual Friends of Lincoln Nebraska worship & fellowship

www.funeralministers.org     Inclusive Life Funeral Ministers serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

www.ceremonyofficiants.org     Wedding and Ceremony Officiates

www.allaboutweddings.com     All About Weddings