2013 Grateful Recap

Since the beginning of 2013 I have shared a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.  I now have 53 weeks of being grateful.  Today I share a list of what I was grateful for each week. 

Interestingly, the “most-used” words were (tied) relationships and community.  I didn’t even realize that I had duplicated some, so many times.  As I read each one, a few brought tears to my eyes: mom, family, and husband.

If you are reading this we are connected… by more than just text, email or social media.  I reassure each person you are not alone and end 2013 with some of my favorite words…

YOU are beautiful YOU are loved YOU are worthy just as YOU are.  You are not alone.

YOU are the author of your life story.

To the world YOU may only be one person.  To one person YOU may the world.

YOU may not get what YOU want when YOU want it.  YOU will get what YOU need when YOU need it.

May peace, love, and compassion be with YOU.  And always from YOU!

Happy New Year to each of you.  May the best of 2013 be the worst of your 2014.

-Royal

Time

Sharing

Community

Grief

Relationship

Pets

Passion

Community

Connections

Kindness

Faith-Community

Abilities

Right-Relationship

Home

Family

Community

Commitment

Growth

Connections

Family

My-City

Connections

Determination

Life-Journey

Vigilance

Peace

Family

Relationship

Home

Friends

Community

Witness

Pioneer

Right-Relationship

Omaha

Spirituality

Inclusive

Omaha

Forty-Six

Out

Tradition

Music

Power

Light

Gatherer

Traditions

Home

Mom

Husband

Change

Messages

Husband

2013 Week 53

Since the beginning of 2013 I have shared a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.  I now have 53 weeks of being grateful.  I will share, in another post, all of those words.

GRATEFUL WORD:

HUSBAND

Not the last thing I am grateful for and I did save the best for last... I met Jonathan on line in a general chat room many years ago.  We chatted for a year or so before finding each other on another website chatrooom.

We began chatting, then texting, and then phone calls and letters.  A couple of years into this he finally comes to Omaha for a visit.  In the moment we first laid eyes on each other, I knew.  I knew he was "my one."

I met his family, his sister Meg first, and then his dad and step-mom, Peter and Linda.  And then the rest of the clan.  I fell in love with each of them, all great people.  And who does not love nieces and nephews.

I had been in two serious relationship prior to Jonathan.  I knew that what I wanted, needed, and was hungry for; a person who would love me has hard as I love them, someone who would hold me accountable to my own beliefs, actions, and standards, and someone who doesn't live on the sofa.  I won the lottery on Jonathan.

We were married a couple of years ago, a ceremony in Council Bluffs with our friends and one in Branford, CT (his home town) it was awesome.  

KWHL, 143247365, and I love you my Jonnard.

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

Holiday Chat from Chaplain Royal

Good morning everyone. I hope you are all well and if you are traveling, you are safe. A message I share year-round is you are beautiful, loved, and worthy. You are not alone. 

I would like to especially remind us all that these holiday times are much more difficult for some. We don't know what the person next to us has went through, is going through, or is about to go through. 

Be mindful, sensitive, and share compassion this season, and every day. 

Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, and Merry Christmas. May peace, love and compassion be with us all. And always from us.

2013 Week 51

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

Messages

Perhaps I could have used the word passion, gift, or purpose-as they would have fit as well. For more years than I can remember I have "blogged" (even before the word was mainstream.)  There isn't a week that goes by that someone does not share that "the message" of the day was written just for them, or they needed it, or someone they knew needed it and they passed it on.

I thank my Mom for making me possible, how she nurtured by spirit, and the Sacred for allowing me the many gifts of healing that I have.  THANK YOU!

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

2013 Week 52

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

CHANGE

School, work, family, organizations, friends.  All things that change.  No, nothing will stay the same.  It has taken me a long time to learn a lesson that we need to be ok with change, ok with the lack of change, and ok when either happens without our "permission" or knowledge!

As much as we would love for some things to stay the same, they are going to change.  As much as we want change, it may not happen when we want it.

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

Week 50 2013

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

Husband

It was over 6 years ago that I began a conversation with this guy who lived in New Hampshire.  Little did I know that a few year later he would be living in Nebraska and be such an important part of my life.  I met Jonathan online, and we began chatting, emailing, then calling on the phone.  One face to face visit was all that it took, for both of us, to realize the connection we have.

February 28th is our anniversary, and in 2014 we will celebrate being together 6 years, and being married for 2 years.  When I set out to find a partner, spouse, husband, mate, significant other... I wanted someone who could love me as hard as I loved them, be strong enough to keep my grounded, and hold me accountable.  I have found that, and so much more in person who is most certainly a person who completes me in every way.

2013 Week photo:

 

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

2013 Week 48

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

Traditions

Each year there is normally some decorations, perhaps a tree, and creating a city!  Jonathan takes great pride in sharing his village city  It brings comfort that we have our traditions.  Each person, couple, and family can have their own; whatever they are.

We will be heading to Connecticut this year to visit family and friends.  We are very much looking forward to sharing time with those we have not seen in some time, although it will be a quick journey and back.   

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

Week 49 2013

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

HOME

Omaha is my home.  Omaha is my city.  I am Omaha Proud!

I know that I am a bit bias, and rightfully so.  We live in a clean city that is diverse and full of great culture.  People that visit are most often pleasantly surprised about all that we have.  I am ok with that.  It is my city! 

2013 Week photo:

  

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

2013 Week 47

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

MOM

As many of you know, I was adopted at birth within my family.  My “grandmother” adopted me from her daughter.  Mom taught me all there was to know about hospitality, especially at Thanksgiving.  #1, Pumpkin Bread is a good treat.  And #2, there is always room for one more.  Always.  I have always loved having a “group” of people to share a meal with.  And they came, we had 20 people with us this year.  Jonny and I stood hand in hand watching everyone get in line and it brought a lump to my throat thinking of mom (who passed in January) and the all of the energy, and love that could be felt in that room in that moment.  What a gift she help me to understand, witness and know.  I would not be the man I am today if it were not for the love, sacrifices and hugs from my mom.  “Love is… My Mom!”

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

2013 Week 46

I began these posts on the first Sunday of 2013.  Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

Gatherer  

I could be called a gatherer.  I gather people and make things happen.  This weekend we gathered donations, supplies and helpful items we most take for granted.  And then I gathered some people who did the same and we "built" blessing bags to give to those who need a sign of peace, love, compassion and a simple blessing in their life.  25 bags were made that had hats, gloves, juice, soap, shampoo, razor, safety pins, band-aids, female hygiene products, coins for phone calls, handy wipes, tooth brush, tooth paste, tshirt, socks, snacks.  

We will soon have this on the street to those whom we encounter.  Our 2014 goal is to assemble 300 of these bags to be given out at the Community Meals project in November/December of 2014.  (TO HELP with supplies or donations to purchase supplies, email me at info@inclusivelife.org)

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

2013 Week 45

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

LIGHT

I love plants, our home, our windows, and how it feels.  We recently took down the drapes that have been used for 4 years and put simple valance's.  They let SO much more light in.  We like them a great deal.  I know it is simple, but light (from humans and from nature) is important to our well being.  Love knows no season, and neither does light!!!  

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”  

2013 Week 44

Each Sunday I share a photo and word that represents what I am grateful for and brief message.

GRATEFUL WORD:

POWER

I posted on FaceBook this week that our roommates son Kavon wasn’t feeling well.  The next 48 hours of his life would begin a journey him and his family were not expecting.  They quickly learned he had a tumor, it was malignant, it exploded, he had a seizure, he was transferred to a different hospital. 

I asked my network of family, friends, and allies to do what you do: pray, send love, send power, send energy, light a candle, meditate, share what you have where you are at.  And they did.

I was asked by the family to visit Kavon and lead a prayer with him.  As Kavon’s father and I walked into the hospital I "knew" every one of your voices, I held them in my heart and in my hands. My hands shook.  I carried the love, prayers and everything that each person has shared with that young man.

Kavon looked incredible. I made eye contact with him right away.  He is fighting! He is scared. And he looks comfortable. Mom, dad, and caregivers are being vigilant about his needs, care and health. As we gathered in prayer I held in my hand each of your prayers, energy, love, thoughts, and lights.

It was so powerful. I know it was good, healing, and beautiful. For that, I give thanks for the power that resides in each of us. And for each person who shared (knowingly or not), thank you.  Kavon begins a week of radiation 5 days in a row beginning Monday. He will need our continued attention.

2013 Week photo:

Chaplain Royal

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES AND HOLISTIC CARE

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

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

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!

Royal D. Bush is a locally licensed and ordained minister at Inclusive Life.  He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.”