As the week begins: “Are you true to your calling?”

As the week begins, I am asking you, “Are you true to your calling?”

I met Sue Hogan originally at the Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry. When she became as a resident of mine, Mama Sue left an unframed piece on my desk. I framed it, and I take in the words in each morning. Mama Sue’s friend, Sister Joyce Roach, O.P. created it.

I am called daily to Living Stones Ministries Rock On! As the week begins, I give gratitude to my friends and the strangers, who continue to be supportive of this venture.

I also give gratitude to my most recent supporters including Deb, Diane and Theresa; friends in Bremerton, who made yarn and loom donations; my friend Michael, who will be making a donation of his talent to raise funds; and even the staff at The Central. As I ate my turkey wrap, the staff at The Central shared with me about the neighborhood so I took the time to look in the faces of those in need, and possible ways to serve.

Mostly, a big thank you to my new friend, Keri Pollack, who believes in my projects and those I am serving. She has connected me with a possible partner for Living Stones. Loving it!

A previous team member and always a friend, Michael appeared at my office door one morning. He presented me with a painting, “The Holy City of Juju.” I was surprised. I never knew Michael had this talent and developed it.

How blessed are you

for you have remained

true to your calling

and have carried the torch

of light for all to see.

You are an

instrument of change,

a prophet of hope,

a catalyst for transformation!

Be glad and rejoice,

For you are the voice

Of a new creation

And you are the

new light of the word.

More Gravy, Please!

Grandma Ruby and Grandpa Kenny celebrated a birthday in the 1980’s.

My Grandma Ruby (Figert) Kirby would have been 99 today. She passed away at 95. I celebrate her and the memories of the old farmhouse in Wabash, Indiana, which was filled the smells and sounds of the fried chicken crackling away in the frying pan or as Grandma would say, “The chicken is in the electric skillet.” I loved eating the fried chicken as much as hearing my Grandma saying ‘the electric skillet.’

The gravy was delicious she made after the chicken popped and crackled in the electric skillet. Life needs to have more gravy. Yum and more gravy, please!

My Aunt Judy or Uncle Roger shot this photo of Grandma Ruby with her sister-in-law, Arline and sister, ReBerta (Bert). Besides celebrating Grandma Ruby, my Great Aunt Arline had her birthday a few days ago, and she is in her nineties and living on her own.  Arline is a hoot and a holler! My Great Aunt Bert passed away at the age of 92 on May 15, 2014. Bert certainly lived life each day in between her dash between birth and death.

  

You Count so Speak the Truth!

I am not here for a political message. I had the pleasure of meeting and having a one on one with Ronald Reagan at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and sharing a few stories as a high school student at Northrop High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I have met other politicians, not due my aspirations, which are not political. Mine are more spiritual…more of social justice…more of how others are served in my life time - especially the homeless and those in need of care.

Instead of giving a message of who is the best candidate for you. How do you vote your truth? I have voted for Republicans, Democrats and Independents and sometimes I have felt the Bern. Instead of debating and arguing, I encourage you to “speak the truth in love.” Live your truth without pontificating and pushing your agenda on social media. I do not need to say who I am voting for in the Presidential election. I am voting because I count, and my vote counts.

Excuse me…I am now in search of the Borax Team and that monkey named Bonzo. It does not matter how to spell “potato.” I only know how to eat one. All kidding aside, somethings do not matter like the Borax Team, a monkey named Bonzo and how to spell potato.

I will conclude with a couple of phrases no matter how unpopular in the world and the U.S.A., but the phrases matter.

“God bless you” my friends, and I am a "Christian." I have spoken my truth, and I will vote in the fall election.

Remember, you and your vote counts!

Celebrate Personal and Professional Relationships

I believe in looking back at the positive relationships that have and continue to be a part of my life. It maybe a personal relationship. Or it maybe a business relationship. Reflect and celebrate with a fist bump, handshake, hug or sign in American Sign Language, "I love you." 

I encourage you to celebrate your personal and professional relationships

Surprising Cathy with a birthday celebration in the kitchen of my first apartment, located on Rivermet Avenue in the Lakeside neighborhood, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Cathy's niece, Reannon. Not pictured: Sandy Walker (sister) and Helen (mother).

Cathy's parents were a gift to those who spent time with them due to their faith and love. The following are the words about Helen and Mr. Walker Tom Sir as Cathy's birthday is celebrated this month.

I believe that each person has a gift to share Helen and Tom Walker. A few of their gifts were calmness, humor and love, and Cathy can hold those gifts on her birthday and always.

With six children of their own, Helen and Mr. Walker Tom Sir never hesitated to include me on family trips. Helen said that her children could invite a friend to go on their family trip to Maranatha. Cathy asked me.

Thom Dale, their son, thought of a game that we could play that involved Cathy, Joy, Kathy Minnich, and me. Thom Dale would pitch a ball up to us as we stood on the porch roof and hit it with a large stick. The runner would enter through the window, run down the stairs, exit out of the front door and circle the bases without Thom Dale tagging the individual out.

Joy was on the porch roof, waiting for her pitch. Thom Dale looked down the dirt pathway. He then yelled Mom and Dad are coming. Joy tried to enter through the open window. Her belt was stuck on the windowpane. Thom Dale was yelling for me to pull Joy in. I could not pull Joy in.

Helen and Tom walked by the house as I am trying to pull her youngest in the window. Helen looked at the situation with Joy’s legs dangling from the window. Helen and Mr. Walker Tom Sir calmly walked on by. They never said a word about it to us kids.

Helen and Mr. Walker Tom Sir realized that we were good kids so why not be calm and have a sense of humor. And it was a good ting that Cathy's parents had the above-mentioned gifts because we were always into or doing something as kids.

I sat down with Helen and Mr. Walker Tom Sir as an adult and shared a number of these stories and antics with them. They laughed so hard.

We Pray for an End to Violence

As I walked in the darkness last evening around St. James Cathedral in Seattle, WA, I reflected on the scripture that was posted as a prayer within the building.

We Pray for an End to Violence

If I walk out into the field,
look! Those slain by the sword;
If I enter the city,
look! victims of violence...
Why have you struck us a blow
that cannot be healed?
We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.
Do not reject us, for your name's sake,
do not disgrace your glorious throne.
Remember your covenant with us,
and break it not.

Jeremiah 14:18-21

All Lives Matter. Stop The Violence.

Hold onto hope for our world. We have that promise.

With gratitude to my friend, Tim McCrea for sharing this photo he took in my hometown. 

It speaks volumes.

A Dreary Day and the Sun Shone from Behind the Clouds

I was having a hankering for duck. So I stopped by an Asian restaurant. I was delighted to see a number of immigrants sporting the red, white and blue. (I reflected on how most of us are immigrants. I am Swiss and German.) I was delighted to witness the pride.

Two men, Dennis and Tony invited me to sit at their table. I shared about Living Stones and how seniors and others are making hats for those in need. We also donate new tube socks. Dennis gave me a considerable amount of money for the project. I said, "Oh, I cannot accept that. It's too much."

Dennis wanted me to accept it. I said “Thank-you” through my tear filled eyes and choked up voice. Dennis' son Tony works as a case manager for Downtown Emergency Service (DESC). I asked Tony for his contact info. Tony and his DESC residents will receive our first donation of hats and tube socks for Living Stones' Christmas in July program.

God bless them and the folks these two men are helping.

I played John Cougar Mellencamp’s “Scarecrow” cassette on my drive home, and I sang to “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. The United States rocks, and I am proud to be an American and from Indiana!

Live the American Dream this Fourth of July.