Posted on July, 2017 by Universal Life Church Monastery
The Church of England has voted to welcome transgender individuals into the church with open arms. By an overwhelming margin, the church’s governing body (known as the General Synod) chose to support transgender inclusion. It was a historic decision for a religious institution that for centuries clung closely to tradition and conservative tenets of the faith.
The timing of the vote was fitting, too – The General Synod vote happened to occur just as Gay Pride festivities were taking place across England.
Marking the Transition
The motion passed by church leaders provides for transgender “inclusion,” but what does that really mean?
Well, as it turns out, a lot. Their plan is to create specific church services to mark a transgender person’s “transition” from one gender to the other – thus welcoming their new identity into the church community. Just as births and marriages have their own specific religious ceremony, so too will switching genders.
I can always count on the Blues Brothers to make me laugh, cry and keep laughing. For your Thursday enjoyment, time for a healthy mind bending break. M
Sending love, support and prayers to survivors of the hurricanes, we haven’t and will not forget you. Keep believing in the human spirit. Life brings us major challenges which you are now facing. The sunlight of a new day may take time, it will come. M
Enjoy the tune mix up this week. Kathy Perry is so funny in many of her videos, I like this one. She can laugh at herself, she’s cool by me. I am enjoying Harry Stiles voice and sexy boy looks. How did he ever work in a boy band. Shaun Mendes wasn’t on my radar, he can shake it up. You’ll see more of him in the coming months.
Thanks for jamming with me and let’s do this again next Thursday.
The Respect Award comes to me from Danica Piche at Living The Beautiful Life. Hugs to you my dear friend. I’m honored. If you’re not already following her blog, you are missing a slice of the pie. http://www.danicapiche@wordpress.com
What is the Respect Award?
The Respect Award is given by Rob once a year to acknowledge and show respect to fellow bloggers who, in his words, make him a better blogger and make him feel human. They also:
are compassionate, witty, interesting, rebellious, imaginative, patient, open-minded, and creative.
are generous with their words and support; they walk their talk.
raise spirits and make people smile.
What are the rules for The Respect Award?
Nominees don’t have to do a thing. Nothing.
This is a no obligation award, which means you don’t have to nominate anyone.
I’m taking the award at face value of doing nothing.
A Big Texas thank y’all to everyone who follows, comments, likes, or peaks in my blog.
The Respect Award comes to me from Robert at Art by Rob Goldstein. Thank you so much, Robert. My Blog is Award Free, I accept for the reason of no commitment. This is the second year to receive the award, I’m very grateful. If you’re not already following his blog, please pay him a visit —your world will never be the same.
What is the Respect Award?
The Respect Award is given by Rob once a year to acknowledge and show respect to fellow bloggers who, in his words, make him a better blogger and make him feel human. They also:
are compassionate, witty, interesting, rebellious, imaginative, patient, open-minded, and creative.
are generous with their words and support; they walk their talk.
raise spirits and make people smile.
What are the rules for The Respect Award?
Nominees don’t have to do a thing. Nothing.
I plan the do nothing route. Thanks again Robert.
A huge Texas thank y’all to everyone who follows, comments, likes, or drops in for a peak. Melinda
This week is a great compilation from the request line. Each song compliments the other so well. I know you want the DJ to play your song, I spin for you. Come on, make my day.
Houston and outlying areas were devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The best way you can help is search the list of organizations assembled by Charity Navigator. It’s a list of respected organizations focused on specific relief needed in the areas effected. I give to the Red Cross, they are not government-funded yet often the first responders. On the Charity Navigator list is an animal rescue group on the ground. Every penny counts. Thanks. M
The past two weeks has challenged me. I took several steps backwards with Lyme which has opened the door to the black dog. Music always soothes my soul, I’ve picked some great tunes and dedicated each one. Request lines are but phone is not ringing. I know you want your tunes played! Whisper in my ear, comment section open 24/7. Thank you for stopping by today, I always look forward to seeing you. M
I planned a nice gallery of photos from different times in life. Planned but it is not happening. In this photo I’m smiling ear to ear galloping around the kitchen on my second birthday. My grandparents bought the pony I dreamed of.
I’m overjoyed to have my WordPress friends here, let’s share the day with hugs, best wishes and lots of chocolate and vanilla cake. Sorry Vegans, I can offer a cold bottle of water.
The video reminds me we are all miracles and can do anything we apply ourself to. It’s touching around the World people can relate.
If you weren’t an Ed Sheeran fan before his new LP will blow your mind. After promoting his previous album with a World tour, he said in an interview “I was fat, exhausted and didn’t know myself anymore”. Ed is a smart bloke, he took a year off traveling, fell in love with a friend of 15 years, is self-confident and happy. The album showcases intelligence, honestly, raw emotion and the sheer joy in his heart. I’m so happy for him! Have a great day. M
Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted or abused face the same mental and physical effects as other survivors. Cultural stereotypes about men and how they portray masculinity can sometimes feel toxic to male survivors, adding additional challenges to their experience.
Recovering from sexual assault or abuse is a process that looks different for everyone, and it’s important to support a survivor, no matter their gender identity. Focusing on self-care after a sexual assault is a vital step toward recovery. Sexual assault can affect the physical and emotional health of a survivor, so it’s important to address both components of self-care. Should a victim choose to seek professional help, therapy can provide a space to openly discuss their thoughts and experiences.
One out of every 10 rape victims is male. It’s crucial to remind male survivors that they are not alone and share the services available to help them through their recovery.
Survivors can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4653) or visit online.rainn.org to be connected with local sexual assault service providers in their area. RAINN also partners with 1in6, an organization dedicated to helping men who survived unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood. If something happened to you, know that you are not alone and help is available. This Men’s Health Month—and all year round—join RAINN in supporting all survivors.
The word Liebster” (originating in German) has several definitions — dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued. In the current context, this award recognizes bloggers who share their story or thoughts in a beautiful manner to connect with their viewers and followers.
Here are the rules:
Acknowledge the blog that nominated you and display the award.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger gives you.
Give 11 random facts about yourself.
Nominate 11 blogs.
Notify those blogs of the nomination.
Give them 11 questions to answer.
The Leibster Award arrived via telegram from good friend Danica Piche at https://danicapiche.com You have to visit her site, she writes the greatest short stories that truly satisfy. She participates in every challenge. I need a third arm to keep up. The big deal is she’s special, I’m hanging my No Award sign out and Danica is making it for me.
After meeting Danica our friendship felt telepathic. When I needed a boost she would send a smile or an award. Danica is a caring person, often checking to see how life is going. She gives out Good Karma vibes, positive energy, she’s thankful and loves music. Kick back for mini-concert of Danica’s picks.
This beauty comes from Danica’s notes.
Inspired by one of those birds hanging out in the trees of my front garden.
This is what I wrote in my journal. I asked a bird to tell me a story. It told me once this was a paddock with lots of trees, and covered in grass. Once this place was always peaceful and quiet. Once I had the freedom to come and go as I liked. Then you people came along and built homes, you took my paradise away.
Have to go 3 pieces into a loaf of bread for the softest pieces.
Old books, smell, crinkled pages, velum over Author page. Surprises like Glimpses of the Life and Times of A.V.H. Carpenter, fully Illustrated First Edition printed 1890.
Have several generations of Red Tail Hawks come everyday to relax in the bird bath. I never bore of seeing them.
To many old school headphones, the type with excellent sound.
Love the grain of wood, each piece of has a different grain. Zebra wood is one of my favorites.
Art,Art, Art, the price of the piece does not determined the value.
Observed a Black Wooly Bear Caterpillar in a container, they are fast, huge and play dead better than a possum. I’m also the Asp Wrangler.
When outside my mind stops the constant chatter, the world is mine.
I can untie knots, takes time, success rate 100%.
Questions for My Nominees:
Coffee or tea or mocha/hot chocolate? All in same day.
Why do you blog? I didn’t get the PhotoJournalist position at Life Magazine.
How would you describe your sense of humor? What day is it?
What would you do in your ideal day? Walking the back streets of ancient city….seeing the world.
Summer or winter? Both, outdoors anytime.
Beach or mountains? Ditto, always something new to see.
Could you live without your smart phone? Smart phone yes, mobile phone, no. When telephone lines are down, cell phones work.
Do you like sardines? Love them marinated in mustard or olive oil right from can on Saltines Crackers.
Do you have any pets? Always. Shaggy is an elder dog but don’t tell him.
Does the weather affect the way you see the day? Only if Sailing.
What would you change about your life now? Nothing. Each step propelled me forward to the person I am today. (Sounds good, huh?)
Nominees :) No Award blogs are for the picking being my last award and all (said with a smile and Texas twang). I’m ready to see Danica’s expression, nominees have received announcements, if not it’s coming Pony Express.
A Huge Texas Hug to everyone who follows, comments, likes, or stops by my blog. I appreciate each and every one of you! Looking for the Light Blog is now Award Free. Your smile and comments fill me with sunshine, knowledge and tons of fun.
My first blog started in 2005 and hosted by Blogger. I was caring for my dying grandmother. I had to write and let it go. Her death was devastating, as you’ve read in many post. She’s never left my side. Granny was the strongest woman I ever met, she knew how to keep her mouth shut. Something I did not inherit. I could let out steam, cry by myself, recharge for next day. Yesterday WordPress sent an Achievement notice. Time does fly, in sickness and health.
You are the reason I’ve stayed. You followed me, left good and a few bad comments, you lifted me up when I was down. Most importantly your Blog has entertained, made me cry and lifted my spirits to the sky. I am blessed to talk with each of you. Thank you for standing by me these crazy eight years. M
ACHIEVEMENT
Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!
You registered on WordPress.com 8 years ago.
Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.
I’ve started to walk again, it fells great and very unstable. Throughout my battle with Lyme I prayed for my Granny’s strength. My Granny had to learn to walk twice as an adult. The first was from a terrible accident leaving her in a wheelchair or walker for years.
She cleaned new houses for extra money, whatever the job required she would get it done. One day while cleaning the windows in the cathedral ceiling she fell 1 1/2 stories, landing on her feet. Both feet and ankles shattered, the Doctors has to fuse bone together to give her a foot. It took two surgeries to achieve best results. It was a very dark time, being dependent and not spending time outside weighed heavy on her mind. She always said she would walk again, there was never a question in my mind. She was strong enough to handle anything.
Years later she woke up on day and couldn’t walk. Doctor’s could not find anything wrong, doctor after doctor. Thankfully she was not in pain, which gave me the freedom to make the wheelchair a race car. I would take her to mall most weekends, just get her out of the house. I starting making screeching brake noises as we turned corners, I would push real hard and hop on back rolling freely down the long walkways. We would look at blouses, deep in the department, I would make vroom-vroom noises, saying it’s time to buy or move on.
Those were difficult times but we made it thru the best we could. God put many challenges in front of Granny, she always knew she would overcome. She never giving up on God or herself. Her strength and positive thinking carved its was into my personality.
Survivors get up brush of the toxic waste and move forward. I have talked to hundreds of people over the years, one element I notice is everyone has a concept of Survival yet they are still carrying around the baggage of the trauma and may not realize their toxic
Survivors work thru the issue and take another step? Are you carrying around all the baggage, all the toxic waste thrown at us? Look straight ahead, are you moving forward
My best girlfriend and I practiced hard on dance moves, it was so funny. Get ready for a The one and only Micheal Jackson,”Boogie..or Dance the Night Away”
Do you see the resemblance in style or sound of the Bay Brothers, my buddies assure me they are brothers. I followed James Bay and team so long, I’m a member of TeamBay. I love seeing my name on Tweets. This is far better than the Donny Osmond Fan Club.
James Arthur found success with his first album, something held him back. He has a new album and a growing fan base. On the charts now is “Say You Won’t Let Go”.
Alex Francis Bay, his style is a multiple genre. I like the upbeat, hair up and grooving style myself. He is not on guitar.
What a talented family, blessed by music. Let me know what you think. Xx M
Receiving a nomination for an award is always exciting, exciting as the first. There are days my body hurts, some days I don’t get far. (I’ll be back) I want to Thank the Bloggers who nominated me and I’ve had to pass.
Being nominating by a good friend felt wonderful. Danica Piche created Treasure Trove Award, a full described below.
I’m happy she’s returned to blogging. For a good read, pull up a chair, Danica is the queen of Short Stories. Visit her site http:www:danicapiche.wordpress.com It’s an honor to receive the Treasure Trove Award. I thank you, appreciate you and so glad your back. You’re a great support. M
WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL TREASURE TROVE AWARD!
What is The Treasure Trove Award? *New Award created by Danica Piche.* M
I’ve created the Treasure Trove Award for bloggers who share treasures. Treasures can take the form of: art; community participation and support; creative writing; entertainment; friendship; health and fitness; humor; information; knowledge and insight; life lessons; music; photography; skills and instructions…anything that adds value and is a treasure in the blogosphere.
The Treasure Trove Award is for blogosphere treasures.
What are the rules for the Treasure Trove Award?
The rules are that there are no rules.
You can post the Treasure Trove Award image to your blog — or not.
You can give the award to other bloggers — or not.
Relatively few people visit Hetch Hetchy Valley to see this roaring waterfall. In some springs, the water from this fall flows over the footbridges near its base.
You can see this waterfall from the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam or you can hike on an uneven trail to near its base (see a list of Hetch Hetchy day hikes).
I’ve known Gavin from years of blogging and helping each other. Blogging with Gavin is a dream. He works continually to improve his skills as a Photographer. Go check out his Blog, http://www.sedge808.com. Treat yourself by visiting the Galleries where his work shown.
Glancing at Australian Vacation photos, I immediately thought of Gavin. Showing my photos of Sydney might be cool, a thoughtful treat.
Be kind to me, Gavin is a Professional Photographer 👀.
Blake’s’ new life includes being in love with Gwen Stefani and her three children. I’m glad the focus in on a smooth transition for the boys. I highly recommend seeing both in 2017. Xx M
I’m praying for good health to you and your family . Drinking something hot, I’ll take a Starbucks any day 🙏🌎🇱🇷 😎 M
You see the problem, Downloads are not working. The laptop hijacked me as an answer to silence, no talking during Football.
I heard Gwen Stefani can sing, JUMP, Dance, gives every fan a great show. One more try, if nothing else, play your fav and Dance the night away.
Happy Thanksgiving, sending Blessing for you, family and friends. a healthy and happiness. Enjoying your friends and family, it’s a Blessings share with others.
I’ve been fighting with Lyme and resulting depression. No SOS….wanted to let you know I’m still here. Miss you much, drop a line to say hi or leave a comment. Thanks a million as always. Xx M
Gramps loved playing scratch off Lottery Tickets. Looking at photo, this was shortly after Granny died. Emotions sent me to the highest high, I saw the smallest smile. He loved my Granny until the end. Gramps grew up in a time, large parts of the USA where out of work and hungry. Focusing on making money or food for a meal. Gramps mother had sixteen children.
Gramps, you set the bar high, I reach for you everyday to feel your strength.
Wapama Falls (1,400 feet)
Looking for the Light 