Easter Message 2008

Presiding Bishop's Message for Easter 2008

[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori offers the following message for Easter 2008.

Your Easter celebration undoubtedly has included lots of physical signs of new life -- eggs, flowers, new green growth. As the Easter season continues, consider how your daily living can be an act of greater life for other creatures. How can you enact the new life we know in Jesus the Christ? In other words, how can you be the sacrament, the outward and visible sign, of the grace that you know in the resurrected Christ? How can your living let others live more abundantly?

The Judaeo-Christian tradition has been famously blamed for much of the current environmental crisis, particularly for our misreading of Genesis 1:28 as a charge to "fill the earth and subdue it." Our forebears were so eager to distinguish their faith from the surrounding Canaanite religion and its concern for fertility that some of them worked overtime to separate us from an awareness of "the hand of God in the world about us," especially in a reverence for creation. How can we love God if we do not love what God has made?

We base much of our approach to loving God and our neighbors in this world on our baptismal covenant. Yet our latest prayer book was written just a bit too early to include caring for creation among those explicit baptismal promises. I would invite you to explore those promises a bit more deeply -- where and how do they imply caring for the rest of creation?

We are beginning to be aware of the ways in which our lack of concern for the rest of creation results in death and destruction for our neighbors. We cannot love our neighbors unless we care for the creation that supports all our earthly lives. We are not respecting the dignity of our fellow creatures if our sewage or garbage fouls their living space. When atmospheric warming, due in part to the methane output of the millions of cows we raise each year to produce hamburger, begins to slowly drown the island homes of our neighbors in the South Pacific, are we truly sharing good news?

The food we eat, the energy we use, the goods and foods we buy, the ways in which we travel, are all opportunities -- choices and decisions -- to be for others, both human and other. Our Christian commitment is for this -- that we might live that more abundant life, and that we might do it in a way that is for the whole world.

Abundant blessings this Easter, and may those blessings abound through the coming days and years.

Visit from a friend...

'Canoodle My Underpants" (Mr. S's best friend) is in town this week from Boston. She arrived with some applause at Twist greeted by Dr. Brad and Mr and Mrs Astor. We enjoyed some reconnection time and then had a Cuban meal.

She is going to enjoy some sun, beverages, dancing, etc. I think I will make the effort to take her to "The Calle Ocho" event on Sunday. It is the open house/street festival that takes up 23 city blocks full of live Latin/Rap/Reggaeton music, food, people, etc. The drawback this year is that is is (for those of you who know) on Palm Sunday (the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week). We'll just have to go with the flow.

Check one more event off the list.....

Last weekend was the Winter Party. It was full of music, fun men and women from all over, some cultural and community events, etc. I volunteered at the Welcome Center desk and was privileged to work with some great people and meet some of the people visiting for the event (some from as far as Austria and Thailand).

I really liked the "Departure Lounge" event on Wednesday evening. There was representation from all the non-profit organizations (about 24) and there was a brief introduction and welcome from Task Force Organizers, local politicians and Judge David Young (now on TV). It was a chilly evening for us locals so the leather, fur, cashmere and wool were everywhere to be seen.

Saturday, Mr. S and I celebrated 1 year together... We went to the Anita Bryant exhibit at the Botanical Gardens (A day without sunshine), went to the Winter Party Happy Hour at Halo and met up with Dennis and Alan. We hit the Palace and Twist, then home for home cooked food and champagne.

Overall, it was great weekend. We did stay away from the big Beach Party and Pool Party, but we enjoyed the weekend.

Up next: "Spamalot" on Thursday

Have a good week.

We are family....

Cliff's mom and dad were over for dinner today and we celebrated her birthday with "Asopado de Camarones", salad, tostones, bread, cake and wine. Family is great to have and for all the years we have known each other and all the times we have been there for each other, they are better than family. I guess Cliff and I are brothers or cousins by default...however you see it, they are part of my family...and I'm glad and blessed.

Speaking of family:
This week is the Winter Party Festival that is sponsored by The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. If you are able to attend or support any of the events, do so. I will be volunteering this year. Will catch up with you before of after the weekend. Enjoy!

www.winterparty.org

www.thetaskforce.org

Pick and Choose Your Battles...

There have been a few changes this month .... Scotty has moved to be the manager of FLEX in Cleveland, the Palace Food Bar has new owners, a friend broke up and then got back together with his partner, etc. The saying is to "pick and choose your battles". I am hoping that all the changes are for the better and that everyone comes out fine.

The picture is of my grandmother's cousin, Vicente Rodriguez. They are all soldiers in the US military from Puerto Rico. It was taken July 6, 1944. His note says "So you don't forget me." Like the brave and proud soldiers of today, sometimes you can not pick your battle...you can only serve the best you can..... It does put things into a different perspective. Today, I add a special prayer for all those in the military and their families...You are not forgotten.

Cafe Maurice is my new favorite restaurant. Mr. S and I saw a review about it on the local PBS program "Check, Please!". On Valentine's Day, Mr. S. surprised me by taking me there for dinner.

The small bistro style restaurant is located accross from the large China Grill and in between two other venues. When you enter, you are greeted and seated by young French men (all the employees are French) or the courteous, friendly and welcoming owner himself, Dominique Nameche. The walls are painted a bright red with French words and phrases painted in white. All the paintings and other decor are French or French inspired.

The night we went, there was a fixed menu because it was Valentine's Day. Eveything was delicious and quite filling. It was a five course menu. First was a Salmon Mousse, then Pate de Frois Gras with homemade crackers and bread followed by a spinach stuffed sea bass in a white sauce. Then, there were beef scewers with mashed potatoes in a savory red sauce. For desert there was a type of lady finger covered with brandy and chocolate with a hint of orange zest.

All the food is prepared fresh from scratch on the premises in their small kitchen. The seating is intimate and friendly, the servers were all quick and friendly. There is seating on the sidewalk or indoors. We had a great evening and are looking forward to going again and trying their Escargot, soups, deserts and other tasty French fair.

I highly recomend Cafe Maurice to everyone. The prices are very resonable for a South Beach location. They might even be one of the most affordable. Go! You'll enjoy.

Cafe Maurice

419 Washington Avenue

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Whew! Busy, Busy, Busy....

Some images from My birthday and Scotty's Going away Party. Thank you all for the good wishes.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Hello, Young Lovers...

It's Valentines Day. I am remembering couples I have known through the years and the good and not so good examples of love I have witnessed. I am hoping all of you have a great day....

whether you are sharing it with friends, family, a new love, an old love, or just remembering a time of love take time and let someone know they are cared about and loved. It is always good to hear.

Note: The picture is of my Grandparent's Wedding (Bautista and Agripina) in 1916.

Look out weekend....

Recieved a text message last night from Provincetown Jerry: "Hola! Going out tonight?xoxox Just got in." I got a smile on my face. We texted and e-mailed back and forth so we will see each other on the weekend or during the week.

I guess she is already burning up the town because The Mrs. Astor said: "You have no idea how much I know Jerry is here; ASK HER!!!! I guess I will have to wait to get the stories. Her friends will also be down for a few days, so that should be a hoot. They are such good people and always a joy to see.

Tonight, Mr. S and I are going to see the Go-Go's in concert at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater. I've been liking the location and the renovations. What I have not liked about concerts, plays, theater lately is the pricing. They advertise X amount and then add fee after fee that (lately) has added approximately $20.00 to each ticket price. They even add the fees if you purchase the tickets at the box office in person! At least I have been able to get good seating.

Until later, have a blessed Lent and Peace.

Presiding Bishop's Lenten Message 2008

Presiding Bishop's Lenten Message
Keeping a holy Lent: prayer, fasting, almsgiving

By: Katharine Jefferts Schori

The Church gradually took on the discipline of Lent in solidarity with those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil. That preparation work has traditionally been summarized as prayer and study, fasting, and almsgiving. Today we might remember the origins of Lent, take in our traditional understandings, and use these 40 days plus Sundays to prepare to renew our own baptismal vows. This ancient understanding of prayer, study, fasting, and almsgiving shapes the lives we lead. Each of us is baptized into a life of relationship with God (prayer), relationship with self on behalf of others (fasting), and relationship with all the rest of creation (almsgiving). Lent brings a regular opportunity to tune up our Christian life and relationships.

What happens when you take your car in for a tune-up? Most of us no longer do that work ourselves, because the computers in our vehicles are usually beyond our reach. They are not, however, beyond the ken of those with appropriate skill, training, and tools. The spiritual life of a Christian can also benefit from the assistance of technicians (trained practitioners) -- priests, spiritual directors, confessors, a Cursillo reunion, or 12-step group. The opportunity to review the functioning of spark plugs,change the oil, test the cylinder compression, and rotate, fill, and maybe even replace the tires keeps our cars running.

The same kind of attention to one's spiritual life can yield better gas mileage (focused energy for effective living) and effective transportation (how do I get from where I start to my destination?). Reviewing the rules of the road can make the trip much more pleasant for us and others (the early followers of Jesus actually called their practice "the road" or "the way"). We human vehicles need an effective connection to the source of life, guidance and directions (prayer and study), regular maintenance (fasting), and effective ways to connect with the world (almsgiving).

This Lent could be an opportunity to learn new ways of praying, or what the apostles teach, or what Jesus says about money. It could also be a time to take on a new prayer discipline -- maybe practicing seeing the image of God in every person on the street, or being grateful for the hidden blessings of the parts of creation that challenge us (gray days, viruses, mosquitoes -- I'm still working on mosquitoes!). We might practice compassion for the coworker who drives us crazy (and perhaps seek help in learning more effective ways to relate).

The ancient tradition of fasting is about self-discipline in what we eat and drink, and in today's world it is also about judicious consumption of the world's goods -- not just what we buy at the mall, but how we use water, how we leave the air around us, how we deal with "garbage," and the size of our carbon footprint. It is a recognition that how we use the blessings of creation has a vast relationship to how our neighbors can also enjoy those blessings.

Giving alms means caring for those in need. The word comes from the same root as eleison, as in Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy), and it really means compassion. How do we approach and respond to the people around us and far away who are "crying in the wilderness"? The work of Lent is about cultivating a compassionate heart that will shape all our encounters in the coming year and years. Sunday schools often take on a specific alms aim during Lent, like filling a penny jar for Heifer Project, or serving lunch at a homeless feeding center. Almsgiving has traditionally meant acting compassionately with one's treasure, but it is just as appropriate to think about how we use our time and talent mercifully.

As we approach Lent -- early in February this year -- let me invite you to join in tuning up your spiritual life. Take an hour to make an inventory -- what mechanics know as a squawk list. Which spark isn't as hot as it might be? Which tire is going flat? What kind of oil are you going to add this time? And what are you going to do with the old, dirty stuff? That's what the altar is for, in a spirit of repentance and return, and it's not unlike recycling the old so it can be used for good. A blessed trip this year!

Ash Wednesday...Are you ready to journey through the desert?

For a large number of Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Biblically, Lent is the 40 days and nights that Jesus spent alone in the desert and was tempted three time by Satan. His return to Jerusalem is marked as Palm Sunday. Historically, it is the time when new converts used the time to prepare for Holy Baptism.

For me, Ash Wednesday gives a bit of connection... From dust we came and to dust we will return. As a Christian, this is the begining of some time of introspection, accounting and penitence. One realizes, in my belief, that if we follow the road that Jesus took it will lead to eternal life. Jesus was made mortal and died mortal. He turned death into ashes....

To make ashes you need fire. I believe the fire of God's love, generosity, hope, forgiveness, humility burns bright and hot during this time; and it is a time to recognize it and prepare for the gift of Easter and the resurrection.

The Lenten season gives us the time to restore fellowship, repent, reconcile, receive absolution and become whole again. This is traditionally done by meditation, self examination, prayer, fasting, self-denial, (and I add) service to others.

During this time of Lent, the Psalm that is traditionally used is Psalm 51. I'll post it later during Lent. Have a blessed Lent.

Fat Tuesday...

Getting ready for Lent. Last Friday Mr. S and I went to The Warsaw Mardis Gras Party at Twist. We weren't really planning on going. I volunteered in assisting with some of the decorating and after blowing up 1300 helium balloons, we decided we were going.

It was a blast. We dressed Scotty up and then we got dressed and headed out. It was an evening with old friends, costumes, drag queens, height challenged dancers, music, beads and just plain fun. We were out late, but it was worth it.

FYI for some of my old friends: Warsaw was first Ovo at the Warsaw ballroom in the early 80's, then it was Warsaw....it is now it's now "Jerry's Deli".

Wooo Hooo! It's February!

Well, it is February again and time for Aquarius birthdays (including Me!), Superbowl Weekend, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday (beginning of lent), Chinese New Year, Miami Flamenco Festival, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Food and Wine Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Winter Party, etc...

On the 8th, Mr. S and I will be going to see the GO-GO's in concert at the Fillmore. I'm excited.

I'll update as I can during the week. Hope all of you have a great weekend/week. Unitl later...Take care of each other...

I love my tourists...but.... (Joke: A Place of Balance)

A Place of Balance

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.
He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"
God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael, look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?", inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing to different parts of earth, "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while southern Europe is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot. Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people," God continued, pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and arid while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a large land mass and said, "What's that one?""Ah," said God. "That's Florida, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and climate. The people from Florida are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world.

They will be extremely sociable, hardworking and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace." Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God?" You said there would be balance!"

God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots I'm sending them from the North every winter!

A Night at the Circus...

This week Mr. S and I have spent a lot of time together. On Tuesday evening we had the pleasure of going to see the travelling show "Absinthe" at "Spiegelworld". (I won tickets by answering a question about Absinthe.) It is a great Cirque de Soleil meets Vaudeville type show. It is NOT for kids. The live music is excellent....there is a female singer accompanied by a piano. The acrobats and performers are amazing and sexy. You also get a few laughs and insults from an Emcee called "The Gazillionaire" and his high pitch voiced assistant. He is a greasy, tacky tuxedo dressed man with a pencil thin moustache. He has his own midnight show as a separate event.

Speigelworld is the whole set up. There are bars, pre-show dinner offers, an old fashioned tent with a wooden floor. Do get there early to get seats, since it is all general admission. All the seats are good, but if you don't want to be singled out, don't sit in the front row.

I do recommend for everyone to go. The one drawback was the drink prices. We has $15.00 glasses of house wine (Pinot Noir and Pinot Griggio).

Go see this bawdy and entertaining show. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Kathy Concert - update

Mr. S and I had a great evening. Kathy Griffin gave an outstanding performance, tried out new material and we laughed and laughed. She is all I wanted her to be and more. She made comments about the "You Tube" guys that were from Miami and threatened the Police with guns, Brittany Spears, J-Lo and Mark Anthony, Liza Minnelli, her new beau, etc..... If you get a chance to see her...GO!
The Bravo network had picked up "Life on the D-List" for the 4th season with 10 episodes. I will look forward to it.

Time for some family celebrations and laughter...

Today is my little sister's birthday and we will be having a quick dinner and some homemade brownies at Mom's. The big gathering will be on Saturday with the traditional "January Birthday's Party". It lands exactly on my Mom's birthday day, so that means I will be doing all the cooking, serving and all around being a good host.

So, tonight after the quick get together, Mr. S and I will be going to see Kathy Griffin at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater. It is the opening for the South Beach Comedy Festival. Comedy Central and The Improv are two of the main sponsors. It's going to be a weekend of free comedy on Lincoln Road and ticketed events at different venues.

It also happens to be Art Deco Weekend, but I will blog about that later if I get to go to some of the events.

I hope all of you are having a good week. Take some time for some laughter....

Been busy this week, so enjoy a few pictures of Miami at dawn. These are from the Macarthur Bridge and you can see the Port of Miami with some ships and the Downtown Skyline. Enjoy

Resolution Support...

The New Year is now in full swing. The decorations are just now coming down and the house is looking empty after all the Holiday stuff is put away. The weather has been nice with a few breezy evenings. I am also getting ready for the January Birthdays...again....

I know many people pick New Year's Day as the starting point to begin their resolutions...whether it be to get healthier by stopping a bad habit, beginning new, healthy habits, making commitments to the community or family, giving back by volunteering, keeping things in order, changing careers, etc... One of the obstacles I see people having (myself included) is that they are not receiving support from friends, family or co-workers.

Okay people, if the person you know trying to do something to improve themselves it does NOT mean they will stop being your friend. Do you feel guilty or jealous because you are not doing something or is it because you are currently practicing the bad habit they are trying to change?

I'm not going to keep rambling about this, just enough to say: If you are a friend and the person you know is attempting to keep a resolution, what is the harm in you supporting them. Wouldn't that make you a better a friend? Wouldn't it make your friendship better?

For all of you trying to start or in the process of keeping your resolutions: Find support if you don't have it readily available and let your friends know that their support would be appreciated.

Peace!

Brrrrrrr!

I know that most (or all of you) from the Northern States will probably cuss me out or send me to Hades, but it is the first week of the New Year and the temperature in Miami has gone waaaaay down. It is a relief....we finally get to pull out our winter gear. The confusion is in what to wear. We rarely have dips below 50 degrees. Should I wear leather, fur, cashmere? A jacket, sweater, coat, hat, scarf, muff? So many choices.

I do hope all of you are keeping warm and safe.