Add a little humor to your life

Humor in Uniform is a favorite section in the Reader’s Digest.  Having served as a soldier and Army Chaplain, for 20 years, in time of peace and for two years of war in Vietnam, I appreciate recognition given our soldiers, even if its humorous.Being rather serious and solemn by nature, I have a psychological need for entertainment, especially humor.  I meet this need for balance for jocularity by selecting cheerful TV programs to watch while exercising at the Athletic Club. When I get there early enough, I’ll watch my all time favorite, M.A.S.H.

For my own benefit, as well as that of listeners, when I give a homily at the Unitarian Church, I introduce the message with a humorous story. I find this is an effective means of gaining the attention of the congregation.  It also gives me some sense of calmness and peace of mind. [Read more]

Let the coming year bring personal and political renewal

As we move into spring and the substance of 2009, the year will continue to bring renewal. Changes in power, approaches,  and results will impact Clarksville, the State of Tennessee and the nation.  For when we pray “God Bless America,” there is the opportunity for renewal for us personally as well as nationally throughout this year.

In 2009,  we have a favorable wind of renewal available to re-establish virtues, moral principles, and moral quality to our government at all levels. In foreign policy let us be done with torture, rendition and the deliberate misleading of the public in the guise of justifying action that leads to placing our men and women in uniform unnecessarily in harm’s way and demolishing governments of other nations. Let this year be the year to bury the order of pre-emptive military intervention against what we perceive as nefarious nations. [Read more]

Someone delights in you

A few words directed to a friend, neighbor or family member or even an adored pet, can release a resevoir of strength within . Normally, these are words of appreciation and acknoledgement.

At Fort Leonard Wood, the Army’s largest basic and advanced training post, I served with command leaders to include hundreds of drill sergeants of all ranks. I served, too, commanders that I would have followed into combat at any time and any place. How did these men and women impress me and receive my loyalty? They were leaders trained in reassuring and encouraging others. They elicited a sense of self with new recruits, NCOs and officers with a reassuring word.

On Inauguration day I followed my daily routine of exercising at the Athletic Club. As my legs moved my mind was also active as I listened and watched President Obama give his address. His speech captivated and motivated me. before I realized it, I had exceeded my goal at the treadmill of 50 minutes. This awesome speech motivated me; his words somehow improved my power of endurance. [Read more]

Shari Billger to host “Flower of Life” workshop

A Flower of Life Workshop will be offered at Visions Metaphysical Boutique, 101 Franklin Street, in downtown Clarksville on March 27, 28, and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A free introductory lecture will be offered Thursday, March 26  (contact Hector A. Jusino at 931-552-3850 for details).  The cost of  advance booking of the Energy Exchange is $288, ($333 after March 11). A $100  deposit required to reserve space.

The Flower of Life, MER*KA*BA and Sacred Geometry is found in ancient sacred sites all over the world. The Flower of Life is considered to be the basic unit necessary for the creation of all material substance; one can experience profound changes at every level of life. The workshop is presented by Shari Billger, certified facilitator for Flower of Life workshops as taught by Drunvalo Melchizedek.

The MER*KA*BA, used to create this Waveform Universe, is a rotating, geometric, crystalline Light-Energy field that extends around the body. It is a visualization and breathing technique that activates the Human Light Body. [Read more]

Spring: A time of spiritual renewal, nourishment

Only a few more weeks and our trees will be budding with new leaves for the year 2009. It is fascinating to watch their transformation in the spring. This budding will be swiftly followed with out brilliantly colored songbirds building their nests among the newly sprung to life branches of the trees. The trees closest to the house will be occupied first, trees that enhance our lawns and the countryside.

In building our house six years ago, we had regular contractors for the project. We went the mile and invested thousands of dollars in the lawn and yard. We hired Tim, a professional landscaper, to plant shrubbery, sod and trees.

For us an appealing and robust lawn was a priority for the property. In childhood, I recall climbing, scaling the robust trees that grew on grandpa’s farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. I recall too climbing the persimmon tree to retrieve the ripened fruit for a snack. My cousin Leroy example emboldened me to climb to the highest branches. [Read more]

Remembering a friend, and a hero

Our family lost a best friend and a hero today.

KeyKey, the rescued Shepherd/Sheltie mix who saved two lives back in August, 2006, died from injuries sustained in an accident.

I’d never been “a dog person,” until I met my daughter Kelly’s dog, KeyKey, a smart, funny, protective  critter who found a second home at my feet, under my desk, on my new sofa, and…well, you get the idea. He wound his way into my heart — a sneak attack of sorts.

One August morning, he woke me from sound sleep, staying by my side as I roused my son-in-law and we three escaped our burning home. This silly wonderful rescued dog had two human rescues to his credit. [Read more]

Unity Service planned for Clarksville community

The Clarksville Area Ministerial Association will sponsor its twelfth Annual Unity Worship Service  in loving memory of what Jesus Christ did through the late Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., January 19, at 6 p.m.

This will be very important event in that we soon will have a new President who as fulfilled the dream of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

The event is hosted by Madison Street United Methodist Church at  319 Madison Street, Clarksville.

Our quest for spiritual nourishment

For spiritual nourishment, I attend public worship services, view given religious programs, and read uplifting literature.

A few words about uplifting literature: In my spiritual pilgrimage I am discovering my faith rekindled through reading newspapers, magazines, books (fiction and non-fiction), and The Upper Room, a daily devotional guide published by the United Methodist Church.

Today, through prayer and thought the conclusion of the Upper Room devotional energized and encouraged my faith in our Lord. [Read more]

What would the Apostles do?

WWJD is sometimes singled out as a standard for measuring moral beliefs and moral decisions. Perhaps we can receive spiritual motivation, too, by asking “What would the Apostles of the New Testament do?”

One Friday morning during my solitary time in fellowship with God, I read a passage of Scripture that spoke to me from Acts 4: 32-37. Verse 34 summarizes the result of corporate and united action taken by the disciples: “There was not a needy person among them.” The context sheds light on the meaning of the verse. The disciples shared their time, skills and talents as in response to God’s call. They sold their houses and land and shared everything. [Read more]

Light for our Grandchildren…

My life is upgraded this holiday season; it is a time for cultivating an already good relationship with my five grandchildren. My desire and goal is to make the bond between us an ever growing one. An intimate connection with them will enrich their lives and mine.

On Sunday at church we sang “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” The lyrics and melody escorted me down Memory Lane. I learned that lively song in a Nazarene Church Sunday school. It was comforting to listen to this music again.

In my life of seventy-plus years, I remember men and women of faith who served as lights in my journey of faith. There were Jack Folson and Henry Meade, who picked me up on Sunday for religious education at the Central Church of the Nazarene. I credit their “light” for assisting me in spiritual pilgrimage as a youth. Through the “light” and inner glow of these influential lay leaders I was attracted to God. Through their patience, compassion and and devotion since I was 16 years old, I continue to sing “…everywhere I go, I’m going to let shine” as a testimonial to the development of my spiritual traits nurtured through wondrous grace. [Read more]