A bit of a health scare

I have been in a bit of physical discomfort the past few days. It really was nothing that I would normally blog about. At first I just thought it was something I ate - no big deal. Sundayafter church it was feeling worse and so in the middle of the afternoon, I was in bed. Yesterday I felt better when I arose and so figured it was past. Then it hit again, and harder - MUCH HARDER. The pain in my stomach was so bad it felt like I was giving birth. Off to the hospital I went. Well it was not my appendex as I (and the advise nurse on the telephone)had feared. Seems to be a kidney stone or two - very hard to see on the CT. They seem quite small and should be easily passed (at least the doctor said so). There was also a small "growth" on my liver. That doesn't seem to be to be bad either. Am having an ultrasound tomorrow to check it out further. Anyway, the discomfort is less right now than yesterday or earlier today and I sould be as good as new by week's end.

The picture, for those of you who notice such things is of Kaiser Permanente here in San Francisco, where I went for this treatment. EXCELLENT! The nurses and doctors and everyone was so professional and they really helped ease my worry. If you have to be sick, this is the place to go!

The Amazing Bible Puzzle

This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman, in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much; he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his johnboat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local Paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "the books are right there in plain view, hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus. There really are thirty books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.

More bits and pieces

Today is a sort of “this and that” day. I have so many bits and pieces and they really don’t seem to fall under any category. I was going to do an amazing puzzle here today (it’s fun - you have to find the books of the Bible hidden in my text), but that’s a bit long, so I think I will do it tomorrow by itself. (Something to look forward to).

Speaking of puzzles, I have run a few quizzes here in the past - one fairly recently on The Episcopal Church. Did any of you take the quiz? How did you do? Want some more of them?

I have learned in the past few days that at least two different people whom I know personally read this regularly! WOW! I had actually begun thinking that nobody I know reads it. Anyway, do please feel free to add your comments here, and thanks \reading! Thanks also to the person who signed up to sponsor me within hours of my post last week about registering again for AIDS Walk SF. (And yes of course you can still donate - there are still five months to go! My personal fundraising page is at http://aidswalksanfran2009.kintera.org/tongzhi).

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and in addition to my usual Valentine from my mom, I also received one from a friend, and it really made my day! It’s amazing how little acts of kindness can really make a difference. I was also thinking of that last night with my Franciscan friends as I participated in the mass at the Friary and ate dinner with them. There was so much love in that house.

I am so blessed !

Happy Valentine's Day!

Yesterday I got a bit silly with my "pre-Valentine" post here, but in all seriousness folks, I wish you all the love in the world. Someday I hope we can all see a world where we will actually be able to be with the person we love!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Nothing at all to do with Friday the 13th

I already received the only Valentines I will most likely get - a card from my mom, the first (hopefully of many) contribution to my AIDS Walk SF participation, and the knowledge that God always loves me - just as I am! May your Valentine bring you much happiness tomorrow!

AIDS Walk San Francisco

Every year I walk - every year I ask for help. It's important. I really feel called to do it. Today I will register again for AIDSWalk SF. The annual fundraiser isn't until the summer, but you can be among the first to support me by going to http://aidswalksanfran2009.kintera.org/tongzhi

If you don’t already know, AIDS Walk San Francisco benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other HIV/AIDS organizations serving the six Bay Area counties. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation continues to lead the way in HIV/AIDS advocacy, lobbying for critical policy change in Sacramento and Washington, and working to ensure unfettered access to life-saving HIV treatment and care. Your support enables the Foundation to realize its mission of ending the pandemic and human suffering caused by HIV.

I have been blessed to have the support of many family members and friends in the past years. I know all too well that times are hard and money is tighter than ever. That’s why this year is all the more important and why I have registered early to get a head start on fundraising. Won’t you consider going to my personal fundraising page and making a donation? Just click or copy this URL into your browser: http://aidswalksanfran2009.kintera.org/tongzhi


Thanks so much for your support!

The Prayer of Humble Access

There was a humble young man (only 19 years old), who stowed away on a train bound from Chicago, Illinois for San Francisco, California. He arrived at Fell Street one night with no money and no place to stay, but as luck would have it, he found an unlocked car and crawled in to sleep. The next morning he gave thanks at mass, at a little church down the street from that unlocked car. The year was 1932 and the young man was someone I would meet years later at my church. The little church I mention here was the very same one where this man still worships and were I do as well.

That man didn’t just attend one service at our church and then leave, he became a member and he got involved. He served on committees, on the vestry (parish board of directors), and inspired others to a life of prayer. Many of the wonderful photographs in the parish archives are due to his generousity and his always faithful camera. I wish he had turned the camera on himself, if only occasionally. It seems we don’t have nearly as many pictures of him as we do of others around the parish.

During the 150th anniversary celebration of the parish last year, a group of students from the neighboring school, interviewed several members of the parish for a play they were staging. This gentleman was one of those interviewed. On the night of the performance, I had the pleasure of sitting next to him and saw how the performance touched him and brought back many fond memories. The interviewer asked the student playing him if he had a favorite prayer. There was a momentary pause, and then, the young actor, clearly and distinctly from the front of the church and the much older man he was playing (with tears streaming down his face), from right beside me, both recited the words of the prayer, which is also a favorite of mine:

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

This prayer I continue to say to quietly, just before I receive communion each time.

M - O - M

I had a nice telephone conversation with my mom last night. We talk all the time, so that isn’t news. We talked about our camp experiences though, so it kept with the theme I have had here these past few days. (The director or the camp here recently visited my mom’s diocesan camp there in Arizona, too – another connection). At her camp they do a week at the end of each summer for senior citizens. This year, at the age of 82, she will be going for her third time.

I saw a guy buying candy and a card with hearts all over it – a very feminine and fancy one. I said to him, I’ll bet your wife will be pleased. He replied, “I’m not married. This is for my mom.” A Valentine from my mom has already arrived for me in the mail. (Most likely it will be the only one I receive).

What have you done for your mom lately? Don’t forget her on Valentine’s Day!

A bit more about Saint Dorothy's Rest

If you read my words here every day, you know that the past two days I spoke about the retreat we went to over the weekend. The pictures on both Saturday and yesterday were from Saint Dorothy's Rest, where I retreat took place. Today's picture is of the interier of the chapel (Saturday you saw the outside).

We are back home now. Our retreat is behind us, but I wanted to say a few more words about Saint Dorothy's Rest. It really is quite a wonderful place. Even though it is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of California, it is open to anyone. You don't have to be a church group to go there. A lovely way to get closer to nature!

For more information, visit their website by clicking HERE.

Our Mission

Continuing in the woods of Sonoma County in the tiny town of Camp Meeker, we are enjoying our time at Saint Dorothy's Rest (staying in Lydia House, pictured here) and thinking about our mission. We ironed out a lot of specifics yesterday (besides enjoying some delicous French Toast, huge baked potatoes will many toppings choices, and wonderful pasta). This morning, Saint Paul gives an assist in his first letter to the Church at Corinth. The appointed epistle for todays says:

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings

A weekend at Saint Dorothy's Rest

Several trip to the tiny chapel seen here (for Morning Prayer, Mass, Evening Prayer, and Compline) and a few walks through the woods to the dining room, as well as other walking during free time, will be just part of a retreat at Saint Dorothy's Rest. A redwood forest provides a magnificent backdrop at the oldest continually-operating summer camp in California, where the leadership of my parish has gathered to vision and share our expectations.

The specifics of what we do will most likely be boring to most of you. There are probably some private things that I really shouldn't talk about too. This wonderful setting is certainly worth telling you about though. If you are in Northern California, you might want to end up here yourself! (Retreat space is available for various size groups and also for individuals).

The Word of the Lord

We all want to hear from God: to know His Will, to feel His encouragement, and to rest in His Love. The surest way to hear God's voice is through His Word, right?

In our busy days we don't make the time we ought to (the time we want and need) to get into the Bible. Sometimes you might want to consider reading a chapter or even just a page a day, perhaps just before bed. Reading the Psalms is a great place to start.

Actually I read the New Testament through from beginning to end, and then start over. I read to logical breaks (the end of a particular chapter of story). I also read the Psalter in the same way. I begin with Psalm 1 and continue on. When I get to the end, I simply go back to the beginning. Sometimes I use a different translation for the next time through.

I find comfort of course in Psalm 23. When I meditate on Matthew 6:25 and remember that I should not worry about anything but keep my trust in God.

My favorite? Well for those of you who know me, this should be no surprise. In Saint Paul's letter to the Romans (chapter 8) he says "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." How wonderful is that?

Try it. I think you will really like the result!

Everything you always wanted to know about Michael Fullam

Now there is an intriging title: "Everything you always wanted to know about Michael Fullam." Actually I have probably already posted MUCH MORE than any of you dear readers want to know. Today is Thursday (you already knew that) and I have tons to do, and yet here I am with my daily post! I want to tell you all about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but there is so very much to say. Stay tuned. I will have much more to tell you! Knowing Jesus is much more important than knowing Michael Fullam!

This weekend I will be on retreat with leadership members of my parish church. Right now I have a heavy heart. I hope this will be a very positive weekend!

It's nice to be important, but

Years ago when I was on the radio, I ended each shift by saying "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." It's not an original thought. It was been said by others. Lately I have been thinking about it a lot. People seem to be less nice. What's going on?

I have seen people push in front of others waiting in line. I have seen people slam doors in other people's face. I have heard incredibly rude comments from MANY different people lately. It's not that I hang out in a bad part of town. This has been happening just about everywhere - even in church!

It only takes a second to smile and to say please or thank you. It really isn't hard at all! If someone does something for you, thank them. They will appreciate that and you will actually feel better yourself!

Having a bad day? Did something rotten just happen to you? I'll bet if you trying smiling and being nice, that bad feeling will go away (or at least lessen). Seriously folks - try it!

Pushups?

At quick glance you might think I am doing pushups. I am not.

I should be though.

In Saint Pauls first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:19-20) he says "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Being in shape physically is another goal I should be working on! All of us should!

An Invitation

Some of you know that on May 19, 2002 (which was the Feast of Pentecost that year), I began an online group for lgbt Anglicans. The group grew slowly through referrals and links from other sites. Initially we were primarily a listserve, but now have grown to a global community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Anglicans and our friends. The listserve is still active and we invite you to participate. You must however be a member to send and receive messages.

I'd like to invite you to join us! Just CLICK HERE to join the listserve at yahoo! groups or to find out more, please feel free to send me your questons. We'd love to hear about your church, your partner (if you're in a relationship), your hopes for the future of Christ's Church, and your experiences within the Anglican Communion. Occasionally our members have gotten together with other members. We have also exchanged pictures and have sent personal email back and forth. You are certainly welcome to pursue friendships with any group members.

Oh and feel free to tell your lgbt friends too. You can be gay AND Christian!

This and That

Ever have one of those days when you have a LOT to say? This is one of those days for me!

First off I want to thank my Franciscan brothers for their warm hospitality last night. (Of course there is always warm hospitality at San Damiano Friary). I was there for mass and then for supper afterward. A lovely way to end the day.

The epistle of Paul's that I posted here about yesterday, I still and thinking about. I will be reading it in my church during a service in just a few hours. Perhaps it will become clearer.

This afternoonI will be traveling to another church - Saint Mark's in Berkeley. I always love being there. The folks are so friendly and the music is excellent, and they have some many programs and are so involved. (Looking for a community of faith in the Berkeley, CA area? I would certainly recommend Saint Mark's).

A question for all of you before I close: has anyone every heard a legend about the dead coming to life on Candlemas Eve? Tomorrow is Candlemas and so tonight would be the night. I seem to recall some kind of story. Perhaps it was a film. Any of you familiar with this?

What does it all mean?

If you have been reading my blog for a while, or if you know me personally, you know I am a big fan of Saint Paul. I just took a peek at the epistle appointed for tomorrow though and this is one of his more difficult ones (I think).

In his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) he writes: "Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him.

"Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that 'no idol in the world really exists,' and that 'there is no God but one.' Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth-- as in fact there are many gods and many lords-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

"It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 'Food will not bring us close to God.' We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall."

This is one I really need to study. Oh perhaps you can help. What do you think Saint Paul is saying here?

Building the Church

When I speak of building the Church, I am not talking about constructing a building for worship. The Church is the people of God. No building is really necessary. Of course you can do more if you have a meeting place, can't you?

Now just how exactly do you build the Church? How do you "create" more Christians? Is it by spreading the word (like I have been talking about)? Is it by advertising? (Is that a form of evangelism)? Is it by our deeds and our works?

Remember that song "And they'll all know we're Christians by our love"?

Folks I have mentioned this several times, your comments are welcome here! (I know that some people read this because sometimes I will get a comment via email or when I see a friend in person. Would love to have you comments right here on these pages too so that others can respond and form a discussion.

The Great Commission

On Tuesday I mentioned The Great Commission in my post here. I didn't go any farther though and so t seems appropriate to say just a bit more.

The Great Commission, for those of you who may not know, is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus to his disciples, that they spread his teachings to everyone. It has become a tenet in Christian theology emphasizing mission work evangelism (the E word that I mentioned most Episcopalians stay away from).

Looking it up in your Bible? The most famous version of the Great Commission is in Saint Matthew's gospel (28:16-20), where Jesus calls on his followers to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So my dear friends, keep spreading the word!