It's Voluntary

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Love cannot exist without the freedom to choose.

One of the greatest gifts in my Christian life is the freedom of will. 

 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7

God commands us to make righteous decisions.

Problem is we've gone and done messed that up.

"We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way." Isaiah 53:6

Hallelujah because of Calvary we can walk in the promise of a Redeemed Life. And it's our CHOICE.

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25

Now I'm making the choice to snuggle up tight to my husband and fall asleep contently without writing anymore...

Isn't God good?

Did You Hear About...?

"Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to." 

Timothy 5:12-13

I just can't believe all the things people say --  Am I black or white? Am I straight or gay?  

Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?  

Controversy Controversy 

I can't understand human curiosity --  Was it good for you? Was I what you wanted me to be?  Do you get high? Does your daddy cry?  

Controversy Controversy 

Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? Some people wanna die so they can be free  

Life is just a game, we're all just the same...do you wanna play? 

Controversy Controversy

 Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever 

Controversy Controversy Controversy 

Love Him, Love Him baby 

Controversy Controversy Controversy 

Listen People call me rude, I wish we were all nude

 I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules

 Controversy Controversy

 Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me? Let me tell ya...

 Some people wanna die so they can be free I said. Life is just a game, we're all just the same...don't ya wanna play?

 Controversy Controversy Controversy Controversy

--The One, The Only Prince

I'm reconditioning my censorship.

 If I didn't groove in the taboo tango, I would not be true to myself.  

From Sexuality to Suicide. Affirmative Action to Prayer In Public. Everyone has a viewpoint.

Down for a dubious dance?

Peace Man

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

God calls us to live in Peace. Not in Angst.

Catholic Bishops are blasting that he is a poor choice to be a keynote speaker at Notre Dame. He's the President of the United States for crying out loud.

And the Left is blaming O'Reilly and Beck for inciting violence because they discuss the state of our nation.  As if every single person you watch on the IDIOT BOX isn't moaning and groaning about our economic affairs?  

Ugh, I love mankind but we all need a swift kick in the ass. Breathe in through the nose....

Every day in more ways I am designating New York City as its own entity. An Eccentric Republic...

You would think with all of the aggressive activity, purposeful pushing, and collective cacophony of sounds, it would be hard to snag a nature moment. Quite the contrary.

There are 1,700 parks in New York City. And they stand out like a palm tree in the desert.

In the midst of running errands through Greenwich Village today, I stumbled into the perfect picture of a 55 degree Spring Day in Washington Square Park where thousands of faces, all from different backgrounds had flocked to the 10 acres of green space to dwell.

The park is named for the first President of the United States, George Washington who was inaugurated in New York City.  Once a burial ground, turned public gallows, from beatniks hangout with the likes Kerouac and Dylan to a drug dealing haven for vagrants and misfits, WSP has seen some excitement in its day. ( Not your suburban playground!) 

Today was no different. I first noticed the budding tulip trees blushing against the brick and asphalt and the cherry blossoms littering the sidewalks. In my admiration of spring unfolding, I was nearly knocked off my boots by a man wearing massive 1970's headphones singing John Cougar's, "Little Pink Houses" at the top of his lungs. Dodging the dancer, I observed closely two middle aged Rastafarian's debating over a keen chess move one had just performed and a large group of Asians applauding the break dancing boogaloo boys who were spinning on their heads with nothing but worn bandannas separating their skull from the sidewalk.  I sauntered past the intense boccee players and NYU students to the northeast corner to find a piece of warm bench under the arch.  As I ate my packed sandwich and fumbled with the Arts section of the NY Times, I took in the sounds of an amazing jazz quintet harmonizing their horn sounds and bass rhythms as couples danced arm in arm in front of the trumpet case full of dollar bills. 

Now where are the bohemians with my special dessert?

A blessed lunch hour indeed. Full of free peace. 

Oh but aint that america for you and me
Aint that america were someting to see baby
Aint that america, home of the free

Little pink houses for you and me.

How you living?

Love Your Mate

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25

Iowa-“We are firmly convinced that the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective,” declared Justice Mark Cady, writing for the court.

Vermont"-We've shown that truth and fairness and justice and love are more powerful than one man's veto pen," said Beth Robinson, chairwoman of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force.

And then there were four.

Oh, how I wish it wasn't midnight and my eyelids weren't gaining weight by the second. I don't know how to tackle this effectively with conviction and diplomacy as my stream of consciousness is going on auto-pilot.  Here's to the effort...

My friend's Equal Rights rally and celebration in Union Square tonight challenged me to question where I stand...and I still stand firm.

I BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF CHOICE.

"I'll worry about me, you worry about you. I'll believe what I believe. And you can believe what you believe too. You do your thing. I'll do mine." Montgomery Gentry

Civil Rights are personal and natural liberties protected by the US Constitution. Amongst others, they include freedom of speech, right to vote, and protection from discrimination based on race, gender, original origin, age, or religion.

From Women's Suffrage to Black Civil Rights Movement and now Gay Rights, they all fought and continuously struggle for Equality...

Loving vs. Virginia 1967 was preposterous to begin with but a landmark civil rights case that ended all marriage restrictions based on race.  ONLY Forty years ago, this was so shocking to Americans. And now has become almost commonplace. 

Our President of the United States is a product of a mixed union after all. 

Ask yourself or anyone in your vicinity. Do you believe that civil liberties should be denied based on sexual preference? Do you believe we should withhold equal protection of the law or disallow jobs or housing to homosexuals? My guess is a healthy portion would say no.

Okay, then what about marriage? Is this where the Equality Ends?  

I'm DONE hearing that it will ruin the sanctity of marriage. 

I'm losing faith in the argument of promiscuity....

I question the optimal environment to raise children...

Why can you, if they can't? 

All Along the Watchtower

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

Headline Today: NY Pride -A former Staten Island Episcopal pastor is charged with stealing more than $84,000 from his church for his botox injections, multiple plastic surgeries, and prescription drugs.- Staten Island Advance

In grade school, there was a boy who was in my class, Kindergarten through 5th grade. He was the first person I ever met who not only had three names but a number IV that followed....I adored this kid.  He left the room every morning we said The Pledge of Allegiance to America. His name was on the absentee list every holiday party. And he did not participate in some of our monumental Elementary school plays..(Rainbow Connection anybody) It wasn't until I was ten years old when I realized, all of these occurrences I absolutely and gladly relished in were against his religion. Seriously, there were NO thin mints in his freezer. Girl Scout Cookies were sacrilege.

After my wardrobe fitting this morning for the new Sarah Jessica Parker film in Manhattan (I wish it was the sequel), I skipped to the 6 subway heading uptown and found my cozy 1/2 seat. The bearded man to my right proceeded to spread his arms as wide as he could while opening his Daily News smack dab in front of my face...when a piece of paper fell out and on to the floor, I looked over at him and smiled. (people throw their trash on the ground here all the time). 

To my amazement, he looked back at me and nodded towards the pamphlet laying on the rain soaked floor. I smiled again. Again he nodded. So awkwardly, I bent over and picked it up.

On the front of the three fold flier was a picture of the solar system and read..."The Greatest Name".   As I scanned the words on my surreal ride to 60th and 5th, it repeatedly referenced The Koran, Allah, Paradise, and Jehovah..but no Jesus Christ.  It quickly dawned on me.... 

The metro was my front door, the bearded man just knocked and The "governing body" of Jehovah Witnesses in Brooklyn, NY had spoken.

If Heaven is limited only to 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses, I wonder if my news hound neighbor is going?

As if rules weren't difficult enough to follow...I would rather attempt to abide by one. 

 "The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14

Isn't that hard enough?

Petulant Peeves

"Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud." Proverbs 16:9

Talkin' to myself and feelin' old Sometimes I'd like to quit. Nothing ever seems to fit Hangin' around Nothing to do but frown Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down

I feel you Karen.

Remember when I said New York is a city of extremes? 

Today, I'm dwelling in the nether region.

Feeling like I have hit the customary brick wall with the job search. Wondering if I'm doing physical detriment to my marriage in this separation ( texting and IM'ing isn't satisfying this itch). I've fallen prey to the dangers of writing for a living as I combat writers block with crunchy peanut butter. My grand highlight today is I pulled my coins together for a Trader Joes mid grade drinkable bottle of comfort. I'm starting to suffer from OCD as I check my phone every few minutes anticipating that call from The New York Times wanting to give me a weekly spot as a Sunday Editorial Writer....

The best news about being redeemed in Christ's love is that nothing I do will make him love me more and nothing I do can make him love me less. 

Pastor Bojan at City Light Church preached that God loves Ugly.

Well, he's loving me today.

Two occurrences that affected my mood more than I am than proud of...

1. I love my 10x12 room in the morning. It is situated on the Northeastern corner of my building, (when I pull the shades) sunshine pours through the windows, spreads across my face and feeds my thriving peace Lilly. It gives me a false sense of the outside temperature and a fresh outlook to my hopes (or not) for the new day. With the exception of 45-50 minute respite as the sun passes by the new gargantuan building erecting next door. My room gets a serious dose of Vitamin D all day long.

Here is what else is happening all day long...the minute my eyes adjust to the light and stare into  the building next door, there it is. The television on the 5th floor is stuck on PBS or Cartoon Network ALL DAY LONG. And the two year old boy who lives there is fixated directly in front of it. ALL DAY LONG.  I have caught glimpses of the live in nanny's kerchiefed head...cooking in the kitchen or piddling in the laundry room, but not one time have I seen her hold him or hit the off button.  Apparently money can't buy affection.

It's Elmo to rise and Elmo to bed.  And yep, I'm one of the most opinionated non moms there is.

2. I belong to a great neighborhood gym. Located in the heart of Tribeca and two blocks from my house. It's three stories, equipped with every cardio and weight machine imaginable, has a gorgeous waterfall flowing in between floors and emptying into a reflecting pool by the locker room entrances...a steam room where I have fought the winter woes and a massive dance room with floor to ceiling mirrors and a polished maple floor where I have envisioned my Broadway premiere. The icing on the cake, it is virtually empty and remotely peaceful. Most of the time. Except when the meathead is there. Oh you can't miss him. He grunts the most gutteral sounds, slams down weights, flexes in the mirror while breathing heavy and attempting to drowned the deafening sound of his blaring IPod. Drips sweat in a puddle staring at Rock of Love on the television. Treating it like his own personal gymnasium for freaks; He is clueless to the fact that anyone else is around, God Forbid relaxing with their own workout. As he tightened his butt muscles in his minuscule shorts, I resisted the urge to scream," women don't find that sexy..!!!" After his last rep of, by the sound of it, giving birth, I rose calmly, walked over and looked at him like only Vince Neil can sing about and left the gym more keyed up than Roid himself.

Shoo-whee.

Tomorrow night is my background debut. SVU. I'm the one in the brown hat. Blink and you'll miss me. Now I gotta find more change for the popcorn...

Do other's actions affect your state of mind? 

Luffin and Limin

"They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! " "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:13

I don't know how many churches are in Manhattan and respective Burroughs but I am blessed beyond belief and don't believe in chance that I found City Light Church as soon as I did. Spent two hours worshiping  the Cross on Calvary and fellowshiping over gloriously typical Manhattan Margherita pizza with a huge body of diverse believers....

With my aloof earthly securities. He's my Captain.

I am saved by Grace.Love Abounding, Mercy has found me. I do not know where I would be without His Grace. But this town would be a whole lot scarier...Surrendering is the strongest action I do.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."2 Corinthians 12:9

Rose early this Palm Sunday morning and  embarked on a decent run from Lower Manhattan to Chelsea Piers. I wasn't the only one to get a jump start on this impeccable Spring Day....as I dodged a many of bare chested souls.
On my way home...  Stopping at Christopher Street to watch the beautiful yachts underway in the New York Harbor sailing towards the Statue of Liberty...I fell to my knees remembering my dear friend and unmatchable sailor David Geiger who taught me not only everything I know about sailing but that there's is no feeling better than the wind in your hair, and sun on your face...I wrote about the first time we sailed together eight years ago and how I relished in the feeling of riding the wind. Allow me to share...

---A day sail turned into an extended long weekend just by steering the tiller a few degrees left.  I tossed off the jib sheet and winched it hard onto the cleat.  We sailed in fast, as the wind switched the sails to an intense locomotive's steam and we glided across the glassy surface.  Hauled over on one side so my feet were touching the salty Caribbean water, the sea mist stung our smiling eyes.  Easing into a soggy white bay and turquoise sky.... Diamonds glistened on the surface of the aquamarine mother ocean.  Spoke with some local color but found my solace in the cockpit of the 26 foot Bristol watching the sun fade and the moon rise.  Days passed like minutes. And minutes like blinks. Sailing home at dusk the volcanic isle covered in tire  and coconut palms turned a burnt orange, sipping hot tea made in the galley,  watching the horizon and keeping the course,  I caught the sailing spirit. I'm abandoning my career as a reporter because I have realized my true calling. 

Thanks Willful. --2001 

"Yes, I am a pirate, 200 years too late.  The cannons don't thunder, there's nothing to plunder, I'm an over thirty victim of fate arriving too late."     JB

I got up off my knees, wiped my tears and I hurried home to call the Manhattan and New York Yacht Clubs...they've got a new crew member in town.

"If you want to sing out, sing out. And if you want to be free, be free cause theres a million things to be...You know that there are.
And if you want to live high, live high. And if you want to live low, live low.  If you want to say yes, say yes. If you want to say no, say no.cause theres a million ways to go.. You know that there are." Cat Stevens

Are your sails full?