Advent/Christmastime/Prayer

So this is Christmas....and what have you done? I love that John Lennon song. Although for years, when I heard it, the song depressed me, and I don't really know why. Now I love it, and for me it adds to the joy that is present in the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.

Christmas has snuck up on me this year. We have been so busy planning a wedding, a honeymoon, and a move, that Advent was upon us before I knew it (maybe because it began when we were on honeymoon. Hmmmm....maybe I was distracted). Years ago some church friends told me that all married couples "backslide" somewhat when they first marry, because they are so into each other and their new life together--i.e. they miss church, don't pray or read their Bibles as much, etc. I have not found this to be true, but I do think they have a point--when we marry we do get distracted, and have to remind ourselves (esp. on honeymoon) to pray and read, and worship as usual (or do the best we can). While in Orlando Shirley and I didn't make church, either Sunday or Wednesday--but I did Morning and Evening Prayer as usual and sometimes we prayed it together, which was good, and rich. We should often pray with our spouses (and children), extemporaneously and liturgically (if it is our habit to pray liturgically). Shirley and I pray the short Compline (or Bedtime Prayers) in the St. Augustine Prayer Book nearly every night, and sometimes she joins me for morning or evening prayer when I pray it out of Augustine's. And we pray together at other times, too. I love praying with my wife, and enjoy hearing her pray.

It's Saturday, and we've worked so hard all week on the hermitage that we're just kind of laying around today. We both have hurting muscles, her much more than I. Tomorrow will be the third Sunday of Advent. We never really finish the fourth week, do we? Advent, we know, means "coming." Jesus came to be in our hearts (and does so daily and moment by moment), will come again, and we will again celebrate this year His first coming next week at Christmas, the Christ-Mass.

All thanks be to God. We wish you a blessed and wonderful Advent and Christmas season, and much joy in your life from Him Who came new as a baby and Who makes all things new.


your brother in Christ,
br. francis
Mercy House hermitage
Warr Acres/OKC

Friday night worship/Bonny Room

We normally have Eucharist on Wed. nights. When one of us has a conference or ministry obligation, we move Eucharist to Fri. nights.

Midweek Eucharist of Chapel of St. Francis is mainly from the Hippolytus liturgy. Worship was good tonight, although different--Abbot Jim turned his ankle today, so he preached the homily, consecrated and served us Eucharist sitting.

Shirley and I have worked hard to unpack and get the hermitage in order. We are both tired and sore tonight, although she more than I. I worked hard on the front room last night. The porch on the house was closed in, so I set it aside for a special purpose--it's a combination chapel/music room/library. I threw up a makeshift altar with the San Damiano cross above it and placed the Advent Wreath on the coffee table in front of the small couch. When you shut the door, it's pretty quiet in there. I've called it "The Oratory of St. Bonaventure." There's still unpacked boxes on the floor (mostly books), but it's a peaceful place to pray, read, and meditate in.

Shirley's parents, brother-in-law and nephew came up to see the hermitage today--they really liked it. We are really thankful. What a true blessing from our great God.


br. francis

OKC!

We are here! Praise God! Our wedding was wonderful. Thanks to the great brothers and sisters at Southwest Chinese Baptist in Stafford, Texas--the church that allowed us use of their great facility for our wedding. Much thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Leong, wedding coordinator Jasmine, reception coordinator Peggy (how's that French roast coffee?), and all the folks there who did such an amazing job with everything. When Shirley and I walked into the FLC for the reception, my jaw hit the floor. What a layout! Beautiful! Hats off to you all. I played my last show with Stage Dive at the reception (minus our bass player Krystal). The food was great, too.

Abbot/Bishop Jim and Sr. Clare got iced in, in OKC, so they couldn't get there. Fr. Joe and Dcn. Laura Mathy stepped in and handled the wedding, and did a great job. Thanks! Pastor Leong gave a challenging homily. The pictures are great and looking forward to seeing the DVD.

Then we honeymooned in Orlando--sick. We still had a good time and got to go to Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. Lots of fun.

The move was grueling--'nuff said. We are unpacking boxes and trying to find everything. But Shirley, Athalea (the cockatiel) and I are very thankful to be in our new home--mercy House hermitage.

Thanks be to God!

Here in OKC? Like to have a Bible study or learn about the ancient Church? Looking for a church family to be a part of? Our church is the Chapel of St. Francis, and we're small and friendly. Email or call and we'll give you times and directions.

OKC is home now. We're glad to be here!


under the mercy,
Br. Francis

Giving Thanks

Had a good time today with Shirley, my future Mom-in-law Ladia, Mom and Dad, and Trish. We were at Trisha's, and her boyfriend and his son and daughter were there and we enjoyed eating and hanging together.

What a feast! A turducken and a turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, corn, dressing, 2 kinds of rolls, sweet potatoes w/marshmallows on top (mmmm!), and pies -- 2 pumpkin, a pecan, and a sugar-free apple (for me, of course!).

Better that that, of course, was the time to be with family and thank our God for all His many blessings to us.

I used to be a pretty hardcore Calvinist. Meaning, I believed that God only chooses to save some of us--the offer of salvation is only to a chosen few. He only loves those chosen few. And His blessings are only for those few elect. I now believe (and have now for a few years) that, based on Scripture and the Church Fathers (the apostolic tradition--our first and best commentary on Scripture), He loves us all. And He extends His offer of salvation to all, to each one of us, and wants each of us to come to Him in repentance in faith. He wants to fill each of our lives up with Himself. And all good things really do come from Him--even good things that people who don't know Him enjoy. It's just that, as believers, we are blessed more--we enjoy life more, and all things that He gives us, because we're rightly related to Him. When I came to this realization, all my questions about God's goodness and the unbeliever were answered.

Thankfully, He manifests Himself to all, many, many times in this life, and perhaps in the life to come. We pray that each person will respond to Him in faith.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend.



under the mercy,
Br. Francis

St. John the Divine

Shirley and I want to say thanks to the folks at SJD for welcoming us in your midst the past several months. We have worshipped at the the 11am Contemporary Eucharist led by Fr. Reagan Cocke, and music by Kemper Crabb's worship band "The Living Creatures". I also went to Eucharist 5:30pm Wednesdays in the Chapel. (Shirley joined me some on Wednesdays, too.)

The Contemporary Eucharist is a great convergence service, and Reagan and Kemper really do a great job at making it a balanced, relevant and vibrant service. We've also enjoyed being a part of the "Marriage Course" that Reagan led. And we've had a good Sunday School class--the Blain/Hill/Temple group--we've really enjoyed some good, lively discussions and good fellowship with these folks.

St. John the Divine is a faithful parish that holds to the Scriptures and lifts up Jesus Christ as God come in the flesh, the only way to salvation. And they are a caring, alive parish with many different outreaches. And the church's priests are faithful--Fr.'s Larry Hall, Doug Richnow, and Reagan Cocke. God richly bless you guys. We will miss you.


Br. Francis

1st OKC move

Last Friday, Nov 3, Oblate Andrew and I loaded up part of my house and then part of Shirley's house for the first move. Shirley, her mother, sister and brother-in-law also helped load and pack the truck (thanks to all!). We left early Friday evening and arrived in OKC and were welcomed by Abbot Jim at 4 a.m. (yes, you read right!!!).

We signed the lease and moved the first load in Saturday at Noon (thanks Abbot and Matt!), bought blinds and curtains and watched the Sooners win that evening. Sunday afternoon, we cleaned, unpacked some, and hung blinds and curtains Sunday afternoon, then flew back and got home late Sunday night. Then--back to work Monday morning!

15 days working. I have to say, we have both been tired and I have been dealing with aching muscles all week. Needless to say, we both slept in this morning (I more then Shirley...!).

After the wedding and honeymoon, we take load 2 (the last!) up to Mercy House. It's 3 weeks away--getting close!

Thanks be to God.

Br. Francis

Jesus is Lord. He is our God and King. It is a privilege to know Him and to serve Him.

Chimay

Thanks to Spec's for providing us with boxes for the move. Stopped by there today for some, and ended up leaving with more. Belgian Trappist monks brew a very good beer -- Chimay. They had a special package there today -- 3 beers and a glass (Chimay on it), and a small pamphlet introducing the reader to the Trappists in Belgium -- who they are, their prayer and service, and the history of, and why they brew beer. Of course, I enjoyed one of the bottles this evening. I also picked Shirley up a funny card and white chocolate candy bar (her favorite) there, as we are enjoying quite a bit of stress lately.

We've prepared inserts for the invitations -- they have a map to the church where the wedding will be held, and an email address to r.s.v.p. We cut those tonight and are praparing them to be mailed this evening.



Pax,
Br. Francis

Comments

I want to let you know--if you'd like to comment on any of the posts here, feel free to do so. While I don't want theological debate, or debate about anything really, your thoughts are welcome. Please feel free to comment. If you disagree or want to add something, feel free. All I ask is that you do it in a kindly manner. There are places on the web to discuss and debate the current Anglican crisis (I read them!), and obviously they have their place. Any dialogue we have here, I'd like it to be positive. So, again--post a comment if you'd like. Had a brother post a while back, and I enjoyed talking with hm. I welcome fellowship here on the web.

Pax Christi.



Br. Francis

Hermitage of St. Francis in the Woodland Heights

Spent part of the morning packing and throwing stuff out. Stacked the boxes of packed books back in the closet, ready to be moved. Got about a quarter of the books packed. Will have to spend a couple of days this next week getting the rest done and ready to move the first load to OKC. Shirley has a lot packed, but more yet to do. We would appreciate your prayers as we try to get everything done before the wedding and move. The stress levels have been getting pretty high. But our God has it all in His hand.

Oklahoma City. Jerusalem. Mecca. God's Country. THE place to be. OK, I'm having a little fun here, but truthfully--wherever God calls you, that is the best place in the world. He has called us there. And, while we enjoy Him and see His hand here, we are excited about getting there and seeing Him move there. It's coming pretty quickly.

As I looked around the hermitage this morning while I was packing, I grew a little nostalgic. God has been very good to me here. It has been my favorite place of all the places I've lived. I've enjoyed the Presence of my Lord Jesus here for four years. And yet, the time I have much-anticipated is finally here: the move to OKC to be with my Order. What I wonderful surprise that Shirley is now with me. What a sweet gift from our God. I was settled in the idea of celibacy. But God had other ideas. I am very thankful that he brought Shirley into my life, and that we get to share our life together.


So -- Oklahoma, here we come. Abraham, we follow behind you, our brother.



Br. Francis

Mercy House 2

I am very happy with what the Lord has provided for us. The house that will be our new hermitage has a large living room and kitchen (make that ROOMY kitchen--two people can easily move around it it). It has a room that we think will work for a Music Room/Library (yeah!) and three bedrooms. It also has a storm shelter and a shed in the backyard. (Storm shelter bcause we'll be in Tornado Country. Was the Van Halen song in the "Twister" movie "Humans Being"? I think so. The line in the song is -- "Shine on, shine on!" That's what we want to do when we get there.)

I am very humbled and thankful tonight as I consider where God is leading us.


Br. Francis

Mercy House

The Lord directed last weekend, and we have found in OKC what will be our new home--Mercy House hermitage. We have been packing, but now we've stepped it up, and are packing in earnest now!

So, how is the planning coming? Invitations are about to go out (finally...!). One more meeting with the wedding folks at the church. Need another usher. Waiting for the musician to get back with me. Finally getting back with the travel agent about the honeymoon. Lotta stuff, and I have felt pretty stressed from time to time. Yet, our God is good. And He is blessing. We are happy and excited.


Br. Francis

Catholic

People have asked me a few times in the past few years, "Why would you call yourself 'catholic'? Don't catholics believe in salvation by works, and worship Mary and the saints? You don't believe in all that, do you?"

Of course not. What I do believe is that, in the early Church, you were either catholic or a heretic. Catholic then meant believing in Christ for salvation, saved by his grace, and in the teachings of the apostles (what they wrote in our Bibles). It also meant keeping the traditions that the apostles taught (also recorded in Scripture)--of a weekly Eucharist, fellowshipping, praying prayers and breaking bread from house to house (which included the agape meal and a liturgical Eucharist). By that definition, I am catholic.

I have a friend who is an orthodox, evangelical believer, who would not call himself catholic. We have talked often about the word "catholic." I have maintained in our discussions that "catholic" also means "interdenominational". Now, follow me here. According to our definition above, all baptized, orthodox (doctrinally) believers in every branch of the Church are catholic, whether they would call themselves that or not. So by that, we can see that catholic and interdenominational are synonymous.

The word "catholic" was defined by Vincent of Lerins as what has always been believed, by all, everywhere. The apostolic teaching. The basic beliefs of our faith that we all believe.

I am a part of that family of the catholic Church that we call "Anglican" or "Anglo-catholic"--that branch of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church that developed in the British Isles. (Most of our churches in the U.S. came out of that part of the Church--and retain part of it in their life today, in varying degrees.)

I don't normally walk around and tell everyone that I am catholic--they would naturally understand me as saying that I am Roman Ratholic, which I am not. I usually answer that I am a Christian--and hope and pray that they see it in my life. And I hope and pray the same for you.

What's important, I think, is not that we label ourselves--or hopefully not have an inordinate amount of pride in our denomination (or lack of one)--but that we believe in Jesus, and live our lives for Him, believing in what is recorded in Scripture. We should not allow our differences in what we believe--whether we can lose our salvation, in gifts of the Spirit, eschatology, structure of the Church, and etc.--to keep us from sharing the life that is in Jesus, fellowshipping, worshipping, and serving Him together.


Blessings,
Br. Francis

Woohoo! and church stuff

7 weeks from now, Shirley and I will make covenant with our Lord and receive the Sacrament of Marriage. We are excited, but at the same time we're tired from wedding planning. We have one meeting left with the wedding coordinator and the food person, still have the honeymoon to plan (waiting for the travel agent to call me back...!), and invitations to mail. We're working on getting housing and work in OKC, as well.

Our small monastic church there is called the Chapel of St. Francis, and Shirley and I are looking forward to weekly worship there. If you are in the OKC area, we welcome you. We are a small, friendly group, centrally located, and dress is casual. We also have a parish in the Tulsa area. Please feel free to call or email Abbot Jim for service times and locations.

We are evangelical--the Blble is God's Word to us, inerrant and infallible, and to be read, taught, and obeyed. Jesus Christ is our Lord and God, He is the way, the truth, and the life, and worthy to be worshiped and for us to fully give our lives to. His suffering and death on the cross and resurrection made the way for us to have relationship to Himself (salvation!) and we are to share Him with the world, in our words and lives.

We are a charismatic church--we believe in the life of the Holy Spirit (see the book of Acts) and His gifts. We believe the gifts are here now as they were in the New Testament, and that the Spirit, as Paul wrote, gives gifts to whom He wills. (We don't believe a person has to speak in tongues to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Some would call us "mildly charismatic.")

We are a liturgical and sacramentalchurch--we worship with a written order of service, which is commonly called a "liturgy," and believe in the sacraments of the early Church.

"Liturgy" means "the work of the people," i.e. the "work" we do in worshipping God. Ancient Israel, the Lord Jesus, and the early Church worshipped using a written liturgy. We have used liturgies for Eucharist from the 1928 and 1979 prayer books, the New Zealand Prayer Book, and from the ancient Hippolytus liturgy. For Morning and Evening Prayer we have used the '28 and '79, and now use the St. Augustine Prayer Book for public and private prayer. Arguments have been presented against using a written liturgy--that it stifles the flow of the Spirit. The early Church enjoyed the flow of the Spirit while using a written liturgy, and liturgy with spontaneous prayer and praise is a beautiful combination.

The early Church believed in and practiced seven sacraments. A "sacrament" is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace of God, and a means by which He brings that grace into our lives (from the definition by St. Augustine). Two main--Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, as it was called ("Eucharist" means "thanksgiving.")

Historically, the Church has believed that Baptism brings an infant or young child into the Church and into covenant relationship to God and His people, and brings His grace and forgiveness to work in the child's life (see Acts 16 for two examples of household baptism when one parent becomes a believer). The parents publicly promise, with the help of God and His Church, to bring the child up in the Lord--then the child must choose: receive the Lord into his/her life and live for Him, or reject the Lord and the faith he/she was baptized in and brought up in. If a believing child, teen, or adult, Baptism is a profession of faith--a public promise to live for the Lord. Receiving Christ brings His life, forgiveness and grace into our lives, and Baptism officially and publicly completes that initial faith in Christ, bringing His grace and forgiveness, as well.

Eucharist is a sharing in the life of Jesus, in His Body and Blood. Historically, the Church has taught the apostolic teaching of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Over the centuries, there have been many debates as to how that specifically works. We don't have an official position--other than to say that it is more than a memorial or symbol (it is both of these--yet more)--in some way we are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. We receive Jesus into our lives, and have His life in us, and also receive Him in a different and special way in the Eucharist. The first-century Church offered it often--at the minimum weekly each Sunday, and often during the week, as well. Most of the Church today believes we enjoy His Presence in a special way when we partake, and are strengthened in our faith and our life in Him. The Scriptures or the early Church didn't require confession of sins to a priest before partaking, and neither do we. It is always an option, but what is required is confession to the Lord and receiving His forgiveness before we partake. It is part of our liturgy to pray together a General Confession, at which time we may silently confess any known sins to the Lord, and then receive absolution from the priest--a declaration and assurance that our sins our forgiven by the Lord. We believe in our spiritual lives being centered around the Eucharist, which we receive often, and daily Morning and Evening Prayer.

Confirmation is God's grace in the filling of the Spirit and giving His gifts, based on the practice of the apostles to lay hands on the newly-professed believers--as we see in Acts. We see there that the apostles ensured the uniform beliefs of those Christians, and prayed for them to be filled with the Spirit, which imparted and/or stirred up gifts in those believers. The apostles handed the practice to the bishops they ordained, and bishops confirm today in accord with that ancient teaching and practice. The bishop prays for the believer to be filled with and strengthened in the Spirit, it is a public profession of faith for that believer, and it is normally the final step for the initial receiving of the believer into the full life of the Church (faith, baptism, confirmation). Today there is instruction in the basics of the faith before the bishop confirms--churches call this catechism class, new member class, discovery class, confirmation class, etc.

Reconciliation/Forgiveness is God giving His forgiveness and grace to a repentant believer, either in public worship, or in private confession to a priest.

Unction/Healing is God's grace to heal and restore mentally, physically, or spiritually. It is often given when someone is near death, but also at any time when healing is needed.

Holy Matrimony or Marriage is God's grace to a man and woman for them to live together in a covenant relationship with Him and each other. Marriage has always been, Scripturally and historically in the Church, between a man and a woman only. We believe that Christ offers forgiveness--so that a believer who caused a divorce, even if they committed adultery, if that person is repentant, may be forgiven by Christ and restored to full life in His Church (including receiving Eucharist), and allowing that believer to remarry.

Holy Orders/Ordination is grace from God for men and women to minister in specific functions in His Church--bishops, priests, and deacons. After academic preparation (seminary or "reading" for Orders under a bishop), a person is ordained (set apart) by a bishop through the laying on of hands. We ordain men as bishops, priests, and deacons, and women as deacons, according to Scripture and apostolic practice.

We believe in apostolic succession--in an unbroken line of ordinations back to the apostles, and the grace that comes through that ordination. The apostles themselves taught this in Scripture--they wrote of ordaining faithful men who would then teach and ordain faithful men, unsuring the correct faith being taught and perpetuated. Those ordained by the apostles, and those they ordained and so on in the next couple of generations (we call these the "Church Fathers"), wrote of this and practiced it, as well. Simply put, it is the ordination of the faithful by the faithful so that the apostolic faith may be carried to the next generation. What do we say about ministers not believing in or ordained in apostolic succession? Unfortunately, ordination in apostolic succession doesn't atomatically guarantee Scriptural teaching or a holy life from those ordained--we see examples of this in Church history and today. After the Reformation, many groups rejected apostolic succession due to this, and/or from their perspective that they don't see it in Scripture. We understand that, and recognize as ministers those ordained in every faithful branch of the Church, and pray for God's blessing on them as they minister to the Church and to the world.

I see us as a welcoming and friendly group. Because we have the monastic base, I think we feel more like family than just a church. If you haven't found a church in which to be a part, come worship with us. You are welcome wherever you are on your spiritual journey. We welcome you to worship and pray with us while we're still here in Houston, and in OKC if you're in that area.

And wherever you are, we're here to pray with and for you, help you along on your spiritual journey, help you to bring monastic practice into your life should you wish, and introduce you to the Order of St. John the Beloved, should you believe you are called. We have Oblates (friends of the order, unvowed), and vowed monks and nuns--single, celibate, and married.

Let's share the life of the Lord Jesus Christ together.


Br. Francis

OKC move

As I've shared before here, the calling of the Lord is for Shirley and I to move to Oklahoma City after the wedding. Although the intention of the Order is to eventually buy property in which we'll be able to have a monastic community, the core of our order currently lives in OKC. So we are looking for rental property there, in the Warr Acres area, preferably near N. Portland Ave.

If you have, or know someone who has a duplex, house, or 3-bedroom apartment for rent in that area, please email and let me know. Thanks. br.francis@yahoo.com


Br. Francis

October music

I "retired" from the band Stage Dive on the 1st of September, so Shirley and i would have all the itme we needed to prepare for our wedding. They had a good show last week at the 19th Hole in the Woodlands, with their new drummer Joe. I'm hearing he's a good drummer (have seen some video-he is a good drummer) and has well-learned our music. And I, of course, wish him and the band all the best.

But I already miss playing with them. I am not currently playing at church either, so I am really missing playing. I remember the Chariots of Fire movie when Eric Liddel said, "When I run I can feel His pleasure." There is something similar that happens when a musician plays his/her instrument(s). It is truly a spiritual experience -- a sacramental thing, if you will. Now note that I did not say it WAS a sacrament--an outward and visible sign of the grace of God, and a way by which He gives that grace to us. We, like the ancient Church, believe there are 2 main sacraments--baptism and the Eucharist; and 5 others, confirmation, forgiveness, healing, marriage, orders (ordination). But anything in Creation can be sacramental, i.e. there is something about that thing or action that, while we are enjoying or doing that thing, we feel closer to the Lord, and feel His strength, joy, and peace. Music is that way for me, especially playing it.

Was on Kerry Livgren's and KANSAS' web sites last night--really love their music. I enjoy the mix of rock and classical.

When we get to OKC, I am looking forward to putting together a new musical effort.


Br. Francis

Close

We nearly have everything ready for the wedding. I was thinking today just how close we are. The wedding and OKC is around the corner. It's a great feeling to know that you are doing what the Lord has asked you to do. I've done both--either said no or not now, and yes. Saying no or not now eventually catches up with us. We cannot expect the full blessing from the Lord when we know He has led us to do something, and we find all kinds of excuses to not do it. I'm thinking about Moses when the Lord called him to lead Israel to the Promised Land. Talk about excuses! Our God answered each one. I especially like it when Moses said that he had a stuttering problem, and the Lord answered that Aaron would go with him, and help him speak. I grew up with a huge stuttering problem, and always had a dream of being a disc jockey. I never would share that with anyone, because I figured I would be laughed at. Back in the early 80's, I began at a college radio station. When I began, I had to carefully plan what I would say on the air--I had incredible difficulty beginning a sentence with words that began with certain letters. But the Lord used radio to heal me of stuttering, and now I can say pretty much anything. I have done radio for 24 years this Fall, and God has blessed my time with opportunities to work in a few different formats. Just now I presented a child over the air who needed a sponsor, for Compassion International, and a listener called in to sponsor that child. It's a great feeling to be used of the Lord in that.

Let me encourage you--if you have a dream, or a skill--and you feel or hear the Lord call--step out and begin to do it, or begin the preparation that is neceassary to do it. I will continue my studies toward ordination when we get to OKC, and God called me when I was 14. We may not immediately obey, but He will bless when we do.

under the mercy,
Br. Francis

September musings

The wedding planning continues. We've got it narrowed down to 2 invitation styles. The special music, food for reception, and photographer are lined up. We still gotta plan the honeymoon (that I WON'T post here--not till we come back......! : ) )
Still gotta get fitted for my tux, gifts for groomsmen, guest book, and petals for my daughter Cheyenne the flower girl. We can't think of anything else--it's getting late and we're tired.

Been trying to keep up with all the Anglican news. The Windsor bishops and the Global South Primates meet tomorrow until Friday. Let us pray for faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and to His Word the Bible to be shown throughout the world in all groups who are Anglican and Anglo-catholic in tradition.

The Lord is reminding me of late of three things our order has tried to emphasize--humility, compassion, and faithfulness. We must be faithful to the Lord Jesus and to his Word the Bible. We must show His love, compassion, to all. And we must exemplify humility, that people may see the Lord Jesus in us. I think this one is the hardest. We all have some pride that we would do well to lose, myself definitely included. We should worry less about making ourselves look good, and more about making the Lord Jesus look good to the world.

The Hermitage of St. Francis in the Woodland Heights is my small home here in Houston. Of course, it is named after St. Francis of Assisi. When Shirley and I marry, and move this hermitage to Oklahoma City, we have to change its name: we worship together in OKC as the Chapel of St. Francis. So, after discussing it with Shirley, we think we're going to change the name of the hermitage to "Mercy House" hermitage, focusing on God's mercies to us, His covenant mercies to us His people.


Br. Francis

Church thoughts

I have tried very hard to hold off on making any comments here concerning the crisis in the Anglican branch of the Church today. I will make these few comments here tonight.

The Church is not about us--it is about Jesus. We are to receive Him, draw close to Him, and serve Him with our whole lives. He is the unique God-Man, the only way to be saved. He fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah. He lived a sinless life, one of simplicity and compassion. He died for our sins and was raised from the dead for our justification. As far as people in other world religions, I would say this: Jesus said that if we seek Him, we would find Him. I take that to mean what it says, that if any person sought Him, he or she would find Him. He will reveal Himself to that person. All will have an opportunity to see Jesus for Who He is, and be able to receive Him. I am sure of that because the Scriptures teach that.

The Church is to "teach all things I have commanded you," Jesus said. That means the Bible, and the plain meaning of any verse or passage is usually the one that is correct. When we have question about the interpretation of a verse or passage, our practice is to go to what the Church Fathers wrote--what did they say about that. We may then also go to the writings of the monastics and to the Reformation leaders, especially those who were in the English Church. But we go to the apostolic traditions as written by the Church Fathers first.

The Scripture teach us as believers in Jesus to show love and compassion to all. We are to share Him with the world. We are to hold to the teachings of Scripture and serve Jesus above all else. Love does not mean that we say sin is OK. It means we love all, reach out to all, and help each person live the life in Jesus that we're called to live. And we are to stand with all orthodox (in doctrine) believers around the world.

We should be in prayer for the Church, that in whatever it is in error, God will correct it. That wherever it is corrupt, He will purify it. Wherever it needs renewal and reformation that He will bring that. And He does that through us His people as we serve in the world.

I believe that is all I need say. I won't use my blog to rail on events or on specific people. We must pray for them. We must pray for Church leaders that they will be faithful to Jesus and to His Word the Bible.


Br. Francis

Home stretch

Well, we're in the home stretch--we have just 3 months til the wedding. You would think we'd have all ready--but alas, we don't. We met with the wedding coordinator last week. We're still trying to decide on a photographer. I think the catering is decided. The special music may be on discs. I'm discovering that a small wedding has just as many details to work out as a large one. We need to put our lists together of folks to invite, and trying to keep it under 300. We've asked our bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor and best man. My best man will be my Dad--he's put up with me for 43 years, so I think I should honor him. (I don't think he knew what to do with the whole monk thing at first, but I think he's OK with it now. He calls my habit a "robe." Dad is a Methodist believer, and raised my brother and I in that branch of Christ's Church, and it is in that church that I was baptized at age 13. I first received Jesus as Lord and Savior, as far as I can remember, at my grandmother's Baptist church in Spring Hill, West virginia, at age 12.)

Shirley and I are excited, and happy about what God has done, and about moving to OKC. The plan is to continue our Tuesday night Bible study and Evening Prayer group at Todd and Becca's, hopefully until close to Thanksgiving, and we welcome you if you're in Houston. I have begun to do Evening Prayer at St. John the Divine Church at 5 p.m. Wednesdays, just before spoken Eucharist there at 5:30. Join me if you're here in Houston.

Lots of discussion in the past week or so about the move, logistics, jobs, etc. It will be interesting. We know our God is with us. I cannot tell you how good it feels, cannot describe the awesome feeling we have as we're obedient to King Jesus. He is worthy of all praise and the giving of our lives to Him.

If you're in the OKC area, and are called to do rock music for the Lord, email this drummer-monk and let's get together when we get moved up there. I am called to put together a band when I get there. Looking forward to it. The psalmist said to "play skillfully with a loud noise" unto the Lord. There are some of us who have been spoken to by the Lord to put together a contemporary Eucharist. This band would play that, as well as other things.

OKC bound! I am ready--the crime rate here in Houston continues to rise, and we have a shortage of cops. We are ready. OKC or bust!


under the mercy,
Br. Francis

Dennis Welch and friends at Ovations

Shirley and I saw Dennis Welch and a small group of friends play at Ovations last Sunday night. We came in late, but saw a nice bit of the set. Really enjoyed it. It's folk, but there was some nice lead in there and some rocking parts. But folk it was, nonetheless.

The players were: Dennis on guitar and lead vocals, I can't remember the guy's name to his right on bass and acoustic guitar (sorry!), Chris Whittington on acoustic guitar, Kemper Crabb on mandolin, and Dave Marshall on acoustic and electric guitar. Dennis' talk between the songs was interesting and thought-provoking.

I have known Kemper and Dave for many years, and became aquainted with Dennis back in the 80's when he did rock. A former roommate of mine and fellow church member was Dennis' keyboard player for awhile back then "in the day". I remember a great rocking set one Friday or Saturday night at Rockefeller's. It was great to see Dave again -- hadn't seen him in several years. Dave is a Reformed Episcopal deacon and does the music at his church. Really enjoyed his bluesy, rockin' leads. Kemper does the music at the 11:05 Contemporary Eucharist at St. John the Divine here in Houston, where we attend. Kemper and Dave headed up the pioneer band ArkAngel back in the 70's, which evolved into the band Radiohalo in the 80's. Chris has played with Kemper and Dave for many years, and does the music with Kemper on Sunday mornings at St. John the Divine.

Really enjoyed the evening. I like Dennis' stuff. Ovations is a nice little club in the Rice Village. Last time I was there was in the 90's and saw a nice little jazz band called Moons of Jupiter that Kemper and Dave played in.


love good music,
br. francis

August Thoughts

Four months from now Shirley and I will make covenant with our God in the Sacrament of marriage. And we are glad, and looking forward to the day. We're still working on preparation for the wedding. We have the church and the minister (Bishop/Abbot Jim Beckett). We have our rings, her dress is being altered, and we thnk we have the photographer, flowers, and food lined up........we shall see! I thought we had the special music lined up, but he has a gig that day, and can't play in the wedding. Oh, well. If worse comes to worse, I'll hand the sound guy some discs and a playlist, and say, "Here,......."

I will miss my hermitage. Four years ago, I found a small, 100-year-old efficiency apartment in the Woodland Heights area of Houston. The neighborhood was developed northwest of Downtown just after the turn of the 20th century. The building is a former boarding house, built around the same time. Some time later, it was converted into efficiency apartments.

The place is small (living room and bedroom are the same) and as I've gathered things over the past few years, it has begun to get cluttered. Now, clutter is no good for a monk. To live simply means, among other things, without clutter. So, I'm due for a "clean-up." This year's big "clean-up" will involve packing.

Yeah, the room is small, and just allows for a bed and a little furniture. Truthfully, the a/c (a window unit) doesn't really adequately cool the place in the hottest part of the Summer (as in--right now). So, this big boy sits most of the time where he can get the cold air from the a/c. And since that would be the couch, in the Summer that would be my preferred place to sleep. The place has one bathroom and a small kitchenette, which includes a regular-size (thankfully!) fridge and a small stove, and is just large enough for a small table.

You may ask, "Why live in such a small place?" It's a hermitage, and should be humble. And it is. But I've enjoyed this place more than any other place I've ever lived before. I have grown closer to our Lord Jesus here. I met and became engaged to Shirley while living here. God has been very good to me here.

But now begins the task of collecting and packing small boxes with books. I have learned to not get the big banana boxes from the store and loading them up with lots of books. Why? Because big boxes with lots of books makes for HEAVY boxes! Moving is always hard, but since we're looking forward to this move , maybe it will be less difficult and even fun......! Well, here's to wishful thinking, anyway.

One thing we know for sure: God was with me in other moves, and He will be with us in this move. I've begun to get restless. He always makes me restless when He has something new for me. So I'm excited, and thankful. I'm ready to marry Shirley, finish my studies and be ordained to the presbyterate, and looking forward to to putting a new band together. And looking forward to living in OKC. He is with us. I am thankful for that.


under the mercy,
br. francis

Summer thoughts

It is the end of July, and a few things are in my thoughts.

I am at peace in that I surrendered to the Lord my desire to be disobedient to my calling.

A few of years ago, He won our wrestling match as to whether or not I would be obedient, and serve as a presbyter, a priest in His Church. When I was 14, the Lord spoke to me and said that I was to be a minister in His Church, in His Name. He had spoken to me before through His written Word the Bible, through sermons, Bible teachings, Sunday School, through friends. and through the Holy Spirit. But never like this, and not in quite the same way since.

The voice was audible, yet it was not. I was eating alone in the cafeteria at school. My girlfriend had just broken up with me, and I was backslidden -- away from the Lord. He said -- "I want you to be a minister in My Name," and I knew what He meant. In my backslidden state, my reaction was not good -- I told Him to forget it using some choice words, turned my tray in, and walked out of the cafeteria.

At 16 I repented, and at 18 was in Bible college, but still full of fear and fighting it. After college I did a year of seminary, but dropped out after that due to finances and simply, disobedience.

I did ministry over the years and was licensed after college, but my attitude still was, "Lord, I'll do it but my way. But I'm still doing it, at least partly. Isn't that good enough?" His answer was, "For now."

He was patient. But compromise catches up with all of us, and the Lord's disciplining hand through consequences of sin can be severe. My friend, you don't want that. There is a joy in full obedience that can only be experienced, not explained.

It's wonderful to be obedient and walk in the calling He has for each of us. We are planning the wedding, and the move to Oklahoma City.

Knowing and serving Him, and coming Home to the ancient Church -- its beliefs and practices, has been awesome.

Is your life spiritually dry? Feel like you're missing something? Want more out of your Bible study/meditation? Want to learn about the beliefs and practices of the early Church? We would be happy to pray with you and help you in any way we can. Please feel free to email. May God richly bless you,

under the mercy,
Br. Francis

Summer doings

It has been a (too) busy and interesting Summer. Some things are working 10-12 hours daily (weekdays), Summer visitation with my daughter Cheyenne (and taking her to work with me -- she's at that question-asking phase), and keeping up on the Anglican news around the world (can't go just one place for that). And planning our wedding.

Reading this Summer; Bob Lepine's book on a Christian husband, Cintra Pemberton's Soulfaring book on Celtic pilgrimage, daily Scripture reading, and reading/outlining Bishop Moorman's English Church history (for ordination studies). A lot of good reading.

We hope and pray you are having a good, Christ-filled Summer. Peace to you.


under the mercy,
Br. Francis OSJB

Morning prayer on Sundays

Oblate Andrew have prayed Morning and Evening Prayer at varying times and places since we became part of the Order, But for several months, due to schedules, we've had to take a break (we have our Sunday night group).

We've worked out the details,and are very happy to begin again! We'll begin this Sunday, June 11 (which is Trinity Sunday). We're praying in the outdoor chapel at St. John the Divine church, a faithful ecusa parish, at 8:15 am. The chapel has a small altar and places to sit and kneel. We will pray Morning Prayer from the St. Augustine Prayer Book (which is available in the church's bookstore) and pray for about 15 minutes.

If you're in the Houston area, we invite you to join us and for Eucharist after, either at St. John the Divine or at another faithful church. (We recommend and have a list of faithful Anglican, convergence and orthodox services and churches.)


under the mercy,
br. francis

Racquetball

Well, I finally did it. I have begun to play racquetball again.

You may think, well, great, good for you. And it is but it is also very painful for me...............!

Yes, painful. It's been 20 years since I've picked up a racquetall racquet. And my friend who is playing with me, the guitarist in our band, also hasn't played in 20 years. But he's 10 years younger than me, and he's not hurting like me. That's just not fair. Just kidding.

The first week we played, my upper arm and shoulder hurt on the 2nd serve! The muscle right under my knees (what is it called?) hurt right after we were done. And every time after. And my muscles ached the rest of the week, the first week we got back on the court.

The 2nd week we played, the arm and shoulder began hurting the first game, and the knees right after, again. But the muscles stopped hurting after a few days.

This week, the arm and shoulder only began hurting in the 3rd game. Yes! Progress! The knees only hurt somewhat. Progress! But, the shoulder still hurts. And the back. : ( OK, I pushed harder the third game....! Our nun who is an M.D., Sr. Clare, told me today to back it off a bit. Don't push as hard. I told her, yeah, good idea, but I'm a man! We gotta be dumb and push! She said yes, she knows. And we chuckle, but I know I gotta listen to her.

But overall I feel better since we started playing. My goal, you understand, is to play the way I played, and to have the stamina I had when I was 16! Tall order, but I will not give up until I reach it. It's gotta be.

Oh, yeah. One other thing. The court we play on is one at the guitarist's apartments. So we don't pay to play. But, the thermostat is torn off the wall and there is no air in the court. And this is Texas! I am soaked when we walk out of the court. But, fun, and good for us.


Shalom!
br francis

Music

Haven't discussed music here yet, so I figured it's about time...........

I believe that as Christians we are to create good art, and thus emulate our Creator. I believe in the teachings of Francis Schaeffer and Kemper Crabb concerning Christians and the arts. It saddens me that in the Church, for many years, what I regard as a heresy has been taught: that if a Christian doesn't make or use art for the purposes of evangelizing or building up other Christians, he/she is sinning. I disagree with this. I hold to the view that we are to make good art; that we are to be passionate about our faith; and that our faith necessitates that we make good (make that, excellent) art. But nowhere in the Scripture is it commanded that the art we make must evangelize or build up the Body. Sadly, churches have sometimes made artists feel unwelcome, especially if they make art, specifically music that their Christian brothers and sisters might call "secular".

Shame on us for this! (I once did this, as well.) I think there is a principle for us to understand here: some believers are not called to do public ministry! Over the years, I have seen rock musicians who became Christians immediately put in the "spotlight" -- and expected to demonstrate a level of Christian maturity that they could not, in reality, possess. They had only recently become Christians. The pressure put on them was enough to nearly shipwreck their faith.

Do we criticize J.S. Bach for writing what we would today call "secular" pieces of music? Of course not! We know that Bach lived his life for Christ, and that all his music was not written for the Church. Can we not allow our brothers and sisters who are artists today the same freedom in Christ? Can we not give them the benefit of a doubt that they, too, are attempting to live out their faith in Christ the best they can, and make art the way they are called to, as well? I believe it is an awful thing for us to say that Christians who don't evangelize or minister to the Body with their art aren't living for Christ.

The Psalms were written lamenting life's woes. And they are part of inspired Scripture. It would be appropriate, then, for Christians to struggle with life's ups and downs in their art.

Some of my years were spent playing blues/rock behind the drum kit. A few years ago, I was asked to join a modern hard rock (may I add, creative) band, our music written by Christians, struggling with life's dirt. We cannot run from the hard things in life--we have to grapple with them, and continually offer them to the Lord. We have Evening Prayer and Bible study on Sunday nights at the singer and guitarist's home (husband and wife songwriting team -- her voice at times reminds me of Pat Benatar), and discuss living life as a Christian from the Scriptures. We look at the teachings and practices of the ancient Church and their relevance for our lives today. Check out our music if you like -- www.stagedivetheband.com. (We all use different, fun names in the band--the name "Kane" I chose is Celtic, and its' root is "John," our patron for the monastic order I belong to.)

Unfortunately, this will be my last year playing with the band, as Shirley and I will move to okc to serve with my Order after we marry at the end of the year. I've enjoyed playing with SD, but on this earth, we know good things come to an end.

I've also enjoyed playing drums and percussion in the worship bands of a couple of churches. Had to take a sabbatical on this for now -- the parish we worship at now in Houston requires Wed and Sunday rehearsal, and visitation with my daughter is on Wed nights. Family first. There will be music opportunities in the future that involve evangelization, building up the Body, and hard, loud rock -- the Lord has shown me this. I'm looking forward to it. (Christian guitarists, bass players, vocalists in okc -- you called? Email me -- we're coming!)

How funny it is to me that I enjoy the quiet worship music of John Michael Talbot (he is my favorite artist) as well as hard rock (really, rock of all kinds). I feel that I am blessed in that I enjoy a broad spectrum of music.

So, please pray for those who are called to make art, especially music -- that they will be obedient to the calling that the Lord has given to them, and that they will be welcomed in Christian churches and groups, and encouraged by them. And be an encouragement to them yourself.

I welcome your emails -- but I don't wish to debate on the issue. If you disagree, then please pray for me! : )


blessings,
br francis

Memorial Day and stuff...

Hello. It's been a bit of time since I've posted here...Br. Francis has been quite busy. So I'll share some of it.

Memorial Day has been good this year. Had a nice, long Morning Prayer time this morning. Really have been making an extra effort lately to do more Scripture reading, so did all the readings for this morning. Then, spent part of the afternoon with my fiance Shirley and my future mother-in-law, and cooked burgers and ranch style beans for us.....mmm-mmmm. Pulling an extra radio shift from 3-7pm today. Been pulling a 6-hour shift on Sat. nights for 4 years now, playing Christian music and programs. This Fall it will be 24 years in radio for me (: o ), in which a lot of it I've been privileged for it to have been in Christian radio. So far, I've resisted the temptation to post stories here. Maybe I can continue to resist......

Shirley and I are glad we have some time to plan the wedding, but we're slowly getting things ready. I think (?) we have chosen the colors, the music is lined up, the church is lined up, and we have the minister (Abbot/Bishop Jim). Still deciding on a photographer, caterer, and trying to get the remaining members of Led Zeppelin to play the reception (ok, just kidding on that part, although that would be very cool...!). It would be very difficult for me to fill Bonham's shoes behind the kit! (he's my favorite drummer) Incidentally, had my "How the West Was One" dvd out and watching it the last couple of days....really been getting into the first disc.

We return to okc next month and looking forward to it! Honestly, I really am burned out on Houston Texas--the construction and traffic here is horrendous. Shirley and I are looking forward to our life together and the move to Oklahoma.

Promise to post more! Feel free to email--we'd enjoy hearing from you.


Blessings,
br francis

Holy Week and Easter

Shirley and I had a good (but stressful) Holy Week and Easter.

Palm Sunday was great -- we gathered outside the church building with palms and flags, acoustic guitars and percussive instruments (of course I had a shaker!). We walked around the church and shouted and sang "Hosanna!", then processed inside and had a wonderful Palm Sunday Eucharist.

Then things happened during the week that weren't very enjoyable. I think I'll just call it persecution, : ) 'cause that's just what it is. There are people who hate us simply because we're Christians, and say we are judgemental because we attempt to live by, and hold up the standard of God's holy Word the Bible. We must show them the Lord Jesus and His love.

Maunday Thursday we had a very good Eucharist, and the priest delivered a well-done sermon on the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist. Then they stripped the altar, and we remembered Jesus' betrayal and arrest and the disciples fleeing, sat in the silence after, and "kept watch" and prayed.

Good Friday morning at 8:00 am we flew out to OKC. We did the Stations of the Cross after noon on Good Friday, and Eucharist and Veneration of the Cross Friday evening. Saturday the Abbot showed us Bricktown, the downtown district -- the older brick buildings are renovated and have shops and restaurants, and the baseball field is there, too. Looking forward to seeing some games there! We spent some time in a Native American art and gift store, and I had a hard time leaving. I wanted a flute, but it was a bit more than I wanted to pay. And they had a wooden Latin cross with a turquoise stone in the middle, which I nearly bought. (Wish I had, now...!) Then we went by and saw the Memorial of the bombing -- next time we plan to go in and see the museum. They weren't able to do their Seder/Maunday Thursday Eucharist Thursday night, so we combined it with the Vigil on Saturday night. So we had Seder, Maunday Thursday Eucharist and footwashing, and Easter Vigil, all on Saturday night. What a service! Sunday morning we had Easter Eucharist with our friends at St. James Anglican. Then late Sunday afternoon we had Easter dinner with the rest of the Order. It was a great, restful weekend, and I really wasn't ready to come home.

We really like Oklahoma City. It's a medium-sized city, and has a lot of what Houston has -- except it's not as spread out and the traffic isn't as bad. I like the rolling plains. The neighborhood we'll be in there with them is pretty quiet, which I enjoy tremendously. The city is pretty, and we're looking forward to moving there.

It's Monday, after work, and I'm tired. But God is good. Time to ask Shirley what we should do for dinner. We hope your Easter weekend was as wonderful as ours was.

under the mercy,
Brother Francis, O.S.J.B.

Concerts and study

Shirley and I have been to see a couple of good concerts lately. We saw Rebecca St. James and Barlow Girl (Jadon Lavik opened). The sound was good, the volume good, and the ministry was excellent. I was especially impressed with Barlow Girl, 3 sisters who rock and love our Lord! The concert appeared sold out. May God bless their ministry.

We went with Todd and Becca, my bandmates in a mainstrean rock effort, to see Warrant last night. They rocked! We saw the end of the set for the female-fronted opening band, Troublemaker--very good. The overall sound was good, despite a couple of technical problems during Warrant's set, and the volume was a little too loud. But Warrant rocked, the musicianship was exceptional, and we had a good time. Lord, we thank you for the talent we heard and saw displayed last night, which came from You. We pray that each person in the bands knows You and the joy of walking with You.

I am studying Anglican history today, as part of my preparation for ordination to the priesthood. I count it a privilege, and right now I'm humbled and awed that our Lord would call me. The coffee is on--this week it's Chocolate Rasberry, and I ground the beans. Yummy!

under the mercy,
br francis

Episcopal oversight and evangelical

In case you haven't read my home page, let me take a moment to tell you about our group. The Order of St. John the Beloved is a Franciscan monastic order led by Bishop/Abbot Jim Beckett, and the members are referred to as monks or nuns. We allow each to serve in the state he/she is called to be -- celibate or married. Our order allows for clergy as well as lay, and also for family members of members. We also have oblates. While a lot of orders focus on one area of service, each of us is involved in whatever ministry he or she is led to do. We feel like we are called to shine as lights in the world, so while we want to focus on our prayer life, we are an "active" order -- we serve in the world.

We are Anglican/AngloCatholic, and the name of our communion is the United Convergence Church. We believe in worship in a "convergence," or blending of the three streams of worship of the ancient Church: evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental/liturgical. From what I have seen, folks don't generally think AngloCatholic and evangelical go together. We believe they do -- we're very sacramental, and we believe Christ is to be received by each person, and preached in all the world. We believe the Holy Bible is the inerrant, infallible written Word of God, every Christian's rule for all of life, and that we are to obey it, the best we can. Also, charismatic to us is the work and life of the Holy Spirit in indwelling, filling, and moving in us, gifts to serve God and man. (We don't believe a person must speak in tongues to be filled with the Spirit; each person receives gifts "as the Spirit wills," as Paul said.) As far as a liturgy, an order of service -- every church has one of those, but every church doesn't print it and have all use it. Ancient Israel, the Lord Jesus, and the ancient Church used a written liturgy for public worship. It is a beautiful thing to combine liturgy and charismatic spontaneity.

As an Anglican/AngloCatholic part of the Church, we believe in a succession of bishops, or chief pastors, who shepherd the church and are to safeguard its teachings. Sadly, just because a person is ordained in apostolic succession is no guarantee that person holds to the apostolic faith which came from the Lord Jesus, was given to the apostles, passed on to the early bishops, and written in our Bible. There are many ordained ministers in the world today who weren't ordained in apostolic succession (but according to their tradition), who teach the truth of the Scriptures. But if you are looking for episcopal oversight from a bishop ordained in the apostolic succession, holding to the apostolic faith, and believing in the Scriptures and the move of the Spirit, our Abbot and Bishop Jim Beckett would enjoy talking with you. His email is j_beckett@sbcglobal.net. He would also enjoy talking with you if you're interested in our monastic order.

If you are evangelical, believe in the Trinity, that the Lord Jesus is God in the flesh who died and rose for our justification and salvation, and will come again, in the Bible is the Word of God our perfect standard, that we're saved by grace alone through faith alone, and have repented and received Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are family. We are one body in Christ. If we scraped the names of our churches off the signs, they would all underneath say: "Jesus." There is but one Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

Jesus Christ is Lord and God and is worthy to be praised and for us to give our whole lives to.

Peace to you in our Lord Jesus.

br francis

Tonsure, preparation, ring

Well, Shirley has been shaving my tonsure for the past couple of weeks. We're used to it now. What I'm not used to, and don't think I'll ever be......is our Houston weather. We're cool one day and warm and muggy the next. I don't like warm and muggy. I like it cool and dry (hey, I'm a big guy, what can I say?). I've been here nearly all me life. You'd think I'd be used to it, by now. The older I get, the less I like it. Oh, well -- 8 months to put up with it, one more long, hot Summer.

So, I have to say we're looking forward to OKC this weekend. The humidity there day before yesterday was 14. Love it! Dry. Our next premarital counseling time with the Abbot....we did a family tree for this one, should be interesting. And we're supposed to talk about what will it be like for Shirley to be a pastor's wife. And, we're supposed to begin my formation for the priesthood. I'm excited and nervous at the sam time. I've always got my head in a book.....maybe it'll be worse, now. : )

And I bought Shirley's ring. Got it from a missionary who is a gemologist to fund his mission work. This man serves in India, Nepal, Africa, Madagaskar, and I can't remember where else. He's an Anglican priest, attends a Baptist church with his wife when home, and has served with Mother Theresa. I bought her a white sapphire that has a tint of blue, in a gold band -- the stone is from Sri Lanka and the band from Thailand. It's a beautiful ring. We're very thankful for it, and I purchased it a a very good price -- it's worth quite a bit more than what I [aid for it. So, now she has a ring. And she likes it very much. We're thankful.

I'll post more often. It's been very busy lately.


under the mercy,
br francis

Snowy, icy OKC!

Our OKC trip last weekend was great!

And Shirley and I had a couple of surprises.

Our flight was delayed. An hour after we were supposed to depart, we boarded. We waited several minutes, then the flight attendants began the emergency precedures. Then they informed us they were dimming the cabin lights and we began moving away from the gate. Suddenly, the cabin lights came back on and we bagan a fast taxi back up to the gate! We, of course, wondered why.

Several minutes later,we found out the Will Rogers airport in OKC was closed -- freezing weather. It was late, so we slept at the airport and took the first flight out the next morning, at 8:25 am. Where did we sleep? The quietest (!) place in the airport, and very appropriate: the chapel.

We did not sleep well, but enough to get up in the morning and try again to leave. It was nice to kneel on one of the chapel kneelers at 4 am to do Morning Prayer.

Over the weekend in OKC, I "took the plunge" and allowed one of our nuns to give me -- a TONSURE! I've been permanently vowed for a couple of years now, but at the time I just got a haircut. But now, I gave in. I now have a tonsure. I had to get the rest of my hair trimmed when I got back, so it wouldn't look funny. I'm getting used to it. But it feels right.

This weekend: a quiet weekend here with Shirley, church, Cheyenne, and hopefully -- naps.


under the mercy,
br francis

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! Amen.


Hello all. I've begun again! I had another page, but I've closed it and begun again. I may post some old posts here.


May God be praised and Jesus exalted! He is worthy of all praise! Our lives are to be centered around Him and be for His glory. Let us prefer nothing to Christ.

I'm enjoying Epiphany, and beginning to think about Lent this year. Not sure how/what to fast, but I'll know by then.

Blessings to you!


grateful to be under the mercy,
br francis