| Dear Spirit Journeyers,
I hope this note finds you all doing well and moving forward in your lives. Since taking over Spirit Journeys, I have put my heart and soul into continuing the work that David Frechter started some 17 years ago. Naturally, I have infused my own style and personality into Spirit Journeys, but I know that the core of what we do has not changed; to offer opportunities for us to grow and change so that we may live our lives freer and with more joy.
That being said, I am very open to any comments, suggestions, criticisms or ideas any of you may have about Spirit Journeys and the work we're doing. Do you have an idea for a new topic for a Workshop or Retreat? Maybe you have a suggestion for new destination for a Journey... I would love to hear your thoughts. Just send me a note or call me at 800-754-1875.
Much Love and Many Hugs to all of you,
Howie
In the News...
Spirit Journeys certainly has not been immune from the economic downturn. As a result, we have reduced the cost of many of our events if you register early. Be sure to check out the Calendar to see where you could save a few bucks!
Spirit Journeys is a Co-Chair of the AIDS Walk New York on Sunday May 17, 2009. Last year 45,000 people participated and raised over $7 million. So, if you're in the New York area that weekend, join our team and come walk with us!
We just returned from attending the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. We were a host in the celebrity suite and met a lot of very interesting people, including Reverend Gene Robinson, Bruno Tonioli, Alec Mapa, Cheyenne Jackson, and a lot of others. We also attended the After Party... not the usual kind of gathering that Spirit Journeys is accustomed to, but we really enjoyed the event. Click here to see photos of all the great people we met and to read what they had to say about Spirit Journeys.
And last, but certainly not least, we have just launched SpiritWear on our website! Right now at SpiritWear you can buy Spirit Journeys T-Shirts (embroidered and silk-screened), embroidered hats and really cool jewelry. All profits from SpiritWear go to our SpiritFund Scholarship program.
Just Added to the Calendar
Together - A Retreat for Gay Couples April 24, 2010 to May 01, 2010
This Retreat is for Gay Male Couples
Our first retreat dedicated to couples! We take over an entire island off the coast of Belize for eight days of celebrating our togetherness.
This Month's Special Focus
This month we look at the work being done by Mark Anthony Lord. Mark Anthony Lord is an internationally recognized spiritual leader, founder and spiritual director of the Chicago Center for Spiritual Living. A gifted and dynamic speaker, he offers fresh perspectives on sacred wisdom teachings. Using humor, current events, and personal examples, his messages make known the presence of God (or whatever name you may give to it) in every area of life. Check him out in the column below.
SpiritFund Information
Donations and applications for scholarships can be made online at the SpiritFund page. On the SpiritFund page you will also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions that should explain everything about the scholarship program.
Total Donations to Date: $1850.00
Total Expenses to Date: $85.00 (credit card fees & business license)
Donations since last newsletter: $50.00
Expenses since last newsletter: $2.50
Number of Scholarship Applications: 16
Total Number of Scholarships Awarded: 3
Total Amount Awarded: $950.00
SpiritFund Balance: $815.00
This Time Was Meant To Be
"This time was meant to be, and who we will be during this time is vitally important."
says Mark Anthony Lord -
an internationally recognized gay spiritual leader who is dedicated to healing the world of homophobia.
"This is such a powerful time for GLBT people all over the world, and particularly in our nation. There's a cry for liberation coming from our Souls. It is no longer okay for us as gay people to hide, shrink or be ashamed of who we are. The Truth is, being gay is not a curse. It is a calling, a unique spiritual calling. It's time for us to hear that call - answer it - and allow it to lead us into our greatness."
Mark Anthony's key message is, "We cannot fight hate and fear with hate and fear. Love is what is real, and love will prevail but only if we lead with it."
Mark Anthony is the Founder and Spiritual Director of the Chicago Center for Spiritual Living, a spiritual community dedicated to the revelation of LOVE, the honoring of ALL paths and the celebration of LIFE.
He is also the creator of Gay Affirmations, a free weekly message of inspiration affirming our perfection as gay, perfect, whole and fabulous spiritual beings. You can sign up to receive his weekly affirmations by clicking on the above link.
He is the author of "The Seven Living Words - An Illuminated Perspective on the Seven Last Words of Jesus". He is currently working on his second book, "Scared Boy - Sacred Man".
One of the most exciting, upcoming creations by Mark Anthony is LIBERATION 2010, a GLBT spiritual conference, which will be held in Los Angeles April 8-11.
LIBERATION 2010...it's more than a conference - it's an experience designed to empower GLBT people to come out of the closet spiritually. It is created to heal us finally of the limiting false beliefs that our gayness is somehow a mistake or an accidental curse ... so that we can get on with what we are here to be - powerful and free.
The greatest story ever told isn't someone else's story 2,000 years ago. It's YOUR story. You are the one the world needs. You are the one here, today, capable of making a meaningful difference and capable of living an extraordinary, totally fulfilling life!
To learn more about LIBERATION 2010 please go to www.liberation2010.com or contact the LIBERATION 2010 producer, Gina Harris at gina@liberation2010.com .
We are looking for gay vendors for this event, so please feel free to contact Gina about that also.
Peace and Love to you!
Mark Anthony Lord
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