This weekend, we represented our church at the 42nd Annual Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. It was our third time attending as a delegate. This is a gathering to discuss and conduct the business of our larger community of churches. It was a great time to learn more about how to be better Episcopalians and to connect with others who are doing the same. I was blessed to be there and to reunite with friends and to meet new people. One of the group meetings I was encouraged to be more weird in church, This is easy for a church nerd like me. It was a lot of fun and I hope I can go back next year. Thanks to the Episcopal School of Knoxville for hosting again.
Tag Archives: personal
Holiday 2025 Notes
Christmas Day 2025 for me was a good one, being with my family. I am appreciative of everything I was given. We spent time together eating, exchanging gifts, and enjoying the day. It was a warm day, with temperatures that felt more like early spring.
Today, the missus and I had the day off. We spent it watching a marathon of Christmas movies. Scrooge, It’s A Wonderful Life, and White Christmas. Later on we will dive into Stranger Things.
We have seen all of these movies this holiday season. I would say my favorite is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which is what we watch first every year.
To all who are celebrating Boxing Day, may it be one of good tidings, giving to those in need and peace.
Original Real Writing
The goodness about writing is the work and struggle to write something from your heart and head. Be original, not artificial. Whether you write with a pen or a keyboard, do the work and have fun.
Thought Of The Day 10242025
Patriotism is NOT about the biggest flags and waving them in a parade. It’s about being sure your friends and neighbors are taken care of. It’s about not doing harm to those who already are on the fringes of life. Furthermore, it’s about respecting people for who they are and who they want to be.
Being a patriot means being friends with countries around the world and respecting their sovereignty. It means elevating all citizens to a place where they feel secure, safe, and truly free. Life, liberty, happiness are universal concepts that are at the heart of what patriotism should aspire to be, anything less is just putting on a performance.
Rest In Power Robert Redford – All The President’s Men, A Masterpiece
Legendary actor, director and humanitarian Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025. Tonight we are watching “All The President’s Men” in honor of his life and legacy. This movie is about Bob Woodward played by Redford and Carl Bernstein that is played by Dustin Hoffman, who investigated the Watergate story in the 1970’s that would result in bring down Richard Nixon’s presidency. It’s a masterpiece that starts intense and finishes strong. It’s a terrific film with all sorts of intrigue and tells the story of hungry journalists getting to the bottom of a serious story.
Legendary actor, director and humanitarian Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025. Tonight we are watching “All The President’s Men” in honor of his life and legacy. This movie is about Bob Woodward played by Redford and Carl Bernstein that is played by Dustin Hoffman, who investigated the Watergate break-in story in the 1970s that would result in bring down Richard Nixon’s presidency. It’s a masterpiece that starts intense and finishes strong.
I highly recommend everyone see this movie because there are parallels to today’s political scene.
Getting Older And Getting A Discount
I appreciate a discount like anyone. Money is tight for everyone. However, being reminded you are getting older and because of that you get a discount on phone service can be a reality that isn’t fun to face.
We got this in the mail from T-Mobile, and they want us to come back as customers. They highlighted the fact that I am eligible for some age-related discounts now. That depresses me a little.
Next Friday, I am turning 56, and I am a member of Generation-X. However, I have the sense of humor of a 15-year-old, the attitude of someone a little younger, but my body feels like someone in their mid 50s. It’s good to have a youthful spirit about you.
Our current phone provider serves us well. We won’t be making a change. However, I guess getting these discounts can be beneficial, just don’t want to be reminded I am getting older for reasons.
The Tony Burgess Blog 