SETTING THE TONE (part 3)

I'm a Christo-centric Trinitarian convinced
the universe is centered in relationship, the eternal Three fold Friendship of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Love is simply not just an attribute of God. God is Love it's self.
The early church fathers reffered to the perichoresis or the "Great Dance of God." When a mother cradles her child close to her breast, willing to sacrifice all for that tiny new life.. where does that love come from.... the bond of love between a grand parent and grand child... a group of people banded together to save a beached whale... why would a person on the other side of the planet sponser a aids child in Africa... where does that compassion come from... it all flows from the swirl of the Great Dance of God. We were created for the great dance... the invitation is there for us to partake and to share.
Aaron and Kartikka's love for each other and their desire to declare it publicly, (Jesus loves parties), is part of the great dance...
We experienced: a blessing that day... two families coming together...an occasi0n to learn... an opportunity to simply live out the life of THE ONE i desire to follow....and an opportunity to join in His dance...
God loves us, wants us to love each other and center our lives in THE WAY...who is also the Lord of the Dance...

SETTING THE TONE (part two)

Aaron and Karttika sought out a priest to preside over the Hindu portion of their Wedding. They came across Drupida. Initially he called me with a bit of trepidation. You have to understand that his previous contact with "Christians" had been confrontational to say the least. Drupida and I made an instant connection.We cordially agreed that there would be no proselytizing at the celebration.

Aaron and his beloved live in BC so all the arrangements had to be made long distance. Karttika's family would take care of the feast. This would be easier all the way around due to their dietary codes. The Culvers' would organize the rest.

Things came together beautiful. It was a family affair. Everyone pitched in where they could. Our middle daughter and her husband would host the gathering at there place, a gorgeous Victorian Manse with a massive yard in a small rural town. A perfect setting.

About an hour before the ceremony, Drupida asked if I would do the honor of aiding him with the Vedic portion. I was overwhelmed. I'll have to pray about it and get back to you was my reply.You have to understand, most of our family are Christians and i didn't want to stumble anyone.I confirmed with my wife and one of our other son's, after praying about his request I felt to go ahead.

We had some wonderful dialogue about faith. I was very familiar with the Vedic ceremony. It is full of beautiful symbols and types. When it comes to the wedding ceremony, all the Bible is clear on is the sacredness of a covenant between a couple before God, the rest that comes down to us is tradition.

The Vedic tradition opens with a purification right. A brass spoon is used to place three drops of water on the palm of the right hand which are slushed away. Three more drops are placed , then lapped up from the palm.

"Father Son Holy spirit cleanse me. Father, Son Holy Spirit, Living Water" I remarked to Drupida as we discussed the proceedings that morning. He looked at me quite excitedly and replied "you got that out of the purification rite. "Yes.. Jesus is all over your ceremony", I countered. "The only thing I can't do with a clear conscience is chant Hari Krishna and repeat the prayers. Would you have a problem with me doing it "My Sweet Lord" style... while your chanting I sing Hallelujah" I inquired. "Fine by me", was his reply.

SETTING THE TONE (part one)

It seems fitting that the birthing of this blog would be on my eldest son Aaron's fourth wedding anniversary. Besides the fact that he and Kartika gave us our 4th grandchild a year ago this past December, a little girl... Love the three of ya.

When Aaron was younger he was positive that he would never marry or date a "hippie". If you know my wife and I you would be able to put that statement into context. Suffice it to say are still refered to as that "hippie couple". To be honest, now it's "old" hippy couple.

As the warning goes, never say never. Aaraon meet Kartika, and Darn, if she didn't turn out tobe the sweetest little "hippie chick" one could imagine. Her back ground is Hari Krishna. Her family lived in a Temple during her formative years.

By the time they meet Aaraon had wandered far from his faith heritage. Kartika was instrumental in encouraging him back to his faith roots. Challenging him to hounour the "Lord"with his life. I love this little girl.

It had always been Kartika's dream to have a traditional Vedic Wedding. I was relatively familiar with the cerimony having lived in India and having dear friends who are involved with the Christ Bakti Movement.

Aaron approached me and asked if I would participate in an interfaith Wedding Cerimony. He desired a Celtic Christian expression in tandem with the edic Vedic cerimony.. I responded in a hearty affirmative.