Thought for the Week November 7, 2011

WOW!!!!!!!!!

 

Where else in the world can there be a flood warning, a tornado warning, and an earthquake all in the same day??? Is someone trying to tell us something? Sounds like Old Testament times..... I'm waiting for the Spring.. if there is a cloud of locusts coming over the horizon, THEN I will begin to worry.

 

In the last few months I've had the opportunity to dig into the Old Testament more than I ever have.  I absolutely love the good news of the New Testament, and always held the perspective that the OT was negative, full of fear, blood, war, sex, revenge, magic, monsters, supermen, punishment, getting even, etc etc.. you know.. kind of like a best selling movie or novel would be in today's culture. What I have learned is that the OT is also packed with examples of God's grace, and repeated instances of the Creators unchanging love for us.

I highly recommend "Reading the Bible Again, for the First Time" by Marcus J. Borg (also: "Saving Jesus from the Church" by Borg)

 

In the last few weeks my family has been through some extremely trying times with accidents, sickness and death. During times like these it always amazes me the amount of compassion, selflessness, and faith that goes on display. Growing up, I thought all families were that way, since through the house fires, murders, unexpected accidental deaths, divorce, business failures, and suicides, we stuck together and ministered to each others needs. The character of the family hasn't changed one bit, and I know now how lucky I am to be so blessed with such a wonderful group of people, and know that not everyone has that kind of support system.

 

It does give me pause when I think about those who have chosen to take a different path when faced with adversity. It reminds me of the counselors joke about how many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the light bulb has to want to change.

 

It's true, sadly, that some people get comfortable wallowing in their pain. I can understand that. Change is scary, and being negative, or cynical is a sure way to prevent disappointment and more hurt.

 

Like most everything in life, it's a choice, and can become a habit, which can become a character trait. Everything is temporary, good and bad. We create our reality. WE make the choices that dictate how we handle the things that life throws our way.

 

Are you open to God's grace? Do you look for YOUR signs from the Creator? Where do you fix your eyes?? On the negative, or on the positive possibilities.

 

In this day and age, there are not a lot of things that are absolutely certain. The only thing I know without a doubt, is that God loves me totally and completely. No matter how bad I mess things up, God is there with open arms to provide me with the abundant, pure, perfect love that has no end. The other thing I know for sure without a doubt, is that God loves you that much as well. If you have lost hope, there are a bunch of loving people in our family of faith that can help you find your way back. You just have to let me or someone else know. Community and family. You are loved, and you belong. :-)

 

 

Romans 8:39

"...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 

 

THIS WEEK:

Al's dance is going on this Saturday at St. Charles Boromeo on NW 50th. Veterans Day Celebration.

www.serendipittysingles.org for details!!! These are always a lot of fun, and very friendly. For all of you new people, this is a great way to get to know other Christian singles in the city.

 

Mission Outreach: Christ UMC has a need for clothing donations. Contact Rev. Linda Truitt for more information by email at lindatruitt73013@yahoo.com

 

Chile'- VIM mission to Chile' March 20- 30th 2012  This is a multi needs mission which will include Vacation Bible School, construction, Medical, Dental, and Veterinarian projects.

If you know of any MD's, DVM's, nurses, or teachers that might be interested in going, please let me know.

Airline reservations are due to the team leader by Dec. 1rst ($200)

The total mission cost will be around $2000, and will include everything. We will be staying in a fairly modern facility with running water and electricity.

 

Let me know if you have questions.

 

Blessings!!

Scott 

 

 

Rev. Scott Raines

Pastor of Singles Ministry

St. Luke's UMC

222 NW 15th St.

Oklahoma City, OK  73103

Church 405-609-1009 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            405-609-1009      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Cell 512-554-1661 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            512-554-1661      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

sraines@stlukesokc.org

www.stlukesokc.org

 

Susan Koopman

Singles Missions/Outreach Coordinator

Cell 405-202-9909 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            405-202-9909      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

singlesmissions@stlukesokc.org

Visit my blog:

http://pastorraines.blogspot.com/

 

Thought for the Week of October 17th, 2011

Who ever first said "When it rains it pours" could probably relate to anyone that has had a lot of pretty serious things happen to the people in their lives in a short period of time. I've learned in my life that how you get through things that are unexpected, all depends on how you choose to receive and process the information. For example, if your thoughts focus on the negative, then your ability to see that what you are going through is changing minute by minute, and things will eventually return to "normal", will be limited, if not lost, by internalizing the state of your being. But by the same token, if you are in denial about the misfortune you may experience, that can be just as dangerous. 

When I was working as a field inspector for the oil and gas regulatory agency in Texas, while attempting to access a remote drilling location, I found myself stuck in a dry creek bed. It wasn't unusual to become stuck in remote locations due to the nature and locations of the inspections I had to complete for compliance of environmental regulations. Because of that fact, I always carried two "rig timbers" or pieces of three inch thick by one foot wide, by six foot long boards, plywood, and a heavy duty jack in the back of my truck, so I could build a road out of wherever I found myself in a bind. It wasn't something that I went looking for, but it did happen on occasion. 

This was one of those occasions. We had a staff meeting that morning, so everyone was in the office in Lubbock for the first half of the day. Knowing that I was going to be in the office for most of the day, I didn't wear my normal oilfield apparel but kakis and some boat shoes. 

I ran out to a location outside of Post Texas to get a couple of my long list of re-inspections knocked out, since I only had a half day of field work that I could accomplish. I had cited the production company for a violation concerning an open drilling pit, and wanted to make sure that the proper remedial actions had taken place, so I could either submit to the legal enforcement group, or close the violation. 

In that area of West Texas, the average rainfall is around 20 inches a year, the local joke was: "yeah and you should be here on the day we get it" 

When I got to the abandoned drilling location, I had to decide whether to try to bounce across the dry creek bed in the truck, or walk another mile to the location. I usually chose to walk, but this day due to my choice of clothes, I decided to drive. I made it half way across the creek bed before I realized that the "dry" sandy creek bed wasn't all that dry or sandy, and I wasn't going to make it across. 

Resigned to the fact that I was stuck, I put on my coveralls, and begin to build a road out of the creek bed. I would dig, put the boards down, jack the truck up, slide the boards under the tires, and drive 6 feet, and repeat. I made it almost to the place where I had started at the edge of the creek, and it began to rain... hard.. accompanied by all of the wonders of a spring thunderstorm in West Texas. 

I realized that it would be dangerous to continue with my road construction, with the water, and mud covering everything including me, so I decided, being out in the middle of no where, not even a dirt road for 2 miles, I might as well rinse off some of the mud from my clothes. I hopped in the back of the truck and started taking a nature shower, and thought.. "ehhhh It can't get much worse"  As soon as I thought that, lightening struck so close to where I was, that I could smell the ozone. I then decided I was clean enough, and got back in the truck. 

The rain was really coming down hard, and I once again thought, "ah...it can't get much worse" I then looked up the creek and saw a wall of water coming towards me and my stuck pickup. It was only a few inches high, so I figured that was about as bad as it would get, and thought I'd stick it out, and it would clear up, I could try to reach someone on the radio to come pull me out, and get home before dark. 

The flood water kept getting deeper and faster, then I noticed it had covered the front bumper of my truck, and decided it was time to turn off the engine, and call for help. The 1960's era two way radio system we had wasn't what you might consider world class, but I was able to get in touch with one of the other guys in the field, even though I couldn't get through to headquarters. I told him of my situation, and that I was concerned that I may lose the truck, but I "didn't think things could get much worse" That was when I noticed muddy red water rising in the floorboard of the pickup, and finally got the message that yes.. things can get worse, and sometimes they will get a lot worse. 

The water began to rise faster, and I got one last message out on the radio that I was going to "abandon ship". I stepped out of the pickup expecting the creek bed to still be where it was, the turbid water apparently had dug a little hole where there was once solid ground. I went under water for a brief second. I believe that was the point in time where my normal positive outlook escaped me, and the reality that I could actually die here and now, hit home. I found the truck with a waving hand and pulled myself into the safety of the bed. 

For the first time, I took inventory of my situation, said an earnest prayer, which at the time wasn't all that common for me, and my crisis mode became active. I had jumped out of the second story of a burning house before, so I had confidence that I would survive. The truck began to move more than the almost undetectable rocking from the fully flooded creek bed, and I knew the force of the water was about to claim the truck. I knew I didn't really have any other option than to jump in the water, and hope for the best.

I made it out of that mess, (obviously) and carry the lessons of that day with me, now and always. 

No matter how bad things seem, they can get worse. Everything is temporary. That day just happened to be a record setting rain of over four inches in less than 30 minutes. It's another example of God literally saving my life, while at the same time giving me an experience of knowing that for me losing hope is not an option. Yes things can get worse, but the dynamics of God's creation dictate, they will eventually get back to some kind of balance, even if your reality is forever changed, there is balance, if you focus on keeping your hope alive, and ask for help. 

This scripture has a special place in my life..and reminds me that God is forever faithful. 

Isaiah 43 1-3

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"

Thought for the week of October 3, 2011

Happy October!!! Celebrate the change of seasons!!

As part of the process to become ordained in the United Methodist Church, candidates are required to describe their call to ministry in writing. I'd like to share part of my call with you.

When I was in the beginning stages of answering my call to ministry, I had a dream that I was headed out to check on the wheat pasture where I had some cattle grazing. For you non-farmers, when you graze wheat over the Winter, it's important that you pull the cattle off of the wheat before it begins to "stem". This means that when the wheat begins to transition from what is more of a grass, and begins to grow into stalks, the ability of the plant to recover from grazing is diminished, and the damage to the plant will decrease your harvest yield. So it's important to move the cattle off of the wheat field when the time is right.

In my dream, when I arrived at the wheat pasture, to my surprise, the wheat had already grown to a stage that would soon be ready to harvest. I shared that dream with my Mother, and she simply said, "sounds like you might be a little late to the harvest, but not too late". She was exactly right, and I knew that this was another affirming "nudge" from God to keep going the direction I was going, and to stop worrying about missing out on the many opportunities I might have had, if I had of chosen to surrender completely to God's call earlier in life.

The next Sunday at St. Luke's, when I walked into the sanctuary, there were two big planters behind the alter that were full of ripened wheat. Again, I got chill bumps from head to toe, and again, recognized this as an affirming sign from God that I was in the right place at the right time. 

God gives us signs all the time. There are so many stories in the bible describing signs and situations where God's hand is obvious and undeniable. Are you paying attention? Are you open to God speaking to you in your everyday lives? Are you fighting the Creators will for you to be in harmony with the Divine creation? Do you want things to go more smoothly for you in your everyday life? Could you use more unforced grace in your life? Christ doesn't say anything in the bible about worshiping Him, but he does say, over and over again, to "Follow Me".

My favorite paraphrased bible is "The Message" because of the plain and modern language.

One of my favorite teachings of Christ is that if you follow Him, life will be easier.

In Mathew 11: 28-30 Christ describes the benefits of living a Christ centered life.  

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep Company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Talk about good news!! Yes surrendering to God's will can be a little scary, but seriously, God never gives up on you, and as I can attest, the Creator won't leave you alone either. You can turn away, you can run the other direction, but the love and grace of God will never be diminished. Thank God for that!!!!

Thought for the Week of September 12, 2011

This past week I had the opportunity to discuss "God's Will" with complete strangers in a hospital waiting area. The wildfire coverage was on the TV in the waiting area, and one of the ladies said something about wondering if a natural disaster was "God's Will". Of course I had to pipe up and state my position.. being the shy and reserved guy that I am.

The question of why bad things happen to good people has been written about and discussed over and over again, but it is still one of the hardest things to understand.

During this 10th anniversary of the 9-11 tradgedy, many are still trying to find a way to reconcile the events of that day. Not unlike the Oklahoma City bombing, the lingering questions of why did this have to happen, and why did so many innocent people die, remains unanswered. Even though the state extracted it's revenge against one of the perpetrators, the damage of the OKC bombing will forever live in the minds of those affected. Being present with those that were in Oklahoma City, some a few blocks away, when the bomb exploded or lost people in that tradgedy, it's obvious that the shadow of the trauma is still very present in their contenance when they share their memories of that horrible day. The question of why once again comes to the surface, understandably connected to the Creator, usually in the form of.... Why does God let bad things happen to good people.

When I was a teenager, there was a double homicide/suicide in my family. My two half sisters were taken from us at the ages of 7 months and 18 months. I learned several things about life including that sometimes there is not an answer to "why". Bad things do happen to good people, and tradgedy can come to anyone at any time. I also learned from that period of time which also included losing two homes within 5 years to fire, that being angry with God is alright, even expected. Most of all I learned that God also morns with those that have suffered be it a major or minor loss. God is always there to bring you comfort, but you have to be open to recieve that comfort. Eventually some of the why questions may be answered, maybe not, but I found most of the answers in my own heart.

The changes that those tradgedies made in the way I see the world, have brought me to this point in my life. I think it might sound trite, but the suffering I have endured, makes it more familiar and enables me to relate better and have deeper compasion for those that are hurting. We may never know the why, but we do know the how.  How to survive, how to recover, how to move on, or how to reach out for help if you need someone to share your burden. The first step to healing is to forgive. If you haven't forgiven who ever it was that was the source of your pain, including yourself.. you won't ever get to the point of being compeletly healed. Repent (fr. Greek.. literally means change the direction of your gaze, or focus) forgive, and accept God's healing grace.

I've heard several people say that they don't need "church" to feel close to God, and that may be true for them, but I am very thankful that I have a group of sinners that I see a couple of times a week that are always willing to help me through when life's storms are raging. The body of Christ is the church, and I always find comfort there.  

Blessings!!!

Rev. Scott Raines

Pastor of Singles Ministry

St. Luke's UMC

222 NW 15th St.

Oklahoma City, OK  73103

Church 405-609-1009

Cell 512-554-1661

sraines@stlukesokc.org

www.stlukesokc.org

Is "churching" someone really a Christian practice?

I hear a lot of reasons why people don't attend church, and some of them are valid reasons. I hear some talk about how organized religion is something they don't need because of one reason or another. Most of the reasons come from a wrong, or perceived wrong that they or someone they know experienced. In today's political climate, the conservative movement has fashioned Christianity into something grossly distorted to the point of almost being unrecognizable. One of the most reprehensible practices that some religious orders still have today is "Churching" someone, or asking them to no longer attend church. That policy is based on scripture according to them, usually Matthew 18: 15-17  ¹⁵ “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶ But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.¹⁷ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector."  For some reason, some religions take this to mean that the offending person should be ostracized from the congregation. I'm not sure how they make this leap of logic, when Christ repeatedly talks about bringing pagan's and tax collectors into his fold. To  me He is saying to treat that person as someone who just hasn't quiet understood what it means to live as a Christian, and to work towards reconciliation. My other thought is that he is instructing His disciples to not give up on anyone, and sometimes they may need to start from square one, and revisit the situation. Today there seems to be more exclusion of people than inclusion when it comes to being accepted as a person of faith, which is exactly opposite of Christ's teachings. If someone doesn't agree with your theology, I've found that to be the best time for me to learn more deeply what it is exactly that I believe and why. Don't be quick to cut someone off because their understanding is different from yours, and always remember the "Greatest Commandment" Matthew 22: 37-44 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” I don't see anything about excluding anyone, or asking them to never come back to your congregation.

Thought for the Week of August 22, 2011

A few years ago I had lunch with a long time friend of mine who has been in the IT business for all of his adult life.  I was telling him of my decision to completely surrender, and follow God's will for my life, changing careers, and going into ministry full time.

He used a phrase that I may have heard before, but it struck me with an impact unlike any previous time I may have heard the term. He said that living a "Christ Centered" life had given him as sense of peace, harmony and happiness that he had never experienced before, and was glad that I have chosen to do the same.

Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that we all have an internal connection to God. (Romans 8:16) 

I've given a lot of thought to what it means to live a Christ centered life. Something about adding a definition to a concept, makes me want to complete and expand the definition. I know.. I'm a nerd.. I've determined that my definition at the moment, is that I share God's creation energy within myself, regardless of my private actions, thoughts, intelligence, or desires. In other words what I do or how I choose to live has no affect on the fact that God is always with me, or inside me. That also happens to be my idea of grace. How I chose to let God's grace show in my life is my choice. It also reminds me that everyone is a child of God, no matter their circumstance, or how they choose to live etc. and should always be treated accordingly.

My goal is to always live my day to day life in complete surrender to God's will. I haven't gotten close, but that's my goal, and my direction. I know I'm doing pretty well when driving in traffic, and don't mutter anything under my breath, or not, about someone's questionable intelligence or need for corrective lenses. When I do slip, I know it's time to refocus on the grace that God has in abundance, and let whatever it is that's blocking that grace from coming through me, slide away from me.

Try it, if you don't have that practice already. It's a great way to hit the reset button on a day that might not be going the way you would prefer. People may start to ask you why you seem to be happy all of the time. :-)

~Scott

Events Schedule for the Week:

Saturday 6:45pm Meet at Skyline Urban Ministry for worship and feeding the attendees.  There is a parking lot on the West side of the church on Lee and NW 8th street, and an entrance to the kitchen area, or come in the front door facing 8th.

We will participate in worship, and then help greet and feed the attendees, then help clean up and transport the left over food to Jesus House if needed. If you plan on bringing children, please let me know. Please RSVP, and let me know if you have additional questions.

I have received a response from several at St. Luke's that plan on attending this church wide event. Thank  YOU!!

Saturday Night Dance with a Woodstock Theme …. Saturday 7-8pm Mix & Mingle + Dance Lessons South Side Shuffle Dance 8-11pm .Adm $6.00.. 1st Timers, always Free ......Dance Location: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,  5024 N. Grove Ave. Oklahoma City, OK

Thought for the week of August 15th, 2010

My Grandmother turns 97 on the 16th. She's lived a rich and fruitful life, and has touched many with her selfless approach to living life to the fullest, while always looking for ways to make other peoples life a little better, or a little easier.

I don't remember a time that my grandmother wasn't "looking after" someone that was unable to really take care of themselves. To this day, even though her body is failing, she still manages to call and "look after" other people.

She grew up on a cotton farm not too far from Altus Oklahoma, which is sometimes tied for the record high temperature during the Summer. "Nanaw", as she was called by her many adoring grand, and great-grandchildren was what some people called the "Perfect Grandmother". She even looked the part, was sweet, always kind and caring, as well as a wonderful cook. People still share her chocolate sheet cake recipe as Nanaw's Sheet Cake.

I got to know my grandmother as an adult when I moved to OKC in '08. I saw a side of her that I did not know existed. Come to find out, my "Nanaw" can be a little saucy. I was complaining about gaining weight since I'd been staying with them, and she looked at me abruptly, and said "WELL QUIT EATING".. I was shocked that my sweet Grandma had a hard edge to her that I had never seen until that moment in time. Turns out that she is human after all.  It still doesn't change the fact that she has given of herself to people all of her life, and has been a rock of steadfast love and a perfect example of trusting in Christ with all of her heart. She's lost a sibling, children, and grandchildren, and seen some pretty horrible tragedy in her life. She was raised Southern Baptist, and I remember each time that she asked me "Honey, do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior"  That question always left me a little unsettled wondering if I had done something that caused her to question my faith, but I realized later that she felt it her duty to make sure I wasn't going to hell. She was "looking after" my soul.

Say a prayer please for my Grandmother "Nanaw" as we celebrate 97 years of life on August 16th.

Do you have someone in your life that has always "looked after" you? Are you "looking after" someone now?

God's greatest command is to love one another. Thank someone who has been there for you in a special way.

There are a lot of avenues to act according to God's command, and there are a lot of people at St. Luke's that can help you find a way to use your talents and gifts.

Movie Night This Saturday at the Warren Theatre Balcony.

RSVP to me if you would like to join us!!!!

Saturday the 27th we will meet at Skyline Urban Ministry to assist with worship and feeding the homeless.

This invitation is open to the whole church. There will be some members from the Cornerstone Sunday School Class attending as well. This is NOT a singles only event. Contact Susan Koopman if you have any questions.

August 27th St. Charles Boromeo will be hosting Al's Singles Dance. More details to come!!

www.serendipittysingles.org

Check out all of the upcoming events at St. Luke's

http://stlukesokc.org/index.php/

Fall Kick Off is coming Sept. 11th

Elvis will be in the building.

Labels??

This is a repost from an article that I had published in the Amarillo Globe News in July 2004. It's funny or maybe sad, but this still applies in 2008. and it seems now as well.

This year's presidential election promises to be entertaining, with the old bugaboo of liberal versus conservative. Since Texans now seem to equate "liberal" with bad and "conservative" with good, I think it's important to define the terms as they have taken on new and more passionate meanings. What exactly does it mean to be conservative? A common definition of conservatism, from my trusty dictionary, reads thusly: "disposition in politics to preserve what is established" or "a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change
During the current administration's reign, anything but conservatism has been practiced. Here are some examples: President Bush has issued more executive orders to change the United States Constitution than any other president. It's no great feat to be more fiscally conservative than Pres. Bush. With his spending spree and deficit, he will be remembered as one of the biggest spenders in modern history. Creating and protecting jobs? President Bush's record on jobs is worse than the last eleven presidents combined. President Bush is certainly not conservative when it comes to political showmanship. I don't remember any other president who would spend as much tax-payer money to fly a jet to an air-craft carrier and announce that the war was over, especially since it really wasn't OVER over--just SORT OF over.
Maybe the pundits mean he is socially conservative. Question is, what qualifies someone to be socially conservative? You just go claim it, and there you go? Kenneth Lay was a great conservative leader and activist in the evangelical movement, close friends with the Bush family, and a staunch supporter of Tom "The Hammer" Delay. They are all considered socially conservative. If one is to be considered socially conservative, shouldn't their focus be on maintaining the "Great Society"? Knowing what the population's needs are, and finding a way to improve the standard of living for all Americans, not just the ultra wealthy? I'd bet my bottom dollar that none of the aforementioned leaders could tell you what a gallon of milk costs at their local grocery store. I would imagine that they would be hard pressed to tell you that the average stipend for a retired person drawing social security is only around $500 a month, and with the new Medicare plan in the wings as a favor to the big chemical companies, prescription costs have doubled in the last year. How is that maintaining the society that our parents and grandparents worked so hard for and even fought and died to protect?
Of course the argument that keeps floating around is: "Things are a lot different now than they were before 9-11." True, some people have been awakened by that tragedy, and have started paying closer attention to how the government's function has evolved, but let me ask you this, with all the money spent on homeland security, do you know what to do now in case of another terrorist attack? I haven't received any instruction since the fourth grade in the realm of civil defense. Then the instructions were to "duck and cover."
Growing up in the panhandle I always thought that conservative was to err on the side of less. For example, when the boss said, "Give me a conservative guess on how many bales of hay are left to haul," I would always guess lower than my first impression of at least a million bales. Of course, the hotter that August was, the higher my conservative estimate became. I guess conservatism is pretty much the same. It's not really a fixed thing, not really set in stone, but can be moved up and down the scale depending on the heat in which that particular person is required to operate. But I guess Liberalism is pretty much the same. "Liberal" always meant to me that you got more than you really needed. For example: "The catsup piled on my plate was a more liberal serving than I required." Or "Grandma sure is liberal with her kisses." But now in today's political world the term "liberal" has been demonized to the point that I've witnessed two fellows almost fight because one called the other a liberal. The same dictionary defines liberal as: "a person who . . .is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways." To which I admit being guilty.
Did you realize that outside of politics, "liberal" is considered good! For example, corporate
America demands that we "think outside the box" in order to stay ahead of our competitors. The best teachers teach their students how to think, not WHAT to think, and to have an open mind to any and all possible resolutions. Jesus taught that man had become so caught up in traditions and observances that he was missing God because of his overwhelming concern for following traditional conservative doctrine. All these ideas are what have made our society the greatest in the history of the world.


As the political season heats up, watch for the name calling on both sides. Listen to the ideas, keep an open mind, dismiss the political shysters on either side of the fence, accept the fact that applying labels is just a lazy way of thinking, and then vote your conscience. It's still the best advice you can follow.

Neil Donald Walsch "What God Wants"

I recently completed "What God Wants" by Walsch as some light reading to break up the Brueggamman and other heavier works that I am working through. I enjoyed the first three books of Walsch's that introduced me to his writing. The series, "Conversations With God" were a different take on who God is, and even though I assume there was heavy use of allegory in the writings, the overall points were well laid out, and convincingly presented. I had a hard time finding the same value in most of "What God Wants".

Walsch makes the assumption repeatedly that most if not all religion is guilt and shame based, which I believe is wrong. There are a lot of organizations that profess Christ as their example, then do everything to prove they are not a Christ centered organization. Three fourths of the book is spent condemning how people have "what God wants" all wrong, even referencing the Holy Crusades. The last part of the book discusses the  Unitarian position that we are all part of God and have the responsibility to think and act accordingly. I do agree that each one of us affects the world we live in by what we do and how we act every day. I agree that one act of kindness can ripple through those in our sphere of influence. I'm just having a difficult time wrapping my head around his position that all of His creation is God. It's a huge paradigm shift to move from God as a separated Deity, to one of God as everything everywhere.. I'm going to have to process this one for a while. If you choose to read this one... go ahead and scan through the first half, and enjoy the last.

Jesus was not pro Religion, nor was He a Christian

I read an interesting devotional every day from Richard Rohr Daily Meditations. You can sign up to recieve the same at: http://cacradicalgrace.org/get-connected/emailsubscriptions

I hope some day to be able to write as well. Today's meditaiton was about peoples' different beliefs and understanding, which I found interesting after my blog from yesterday. Must be something in the air. :-)

His point is that Jesus never did say that we as Christians should police others beliefs, but that we should police our own thoughts of negativity, hateful or violent thoughts not condemn others for believing or thinking differently.

Good stuff!!

Thought for the week of 08/10/2011

As part of the Seminary "Course of Study" that I am taking, we have been required to write a paper on the two creation stories in Genesis. I have to admit, I didn't know there were two separate creation stories in Genesis, but after I re-read the first two verses, I realized that there were indeed two distinctly different stories of the creation.  I began to wonder again, how some theology can be so diverse, and then it hit me that each person reads, and takes in information from a perspective that is unique to them depending on their circumstances, and current reality.

Everyone is a theologian in one way or another. Some let their understanding and study stay where it is, and have become comfortable with it, just as it is, with no desire to challenge themselves or what they believe. And instead of considering new information, would rather defend their beliefs as ultimately correct, and any deviation to be invalid, no matter what new information or understanding might be made available.  

When I've invited people to come to church, I've been told by some, that they have a good relationship with God, and don't need church because of this or that reason. Usually it has something to do with hypocrisy, or some perceived slight, or not feeling that they fit in with "church". 

Some are critical of church because of their perception of church, and feel like the church should be more this, or more that.

My thought is that you are responsible for your relationship with God, and church should only be a part of your spiritual life. The church is a resource for your spiritual formation and journey, not the culmination and final product. Yes the church is full of sinners, which is as it should be, but the difference is that those sinners that fill the pews on Sunday, or those that are participating in the programs offered, are challenging themselves to grow.

Growth can be uncomfortable, and sometimes can be downright scary, but it's what we are here on this earth, in this physical presence, to do.

My mother used to cut my hair when I was a pre-teen. Once while cutting the hair on the back of my head with electric clippers, my Dad came up behind her unannounced and scared her. The clippers shot up the back of my head taking a big swath of hair right out of the middle. I was mortified. She evened it up as best she could, and told me it would be fine because it will grow back. I didn't want to go to school the next day because being in anyway different than everyone else at that age was like painting a bull's-eye on your back. I survived, and it did grow back. We still laugh about my three stooges bowl cut.  Don't be afraid of being pruned or expanding your understanding and relationships. There is peace there, and no matter how dreadful getting outside of your comfort zone may be, it will grow back.

All through the old and new testament there are references to vineyards, and cycles of growth because the agrarian society of the time could closely relate to those cycles of life. Where are you in the process? Are you moving, or are you spiritually stale? Do you need water, fertilizer, pruning, or are you bearing fruit?

Bear fruit, grow, be pruned, and bear fruit.

In John, Jesus reminds us of how important it is to stay connected, and once again, promises us that He will always be faithful.

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
~John 15:4

Thought for the Week of April 26th 2011

Have you ever been skydiving and run into a bird? Me neither, what are the odds??

I have however dropped my keys when trying to get on my way somewhere, in fact I did that last week.

I really don't believe in coincidences, but I still felt a sense of frustration at my clumsiness, and chastised myself as usual. A thought occurred to me, that has taken up residence in my mind. Why feel frustrated, it's over and done, and frustration is a negative emotion that has no value for my life goals. The old adage "don't cry over spilled milk" comes to mind. There are no new lessons to be learned, things happen, that we can't control, and why could it not be something positive. I was able to find my keys in the first place, so that is a positive. :-)

I recently completed the psychological evaluation as part of the ordination process to become a pastor in the United Methodist Church. At the end of the lengthy, and stressful process of evaluation, the psychiatrist asked me what I thought I needed to work on, or be better with, to become the minister that I want to become. The first answer that came to mind was to stop being so self-critical. She told me that was a common one among those that have answered the call to ministry, which to me was surprising. She went on to say that by being overly self critical, one can miss out on the fruits of their labor, in the joy, peace, or comfort that their words, presence, and kind look or touch may have given someone.
I need to stop second guessing God's grace, and plan, and know that He is in control. I know that, I just have to remember to put it into practice, all the time.

The day last week that I dropped my keys, I left the church, and headed towards home. I got to a stop sign at the end of the block in time to see a young man in a dilapidated car talking on the phone, and speeding down the one way street I was about to cross, going the wrong direction. Had I not dropped my keys, it is very possible, that I would have not looked for someone going the wrong way down the one way street, and pulled out in front of him, causing a serious collision.

Don't fret over what we normally see as small hiccups, setbacks, and apparent frustrations we come across in our daily activities, a minor delay could possibly save a life. Trust in God, and walk with Him always.

~Psalm 33:10 "God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world's power-schemes. God's plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last. Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he's put in his will."       From The Message

Thought for the week of May 16th 2011

In the last couple of years I have been going through the discernment process for my calling to serve God. One of the most interesting parts of going through the discernment process has been to really focus on my calling to determine which piece of the many available ministries I am best suited. One of the many people that are helping me in my journey suggested that I write down all of the things I feel I must accomplish, rate them in order of priority, then assign a "joy" rating for each one. How much joy do I get from each of the responsibilities I have, and how important that responsibility is to reach my ultimate goal to become a perfect representative of God's love to everyone I come in contact with at all times, and to always do God's will.

One of the first things I came to understand during this period of rapid spiritual growth was that the more I get out of the way, and God comes through me, the more joy I experience.

I had a friend call to visit not too long ago. She told me that she was finally where she thought she wanted to be. She was making a six figure income, had a nice home, a nice car, "life" was good. She went on to say that she was not happy, and that she was frustrated that her life was not fulfilling. She said she thinks that she should be happy, but she has no joy, and she is considering quitting her job, and moving to the mountains to sell rocks in a rock shop somewhere. She is doing environmental remediation as a hydrologist, and knows her work is important, but something is missing.
I hadn't spoken to this young woman in seven years, but it was like she was expressing to me exactly where I was six years ago.

The world tells us that in order to experience joy, we have to have the latest vehicle, the latest clothes, makeup, TV, workout program, food, and beverage, vacation, credit card, toy, or the latest prescription chemicals that will make your eyes bright, your teeth white, and make aging a pleasure.

I contend that Joy is not that complicated, nor does it require spending money, and acquiring things. For me, the purest joy I receive comes from when I give of myself. It's better to give than to receive etc. I have learned that giving something as simple as my presence can bring joy. Doing something nice for someone, holding a door open, offering to carry a heavy load, a smile, delivering a meal, visiting someone in the hospital or care center, a kind word of understanding or encouragement, a hug, a pat on the back, and not expecting anything in return has given me more joy in my life than all of the things I have ever owned.

It's easy to do, there are opportunities available all the time, and the best thing about it, there is no cost involved, and very little effort, other than letting go of whatever negativity or fears, you are holding on to, and letting God shine through.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"
~Romans 15:13

And my favorite reminder of how to live.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
~Galatians 5:22-23


May you find joy and peace!!

Thought for the week of June 6th 2011

Life is a struggle sometimes. You know you are doing everything right, and the best that you can, but sometimes it just seems that no matter how hard you try, things just won't go the way you want them to or think they should.

No healthy person enjoys drama and crisis in relationships.

There is a reason or a cause for things being out of whack.

I've grown to recognize those dark times when I'm out of balance as a sign to do some serious introspection to figure out what it is inside me that is causing the friction. The only thing I can change is me, so I've finally learned that's where I should start. Spiritual growing pain symptoms usually include some frustration, and sometimes anxiety. This one is a biggie.. or as my dear departed Granny Honey used to say, this one is a doozie!!

I have some old thing that happened long ago, that I have been forced to pull from my past and re-examine. Some things that caused me a lot of pain, and I really never completely forgave that person.

I was surprised when I "found" this old scar was what was causing my anxiety now so many years later. I realized that I still needed some closure, and have begun working on a strategy to get that closure.

I was reminded that holding a grudge, or having negative feelings toward anyone is the same logic as drinking a bottle of poison, and expecting the other person to get sick.. it just doesn't work that way..

I believe that anything that gets between you and being in perfect connection with God is the Satan.

Don't let the Satan win. Choose God. And yes it takes some effort, focused work, and maybe even a little pain.

Thought for the Week of August 1rst 2011

A friend of mine saw a sign in front of a church not long ago that read... "If you think it's Hot Here, Think about where the sinners go"

I can't help but be disappointed when I see those kind of references to the wonderful gift that God gave us through His death on the cross.  I also wonder why a church would want to attract members motivate by fear of going to hell. To me it's not a lot different than advertising for a haunted house. "Come in and Be Scared". How about come in and be loved?  I'm so lucky to be a part of a church that believes in sharing God's love as the first rule of order.

we choose to live in God's grace. Living in fear of death and judgment can't lead to realizing your full potential on this earth, which is what we should be striving towards. I believe heaven on earth is here and now

It's simple. "Love one another"  appears over and over in scripture teachings. Sometimes it's not so easy, sometimes we may not even love ourselves. God's promise to us is that He will always love all of his creation, but especially will unconditionally love his children.

Do you need to be loved on and loved up? I know I do!! Come join us and share the love!!!