Thought for the week of January 30, 2012

Growing Pains.  

   

For those of you that have been blessed with children, "growing pains" are something that you are probably familiar with from the experience of the rapid growth of those children.  

As adults, we continue to grow, but instead of the pains from rapid physical growth, pain can come from emotional and spiritual growth.  

   

Some of life's lessons are just hard, and there is no way around that fact. As a pastor in the making, going through the long involved, and intense process, I've experienced some major challenges with my identity of who I am internally and to others. Some of the problems and issues with which I have been presented, I have failed miserably. I have failed myself, the other person(s), and God. Recognizing that failure, and accepting that failure hurt, as it should. Once I realized, and re-evaluated my actions, or inactions, I have found that I have grown in my understanding of God's expectations, others expectations, and my own expectations. In all circumstances, I have experienced God's grace in that I have been given the opportunity to make amends, and have done, or am doing so. I am very blessed that I have the chance to make things "right". Discerning God in the things that happen in your life is sometimes challenging, but can be done through prayer, and honest self assessment, after you have suspended your ego.  

   

Many of us recognize that growth is continual through life. To experience growth, you have to start somewhere. Fully understanding and evaluating past experiences, is the basis for which new growth is launched. Spiritual growth, just like personal growth takes intention. If you want to move ahead in your profession, or personal life, you have to learn new things. Spiritual growth is no different. If you don't like where you are, change what you are doing, or thinking.  

   

I recently posted something on face book about the fruits of the spirit as listed in Galatians 5: 22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Eating fruit salad is much better tasting than eating crow. But, sometimes you have to eat a little crow, or humble pie, to make things right. In my case, had I been acting in spirit, I would be enjoying "fruit salad" instead of crow. Lesson learned, growth achieved. Self expectations re-set, and most importantly, self forgiveness accomplished.  

   

Oddly enough, one of the emailed devotionals I received today was along the same lines as what I've been experiencing this week. This is taken from Daily Meditation: Living a Whole Life for Jan 31rst. You can read the whole message here:  (http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Daily-Meditation--Living-a-Whole-Life----Jan--31--2012.html?soid=1103098668616&aid=UwUMFPy1GKs   ) "The principle is this: transcendence means including the previous stages. Then you can see the limited—but real—value of the early stages. But you will no longer put too much energy into just looking good, making money, feeling secure at all costs, and making sure you are right and others are wrong. That’s what it means to grow up, and Christians need to grow up just like everybody else."  

   

What's your growth plan? Starting by making a list of the things you are grateful for is not a bad way to begin your growth journey.  

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WNA is going full steam: "The 5 Love Languages" study has been a blast to lead.  

Come enjoy a meal for $5 starting at 5:15 - 6:30, then choose one of 15 plus classes to attend ranging from home repairs, to the more ethereal subject matter.  

   

Singles Harmony Bible Study at 10:50 Sunday mornings is going great. Al will be leading the study this week, as I have family obligations in Texas, which have called me away.  

   

Free Zumba at Christ UMC on NE 17th and Kelley Saturdays at 1 pm. Great fun and great exercise!!  

   

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Have a Blessed Week!!!!  

Peace and Grace!!  

Scott  

Thought for the week of January 23, 2012

While discussing Paul's writings with a couple of family members this weekend, the topic of flesh vs. spirit came up, and led to some interesting points. I believe that when Paul spoke of "flesh", he was referring to ego, more than he was the physical body. Ego and spirit are indeed separate, but in my opinion, matter and spirit are inextricably connected. More and more I see studies, and evidence of the link between positive thought, and well being.

When struggling with a decision in life, I've found that sometimes the best thing to do is to be still enough for the spirit to come through, and guide me, maybe in tiny increments toward the right choice. Our Ego tends to get in the way, and can cloud our discernment of God's will for our lives.

As Dr. Long continues his sermon series on 365 days of gratitude, remember that gratitude unexpressed is useless. Find someone that has done something positive for you, been there for you, or helped you in some way, and tell them thank you. By lifting someone else, you will receive a lift yourself.

Wednesday we continue our discussion of "The 5 Love Languages"  during the WNA class. We are having a blast digging into our relationship communications, and learning how to improve the way we relate to each other at home, work, and church.

Singles Harmony Bible study will be continuing our study on gratitude this Sunday at 10:50 in room 208.

Hope to see you there.

Be Blessed!!

Scott