Thought for the Week of February 27, 2012

Courage

     Courage comes in many forms. Our world is full of courageous examples, from the grandiose well publicized events in the news, to the unknown, unannounced acts of the "least of these".    

        The soldiers in the field, firefighters, law enforcement, and the other peace keepers in society sign up to provide service to others knowing that courage is something they must be ready to display, as it is part of their duty and oath. I am most impressed by the acts of courage by those that must overcome fear unexpectedly, or summon the ability to defend a position taken with grace sans emotion, or be brave enough to pull your entire belief system out of your being, for re-examination. 

         Jesus displays courage throughout the gospels, as do his disciples. I try to imagine what it was like to be a follower of Jesus while everyone around you was of a different allegiance. Jesus was aligned to neither the Jewish, or Roman society, and I'm sure that his followers were thought to be "strange" at minimum. One of the great quotes from the Harry Potter series is: "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." Having the courage to stand up to your friends is imperative if we are to cause the ones we love to stop, and think about what they may be doing or saying that is not reflective of the instructions we have received from God, to love your neighbor as yourself. Maybe we just need to understand the thought process behind our neighbors actions better, in order to get past our own internal roadblocks to loving.

         It takes courage to make an internal paradigm shift. I've had a few "Wow, how could I be so wrong" moments of clarity in my life, and recently, it seems they come more often than they ever have in my personal history. Not big external issues, but how I internalize, and process events I see every day. Digging into why I think, feel and react the way I do with things has spurred sometimes painful growth, and peace at the same time. Being a single Christian involves some complicated thought processes especially when it comes to sexuality. I am beginning a journey to dig deeper into my belief system to determine why I have made some of the choices I have in my life, and address those root causes for the decisions I have made. I hope to have enough understanding of the dynamics of Sex and the Single Christian to offer a gathering this Summer for discussions surrounding sex and being a single Christian. It's difficult being a celibate single Christian in today's society, together we can grow in our faith and understanding surrounding this topic. 

        How is your courage? Can you take an honest look at where you are in your spiritual journey, and figure out where you might need to spend introspective energy? Have you, like I have, taken solace and comfort in minimizing events that have happened in your life by writing them off as more the fault of someone else? Do you have the courage to accept responsibility for your part, and apologize to those harmed? It's really a hard thing to do, but it gets easier with practice of which, I have had a lot. I will be writing more on my blog about my journey into my own sexuality, and how my growth experience progresses.  http://pastorraines.blogspot.com/

Grace and Peace!

Scott

If you are interested in hearing a courageous speaker on the topic of Justice. Join me at OCU for the Distinguished Speaker series. Michael Sandel, a Harvard Professor and the author of "Justice: What's the Right Thing To Do" begins his presentation at 7:30 at the Petree Recital Hall, in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Let me know if you would like to attend, and join in discussion afterwards.  More information at http://www.okcu.edu/speakers/upcoming.aspx

Tonight is WNA Night at the movies. Supper starts at 5:15, and the movie begins at 6:30

This year we are offering an amazing way to grow in your faith during Lent.

For six weeks leading up to Easter we hope you’ll join us at Wednesday Night Alive at the Movies. Each Wednesday from February 29 to March 28 we will enjoy a meal together followed by lesson from a St. Luke’s minister. The minister will incorporate clips from famous religious movies to illustrate an Lenten lesson.

• February 28 - Phil Greenwald- Fiddler on the Roof
• March 7 - Bob Long - 10 Commandments
• March 14 - Linda Brinkworth - Finding Nemo
• March 21 - Drew Haynes - Chronicles of Narnia
• March 28 - Wendy Lambert - Passion of the Christ 

We will conclude our Lenten series on April 4th with a live performance of the Living Last Supper in the Christian Life Center.

Singles Harmony Bible study will continue to meet at 10:50 in room 208.

Thought for the Week of Feb 20, 2012

"Choices"

 

The small choices we make, around what may seem to be little things, can make a huge difference in life.

I once read that: "we are what we have been becoming."

 

God's word is pretty clear in that we "reap what we sew".

 

As a young man, I did not realize that some of the choices I was making at that time would still be effecting my life in middle age.

 

I have had the opportunity to reflect on decisions made in my younger days, in hopes of gaining a better understanding of some of my relationships with younger people. Relating honestly to those in my "circle of influence", without prejudice, and with compassion, always requires an open and loving spirit. To get to that point, I must deal with my baggage, choices/results, and experiences. I must understand that I may still be carrying residual effects surrounding particular events and situations in my life, which may be similar to the situation at hand. As we all do, I have the privilege to "re-present" Christ, and I do not want to get it wrong. Honest self assessment is crucial to the process of growing emotionally and spiritually. Do I always get it right? Nope, but .. That is where I see God's grace in my life more often than not.

 

Being more thoughtful and introspective as I approach my physical life's' terminal date, I think my decision making process has vastly improved over what it was as a young man. In the bad ole days, carnal drives, egocentric concerns, and selfish needs were the overwhelming factor in a lot of the decisions I made. I equate those decisions now as lasting as long as a physical tattoo, but as an emotional/spiritual tattoo. Tattoo's can be removed, but it takes some work, and a Master tattoo remover.

 

Surrendering to do the will of God has really simplified the choices I am faced with at this point in my life. A new rubric, process, or set of standards has simplified decision making for me related to choices for my life. Perfection? Not even close, but I am pointed in the right direction.

 

Everyone has there own set of rules, filters, or a checklist used for decision making. How much power to you give to your fear?

Where is God in your decision process? Do you also have some bad choices in your past, that still have a negative impact on your life? Are you growing emotionally and spiritually? Have you forgiven yourself?

 

"Everyone has issues, everyone has baggage" is something that I have heard over and over again as a single person active in the dating pool. My question is, what actions, or plans are in place to address those issues/baggage?

 

Tomorrow night the Rebuilders group begins at St. Luke's. I went through this program hoping to learn why I was afraid to get into another relationship. I found the answer, and took appropriate steps to resolve my fears.

 

Wednesday, February 22nd, from 6:45 to 9 pm in room 205 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.

When a relationship ends it can be very difficult. The class is based on the book "Rebuilding After Your Relationship Ends" by Dr. Bruce Fisher, and is taught by Steve deQuevedo, a licensed counselor, mediator and national trainer in conflict resolution. He has many years of experience in helping people understand blocks that stand in the way of loving, fulfilling relationships.

Registration is available online at stlukesokc.org or by calling the church office at 232-1371. Childcare is available upon request.

Looking for suggestions for Singles Harmony Bible study. I am looking at "Feasting on the Word" series.

Also, looking for suggestions for the Fall Wednesday Night Alive relationship class.

I am thinking of leading a group on the book "Boundaries" or the follow up "Beyond Boundaries" The books are about healing past relationships, and moving on into a healthier state of being. Let me know in which you would have the most interest. The WNA group will, once again, be open to everyone regardless of relationship status.  

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Thought for the Week of February 6, 2012

Down time.

My Son's first song to be publicly released by a record label is called "Down Time" The bridge of the song says, "all I really need is some down time". I remember the day he wrote that song, and it was very fitting then, as it is today. Life demands as much attention as we can give, and sometimes more. I've struggled through the years balancing all of the things I need to do, all of the things I want to do, with all of the things I HAVE to do. Sometimes taking time for myself is what gets sacrificed, which is not a good thing. I have to be intentional about scheduling time for prayer and mediation each morning before I leave the house for work. Doing so means that I must get up 30 minutes earlier but it is so worth the time I spend, to find my center each day.

Someone asked me last week why my life was so funny. I explained that I did not think my life was any funnier than anyone else's, it is just that I have learned to choose to  laugh at things that others might see as less than humorous, or even tragic. I come by it honestly however.  I vividly remember standing with a crowd of people in front of the ranch house when I was 12. The conversation among the friends and family was muted, as we stood there, in fact it was oddly quiet for my bunch. Some were crying, and some were making nervous quiet conversation as we watched our home burn to the ground. My Dad, spoke up and said. "Who brought the wieners and buns for this wiener roast?" I never will forget how everyone laughed at his joke, and were amazed that even during this tragedy, he wanted to ease the pain of others through humor. I learned an important lesson that day about possessions and priorities and how they should or should not affect your life. There were real treasures in that house that had been passed from generation to generation, antiques from before the turn of the century, musical instruments that had belonged to long since past war heroes in the family, and a collection of guns that people still speak of today. Things that could not be replaced. We were all alive, and that was all important.

Granddad always said to think about "who's going to care in 100 years?" How you treat your friends and family, and the people in your circle of influence is much more important than getting "things" done, or doing things to get more things. I have learned that trying to fit everything in that needs to be done, should always take a lower priority to seeing everyone that needs to be seen. Relationships and memories of those relationships are the only things that last.

How are you finding your balance? What takes priority in your life? Do you choose to do "something" important, rather than be with someone which to you should be important? Do you have something you need to let go of in relation to someone from your past? Do you spend all of your time doing things to avoid the things that really matter in life? Of that, I must confess, I am guilty. People ask why I am still single, and my answer for years has been. "I'm too busy for a relationship." eh.. maybe not so much.

Are you building the memories and relationships you will enjoy when memories are the majority of your focus each day? Where are your priorities? How's that working for you?

Make someone's day this week. Thank them for being.

WNA two weeks left for classes. Supper at 5:15, with class at 6:30-7:30 My group will be discussing the final four chapters of the book "The Five Love Languages"

Singles Harmony Bible Study at 10:50 Sunday morning in room 208. We've got a good group started, come join us for discussions of gratitude, and the weekly scripture lesson.

Grace and Peace!!!

Scott