Fwd: essay

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gail Rosenbauer <lgrosenb@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, Oct 9, 2020, 5:25 AM
Subject: essay
To: Scott Habina <scotthabina@gmail.com>, Gail Rosenbauer <lgrosenb@sbcglobal.net>

ULC Seminary Final Essay Submission for Master of 

Chaplaincy Studies 

 

 

Scott Habina 

5313 Alyse Drive 

Haltom City, Texas 76137 

 

 

While I understand that this essay is for the completion of the course study, I am submitting this as a testimony to the power of God and 

his grace. 

During my course study completion, I experienced the major loss through death of my wife and daughter in unrelated incidents. Along with many setbacks. However, this course has helped me to work through many things that I would not I would not have been able to without the grace of God.  

The course helped me work through many emotional crisis's that I would not have possessed the courage, without what is contained in the course. 

What I have learned from the material is invaluable in my life. I experienced the path and plans that I am setting my sights on.  My plan is to take what I have learned and apply it ln my life. 

I incurred invaluable information and taken to heart.  Chaplaincy at the hospital I have spent a great deal of time there recently. 

Through this study firstly I learned; remembering at what point I felt my call to the ministry.  Looking back on my life I rediscovered times when God revealed himself through my emotions, calling me to the ministry early in my life.   

We attended a little country church, my first clear memory in my life was when my mother was the leader of the ages 11 through 14-year-old boys and girls youth fellowship (Ciro).  One long weekend, a 3-day retreat was scheduled, I was permitted to attend because my mom directed the activities.  At this retreat I was moved by a sense of peace and serenity being in fellowship with others.  I felt the spirit move me, I yearned for the others to feel the same sense of peace in their lives. The memories of my time in the church was going on summer mission trips each year, to help others are some of my favorite things to do each summer.  I also loved going to Florida walking on the beach for miles, watching the sun rise and sun set, knowing God was responsible for such a tranquil peaceful and serene elements of GODS world. 

The second realization was my discovery that at this point in my life I recognize that the spirit has guided me in the life experiences and challenges have brought me back to the ministry. Without the experiences I have been through I would not be able to relate to my losses to others.  I would lack the experience or have the tools to council properly.  However, I realize that we should never stop learning and should always be trying to improve ourselves as to better serve others. 

I have discovered during this course that one of the most important skills is the development of active listening skills. I have made the sixth skill part of my daily life. I believe you never stop learning

Re: Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 19

On Sat, Sep 26, 2020, 6:40 AM Scott Habina <scotthabina@gmail.com> wrote:

   1) Tool belt and box 

        My tool belt and box are one in the same , Since I am not currently ministering I have a back pack that I take with me everywhere I go. It contains my laptop, business cards, small Bible, and a recorder.

My cellphone allows Internet and any other correspondence the needs to be made. And of course a face mask and hand sanitizer are always on hand.

 Rev. Scott

Lesson-18-Accountability#2-Personal Spiritual Care

Spiritual Self-Care Planning would begin with 1) Physical self-care- listening to the body. Since stress is experienced physically, it is important to identify where stress manifests itself in the body, routinely check vulnerable areas, and find effective ways to counter act physical stress with relaxation. A variety of methods exists, including simple breathing techniques, progessive muscle relaxation ocupressure, massage therapy, exercise, yoga, and meditation, attending to on going difficulties such as depression or anxiety and insomnia is included. 2) Emotional and Cognitive Self- Care-Express, Soothe, Release includes maximizing energizing emotions and processing grief, routinely letting it in and out of one' s life. Identifying individual emotional crying, irritability, anxiety, numbness, self- doubt, or addictive behaviors is important. 3) The key to emotional self- care is routinely expressing, soothing, releasing emotions allowing for more frequent crying may be appropriate for professionals, even if a movie or music is needed to " jump start" a good cry. Other methods include writing, creating, listening to music, talking with confidants, enjoying hot baths, being held, or cuddling a pet, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, mindfulness, prayer, gardening and cleaning offer other emotional soothing outlets allowing time to soak up joyful times and successes or engaging in pleasurable activities and humor is energizing 4) Relational Self- Care- Support, Support, Support stress responses include increased irritability, distance, or dependence. Finding those able to listen and support is critical. It is helpful to educate significant others about work stresses, when it's about work not about you and the way they can offer meaningful support. This means knowing what you need and being able to ask for it, which is often difficult for professionals. In addition self- care requires setting healthy limits in personal and professional relationships. Helpful tools include identifying warning signals of overextending, practicing setting limits, and handling conflicts by dealing directly with the person when an issue first arises, while remaining focused on solutions without blaming or personalizing. Regularly scheduled supervisory and peer sessions are vital to preventing burnout and compassion fatigue, to the extent they provide positive, constructive feedback that assists in managing emotions, maintaining confidence and self- esteem, normalizing experiences, and developing new resources and copying methods 5) Spiritual Self-Care- Tuning in to the BiggerPicture staying attuned spiritually includes reading sacred texts, praying, attending services, connecting to nature, listening to music, meditation, and engaging in creative endeavors. 6) Self- Care Is Not Optional- Since the professionals self is the vehicle for serving clients, self- care is similar to musicans caring for their instruments, an occupational responsibility, tending to the source of one's gifts results in a long career of privilege as a compassionate sojourner in many clients lives. 

Lesson-16- The Soul Friend

When I think about the word soul-friend it brings my mind to two sisters in my church who would always want to be in my company. I have prayed with them, confessed things that we couldn't talk openly to others about.you felt a trust there.no fear. We celebrated one another, encouraged and went places together.it was said that it might sound strange but I just want to be in your presence.it trully is a spiritual connection there. They would ask guestions and valued my words. I feel a special type of bond with them and it doesn't take much for them to be considered one of my closest friends and we don't have to be around each other everyday. I least expected it because I never knew this was called a soul- friend. To improve or make it better I would just be real and cherish it more and be a loyal friend. Keep doing what I'm already doing.

Lesson-15-Worship Matters

Sacred Space- Since you can't always easily travel to sacred spaces outside the home, I will develop a physical area in my home which will create a feeling of connection and serenity. My sacred space should be designed to inspire anyone entering in some way and allow them to self reflect about what they need to accomplish. So I set the mood with worship music and the aroma of essential oils that would immediately cause them to reflect on the Lord and go into a spirit of worship. I would have already satuated this sacred space with prayer. I have a bible sitting on the table with pen and paper. As they enter into my kitchen without distractions its like a mini- sanctuary which I pause and reflect daily by the window in this sacred space watching the beautiful sky and 🌳.I would feel the calming of my mind and the relaxing feeling that comes while here in my sacred space that is part of the integral of healing in my body when I might be feeling sick. Which makes my , body and spirit stronger which has caused me to be better mentally and physically in health. The mere fact that I created an altar can be helpful and comforting to know that people have a place to go to meditate and be healed and receive strength and hope in their daily walk.-------------------------.       Marriage Policy-2- Marriage is a holy covenant, a solemn agreement made by a man and a woman with each other and with God. This covenant is not something to enter without considering how it is defined by God, who created marriage. Because of these truths, we make the following requests of couples who want either to be married at________________ church or by a Pastor of_________________ church. We believe they will help you understand and enjoy the fullest benefits of the marriage covenant. Complete our church's instructions for Weddings document, and review it in detail in a meeting with the Wedding Coordinator as soon as possible. Attend a minimum of six counseling sessions with the pastor, to begin no less than 4 months prior to your wedding date. As part of these sessions you will be asked to read at least one book and complete weekly assignments. The purpose is to ensure that you learn God's plan for marriage. In planning your wedding ceremony, keep in mind that it will be conducted in a Christian setting, which will include prayer, scripture reading, and a great deal of reference to God's plan for marriage. Musical selections, vows,  poetry, dress and behavior are to be consistent with the truths about marriage outlined in the counseling sessions. Attend worship services together in this church( or your own church, if you currently attend one) at least twice a month between the date below and the wedding. The purposes for this include the following basic facts about the importance of the church: Worshipping God, fellowshipping with believers, and learning God's Word are indispensable to a truly happy life, especially in our homes and families; God, in His Word, clearly commands us to gather frequently with believers to worship Him and to be encouraged to obey Him( see Hebrews 10:24-25); and, Statistics compiled from many studies unanimously indicate that families who worship together consistently throughout their family life are less likely to experience divorce. If you have been sexually active with each other, we will expect you to refrain from sexual intercourse until the wedding. The ability to control your sexual desire is vital to a successful marriage.  if you don't govern your sexual desire before marriage, it is unlikely that you will be able to do so afterwards. Sexual purity until marriage is an investment in a fulfilled life together. The divorce rate for those who are sexually active prior to marriage is much higher than for those who refrain from sex until marriage. If you have already had intercourse with each other, now is a good time to begin exercising self- restraint and invest in your future. If you have been living together, we will expect you to change or adjust your living arrangements until the wedding. God's plan- to stay sexually pure and live apart from each other until marriage- is more successful than the way society sees it. If you want God's blessing on your marriage, we will ask you to enter the marriage covenant God's way.                 We have read this document and as an investment in the future happiness of our marriage, agree to abide by its terms.__________________Groom______________________Bride____________________________Pastor

Lesson 18 Chaplaincy Program

Attached is my writing for lesson 18.

Thanks!

Judy Dollarhite

Lesson 16 Chaplaincy Program

Attached is my response to lesson 16.

Thanks,

Judy Dollarhite

Lesson 15 Chaplaincy Program

Hello:

Attached is my assignment for lesson 15.

Sincerely,

Judy Dollarhite

Lesson 12 Chaplaincy Program

Here's my response paragraph for lesson 12.

Thank you,

Judy Dollarhite

Lesson 10

My written response to lesson 10.

Sincerely, 

Judy Dollarhite

Master of chaplaincy studies lesson16

MASTER OF CHAPLAINCY STUDIES: LESSON 16

In my ministry, I have more than one person as my soul-friend. However, my best soul-friend is Mr. Henri Louinis. How do we become soul-friends?
Well, Mr. Louinis and I grew up together. Even though he is 3 years older than I am, we used to do almost everything together. Playing soccer, all kinds of funny games, we ate together etc.… we're always having fun together. He used to fight for me when on the soccer field when someone hit me because I will not hit back.  I used to help him with homework. He has so much respect for me and until now he's still bragging about me. He used to defend me for anything because all my other friends used to call me the "little priest ".  I helped him find his wife. I was his correspondence, the liaison between him and his wife. They couldn't communicate without my presence.
Henri's wife's father used to be a pastor and we're all in our little community will go and play all the instruments at that church. We are still good friends in church and outside the church they're always looking for me for any problem or counselling. They trusted me, they believed in me and they even gave me more credit than I deserved. Actually, nothing can break our relationship. Is wonderful to be friends (soul-friends) for so many years. I know all their bad habits and behavior and they also know all mine.
I must say thank you to the Lord for having such a good relation for this long with this family. My soul-friends forever.
ReggieP.

Master of Chaplaincy lesson-10

Doctor Pierre

MASTER OF CHAPLAINCY STUDIES

Lesson 10-the listener.

I grew up in church and at a very young age, I was always happy to see my priest at the end of each mass go in front of the church's door to greet and give blessings to everyone especially the children. I thought that was a very good thing even though I didn't understand. But to us the priest represented Jesus every one can't wait for the priest to touch them; people will wait online until they've been touched.  On my part, I didn't really know about chaplain at that time, but believe a chaplain is an ambassador of god which I'm very excited know to called chaplain that's why this course is very important to me and as a divine person I would think is a right thing to do, because sometimes the when you pray and hold hands that send the message directly from the you and the person. We did that so much before and after worship, everyone held hands and kissed each other. It's a powerful method to transfer the blessing. Now this time things have changed because of what happened to women that push for precaution to avoid issues. I remember I went to my local community bank last year, there was a member I didn't see to greet as I always do, when I asked about this member, they told me she was sick, twisting her ankle. The following week I went back there, she was the first person to greet me by saying; hi Dr. Pierre, I replied, Hi, I was asking about you? She told me that she didn't feel any better. I asked her to tell me. She invited me to her office and showed me the swelling foot and told me that it was twisted. I asked her if I could pray with her and touch the twisted foot and she said yes. I did and next following week she called me in her office again to thank me for praying. I said to her the Lord did it and she should thank the Lord instead. Just like touching a baby to stop the crying is the same for a wife or husband, that you bring comfort to this person.

I love my chaplaincy course.

Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 16

  Soul-friend : I am grateful two already have a soul friend and my oldest son we have seen each other through many difficult issues, not one greater than the lose of my wife and mother of our children.He and I at that time leaned on each other for support and comfort. We prayed together many times after our lose and assisted each other in our grief and still do.

  I got ordained in order to perform his marriage ceremony which never came to pass,but my Soul-friend encouraged me to continue down the path of my calling to Jesus Christ.I would improve our friendship by trying to have a better understanding of the road that he is traveling and to provide all of the love and understanding that we are both missing with our lose. I would also try to find the sacrament of the present moment with him,and receive the grace he brings to me.

Rev. Scott Habina

Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 15

Sacred space : I will be starting out small at first with just a few sacred things as a backdrop because of the pandemic. I will have a podium and a table i front of it with the Cross, candles,as well as a Bible stand . For the service i will ware my clergy shirt and collar as well as my stole to led the worship.

 I will start the service with a prayer and call to worship then present my sermon on the message but I have prepared I will work in at that point a prayer request because the service will be online I will offer a prayer to all they're watching and you are attending the service, after that I will provide my closing statements and do an invitation to let Jesus Christ be our savior to whoever will take out the invitation and the cross I will follow this by the Benedictine and thinking everyone for the attendance and wishing them a safe and blessed week to come

Marriage policy: as for a marriage policy I will be honored to perform and to provide marriage services to any couple that requested it of me with out hesitation as long as the couple is willing to attend at least two pre marriage counseling sessions and meet all the state requirements and that I am familiar with their wishes for the ceremony.

  Rev.scotthabina

Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 12

I really had to put a lot of thought in to this lesson. As a future Chaplain and in my ministry , it is my goal to be able to provide counseling to who ever ask for my help. I will be doing more study on the field of counseling one on one as well as small group counseling.. as far as the resources available to me I have the contact information for diction groups as well as mental health professionals that would be able to assist me and those situations. It is my position not to give counseling to anyone who needs more help than I can provide without referring them to the proper authorities in that field. My greatest hope as a Chaplain is to provide the most comfort an understanding to the person requesting my help.

       Rev. Scott Habina

Chaplaincy studies lesson 16

I have had two people who have been instrumental in shaping my spiritual world. One is a man who I still speak to today. Another was a woman who I have lost touch with (she would be very old by now).  Both played extremely important roles in my life and will never be forgotten. These two individuals saw me through difficult times in different ways. The man was the voice of experience. The woman was the voice of understanding. 

In my own ministry, as you have suggested, men move in and out of my life. I might know a man for a single visit, weeks, months or, if I am fortunate, years. One such man comes to mind as a friend for over twenty years now. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday he was at a turning point and came to me for help. We do not get to speak as often as we would like but when we do it is a joyous occasion.  I've watched his childhood grow to adulthood and start their own journeys.  It is a privilege to have been an instrument in his life. His wife, from Mexico, affectionately calls me his "padrino", the Spanish word for godfather (I think). 

I have always tried to keep my relationships with the men I work with on equal footing. That is neither of us is closer to God. I am just a servant who makes the introduction and gives counsel along the way. 

Chaplaincy studies lesson 15

Most of the men I work with are non-religious and are making their first pass to living a spiritual life. While I can see where a chaplain serving people  of a given faith would possibly be more effective with religious icons/symbols in a meeting space  religious symbols would be off-putting to most of the men I work with.

I have met with men in everything from conference rooms to living rooms and even garages. Whatever the space may be it is made sacred by inviting a Higher Power into the room through prayer. Quite often even this is a new experience for those I serve.

I have never led a service nor do I expect I will be called to do so. However I have led many spiritual meetings that begin and end with a non-denominational prayer. These meetings are made up of those with diverse faiths including agnostics who have yet to find a faith to rely upon. Our requirements are few and simple. In most cases we have a room with a podium and seating and there are cases in which we have neither. For example during the current pandemic we meet in a park. There are no walls, no podium and no seating unless people bring lawn chairs or blankets. Newer men and women find this informality inviting.

Chaplaincy studies lesson 12

Write a short paragraph of how you might improve your counseling ministry and what resources are available to you.

My skills could be improved with a greater understanding of different religions. While most of the men  I work with  are not religious all are working to improve their spiritual life.  Some, over time, do become members of a congregation, temple or mosque. It would be helpful to me to have at least a working knowledge of their chosen faith. After I finish the Chaplaincy studies program I will probably jump into some comparative religion texts or courses.

Chaplaincy studies lesson 10

In what seems like another lifetime I was a massage therapist.  Every year I would donate my time and services to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, a 24 hour walking relay in which the participants are sponsored with all money going to the ACA.  I offered five minute massages to the participants. My booth stayed busy well into the early morning hours of the next day. Needless to say by the end of the event I was  physically exhausted but the rewards made it all worthwhile. 

Nearly all the participants were being treated for cancer or were related to someone who was undergoing treatment.  On more than one occasion as soon as I started to work the participant would shed tears. These were not tears of sorrow, they were tears of release. For these people it was the first touch they had experienced in a very long time. 

I appreciate the caution given in this lesson. Things are indeed different today than they were when I was young. People have become more sensitive.  I no longer offer any more contact than a handshake and even that is brief.  I will engage in the occasional hug but only when the other person initiates it.  As of today even holding hands during prayer has become an issue out of health reasons and it may be some time before this changes.  

 

Chaplaincy studies lesson 8

 

I am not a chaplain but I may have experience in two positions that seem relevant to this week's lesson.  

I worked on my community's crisis hotline in two capacities; I was on the phone with callers and I served on the board of directors in charge of seeing that our "listeners" received regular training updates and continuing education.

As a listener I had but a precious few minutes to develop trust and rapport with a caller in crisis. Doing so requires certain skills that cannot be learned by reading or listening to a lecture. What works for one individual may not work for another. A few carefully selected words spoken in kindness at the appropriate time can melt any icy block standing in the way of a meaningful conversation. A listener learns what works through their own experience and develops an intuition.  

As a member of the board I naturally had to learn the rules. I had to gain the trust of the other members and with the other listeners.  

As for confidentiality. I lived and worked in a duty to report state. Because callers were anonymous (pre cellphone/caller ID days) If a caller revealed a serious possibility of being a danger to themselves or others (especially minors) I then had to work at getting the caller to reveal their identity and/or location. Fortunately for all of my hours on the phone cases like these were few and far between. I found it best to explain the duty to report up front with the caller. I encouraged other listeners to do the same.  

Lesson 10

1) Personal policy on appropriate touch:

       It is my true belief that a touch of personal life experience must be exercised . I have been on the receiving end of this experience as a Chaplain came to me as my wife was in ICU. At this time it was at the end and came to give the last rights. As i watched him perform the last right  as i held her hand there was a sense of peace that came over her .

        The Chaplain did pray with my family and his hand on my shoulder then i felt peace also.While i understand that each situation will be different , I hope to beagle to read the situation and know what will be appropriate for the family in there time of need . allowing the Holy Spirit to be my guide . I also will ask if they are comfortable with that action prior to doing it and knowing there current condition and needs .

           Rev . Scott