Changing and Moving
Rev. Dr. Richard Armstrong, D.Min.

Not long ago I read that the Orlando area in 2005 had surpassed 3.3 million residents and will grow by another 419,000 by 2010. That is an average of 83,000 new people annually through 2010 (Demographics USA 2005, Market Statistics). At that time Orlando was the fastest growing market in the nation after the city of Phoenix and is growing three times faster than the nation as a whole (Woods & Poole Economics 2005 MSA Profile). That means 419,000 people and more in transition and relocation - 419,000 people with endings and new beginnings of some type or another (that has included some of my family). And maybe that total number of new residents is larger that 419,000 due to the number needed to overcome those who die, have babies or move away. So this represents additional pictures of transitions, changes, endings and new beginnings.

In his book TRANSITIONS  Making Sense of Life’s Changes  William Bridges talks about transitions having three parts to them 1)AN ENDING (the time at which the move takes place) 2) A NEW BEGINNING (a time in the future when this part of our lives will feel more comfortable and fulfilling than it does now) and 3) A PERIOD OF CONFUSION AND DISTRESS (the time in between as adjustments are made to new neighborhoods, new doctors, new patterns and new people). Bridges goes on to say that “The past isn’t like a landscape or a vase of flowers that is just there. It is more like the raw material awaiting a builder…”  Life can now be different with new opportunities and new directions but also new struggles in the search in between ending and new beginning. God was with the people of Israel in their struggle and growth through the wilderness. The celebration of Easter reminds us that God is with us providing new life, light and hope following the Lenten reflection that correlates with the times of struggle, searching, loss and new birth of daily life. Relocations and transitions can be trying times and exciting times as we live in the promise of God’s grace!

I probably was drawn to this topic and the subject of relocation due to the fact that we at Lutheran Counseling Services are in the process of searching for a new location within the Orlando community for our “home office.”

This is a time of transition for us. It is a time of trusting God’s grace and blessings for the ministry that we do together with many of you who have been valuable partners with us.

419,000+ people in transition? Well maybe even some of the 3.3 million people are in transition as well? Living through endings, new beginnings and “in between times” as part of life in this world. LCS is available with  faith-based professional counseling, mental health education, and consultation for individuals, families and communities… sharing God’s abundant grace with those who are in need. We are grateful for your partnership and we will keep you informed as our transitions continue.
 

Ask the Pastoral Counselor
Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong

Well it is really getting difficult with the financial struggles right now…mortgage payments have increased, gas prices have increased, most other prices have increased and now I am told there will cut backs at work. I do have reserves…but still I wonder and am concerned. So what do I need to remember? MM - Winter Springs

I understand the concern and I like the question “what do I need to remember” because often our answers are found in lessons we have learned in the past.

I saw an article recently entitled “Survival tips to get through tough economic times.”  They stated that “With unemployment rising, the stock market tanking and the economy staring at a recession, what can you do to weather the turbulence?” They suggested 5 ways to survive a crunch:
*Do not panic.  The worst thing consumers or businesses can do in a slumping economy is make rash judgments or follow the herd off some cliff, experts say. "Keep calm; keep your cool."
*Prepare for adversity.  Save, save, save. Establish emergency savings…
*Tighten the purse strings.  Go over your spending and look for areas to cut back
*Proceed with caution.  Continue to spend and invest, but be more cautious, especially if you fear that your job or your company may be at risk.
*Think fuel efficiency.  As gas prices increase this is one place where cutting back can take place and it helps the environment…
Article Orlando Sentinel 1/20/08 Jerry W. Jackson & Richard Burnett  - Spraker, Fitzgerald, Tamayo & Moisand in Maitland

Those are the “physical” ideas from some “experts” but as you stated “what do you need to remember?” What has helped you in the past? In other times of concern and uncertainty what has helped you emotionally and even spiritually? What’s worked in the past can be lesson for the future as well. I recently reviewed the biblical story of Joseph. I was reminded of how many times of uncertainty and struggle he endured, even how he was led to lead his nation through times of famine and his family through reunion, healing and transformation even to the point where he could say to his brothers who sold him to slavery "You intended to harm me, but God used it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid...” Genesis 50:20-21
The reminder for me was that God has sustained me before again and again. He has taught me many lessons through those times that will sustain me in these times as well. I wonder what you remember and have learned for these times for yourself.

 If you have questions for Pastor Armstrong, please email them to LCSFLORIDA@earthlink.net

 “Emotional and Spiritual Resiliency in Older Adulthood”

Traumatic experiences occur throughout the life cycle.  Aging issues sometimes bring into sharper focus the many losses that have accumulated during earlier life.  Deaths and illness of loved ones, loss of friends, changes in residence, health, loss of familiar surroundings and social networks, are just some of the accumulated losses that affect us as we age. 

Over the past five years, LCS has offered specialized approaches to address the needs of older adults in our community.  In December, 2007, LCS was selected to receive a grant from the Lutheran Services for the Elderly Endowment for the first year of a three year project, “Building Emotional and Spiritual Resiliency in Older Adults Affected by Trauma.”  Targeted outreach will be provided to older adults needing a stronger support network, those with losses, and those raising grandchildren. 

Searching…

Lutheran Counseling Services has begun a search process in order to relocate the present “Main Office” facility. LCS is looking for possible site locations and/or real estate personnel who can advise and help in this process. The ministry is seeking a facility with a minimum of 2600 square feet; 8 offices; safe area for night meetings; adequate parking and a welcoming, hospitable environment (more details available). If you know of potential locations and/or individuals that could be helpful to this process please call (407-644-4692) or contact us by mail at lcsflorida@earthlink.net and we will forward to our Board Chair, Associate Director and Executive Director.

Thanks…..

LCS is so grateful for grants received from:

*        The Darden Restaurants Foundation that assists with our ability to not change the low base fee since 1992… a tremendous help for over 500 sessions for individuals and families in these challenging economic times.

*        The Anna & Ferdinand Duda Foundation whose wonderful grant assists with 300 sessions and the initial expenses associated with the re-location of our main office.

Family Talk
By Mary Jo S. Hoard, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, QCSW

The Importance Of Family Meetings

Spending quality time with family members is crucial. One way to arrange time together is to schedule family meetings. Taking into consideration everyone’s busy schedules, the biggest challenge is identifying a time when everyone can participate. Be creative – a good time might be Saturday morning breakfast before the day’s activities begin. How about a movie night with a fun meal of tacos and ice cream sundaes for dessert followed by a thirty minute meeting? Show a family friendly movie with assorted popcorn flavors as a special treat. The ideas are endless for ways to make a family meeting fun. Once the date, time and special activities have been established, think about  what needs to be accomplished for example, organizational tasks (assign chores), scheduling (figuring out a way for everyone to get to their activities), planning a vacation, or discussing impending changes (a puppy).

 Adhere to the following guidelines for a successful family meeting:

·         Adults plan an agenda in advance of the meeting
·         Everyone should have an opportunity to contribute ideas and opinions
·         Stress consideration and politeness, for example, only one person talks at a time
·         Make a point of validating each person in the meeting by celebrating an achievement,
      commenting on progress made in a specific area. Parents can identify special awards…
      Best Kitchen Helper, Best Big Sister
·         Teach key points about conducting a meeting by assigning jobs (age appropriate),
      facilitator to call the meeting to order and monitor progress, and timekeeper to ensure
      the meeting ends on time and scribe (secretary) to record decisions

News & Notes:

Ø      LCS Staff completed four one-day events (Sept-Dec) at the David R. Wilson Reserve Center to assist the soldiers and Marine reservists and their families affected by (re)deployments.  Over 150 reservists and family members participated.
 

Ø      LCS has begun a wellness-oriented, Circle of Life group on the space coast for clergy to address self-care priorities needed for themselves, their families and their ministries.
 

Ø      Thirteen Spanish-speaking women participated in LCS initial pilot program offered in Spanish to empower healthier family function.
 

Ø      Mel Jacob and Rick Armstrong are leading a workshop “Spiritual/Emotional Recovery after Katrina” for the Annual conference of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors’ Conference on March 28th in Norfolk, VA.
 

Ø      Rick Armstrong presented “Re-Made…When We Fall Short” at the FL-GA Dist, LCMS High School Youth Gathering, 3 workshops with 240 young people in attendance.