There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you-who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12
Loving Creator, Living Christ, Guiding Holy Spirit...
Thank you for the air I breathe and the ability to breathe it. I thank you, for I am alive and well because you desire me to be here and love. Thank you for all your children you put in my life this week. For the chance to look for the Living Christ in their eyes.
Lord forgive me for the times I relied on my quick judgement to make decisions and take action this week.
Lord I ask for help in the time to come. Please help me to see my neighbors in your light, not in my judgemental sight. Only you know the deepest secrets of their hearts, I do not.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Once Again With the Love Your Neighbor
...love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18
Played golf yesterday for the third time since the summer travels. One of our Thursday group won the day's event. It was as much fun to have her win, as it would have been if I had won. She said it had been a number of years since she had taken that specific prize. Good going, friend!
As I think about the various threesomes and foursomes that played, it was a very mixed group of people. Religiously, economically, politically, ages, each one different. Some people paired together are so happy to get to play with each other. Some groups have a little tension, maybe a past hurt or slight, former misunderstandings or embarrassment over different skill levels. So how do you bring "love for your neighbor" into one of these groups? How do we bring our peace and calm into the situation?
I have noticed that usually during the round of golf there is a spot of laughter, a little smile, a time when one player sincerely compliments the other on a good shot. Maybe, these are little openings where the path to love your neighbor can start. Maybe it starts with one little step towards sharing a good moment, one little space of time where we can let down our guard and bring a little peace to the situation. Hopefully that one "piece of peace" can grow into a longer space of getting along, into a step towards understanding that we are all God's children.
I hope so. I have faith that that is what we are supposed to do. I will still work on it.
Played golf yesterday for the third time since the summer travels. One of our Thursday group won the day's event. It was as much fun to have her win, as it would have been if I had won. She said it had been a number of years since she had taken that specific prize. Good going, friend!
As I think about the various threesomes and foursomes that played, it was a very mixed group of people. Religiously, economically, politically, ages, each one different. Some people paired together are so happy to get to play with each other. Some groups have a little tension, maybe a past hurt or slight, former misunderstandings or embarrassment over different skill levels. So how do you bring "love for your neighbor" into one of these groups? How do we bring our peace and calm into the situation?
I have noticed that usually during the round of golf there is a spot of laughter, a little smile, a time when one player sincerely compliments the other on a good shot. Maybe, these are little openings where the path to love your neighbor can start. Maybe it starts with one little step towards sharing a good moment, one little space of time where we can let down our guard and bring a little peace to the situation. Hopefully that one "piece of peace" can grow into a longer space of getting along, into a step towards understanding that we are all God's children.
I hope so. I have faith that that is what we are supposed to do. I will still work on it.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Uproot and Plant
a time to plant and a time to uproot, Ecclesiastes 3:2
Sometimes you can get by with pruning a little bit. However, when you know something is really dead you have to dig it up. Painful and sad, but, you have to do it. Sometimes it takes a long time, a lifetime, sometimes a couple of hours.
When you are landscaping your interior spiritual life, do you start by pruning the little things or do you go right to the pic-ax? What are we going to clean out today?
We must be sure to clean up the ground so we can plant a new seed.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Fellowship
Let us not give up meeting together,... Hebrews10:25
Yesterday I had beautiful and blessed fellowship in the mountains about two hours from this desert valley. A very dear couple, who happen to be retired ministers, invited me to tag along with them to meet and study with another retired minister in Hill Top, NM. What a treat and joy. We spent about two hours discussing two articles from the publication "Weavings" and some time at lunch.
One of the questions posed was do we put more of our attention into private prayer and meditation or sharing our time in fellowship. To which do we feel more drawn? I guess we need to be equal as we are called to do both. However, I had to say I am much more drawn to quiet, private study, to the still moments of prayer and meditation.
On rethinking this this morning, I believe I need to balance the two a bit better. Not lessen my private time, by make more time for group fellowship. Develop a deeper appreciation for get togethers in the Body of Christ.
Yesterday I had beautiful and blessed fellowship in the mountains about two hours from this desert valley. A very dear couple, who happen to be retired ministers, invited me to tag along with them to meet and study with another retired minister in Hill Top, NM. What a treat and joy. We spent about two hours discussing two articles from the publication "Weavings" and some time at lunch.
One of the questions posed was do we put more of our attention into private prayer and meditation or sharing our time in fellowship. To which do we feel more drawn? I guess we need to be equal as we are called to do both. However, I had to say I am much more drawn to quiet, private study, to the still moments of prayer and meditation.
On rethinking this this morning, I believe I need to balance the two a bit better. Not lessen my private time, by make more time for group fellowship. Develop a deeper appreciation for get togethers in the Body of Christ.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Prayer Friday
Each one should test his own actions. Galatians 6:4
Loving Creator, Living Christ
Thank you for the many blessings and graces received. Thank you for the breath you supply me, for vision and love.
Lord, as I walk this week please guide me to look at every thought I think, word I speak, and action I take. Let me be aware of my thoughts so that I can remove the negative hurtful ones and replace them with seeds of your love. Let only words of love and sweetness come out of my mouth. Guide my every action to do no harm.
Bless the children of God that read these pages. May we be aware we live in your love and light.
All God's children say, AMEN
Loving Creator, Living Christ
Thank you for the many blessings and graces received. Thank you for the breath you supply me, for vision and love.
Lord, as I walk this week please guide me to look at every thought I think, word I speak, and action I take. Let me be aware of my thoughts so that I can remove the negative hurtful ones and replace them with seeds of your love. Let only words of love and sweetness come out of my mouth. Guide my every action to do no harm.
Bless the children of God that read these pages. May we be aware we live in your love and light.
All God's children say, AMEN
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Consistent Golf
And we,...are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2Corinthians 3:18
Golf again today with my Thursday buddies. We had a jolly time of it. My name is consistency, had the same score as Tuesday. Not the same configuration of nine hole scores, but they still added up to the same total. I think I am a pretty consistent person, never too far off the path from yesterday. My devotional practices are pretty predictable, same pattern as yesterday, do it again tomorrow.
Yet in my life I can see where this consistency is leading to a transformation. I am not the same person I was when I started my faith walk. It seems the Holy Spirit takes you where you are and leads you deeper and deeper along the path. So where my golf stays the same, my life gets closer and closer to my Creator. Consistency in my prayer and devotional life lead to big changes.
Maybe I should be a little more consistent with my use of the practice range at the golf course.
Golf again today with my Thursday buddies. We had a jolly time of it. My name is consistency, had the same score as Tuesday. Not the same configuration of nine hole scores, but they still added up to the same total. I think I am a pretty consistent person, never too far off the path from yesterday. My devotional practices are pretty predictable, same pattern as yesterday, do it again tomorrow.
Yet in my life I can see where this consistency is leading to a transformation. I am not the same person I was when I started my faith walk. It seems the Holy Spirit takes you where you are and leads you deeper and deeper along the path. So where my golf stays the same, my life gets closer and closer to my Creator. Consistency in my prayer and devotional life lead to big changes.
Maybe I should be a little more consistent with my use of the practice range at the golf course.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Live A Life Of Love
Be imitators of love, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us...Ephesians 5:2
I did it and all is well. After 7 weeks of no golf I was back on the course yesterday and it was great. Better score than I expected to post, beautiful day, a fun format for some team play and a really gracious group with which to play.
I guess gracious sounds like a funny word to apply to a golf foresome, but golf can be a gracious and polite sport. When you are a young tike learning to play, part of the lessons always involve golf etiquette. How to treat the course, how to comport yourself on the course. From the beginning you are taught to stand still and be quiet when someone else is hitting the ball, don't step on the green in the line between your opponents ball and the hole, the golfer with the farthest distance to the whole hits next. In friendly, weekly golf matches some rules are put aside in the effort for speedier play; ready-up golf so to speak, but only after everyone agrees on it. Many rules are sort of a do unto others type thing. You don't want people yelling while you are trying to concentrate on a birdy putt, you don't want a big foot print in the green to throw your ball off line...so on and so forth.
I was reminded this morning in my devotional time that there is a difference between living in the Kingdom and living in the real, natural world. I am one that believes that the Kingdom is here, all around us. That there is a way to live my life that is closer to the Kingdom, than if I just do exactly what my ego tells me to do. Seems to me that Ephesians 4:17 through 5:21 makes for a great rule and etiquette book on how to live closer to the kingdom and how to live a "life of love".
Like new golfers we need to have a guideline on how to play the game so as to enjoy it and then spread the joy. We have to start small and try to remember one "rule" at a time.
Go ahead, reread these verses and pick one to start on today. I'm working on 4: 32...Be kind and compassionate to one another...I'm going to mindfully try to "do no harm". Be a blessing to someone today. Let me know how it goes.
I did it and all is well. After 7 weeks of no golf I was back on the course yesterday and it was great. Better score than I expected to post, beautiful day, a fun format for some team play and a really gracious group with which to play.
I guess gracious sounds like a funny word to apply to a golf foresome, but golf can be a gracious and polite sport. When you are a young tike learning to play, part of the lessons always involve golf etiquette. How to treat the course, how to comport yourself on the course. From the beginning you are taught to stand still and be quiet when someone else is hitting the ball, don't step on the green in the line between your opponents ball and the hole, the golfer with the farthest distance to the whole hits next. In friendly, weekly golf matches some rules are put aside in the effort for speedier play; ready-up golf so to speak, but only after everyone agrees on it. Many rules are sort of a do unto others type thing. You don't want people yelling while you are trying to concentrate on a birdy putt, you don't want a big foot print in the green to throw your ball off line...so on and so forth.
I was reminded this morning in my devotional time that there is a difference between living in the Kingdom and living in the real, natural world. I am one that believes that the Kingdom is here, all around us. That there is a way to live my life that is closer to the Kingdom, than if I just do exactly what my ego tells me to do. Seems to me that Ephesians 4:17 through 5:21 makes for a great rule and etiquette book on how to live closer to the kingdom and how to live a "life of love".
Like new golfers we need to have a guideline on how to play the game so as to enjoy it and then spread the joy. We have to start small and try to remember one "rule" at a time.
Go ahead, reread these verses and pick one to start on today. I'm working on 4: 32...Be kind and compassionate to one another...I'm going to mindfully try to "do no harm". Be a blessing to someone today. Let me know how it goes.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Self Righteous Forgiveness
...forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
In golf, after you hit a crummy shot that lands 42 yards to the left of your target in the bushes covered with prickly things, you are supposed to shake it off and forget it. Don't let it bother you or it will affect your next shot. I noticed in many of the Olympic events the commentators saying "so-in-so" gymnast/swimmer/runner should forget some error in their performance and get on with it. Forgive your self for the mistake and go on. Forgive and forget.
I have been spending a lot of time in my prayer chair lately doing the forgive and forget thing. I heard a sermon not long ago on the Lord's Prayer and the part on forgiveness. "Forgive as..." I think all Pastors preach on that now and again. So I have been forgiving right and left. Little slights, big earth shattering hurts, heartbreaking hurts, bringing up memories and making lists. Forgiving everybody for everything. Boy, did I feel good.
This morning something I read triggered my spirit to show me how self righteous I had become about my forgiving. I seemed to have left out a huge part of this process. Whom did I need to ask to forgive me. I have been so wrapped up in my forgiving and forgetting, I forgot to make a list of those I have hurt, slighted, ignored or just plain been mean to. Bet I can tell you right now which list will be longer !!
Now, I am not belittling the time I spent in my chair praying for the Holy Spirit to help me forgive and forget with Christ's love in my heart. No siree. I really know with the help of the Spirit I have come a long way in putting the past behind me. But I have been so one side these last few days.
Back to the chair to look into my heart for those situations I need to lay bare and put before the Throne. Thank you Creator, that you forgive and forget, help me be honest in my plea for forgiveness and bless those that forgive me.
In golf, after you hit a crummy shot that lands 42 yards to the left of your target in the bushes covered with prickly things, you are supposed to shake it off and forget it. Don't let it bother you or it will affect your next shot. I noticed in many of the Olympic events the commentators saying "so-in-so" gymnast/swimmer/runner should forget some error in their performance and get on with it. Forgive your self for the mistake and go on. Forgive and forget.
I have been spending a lot of time in my prayer chair lately doing the forgive and forget thing. I heard a sermon not long ago on the Lord's Prayer and the part on forgiveness. "Forgive as..." I think all Pastors preach on that now and again. So I have been forgiving right and left. Little slights, big earth shattering hurts, heartbreaking hurts, bringing up memories and making lists. Forgiving everybody for everything. Boy, did I feel good.
This morning something I read triggered my spirit to show me how self righteous I had become about my forgiving. I seemed to have left out a huge part of this process. Whom did I need to ask to forgive me. I have been so wrapped up in my forgiving and forgetting, I forgot to make a list of those I have hurt, slighted, ignored or just plain been mean to. Bet I can tell you right now which list will be longer !!
Now, I am not belittling the time I spent in my chair praying for the Holy Spirit to help me forgive and forget with Christ's love in my heart. No siree. I really know with the help of the Spirit I have come a long way in putting the past behind me. But I have been so one side these last few days.
Back to the chair to look into my heart for those situations I need to lay bare and put before the Throne. Thank you Creator, that you forgive and forget, help me be honest in my plea for forgiveness and bless those that forgive me.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Thessalonians
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:18
Oh my what a beautiful day! First it rained in the middle of the night for over an hour. Hard and heavy, cool winds, big puddles, just what the desert needs now and then. Second, first time we had a chance to hear the new Pastor at our church. Sounds as if he is able to tell the stories of the Bible in a strong, storytelling voice and then back them up with practical application. God first, last and always. I have not yet met him, as we were out of town and then he took off. Looking forward to it though.
Then we took ourselves to the practice range at the course to see if I can handle a swing yet. Good news is I can. So Tuesday I'll be back with the girls teeing off at 8 AM. Cannot wait. Course there maybe some asprin in the intervening hours.
So thanks are given up for rain, a healing back, and a new Pastor to get to know. Big things and little things, all God given and arranged.
Oh my what a beautiful day! First it rained in the middle of the night for over an hour. Hard and heavy, cool winds, big puddles, just what the desert needs now and then. Second, first time we had a chance to hear the new Pastor at our church. Sounds as if he is able to tell the stories of the Bible in a strong, storytelling voice and then back them up with practical application. God first, last and always. I have not yet met him, as we were out of town and then he took off. Looking forward to it though.
Then we took ourselves to the practice range at the course to see if I can handle a swing yet. Good news is I can. So Tuesday I'll be back with the girls teeing off at 8 AM. Cannot wait. Course there maybe some asprin in the intervening hours.
So thanks are given up for rain, a healing back, and a new Pastor to get to know. Big things and little things, all God given and arranged.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Prayer Friday
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. 1Samuel 1:13
Loving Creator, Living Christ
Teach me to pray in my heart at all times. Teach me to pray continually not just at moments when I think I need something.
You give me every breath I take, may I give it back to you in prayer.
Today may I please see you in all my brothers and sisters. May I love with your love and forgive with your forgiveness.
Thank you for the Holy Spirit you have sent to guide me. May I be open and listen and watch. May I know and follow your will for my life today.
Through Jesus, AMEN
Loving Creator, Living Christ
Teach me to pray in my heart at all times. Teach me to pray continually not just at moments when I think I need something.
You give me every breath I take, may I give it back to you in prayer.
Today may I please see you in all my brothers and sisters. May I love with your love and forgive with your forgiveness.
Thank you for the Holy Spirit you have sent to guide me. May I be open and listen and watch. May I know and follow your will for my life today.
Through Jesus, AMEN
Thursday, August 14, 2008
In the Presence
May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21
That is my intention today. Christ expects me to be in Them today, so today I am going to stay in this awareness of Them. That means living this day in Love. No dwelling in the past, no grudges, no worry about tomorrow. Walk my talk, practice what I read and believe. Act in love not react in judgement. One breath at a time, be aware of the Love in the Trinity.
Breathe with me today. OK?
That is my intention today. Christ expects me to be in Them today, so today I am going to stay in this awareness of Them. That means living this day in Love. No dwelling in the past, no grudges, no worry about tomorrow. Walk my talk, practice what I read and believe. Act in love not react in judgement. One breath at a time, be aware of the Love in the Trinity.
Breathe with me today. OK?
Monday, August 11, 2008
When the Tree Blooms, Then What?
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. Isaiah 35:1-2
OK, so it's not a picture of a crocus. It does, however, show how the desert and parched land can be glad when rain comes!
It's not an almond tree either. This morning I was reminded in my reading of St. Francis confronting the almond tree.
When we burst out of our wilderness and blossom, we rejoice and feel great joy. When the Holy Spirit leads me deep into a truth, I feel so good and warm and lovely. But how do I show my flower, my blossom? I spent some time this morning in my prayer chair with this question.
My blossom will turn into fruit, unless I only bloom superficially.
I've studied the fruits of the spirit before...Galatians 5:22-23...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Today, though, I touched them in another place. I need to see the blossoms on other brothers and sisters. I need to look at the blooms on others so I can see them on me. We bloom together; almond trees, crocuses, roses, cow cacti. Me, you, us. I am going to look all day for the goodness blooming on everyone God puts in my path. Then they will see it burst forth on me.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
New Friend
Please check out www.jeffbakertalks.blogspot.com . His last post is ... cannot think of a perfect word here. Go read it and you tell me the perfect word!
Martha and Mary
"Martha, Martha" the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her."
I still cannot play golf!! My back is slowly getting back in shape, but it is going to be at least next week before I will be able to try to swing a club. On the good side, no big housework tasks can be taken on either, just small ones. This forced down time has got me really missing my golf buddies. Two of my golfing sisters are going though some rough times right now. One with her daughter's health and one over her aging father. I wish I could be right in the middle of it helping them in some practical way. I know the two of them are wishing they could do something to "fix" their loved ones. We are all three good Marthas. We do good work, we are helpers, fixers, doers.
I did too much on my trip and did too much when I tried to move something 30 minutes after driving 950 miles in 13 1/2 hours. Now I have time to do nothing. Not really. Now is my Mary time. I have spent a week and two days reading, meditating, praying, getting my thoughts and priorities straighten out. I see so much ego-will in the last two months, not enough of God's will. I see too many of my fixes, not enough of God's.
My back pain will go away, it will heal. I will be physically healthy soon. But, more importantly, I have something better, something that cannot be taken away. I am deeper into my walk. I am slowed and mindful of the moments. I can "do" something very special for my two golf buddies. I can hold them in God's love through prayer. I can hold them in my heart and let the Holy Spirit take it where it where it is supposed to go.
I still cannot play golf!! My back is slowly getting back in shape, but it is going to be at least next week before I will be able to try to swing a club. On the good side, no big housework tasks can be taken on either, just small ones. This forced down time has got me really missing my golf buddies. Two of my golfing sisters are going though some rough times right now. One with her daughter's health and one over her aging father. I wish I could be right in the middle of it helping them in some practical way. I know the two of them are wishing they could do something to "fix" their loved ones. We are all three good Marthas. We do good work, we are helpers, fixers, doers.
I did too much on my trip and did too much when I tried to move something 30 minutes after driving 950 miles in 13 1/2 hours. Now I have time to do nothing. Not really. Now is my Mary time. I have spent a week and two days reading, meditating, praying, getting my thoughts and priorities straighten out. I see so much ego-will in the last two months, not enough of God's will. I see too many of my fixes, not enough of God's.
My back pain will go away, it will heal. I will be physically healthy soon. But, more importantly, I have something better, something that cannot be taken away. I am deeper into my walk. I am slowed and mindful of the moments. I can "do" something very special for my two golf buddies. I can hold them in God's love through prayer. I can hold them in my heart and let the Holy Spirit take it where it where it is supposed to go.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Prayer Friday
he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23
Living Christ
Way to salvation
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit
Please guide me into a closer fellowship and walk with you today
I pray I remain aware of walking every step in your shadow
That I remember that I live in God's very breath
I want to recognize and do your will for me not mine
Please guide me so that my light will shine for you today
Living Christ
Way to salvation
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit
Please guide me into a closer fellowship and walk with you today
I pray I remain aware of walking every step in your shadow
That I remember that I live in God's very breath
I want to recognize and do your will for me not mine
Please guide me so that my light will shine for you today
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pain In The Back
Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17
Cannot play golf today because my back is having spasms. I strained it last week leaning over to move something heavy out of the way. I know I made my back vulnerable by driving over 7,000 miles in four weeks. All that sitting and the stress that settles in your lower back can only cause you problems.
Now, I didn't chose that Bible passage because I think that God smote me in the back. I think the Creator fashioned this human body I live in and God made it so that, with the choices of free will, I can take care of it or harm it. My pain is the indication that I did not treat it well. Same with my life. If I make the wrong choices, I usually see it in some form and level of discomfort.
God corrects me by letting me feel some pain. I do not despise the pain in my back. I am relaxing it and stretching it out in a swimming pool. The Creator pulls me back with some discomfort, yet leads me to lay down the stress or problem and rest.
The quest is to live here on earth trusting that my Creator wants me feeling peace and joy and comfort. As the rest of the passage goes: his hands also heal.
Cannot play golf today because my back is having spasms. I strained it last week leaning over to move something heavy out of the way. I know I made my back vulnerable by driving over 7,000 miles in four weeks. All that sitting and the stress that settles in your lower back can only cause you problems.
Now, I didn't chose that Bible passage because I think that God smote me in the back. I think the Creator fashioned this human body I live in and God made it so that, with the choices of free will, I can take care of it or harm it. My pain is the indication that I did not treat it well. Same with my life. If I make the wrong choices, I usually see it in some form and level of discomfort.
God corrects me by letting me feel some pain. I do not despise the pain in my back. I am relaxing it and stretching it out in a swimming pool. The Creator pulls me back with some discomfort, yet leads me to lay down the stress or problem and rest.
The quest is to live here on earth trusting that my Creator wants me feeling peace and joy and comfort. As the rest of the passage goes: his hands also heal.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Garment of Praise
...and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:3
I try to never miss a day checking in on Lorna at see-through faith. She is an inspiration to me and always makes me think, stretches me. This morning she is talking about praise. Too much, not enough, good reading. I thought about the friends with whom I play golf. One, I have played with for a long time, praises every shot even before it gets off the ground. I mean immediately. She has no idea where it will go, if it is going to end up in the sand, fairway, rough, on the green. She does not take the time to see any results, you just hear her say "Good shot". Needless to say it becomes a phrase you tune out. On the other end of the continuum, is another player that never, and I mean never, praises you on a shot. I could hit a hole in one and she would not open her mouth to compliment the shot. Too much, too little, none at all...what is praise anyway?
To me praise is showing that I appreciated the gift or talent another has received from our Creator. It is a way to bring love into the world. If a child or grandchild has made an A on a spelling test, your praise is an acknowledgement that God has given this person an intelligent brain and memory, or perseverance to learn something. If a friend can take apart an engine and put it back to gather, that is a praise situation. A good golf shot shows practice and good muscle memory. God gives us gifts and talents and the ability to see them in others. Use that recognition as a way to praise God by praising your friends, family and anyone else.
Isaiah said that the spirit of the Lord was on him to bestow a garment of praise on those who were grieving in Zion. So like Isaiah's gift, put on a garment of praise and let it shine. Bask in the praise of others and hand out that praise that is deserved. You are thanking God for the blessings, gifts and talents that you can recognize. When you praise God's creations you are praising God.
Have a blessed day in Vancouver, you know who you are.
I try to never miss a day checking in on Lorna at see-through faith. She is an inspiration to me and always makes me think, stretches me. This morning she is talking about praise. Too much, not enough, good reading. I thought about the friends with whom I play golf. One, I have played with for a long time, praises every shot even before it gets off the ground. I mean immediately. She has no idea where it will go, if it is going to end up in the sand, fairway, rough, on the green. She does not take the time to see any results, you just hear her say "Good shot". Needless to say it becomes a phrase you tune out. On the other end of the continuum, is another player that never, and I mean never, praises you on a shot. I could hit a hole in one and she would not open her mouth to compliment the shot. Too much, too little, none at all...what is praise anyway?
To me praise is showing that I appreciated the gift or talent another has received from our Creator. It is a way to bring love into the world. If a child or grandchild has made an A on a spelling test, your praise is an acknowledgement that God has given this person an intelligent brain and memory, or perseverance to learn something. If a friend can take apart an engine and put it back to gather, that is a praise situation. A good golf shot shows practice and good muscle memory. God gives us gifts and talents and the ability to see them in others. Use that recognition as a way to praise God by praising your friends, family and anyone else.
Isaiah said that the spirit of the Lord was on him to bestow a garment of praise on those who were grieving in Zion. So like Isaiah's gift, put on a garment of praise and let it shine. Bask in the praise of others and hand out that praise that is deserved. You are thanking God for the blessings, gifts and talents that you can recognize. When you praise God's creations you are praising God.
Have a blessed day in Vancouver, you know who you are.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Home Course
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25
Hey friends, I'm back!! Safely drove around 7,620 miles. We saw so much of this beautiful country and had contact with so many beautiful souls. I know we are supposed to be in hard times, however, almost every gas station and motel were busy. Restaurants had diners, store parking lots were full and golf courses had players. Amazing how I did this with my eyes directly straight ahead, on the road all the time. Well, maybe I peeked over now and then.
We saw some really interesting golf courses as we flew by, didn't have time to stop at any. Courses where the grass was so green because of all this years rain in parts of the country, others that were brown and dry as a bone. Hilly ones, flat ones, some with lots of trees, some with none. All a home course to someone. I'll be so glad to play my home course next week for the first time in about four weeks.
Yes, we are to keep our eyes looking straight ahead, focused on the Jesus way to the Kingdom, but that path goes through an amazingly beautiful place. God's created world and its people are diverse and beautiful, don't miss that on your walk. Look straight and directly at all the good and beauty around you. Enjoy it and praise the Creator that you are walking through it. Enjoy your home course.
Hey friends, I'm back!! Safely drove around 7,620 miles. We saw so much of this beautiful country and had contact with so many beautiful souls. I know we are supposed to be in hard times, however, almost every gas station and motel were busy. Restaurants had diners, store parking lots were full and golf courses had players. Amazing how I did this with my eyes directly straight ahead, on the road all the time. Well, maybe I peeked over now and then.
We saw some really interesting golf courses as we flew by, didn't have time to stop at any. Courses where the grass was so green because of all this years rain in parts of the country, others that were brown and dry as a bone. Hilly ones, flat ones, some with lots of trees, some with none. All a home course to someone. I'll be so glad to play my home course next week for the first time in about four weeks.
Yes, we are to keep our eyes looking straight ahead, focused on the Jesus way to the Kingdom, but that path goes through an amazingly beautiful place. God's created world and its people are diverse and beautiful, don't miss that on your walk. Look straight and directly at all the good and beauty around you. Enjoy it and praise the Creator that you are walking through it. Enjoy your home course.
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