Thursday, January 29, 2009

Consuming Prayer

May you be blessed by the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. Psalms 115:15

Am I still praying as if I think my Maker holds back anything from me??
I am working on this right now. So if I have been or am quiet on this blog, that is why. I am changing my prayer direction, and seem to be consumed by it.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Friendship is a Blessing

OK, so we didn't win yesterday, we still had a great time and plan on being a team again. That to me is friendship. Take the little bumps and ride over them holding hands. We were in it together, support not blame or pettiness.
Two ideas to think on here, one, together is usually better than going it alone, two, laugh at the little things like Saturday morning golf tournaments, because they help train you to laugh at the bigger things.
I will be away from here for a week, as I am going to visit my dear friend to the north. Talk about two being better than one and laughter. We are such matched souls. I am forever grateful God put her in my life. She is one of my best blessings.
Look to your friends this week. Take care of them. As you do you take care of yourself.
God be with you this week.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Golf Tournament Tomorrow


I am playing in a golf tournament tomorrow with three other ladies. Now, you remember my golf has been pretty stinky lately, so, I was worrying this morning about what I will be able to add to the team tomorrow. Then I read all my devotional material, checked the blogs I try not to miss, and attended my Friday morning prayer group. On the way home I let all of that soak in and realized how silly any worry about tomorrow is.

First, I really need to practice all my advice about living in the present. I sure can hand that advice out right and left. Live and breath now! My day has been so blessed, why bring into it tomorrow.

Second, these ladies don't expect me to be a pro, they just want me to join them in a fun event. So I will go have fun. I will take with me to the first tee: laughter, smiles, joy, and understanding along with some skills, a set of clubs and a few golf balls.

You see it is time to walk my talk as the saying goes. If I bring all those good things to tomorrow, my Creator will see that they are used to the best advantage for the day.

I'll plant some seeds.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

"Beauty sustains me in challenging times." p. 117, Walk in A Relaxed Manner by Joyce Rupp

Boy, am I in a golf slump right now or what? Maybe five or six really sound shots a round. Discouraging to say the least. Cannot drive, poor second shots, no short game and putting is a whole 'nother blog! I am wondering why I should make the effort (plus the expense) to go out to play tomorrow.
Then I read the chapter which held the above quote. Rupp is on a pilgrimage in Spain, I am only dealing with a game.
So, what do I find beautiful about golf. First the friends. Even though the golf has been stinky, the ladies have been so much fun. During this down phase the women I have been paired with have been delightful, funny and understanding. Second, the incredible landscape in which our course is placed. Huge blue desert skies. Huge mountains, huge views. Third, great weather. Chilly when we tee off, yet a finish in gentle warmth. Fourth, clean, healthy air to breathe. Beauty abounds.
One of my best friend's husband is going through some serious health problems right now. Yet the humor in his voice and the love that shines through her e-mail updates is beautiful. My challenge is nothing compared to theirs.
God has surrounded me with beauty. It shows up first in friends and family.
Doctor visit later this morning for follow up on routine tests. Have you fellows had your annual blood work done?? Ladies, all those tests we need each year, have you scheduled them yet? It's a new year, how long has it been since your last check-up? Get it done!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Spirit of the Game

Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teachings of the Torah and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

FINALLY! Back on the course yesterday. As usual I played with three wonderful women and had a great time. Lot of laughter, fun and even some good golf shots. One thing that always impresses me about the women I play with each week is their good golf etiquette. The game, like life, is so much better when golfers follow the "Golden Rule". So let's start the year with some golf etiquette. Whether you are new to the game or just need a reminder, let look at this subject.
On any list you find about golf rules and how to behave on the course, safety is the number one priority. Clubs and golf balls can be dangerous! You don't want some one banging you in the head with a 7 iron, so don't take practice swings until you know where everybody is!!! Aways be aware on the course, practice range, putting area; always. Anytime you have a club in your hands be aware of your playing partners. Sounds so simple, but I have seen seasoned golfers, distracted by a good joke or conversation, swing a club out of habit not realizing someone has walked up behind them.
Be aware of where you are on the course. You are not the only one playing. How far away is the group in front, could you hit someone with your next shot? Are you hidden behind a bush looking for a ball, so as to put your body in danger of a shot from the group behind? Think safety. These tips sound so sophomoric, but they are serious and are given for a reason.
New or seasoned golfer, here are some sites to go to to help. Take a minute or two to visit them.
www.usga.org www.playgolfamerica.com www.mrgolf.com/primer
"The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules" USGA :The Spirit of the Game.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Prayer Friday Psalms 1

Happy is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of the sinners, or joined the company of the insolent; rather, the teaching of the LORD is his delight, and he studies that teaching day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, whose foliage never fades, and what ever it produces thrives.
Not so the wicked; rather, they are like chaff that wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not survive judgement, nor will sinners, in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD cherishes the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed. Psalm 1

Loving Creator, Living Christ, wise Holy Spirit, Thank You for my being.
I am what You willed, may I learn to walk in that will.
May I study Your teachings, which I find all around me, all day.
May I be mindful of Your Presence all day.
I do not want to be chaff in the wind, I desire to be a producing being. A love producing being that brings Your peace and calm to my family, friends and the world.
Thank You for all You have given me, all You have taken away, and all I am left with.
AMEN

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Love, Day by Day

Love always bears up, always trusts, always hopes, always endures. Corinthians 13:7

This coming year I will mindfully stay in the present, with love as my guide.

May God bless you and yours every minute of every day and may you be open to receive and respond in kind.