Summer Busy

My goodness, summertime sure gets in the way of this blog! Golf seems to have filled a lot of time this week. I played in our city golf tounament Saturday and Sunday, and had a ball. (Didn't lose any either!) Saturday I played with two young ladies from one of our local high schools, what a treat to watch.
Of the 36 holes I only had one bad 9 holes, the second nine on the first day. But Joyce Rupp helped me forget about those the next morning. I awakened early enough Sunday morning to do my Bible study as the sun came up over our beautiful mountains. The reading I was doing in one of Rupp's books focused on pruning the old dead away, so God can let the new, alive energy thrive in us. Don't dwell on that old past, cull out the hurts, mistakes, bad memories. God prunes us and shapes us for the better. But, we can do some pruning of ourselves. Sure the old is always there in our memory bank, and we need to learn from it, however, we don't have to keep reliving it. It saps us of the new in the now if we do.
Whether it is work, marriage, church, friends or golf, approach it with a new vigor today. Try to drop some of the old thought patterns and replace them with a renewed hope and wonder. Everyday we are given a second chance to try again. God is continually refining and pruning us. God gave us freewill so we could take part in that pruning.
Forget yesterday's bad shots and go out and swing easy today!

The Voice of God

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30;21



We are told to listen for the small, still voice. Do you have trouble hearing the voice of God? May I help?

I was just sitting out on the sun porch. The biggest of our three dogs let out a long, drawn out moan, so I put my book down to listen. Then I was aware of the sound of at least four different birds chattering way. Under that sound was the noise of a insect. Carrying all of that was a slight breeze. Then my sigh. It came to me so peacefully; I was listening to the sound of God. Not a big, loud shout, no trumpet...just God's voice in all of that.

Go out somewhere, filter out the bustle, listen. Just listen.

What you do about the experience is up to you, but do something. I smiled and came in to share it with someone I know God will send my way.

God bless you with peace and calm.

Away

So sorry I have been absent for a while. We had one of those family situations that had to be taken care of!! It was a good resolution that brought to a close three years of prayer. All is well and I will be back next weekend to blog to my hearts content.
God bless all with mercy and grace.

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.

"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!!

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.

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.

Waiting To Play The Course Psalm 130:5

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5

There they are, all lined up waiting to be put on the carts, so they can play the course. I love to see the bags of the other golfers. Some so generic, some all fancied up. Of course they are not of much good until their player comes along and uses them. Just sitting there, looking cute.

What am I doing? Do I just sit around waiting for the Lord to come? Maybe not looking cute, but maybe...useless. Don't get me wrong, I love this verse, I believe this verse. My soul does wait, I wait. But are we just supposed to sit there?

I don't think so. I think along with the waiting we are here to be used, to be "played". Sometimes I get wrapped up in the waiting for God to show me something big that needs to be done. I forget that all the things I think of as little everyday duties or routines that are not so important, really are important. I need to remind myself that all the small "niceties" I do for others are a show of love and concern. A glass of water fetched, a sock picked up...a prayer said.

This week, while our souls wait, let's be mindful that every act of kindness we do for another is an act of love for one of God's creations. You have no one to help? You are laid up in that chair or bed? How about some prayers for your neighbors, helpers, our country, thank you for the birds, the sun, the air you breathe?

Let's wait for the Lord, let's put all our hope in his word. Let's let him play us while we wait.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Relax in The Presence

...and made him glad with the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:6

Two days of golf and I am done in. Hot, tired, stiff and very, very happy. The last two days I played with 6 of the nicest ladies I have ever played with. Funny and laid back. When I am in the presence of such nice people it makes my golf better. I was so relaxed and at ease, I couldn't help but play better golf. My swing was easy, I wasn't tense on my putts, it was like a dream. That is not to say my usual group is not fun nor nice, they are both. However, you tend to take that for granted and that is not right. I should never forget to always appreciate the regular weekly play group.
God blessed David and gave him joy in his presence. That's the way we should live every moment, blessed with the joy of being in the presence of our Creator. I tend to take that for granted, also. I forget how relaxed and peaceful it is to really be aware of God's presence. I get too busy, to focused on something else. Then I loose my peace, my calmness. But, you know the best part, God is always there waiting for us to wise up, waiting for us to remember where we are and in whose presence we are. Always there to fill us with peace and love. I will stop and remember that now.

I Knew IT Would Be Beautiful

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. Psalm 57:8



I knew it would be a beautiful day! The dogs started playing at 5:30 this morning. Waking me up as all three of them chased each other through the house. Barking and running as if they could just not keep the energy in. They were so joyful I couldn't get angry over the interrupted sleep. I just felt as if the day was starting out with fun, love and energy. Then the computer brought me an "I love You" message from the spouse far away in Florida.

THEN...I went to a site I love, but has been silent for oh, so long, and hallelujah there it was...a new posting. And it was about letting your soul sing out LOUD! Visit it at http://www.anewlifeemerging.blogspot.com.%20my/My day is just getting better and better by the moment.

I cannot wait to see what the Merciful one has put in front of me today. I know it will be joyous and probably noisy.

Support

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

Golf tees. When I was a little girl, just starting to play golf, golf tees were predictable little tools. White wood, 2 inches long, pointy on one end, scooped out top, holders for your ball to rest on when teeing off. They held up your ball so your driver could get better contact. No choice, white 2 inches, usually free in the pro shop. Need I tell you in this day and age we have revolutionized the little tee into a complicated utensil that can cost more than casual change ?? First they added color, then logos, or your name if you had that big of an ego. Then the material changed, plastic or some such polymer. The simple scooped round top now has prongs...three prongs or four. They are three inches long or an inch and a half. There are as many choices as there are choices in deodorants. Good grief. You should see me trying to get my ball to sit still on a three inch, three pronged tee in the wind. It is not a pretty sight. Still, you need the support under the ball to complete a successful drive. A sturdy foundation on which your ball can rest.

OK, I know you know where I am going with this. Praise be we have the strong right hand of our Creator to uphold us. It is ageless and does not change. Same now as when I was a little girl. My soul clings to to it and rests in its support. Thanks be to God.

Don't Lose It

Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 2John 1:8

Yesterday I played in a golf tournament called the Orange Blossom Special. We had four player teams with the task of finishing the round with a ball marked with a large orange spot still in our possession. Each player had to substitute this special ball for their own every fourth hole. If you lost this ball your team was out of the major part of the competition. Talk about pressure! I mean we have water holes on this course people, desert terrain, sticker bushes, rabbit holes. You've seen nothing until you have seen 4 women over the age of...(OK that I won't tell, some of them read this blog!) wade into nasty water up to their shorts to find a stupid golf ball. Well, we finished the round with the orange ball, but we didn't win a reward. As Judy said, "we set our goal to low, we came in with the ball, but we forgot to score well with it"!
We came in with the ball, for one good reason...we protected it. We kept our eyes on it continually, we chased it down into difficult places, some of us didn't hit it too hard as we were afraid to hurt it.
In the passage above John is talking about losing what you have learned of God's truth to false teachers. Once God has led you to sense of peace and calm about a situation, or has helped you uncover an important truth through Bible study or a life lesson, protect it. Keep your eyes on it at all times so you don't lose it. If it starts to slip away from you chase it down in prayer and hold on to it in your heart.
We do it for a silly golf ball in a game. How much more important it is to do it for God's truth in real life.

Run Through the Door

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. Revelation 4:1

When I was growing up, still in school, this weekend was always the best one in the year. It was the water shed of all weekends, it was off with the old on with the new. It was the end of the year for me, the start of summer. I am not a good enough writer to explain the absolute joy this weekend brought to me, the anticipation of great things to come. I knew there would be swimming every day, golf, picnics every Monday night, baseball games, being outside morning till night, running up to the neighbors, going to the lake, just days and days of freedom.
When I woke up this morning I actually had a glimmer of that same old feeling inside me. Not quite as strong as when I was 9 or 10 years old, but I could feel it. An excited feeling in my belly of things to come...swimming, visits and travel to family already scheduled, a bunch of golf tournaments, dinners with friends. This morning it was like a door was standing open and I was excited about getting up and running through it. Just like the old days...just get up and run through it, enter the summer full tilt.
In Revelations, John saw a door standing open in Heaven. That must have been an exciting feeling of anticipation. As above so below, I love that thought. The door to the Kingdom is here and open, we just have to go through. Run through with hope and joy at what we will find. Here in our lives on earth we get glimmers of what it is like in the Kingdom that is so near.
The door to summer is open, so is the door to the Kingdom.

Prayer Time

Again he prayed,... James 5:18

Fridays are not a day in my date book that are marked for golf. Those days are Tuesday and Thursday, with others thrown in when I can. Friday is prayer group day. We meet at the church to pray for our church, country, friends, families, and any specific requests we have received. So maybe on Fridays we will take some time here to talk more specifically about prayer.
Over there on the right side I put a link to a site that will help you if you are new to prayer, www.Contemplativeoutreach.org. It is a place to go even if you have been a prayer all your life. When you get to the home page there will be a spot where you can click onto an explaination for centering and contemplative prayer. When I began my path into contemplative prayer, I found Father Keating and his writings. If you would like to or feel you are being led into a deeper prayer life this is a place to start.
My life has changed 360 degrees since I began to spend time open to God. Changed, as I am still and wait for the Love to come in.
Please remember if you need prayer or have a request, I am here. I will join mine with yours and if you want, I'll take it with me on Fridays.

Water In The Desert

They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9.

Upon waking some mornings we find that the farm down in the valley has been irrigated. Today I tried to capture it for you. It is such a beautiful site, my pictures could never do it justice. The water comes from the Rio Grande river that flows about a mile from our house. The dry desert soaks up the water and the green plants thrive, later to be harvested. You can almost feel the land take in the moisture as it covers acre after acre.

This passage from Isaiah is the one about the branch from Jesse. The Spirit of the Lord rests on this branch. One day the knowledge of the Lord will cover the whole earth. If you need peace today, get your Bible and read Isaiah 11. I love to look at this view off our little hill and feel God's love and care soaking into me just as the desert soaks up the irrigation water. I pray I am as open to the "knowledge", to the closeness of my Creator, as the land here is to the water.

Someday the whole earth will know God. You don't have to wait until "someday", soak God up now, today.

Who Is LikeYou ?

Who is like you--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11

5:27 am, this morning, he/she came back. Loud, insistent...the mocking bird. I didn't have to get up until 6:30, she didn't care. This bird saw the majestic, glorious, wonder of the morning and broke into song. Sang until 5:41. Twenty one minutes. Do I keep my praise going as loud and as long as 21 minutes. Do I go out on my patio for twenty one minutes and shout and sing to my Creator when I am overcome with the beauty of my surroundings, the majesty of the mornings here in southern New Mexico?
Nope. But then God didn't give me the abilities of the mocking bird. God gave me a smile and a voice to cheerfully say "Good morning" to say "Thank you" to say "I love you". The mocking bird has captured in his brain the songs he has copied from many other birds. I work on capturing in my heart the love God gives us at each breath, so I can pour it out like a song to wake people up to God's kingdom.