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.
Showing posts with label self help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self help. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Peace at all times
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 2Thessalonians 3:16
Peace has not abounded in our house since Lucky the lost dog came home yesterday afternoon!! The other two dogs have welcomed him back with open paws and he has chased them round and round. He has found all his left behind toys and remembered how to sneak onto the bed when none of the rest of us are watching. The three of them have barked so much that I am about ready to put them all outside in the pen so I can think. So what is this about "peace at all times"? How can that happen? Surely this is one of those Bible quotes that sounds good, but is impossible to understand or have. Nope.
To me there are two levels at work here, one is superficial and the other is deep inside. It may look and sound chaotic around here on the surface, however there is a peace and calm deep down that was brought on by Lucky's homecoming. There is a deep well of gratitude and love that from which love flows up to the surface.
Sometimes peace fills both levels. This morning was my weekly prayer group gathering. It is peaceful on the surface and deep down at the same time. Peace, calm, love,all there to surround us as we talk and pray.
So, the next time it seems as if life and the noise and confusion that goes with it have you surrounded, just remember God gives you peace at all times. It is deeper than the surface. Take a breath and feel that peace that is available, always, flow through you.
Peace has not abounded in our house since Lucky the lost dog came home yesterday afternoon!! The other two dogs have welcomed him back with open paws and he has chased them round and round. He has found all his left behind toys and remembered how to sneak onto the bed when none of the rest of us are watching. The three of them have barked so much that I am about ready to put them all outside in the pen so I can think. So what is this about "peace at all times"? How can that happen? Surely this is one of those Bible quotes that sounds good, but is impossible to understand or have. Nope.
To me there are two levels at work here, one is superficial and the other is deep inside. It may look and sound chaotic around here on the surface, however there is a peace and calm deep down that was brought on by Lucky's homecoming. There is a deep well of gratitude and love that from which love flows up to the surface.
Sometimes peace fills both levels. This morning was my weekly prayer group gathering. It is peaceful on the surface and deep down at the same time. Peace, calm, love,all there to surround us as we talk and pray.
So, the next time it seems as if life and the noise and confusion that goes with it have you surrounded, just remember God gives you peace at all times. It is deeper than the surface. Take a breath and feel that peace that is available, always, flow through you.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lucky Dog
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 5:16
What a day for thanks!! First the little one. Playing golf today I chipped one in for a birdy and parred the last hole, Yippee.
Now for the big ones...daughter got a new job in her company that she was hoping for. Next...one of our three dogs that had been missing for over a month was found at the dog shelter two hours ago. And as I write...it is raining. Daughter, dog and rain had been objects of prayer. The golf was added joy. I'm telling you, pray for the big and small. Nothing is beyond the care of our Creator. I am giving thanks for these blessings because I know God sees every little hair on our heads, every dog hair and every rain drop.
I am joyful, I pray continually and I give thanks in all circumstances. We are blessed with a Creator that loves us through and through. Good times and bad, Little and big, silly and serious. Praise the Lord.
What a day for thanks!! First the little one. Playing golf today I chipped one in for a birdy and parred the last hole, Yippee.
Now for the big ones...daughter got a new job in her company that she was hoping for. Next...one of our three dogs that had been missing for over a month was found at the dog shelter two hours ago. And as I write...it is raining. Daughter, dog and rain had been objects of prayer. The golf was added joy. I'm telling you, pray for the big and small. Nothing is beyond the care of our Creator. I am giving thanks for these blessings because I know God sees every little hair on our heads, every dog hair and every rain drop.
I am joyful, I pray continually and I give thanks in all circumstances. We are blessed with a Creator that loves us through and through. Good times and bad, Little and big, silly and serious. Praise the Lord.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Obscure Mountains, Obscure Awareness
"...that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." 2Thessalonians 1:11
The wind is still with us this spring. Yesterday our ladies group hosted a city exchange golf tournament. The various ladies groups play at each others' courses about once a month. Lots of fun. The wind started to blow gently when we teed off on number 8, by the 11th hole we were being blown around pretty good. By the 16th we could hardly stand still to putt. It is fun to stand over your ball and watch it wiggle while you wonder if your putter will be able to make contact with it. You really have to concentrate, pay close attention to what you are doing, when you play in high wind. Widen your stance, swing easy.
The wind also obscures the view we have of the beautiful mountains that surround our valley. We usually have many amazing views from tee boxes and greens, but not yesterday. The blowing dust took care of those.
Do you ever feel as if your awareness of God is obscured, as if you are having trouble feeling God's presence around you? You just cannot see the work being carried out in your life. We all have times like that. Sometimes it only lasts a few hours, sometimes it is months. It has been called "the dark night of the soul". Well, I think the above Bible passage is very helpful at times such as these. Whether you are aware of it or not God is always there, working in every one of your acts and good purposes. If each act you do is done with love and attention to doing it right, God is right there. Daily tasks around the house or on the job, taking a walk or praying, God will be there. If your awareness is obscured, act as if it isn't.
The mountains are there whether I can see them or not. If I fly a plane I had better realize they didn't go away just because I cannot see them!
The wind is still with us this spring. Yesterday our ladies group hosted a city exchange golf tournament. The various ladies groups play at each others' courses about once a month. Lots of fun. The wind started to blow gently when we teed off on number 8, by the 11th hole we were being blown around pretty good. By the 16th we could hardly stand still to putt. It is fun to stand over your ball and watch it wiggle while you wonder if your putter will be able to make contact with it. You really have to concentrate, pay close attention to what you are doing, when you play in high wind. Widen your stance, swing easy.
The wind also obscures the view we have of the beautiful mountains that surround our valley. We usually have many amazing views from tee boxes and greens, but not yesterday. The blowing dust took care of those.
Do you ever feel as if your awareness of God is obscured, as if you are having trouble feeling God's presence around you? You just cannot see the work being carried out in your life. We all have times like that. Sometimes it only lasts a few hours, sometimes it is months. It has been called "the dark night of the soul". Well, I think the above Bible passage is very helpful at times such as these. Whether you are aware of it or not God is always there, working in every one of your acts and good purposes. If each act you do is done with love and attention to doing it right, God is right there. Daily tasks around the house or on the job, taking a walk or praying, God will be there. If your awareness is obscured, act as if it isn't.
The mountains are there whether I can see them or not. If I fly a plane I had better realize they didn't go away just because I cannot see them!
Friday, May 2, 2008
You Have To Follow Through
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22
One of the important parts of your golf swing is the follow through. You can choose the correct club, line up your shot, take the perfect back swing, left arm straight, apply the appropriate speed, pull the club downward, make solid contact with the ball and still have a really bad shot. Why? Because you forgot to follow through completely. You stopped short of the full swing. You need to follow through so that you are aimed at the target. Some times we think we are finished and we want to see how far the shot went or how close to the hole we ended up. Big mistake. Got to follow through. Finish the job you started when you sized up the shot and selected the club.
The Holy Spirit will fill you up with all the fruit mentioned in Galatians, but you have to follow through. You can pray and it will be given. You have to recognize the gift of fruit and then put it to use. Your finish is to pass it on to someone who needs it.
If you find it hard to love someone, you pray and ask the Holy Spirit to let you love that person with God's love as yours is not enough. The Holy Spirit will see you get a full measure of that love. Then you have to follow through, you have to give that love to your unlovable. You are filled with the Creator's unconditional love, but you have to apply it. How do I know? Been there done that. I can tell you if you follow though with your fruits of the spirit they work. Then you will be filled again and again.
One of the important parts of your golf swing is the follow through. You can choose the correct club, line up your shot, take the perfect back swing, left arm straight, apply the appropriate speed, pull the club downward, make solid contact with the ball and still have a really bad shot. Why? Because you forgot to follow through completely. You stopped short of the full swing. You need to follow through so that you are aimed at the target. Some times we think we are finished and we want to see how far the shot went or how close to the hole we ended up. Big mistake. Got to follow through. Finish the job you started when you sized up the shot and selected the club.
The Holy Spirit will fill you up with all the fruit mentioned in Galatians, but you have to follow through. You can pray and it will be given. You have to recognize the gift of fruit and then put it to use. Your finish is to pass it on to someone who needs it.
If you find it hard to love someone, you pray and ask the Holy Spirit to let you love that person with God's love as yours is not enough. The Holy Spirit will see you get a full measure of that love. Then you have to follow through, you have to give that love to your unlovable. You are filled with the Creator's unconditional love, but you have to apply it. How do I know? Been there done that. I can tell you if you follow though with your fruits of the spirit they work. Then you will be filled again and again.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Let the Joy Shine Out
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy...Galatians 5:25
Only three out of our usual seven gals were here to play this morning. We only played nine holes because of the wind. We had some crazy shots into, through, around, under and over the gusts. There was a lot of laughter.
We have some good chances to talk about religion and spirituality while we play. Not too often, but now and then. Our group has some believers, some strong, some thin and some non believers. Our discussions can be interesting.
Other people should be able to recognize that we are believers by our general happiness and love for each other. So, when in your groups, remember to let your joy shine out. That way others will want what you have and usually ask "How do you stay so happy?" The Holy spirit will continue to fill you up as you pass on the laughter, joy and love. Open up and let the Spirit fill you, then pour it out.
Only three out of our usual seven gals were here to play this morning. We only played nine holes because of the wind. We had some crazy shots into, through, around, under and over the gusts. There was a lot of laughter.
We have some good chances to talk about religion and spirituality while we play. Not too often, but now and then. Our group has some believers, some strong, some thin and some non believers. Our discussions can be interesting.
Other people should be able to recognize that we are believers by our general happiness and love for each other. So, when in your groups, remember to let your joy shine out. That way others will want what you have and usually ask "How do you stay so happy?" The Holy spirit will continue to fill you up as you pass on the laughter, joy and love. Open up and let the Spirit fill you, then pour it out.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Putting perseverance
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. James 1:4
Putting is the finishing action you take to get the job done on each hole. It is the last stroke you take on the course. It might be a twenty footer or a tap in; doesn't matter, the ball has to go in the hole. Sometimes you can do it so smoothly, other times it seems as if you cannot do anything right. But to have a completed scorecard the little round ball has to go into the little round hole. Sometimes you have to persevere through some bad putting to get the job done.
I love James because he is so direct. He does not mess around with you, he is straight to the hole every time! When it comes to Bible study, prayer, improving ourselves, getting a task done we have to persevere. Work through the bumps on the course. Our Creator will give us all that we need, we will not lack any support from God. We will eventually become the mature and complete person God created us to be if we don't give up.
Open yourself up to God's support. It is always there, always close by. Sometimes we don't see the line clearly, as on the putting green, but it is there. Look and follow.
Putting is the finishing action you take to get the job done on each hole. It is the last stroke you take on the course. It might be a twenty footer or a tap in; doesn't matter, the ball has to go in the hole. Sometimes you can do it so smoothly, other times it seems as if you cannot do anything right. But to have a completed scorecard the little round ball has to go into the little round hole. Sometimes you have to persevere through some bad putting to get the job done.
I love James because he is so direct. He does not mess around with you, he is straight to the hole every time! When it comes to Bible study, prayer, improving ourselves, getting a task done we have to persevere. Work through the bumps on the course. Our Creator will give us all that we need, we will not lack any support from God. We will eventually become the mature and complete person God created us to be if we don't give up.
Open yourself up to God's support. It is always there, always close by. Sometimes we don't see the line clearly, as on the putting green, but it is there. Look and follow.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Praise
"...so that in all things God maybe praised through Jesus Christ." 1Peter 4:11
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Strengthen me
"encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2Thessalonians 3:17
I am home. I arrived Wednesday about noon to a loving husband and two happy dogs. My time with my friends was beautiful. We talked until we were worn out and then we talked some more. So when I got home I was very grateful to have a husband who encouraged me to relax and slow down. He fixed lunch, listened to my tales and then let me sit and ponder for a while. That was nice.
Yesterday, after doing the wash and some straightening, I headed to the course to hit some practice balls. Did I tell you it was windy? The weather report used the word breezy, I think they were trying to be nice. When I got up on the practice tee the wind was blowing so hard my sunglasses blew off my visor. Since it had been over ten days since I had practiced I decided to hit some balls anyway. When you play in the wind you have to hold steady and get your balance from the strength in your legs. You have to have a firm foundation, yet you cannot fight the wind. It is like a flow coming out of a solid foundation. You gage where the wind is coming from and adjust your aim. You also get a lot of sand and dirt in your hair! The better your swing is, the closer to the ideal swing, the better you can hit in the wind. If your swing is in the groove, the right path, the strength of your foundation will sustain you.
Through the fellowship of our retreat we gathered to us God's grace and strength. We filled ourselves with knowledge, wisdom and love. We gathered the"eternal encouragement and good hope" also mentioned in verse 17. When we are faced with life, our words and deeds will be enhanced as we look for the good. As we look for the correct path (as in grooving my swing) we will be strengthened and encouraged by the ideas, conversations, wisdom and love we found God infilling us with.
Out of the strength of our foundation, we can face the wind of life. We can aim for the good and flow with our Creator's love and eternal encouragement.
I am home. I arrived Wednesday about noon to a loving husband and two happy dogs. My time with my friends was beautiful. We talked until we were worn out and then we talked some more. So when I got home I was very grateful to have a husband who encouraged me to relax and slow down. He fixed lunch, listened to my tales and then let me sit and ponder for a while. That was nice.
Yesterday, after doing the wash and some straightening, I headed to the course to hit some practice balls. Did I tell you it was windy? The weather report used the word breezy, I think they were trying to be nice. When I got up on the practice tee the wind was blowing so hard my sunglasses blew off my visor. Since it had been over ten days since I had practiced I decided to hit some balls anyway. When you play in the wind you have to hold steady and get your balance from the strength in your legs. You have to have a firm foundation, yet you cannot fight the wind. It is like a flow coming out of a solid foundation. You gage where the wind is coming from and adjust your aim. You also get a lot of sand and dirt in your hair! The better your swing is, the closer to the ideal swing, the better you can hit in the wind. If your swing is in the groove, the right path, the strength of your foundation will sustain you.
Through the fellowship of our retreat we gathered to us God's grace and strength. We filled ourselves with knowledge, wisdom and love. We gathered the"eternal encouragement and good hope" also mentioned in verse 17. When we are faced with life, our words and deeds will be enhanced as we look for the good. As we look for the correct path (as in grooving my swing) we will be strengthened and encouraged by the ideas, conversations, wisdom and love we found God infilling us with.
Out of the strength of our foundation, we can face the wind of life. We can aim for the good and flow with our Creator's love and eternal encouragement.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Grace
We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. 2Corinthians 1:12
We had about 5 to 6 hours of discussion today. It was beautiful. We discussed two of our books and got about half way through another. The deepest point for me was a time of prayer. As it is said, when three or more of you gather in my name...we gathered, we prayed and the Presence was with us. It was one of the most amazing gifts of grace I have been involved in. We truly were one. I hope tomorrow one of my soul sisters will tell you more.
When you look at yourself with no one else around, when you get into that quiet space of your soul you can find out so much. When you then take what you have learned and place it before your friends it can be scary. Not so today. I have very rarely felt so safe as I did today. God is so good to give us friends who make you feel safe. SO, the topics we discussed were meaningful, insightful, thought provoking. But the essence of our group had the sweet smell of love, the feel of trust, the touch of concern, the sight of beautiful faces, the hearing of the word.
Tomorrow.
We had about 5 to 6 hours of discussion today. It was beautiful. We discussed two of our books and got about half way through another. The deepest point for me was a time of prayer. As it is said, when three or more of you gather in my name...we gathered, we prayed and the Presence was with us. It was one of the most amazing gifts of grace I have been involved in. We truly were one. I hope tomorrow one of my soul sisters will tell you more.
When you look at yourself with no one else around, when you get into that quiet space of your soul you can find out so much. When you then take what you have learned and place it before your friends it can be scary. Not so today. I have very rarely felt so safe as I did today. God is so good to give us friends who make you feel safe. SO, the topics we discussed were meaningful, insightful, thought provoking. But the essence of our group had the sweet smell of love, the feel of trust, the touch of concern, the sight of beautiful faces, the hearing of the word.
Tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Abundance
"...and you brought us to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:12
Oh, my!! We just walked in from the grocery store. You talk about abundance...we have enough food for an army for 6 days. We shopped for only the first day and a half. And my sister just added "only four people!" Our storehouse is overflowing. We are prepared. There will be an abundance of good food for all.
There will be an abundance of all sorts of food. Food for thought, food for discussion, food for meditation, food for prayer, food for the soul. We will be given the exact amount of manna that each one of us needs, in the form we need it.
There will be an abundance of love. Love will flow out of the abundance God has put in our hearts for each other. There will be no way to suppress it. Love will be pressed down and then overflowing.
Our creator will have us situated in the very heart of abundance tomorrow night as we sit down to share our first meal together. Situated in the heart of study Friday morning. Most joyously the Spirit will place us in the very center of an never ending pool of love.
Oh, my!! We just walked in from the grocery store. You talk about abundance...we have enough food for an army for 6 days. We shopped for only the first day and a half. And my sister just added "only four people!" Our storehouse is overflowing. We are prepared. There will be an abundance of good food for all.
There will be an abundance of all sorts of food. Food for thought, food for discussion, food for meditation, food for prayer, food for the soul. We will be given the exact amount of manna that each one of us needs, in the form we need it.
There will be an abundance of love. Love will flow out of the abundance God has put in our hearts for each other. There will be no way to suppress it. Love will be pressed down and then overflowing.
Our creator will have us situated in the very heart of abundance tomorrow night as we sit down to share our first meal together. Situated in the heart of study Friday morning. Most joyously the Spirit will place us in the very center of an never ending pool of love.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Safe Trip
Howdy, I made it to Missouri. The sister and I are getting ready for the arrival of our friends. So far no sibling arguments! Kind of scary when you find us agreeing on every thing. I wonder why God made brothers and sisters as our closest biological ties and yet some some of the mightiest arguments occur between them. Bible stories are a case in point. Probably because we are two sides of the same coin. Fortunately my sister and I have had only little tiffs in our shared history. We are truly blessed.
We are so looking forward to the upcoming laughter, discussions, fellowship and meals. We know we will be stretched and lead to new levels of love and friendship.
Stay tuned. We will see you tomorrow.
We are so looking forward to the upcoming laughter, discussions, fellowship and meals. We know we will be stretched and lead to new levels of love and friendship.
Stay tuned. We will see you tomorrow.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Another Group
A friend loves at all times, a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
A repeat of yesterday's verse, because it is certainly worth repeating. Repeating and meditating on. On both sides of the thought; as a friend and about our friends.
Yesterday I said I would explain about my second group God has placed me with. This group is made up of very different ladies. One from Florida, one from Las Vegas and one from Missouri. I became involved with the first two through churches, the third by shared parents. They did not know each other, although I talked about them to each other so much they felt as if they did. So last year we decided it was time to get everyone together for a retreat. It turned out to be such a special and glorious event we are hoping to make it yearly. So tomorrow I leave for Missouri for our Second Annual Retreat. We each pick a book that we consider important to our spiritual life, then we read all four and discuss them at our get together. We share and stretch and grow our faith and understanding of what God means to us in our lives. We are at different places on our faith walks so it is a lively and informative discussion. Now don't get me wrong, we also have time to eat, shop, gossip and eat some more! But you would be correct in assuming we talk all the time.
God has given me each of these ladies at the exact time I needed them and need them I did and do. One was presented as my Christmas gift, a live doll I could love and boss around. One came at the darkest time of my life. With God wrapped around her waist she pulled me through the darkness. We are not only on the same page of searching, we on the same letter of the same word in the same sentence. The last beautiful woman shared a prayer group experience with me that took our prayer life to an altogether deeper level than I ever expected. We went from prayer to, as one friend put it, "holy talk".
I can in no way thank God enough for these friends. I can not praise God enough for this group. When we are together God's love is so palatable, it is as if a white, airy blanket is placed around us. We are know by his love shining from our souls.
I will be traveling for two days, but Tuesday I rejoin you and we will start the retreat together. Come join me and my three soul sisters. We will love to have you along. I may get one of them to write something!
God has put a group out there for you. Maybe you are already aware of it. If so, I hope and pray you cherish it as I do my two groups. If you haven't found yours yet, look around you, they are there. You need them and they need you. God made us to love and he made loving friends for us to find.
God bless and I'll see you Tuesday. P.S. The husband just came in and asked me to go play nine holes this afternoon! Play the course.
A repeat of yesterday's verse, because it is certainly worth repeating. Repeating and meditating on. On both sides of the thought; as a friend and about our friends.
Yesterday I said I would explain about my second group God has placed me with. This group is made up of very different ladies. One from Florida, one from Las Vegas and one from Missouri. I became involved with the first two through churches, the third by shared parents. They did not know each other, although I talked about them to each other so much they felt as if they did. So last year we decided it was time to get everyone together for a retreat. It turned out to be such a special and glorious event we are hoping to make it yearly. So tomorrow I leave for Missouri for our Second Annual Retreat. We each pick a book that we consider important to our spiritual life, then we read all four and discuss them at our get together. We share and stretch and grow our faith and understanding of what God means to us in our lives. We are at different places on our faith walks so it is a lively and informative discussion. Now don't get me wrong, we also have time to eat, shop, gossip and eat some more! But you would be correct in assuming we talk all the time.
God has given me each of these ladies at the exact time I needed them and need them I did and do. One was presented as my Christmas gift, a live doll I could love and boss around. One came at the darkest time of my life. With God wrapped around her waist she pulled me through the darkness. We are not only on the same page of searching, we on the same letter of the same word in the same sentence. The last beautiful woman shared a prayer group experience with me that took our prayer life to an altogether deeper level than I ever expected. We went from prayer to, as one friend put it, "holy talk".
I can in no way thank God enough for these friends. I can not praise God enough for this group. When we are together God's love is so palatable, it is as if a white, airy blanket is placed around us. We are know by his love shining from our souls.
I will be traveling for two days, but Tuesday I rejoin you and we will start the retreat together. Come join me and my three soul sisters. We will love to have you along. I may get one of them to write something!
God has put a group out there for you. Maybe you are already aware of it. If so, I hope and pray you cherish it as I do my two groups. If you haven't found yours yet, look around you, they are there. You need them and they need you. God made us to love and he made loving friends for us to find.
God bless and I'll see you Tuesday. P.S. The husband just came in and asked me to go play nine holes this afternoon! Play the course.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friends
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
I am blessed with two groups of good friends. One is my group of golfing buddies, the other is made up of my prayer sisters. Today I am sorely missing one group and preparing to spend five glorious days with the other.
I really miss my golfing pals. I had not been able to join them for two weeks and then yesterday we cancelled because of the wind. Now it will be another two weeks because I will be out of town again. Then when I get back two of them will be gone traveling...one of them for 5 months! Woe is me. They are funny, dear, smart, articulate women. They show genuine love and concern for each other. They help each other in times of distress and family problems. Sometimes all they do is listen, other times they take an active hand in organizing relief. They love to celebrate the successes of each other. No jealousy, a lot of teasing.
I love this group God has put me in. You will find when you get to know me that I do not believe in coincidences. No way. There is a reason I was led to join this particular group of lady golfers. The more attention I pay to God's will in my life, the more I realize how God has put the paths and door ways right in front of me. If I look for them there are always opportunities. The invitation to join this golf group was an invitation from God to get to know and love a wonderful group of women.
Why? I don't know yet (other than a lot of fun!). But years from now, when I look back on our time together, I will see so many instances of how we have supported each other, offered help, advice, prayer. We are a circle of God's active love in the world.
Has God invited you to join a group? Has someone recently offered you an invitation to go somewhere or help some how? Say yes. God has some friends for you. Look for them on the course, they are already there.
Tomorrow I'll tell you what is planned with my other special group. I planning to take you with me on that trip!
I am blessed with two groups of good friends. One is my group of golfing buddies, the other is made up of my prayer sisters. Today I am sorely missing one group and preparing to spend five glorious days with the other.
I really miss my golfing pals. I had not been able to join them for two weeks and then yesterday we cancelled because of the wind. Now it will be another two weeks because I will be out of town again. Then when I get back two of them will be gone traveling...one of them for 5 months! Woe is me. They are funny, dear, smart, articulate women. They show genuine love and concern for each other. They help each other in times of distress and family problems. Sometimes all they do is listen, other times they take an active hand in organizing relief. They love to celebrate the successes of each other. No jealousy, a lot of teasing.
I love this group God has put me in. You will find when you get to know me that I do not believe in coincidences. No way. There is a reason I was led to join this particular group of lady golfers. The more attention I pay to God's will in my life, the more I realize how God has put the paths and door ways right in front of me. If I look for them there are always opportunities. The invitation to join this golf group was an invitation from God to get to know and love a wonderful group of women.
Why? I don't know yet (other than a lot of fun!). But years from now, when I look back on our time together, I will see so many instances of how we have supported each other, offered help, advice, prayer. We are a circle of God's active love in the world.
Has God invited you to join a group? Has someone recently offered you an invitation to go somewhere or help some how? Say yes. God has some friends for you. Look for them on the course, they are already there.
Tomorrow I'll tell you what is planned with my other special group. I planning to take you with me on that trip!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wind
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides the wings of the wind. He makes wind his messengers... Psalm 104:3-4
No golf today. Wind at 35 miles an hour, gusts to 50. Blowing dust advisory. Well, I guess! Seems as if those to pieces of info go together.
More to add to yesterday's ponder list. I will be safely inside, watching the dust fill the valley. Psalm 1:4 also speaks of the wind..."Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." Wind in Hebrew is from the root word ruwach to blow, i.e. breathe. Used as wind, by resemblance breath. I think I will spend some time this afternoon, as I watch this weather event, looking at the chaff I need to have God blow away out of my life. There are many spots I need God to breath on.
How will I do it? First isolate and identify one as a separate grain of dust, then let my eye rest on each little speck, then shine a beam of light on it to make it really clear, then ask God to help me blow it away.
So, it's not windy at your house today? Maybe you are in the part of the country where it is raining. Raindrops are good to use. Waves on the ocean...grains of sand...dust bunnies in the air...
No golf today. Wind at 35 miles an hour, gusts to 50. Blowing dust advisory. Well, I guess! Seems as if those to pieces of info go together.
More to add to yesterday's ponder list. I will be safely inside, watching the dust fill the valley. Psalm 1:4 also speaks of the wind..."Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." Wind in Hebrew is from the root word ruwach to blow, i.e. breathe. Used as wind, by resemblance breath. I think I will spend some time this afternoon, as I watch this weather event, looking at the chaff I need to have God blow away out of my life. There are many spots I need God to breath on.
How will I do it? First isolate and identify one as a separate grain of dust, then let my eye rest on each little speck, then shine a beam of light on it to make it really clear, then ask God to help me blow it away.
So, it's not windy at your house today? Maybe you are in the part of the country where it is raining. Raindrops are good to use. Waves on the ocean...grains of sand...dust bunnies in the air...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Vast expanses
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me if you know all this. Job 38:18
We are home. Home to the desert. Home to the mountains. It was a great trip. The sea was calm and I did not get sea sick !! We saw some beautiful places and met some very nice people.
On this trip I was able to spend quite a large chunk of time on the deck watching the sea. I had my books with me, so I could read and then look out to sea, pondering and praying. I love vast expanses for pondering time. I grew up in Missouri surrounded by trees and hills. There were beautiful views, many actually breathtaking, but not the vast expanses of the ocean or my desert/mountain views.
I don't completely understand how this expansion of view can work so gloriously on my soul, but it sure does. I think as I look out over the sea or the spread of the desert or survey the huge mountains I register a feeling of the wonder of all the different types of vastness God created. They are so different. Then I look up at the sky and see another vast wonder. It is all made of the same physical waves and particles, but it is made visible to us in such different forms. Sky, mountains, desert, sea...me. When I let that work around and settle into my soul I become so peaceful.
It's a beautiful creation, made for us to ponder. Made for us to see. Made for us to take into our hearts and then expand ourselves. Stretch our love and peace and calm and prayers out over the whole of creation. Spread ourselves thin as we expand our love to cover all the vastness of God's creation.
We are home. Home to the desert. Home to the mountains. It was a great trip. The sea was calm and I did not get sea sick !! We saw some beautiful places and met some very nice people.
On this trip I was able to spend quite a large chunk of time on the deck watching the sea. I had my books with me, so I could read and then look out to sea, pondering and praying. I love vast expanses for pondering time. I grew up in Missouri surrounded by trees and hills. There were beautiful views, many actually breathtaking, but not the vast expanses of the ocean or my desert/mountain views.
I don't completely understand how this expansion of view can work so gloriously on my soul, but it sure does. I think as I look out over the sea or the spread of the desert or survey the huge mountains I register a feeling of the wonder of all the different types of vastness God created. They are so different. Then I look up at the sky and see another vast wonder. It is all made of the same physical waves and particles, but it is made visible to us in such different forms. Sky, mountains, desert, sea...me. When I let that work around and settle into my soul I become so peaceful.
It's a beautiful creation, made for us to ponder. Made for us to see. Made for us to take into our hearts and then expand ourselves. Stretch our love and peace and calm and prayers out over the whole of creation. Spread ourselves thin as we expand our love to cover all the vastness of God's creation.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Hold Your Peace
Jesus...said to them,"Peace be with you." John 20:19
As I said yesterday, no golf. I have two days, yesterday and today, to get ready for another trip. This one is a cruise. As I get terribly seasick I am getting ready with some apprehension. I have tried every drug made by man from the time I was 3 years old to handle this problem. Maybe I'll lose some weight on this trip, instead of the opposite!
I am trying hard not to lose my cool. I have my check list and the one from the cruise line, both of which I am doing a good job following. They help to keep me from running around like a chicken with it's head off. So far so good. I haven't snapped at the husband nor yelled at the three dogs under my feet.
Jesus gives us peace for everyday of our lives if we will let him. His presence at our side can keep us centered and calm no matter what. I believe we have to ask for it and stay focused on it. Do I have a checklist for doing this? You better believe I do. I read my devotional every morning first thing. Then I go to my favorite blogs listed over there on the right side. These are followed by prayer. If I'm on a trip with no computer then I skip the blogs, which I hate to do. I gather my peace. Breathe it in and out. Then during the day when I get frazzled, I remember a word or phrase from the morning that God has placed in my mind. Breathe it in and out. I let God put me in God's kingdom, out of the hassle, problems and worry.
It works, trust me. Take Jesus' peace and live in it. Let it roll around you, let it fill you. Remember, God loves you more than you can ever understand. He gives you peace.
Please hold that peace until I get back and we talk again. In the mean time try those sites I have listed, but remember to come back here. I'll miss you if you don't!
As I said yesterday, no golf. I have two days, yesterday and today, to get ready for another trip. This one is a cruise. As I get terribly seasick I am getting ready with some apprehension. I have tried every drug made by man from the time I was 3 years old to handle this problem. Maybe I'll lose some weight on this trip, instead of the opposite!
I am trying hard not to lose my cool. I have my check list and the one from the cruise line, both of which I am doing a good job following. They help to keep me from running around like a chicken with it's head off. So far so good. I haven't snapped at the husband nor yelled at the three dogs under my feet.
Jesus gives us peace for everyday of our lives if we will let him. His presence at our side can keep us centered and calm no matter what. I believe we have to ask for it and stay focused on it. Do I have a checklist for doing this? You better believe I do. I read my devotional every morning first thing. Then I go to my favorite blogs listed over there on the right side. These are followed by prayer. If I'm on a trip with no computer then I skip the blogs, which I hate to do. I gather my peace. Breathe it in and out. Then during the day when I get frazzled, I remember a word or phrase from the morning that God has placed in my mind. Breathe it in and out. I let God put me in God's kingdom, out of the hassle, problems and worry.
It works, trust me. Take Jesus' peace and live in it. Let it roll around you, let it fill you. Remember, God loves you more than you can ever understand. He gives you peace.
Please hold that peace until I get back and we talk again. In the mean time try those sites I have listed, but remember to come back here. I'll miss you if you don't!
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