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!

Listen and Accept; Deuteronomy

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

So sorry, it has been a while. I have been thinking of all of you out there, but...I don't know. I don't want to say I have been too busy... just reading, digesting, listening, holding onto, working through...you know, expanding, healing...
Hope you will be happy to know that my putting is getting better. Could be because I took some advice from the spouse??? Boy, do I hate to admit that! I finally broke down and asked him (who is a much better putter, by the way) what he saw when I putted. He told me my head was not over the ball and I was not striking the ball with a square putter head. What do you know it worked, he was right. I went back to an older putter I used to use, it is a blade, and I can get over the puts with it. My, my...strange what can happen when you listen.
That's what I have been doing in my spiritual walk lately...listening. To the voice of the Bible, the voice of a couple of authors (esp. Joyce Rupp), the voices at church, friends. Wisdom comes from many sources if we listen. Just think how many in the Bible listen. Make a little list; Mary, Abraham, Moses, Job.
Listen, then accept. That is the final punch, have to accept the word. The Holy Spirit will speak to you, start to listen and hold on.

Refresh

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins maybe wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord... Acts 3:19

A lot of golf this week. I am reading a new golf book that is refreshing my attitude, helping me turn away from some of the bad habits I have picked up over the last year or two. It is reminding me of lessons I have learned, and giving me new insight into practice and my game. I love it.
Today I am taking part in a retreat at my church. I am looking forward to a day that will refresh my spiritual journey. I hope to let this day help turn me yet closer to the Lord.
It may sound strange, but my week with this new little book on golf has set the stage for today. I know with focus I can turn away from old habits, lame ideas, miss use of time, poor choices.
I do the turning so changes can occur in my life.

To Fathers, Wherever You Are

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1Timothy 5:8

Thank you to all those fathers out in the world who take care of their families. From the ones that go to work in a safe environment to those that are looking for a job anywhere; from those who are enjoying a day out at the ballpark, beach, or back yard BBQ to those that are protesting in Iran.
God bless you all as you spread God's love, care and concern into the world.

On The Road Again

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Off on the road again visiting family. We returned from visiting with two of the children and one grandson, only to turn around and set off to visit the oldest son and his two boys. We went to a wedding and played some golf during the first trip, now we will have a marathon of high school baseball games during the second! What a joy to be with all these special family members God has given us. (Cannot leave out that I will also be seeing my sister!)
Being with my family is such a blessed way for me to see God's ways and truth. Love just flows out like a big old river. We talk some about the past, and discuss and plan a bit for the future, but mostly, we just enjoy the moment. All day long we support, laugh, listen, love. Just like God supports, laughs, listens and loves us.
My prayer is that I use this time to learn more about God's path for me and see God's ways of loving.

Prayer Friday James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Loving Creator, Living Christ, Strengthening Holy Spirit, please hear our prayer.
You have so blessed us with all that surrounds us, earth and heavens, family and friends, time and eternity. Thank you for the lives you have given us to see and enjoy all of your wonder.
Holy Spirit, guide me this day to live the Word. To look for and live in the kingdom. Help me take each minute as the time and place you want me to be. To look for you and your purpose in each situation. Help me to live as you plan for me to live, for you and your purpose. Amen

A Pondered Response

At www.snapthatpenny.blogspot.com we are asked to ponder what "you and your house believe on?". Well, when asked to ponder I cannot resist, as pondering is one of the things I do best!
We believe we were created by a mysterious, yet completely loving Creator who is active in our lives. ONE, whom if we listen to, will lead us into the life we were meant to live here in the natural world.
We believe material value takes the backseat to family love.
We believe forgiveness can be hard, but is entirely necessary if we are to survive together as a family, and a species.
We believe in good souls.
We pray.
I will pass on the question to you. Visit Snap for the beautiful pictures and thoughtful words.