But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
OK, so how do you seek the kingdom at the golf course? How do you see the kingdom at the golf course? Can you find the kingdom at the golf course? Is the kingdom at the golf course?
You drive through the gate, use the big parking lot of asphalt to park the car. Pass through the entrance hall, go down the steps next to the dining room, then around the corner into the locker room, get your golf shoes on and then proceed to the pro shop. Now, get the cart with your clubs, go to the hill where the practice range is, loosen up by hitting some shots with your seven iron. Back in the cart, ride to the first tee, play your round of golf. Finish round, back to the pro shop to record your score, locker room, shoes off, dining room, lunch, parking lot, car, home.
So where is this kingdom in all of this? How do I see it, find it?
You could substitute grocery store, school, office, church, movies, restaurant, anything you want for golf course. So how do you see it? I can only tell you how I have started trying. The key to me is in the next chapter of Matthew, 7:3-4. I have to get the plank out of my eye so I can see. My plank is my ego. The kingdom is where God rules, not my self will or big ego. God's rule is love. I need to start seeing all the places I go, situations I am in, people I am around, through eyes that are clear. Eyes that see with love. All acts I perform need to be done in loving kindness. The more I see with eyes of love, the more I do with loving kindness, the closer I get to perceiving the world around me as the Kingdom of God. God's rule without the interference of me, me, me and my will.
It is slow work, but with the help of the Holy Spirit who is always there, it can be done. It will be done.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Kiva
Let nothing be wasted. John 6:12
When Jesus feed the 5,000 Andrew worried "...how far will they go among so many?". Jesus showed how a little can go so far to help. In my reading I came across an opportunity for giving that can start with as little as $25, yet does so much when joined with others. http://www.kiva.org/. You will notice the new link over to the right. If you feel so inclined please look over their site. Kiva works with carefully vetted third-party field agents. As with any charity, read it all before you decide to give. I just thought this site looked promising.
When Jesus feed the 5,000 Andrew worried "...how far will they go among so many?". Jesus showed how a little can go so far to help. In my reading I came across an opportunity for giving that can start with as little as $25, yet does so much when joined with others. http://www.kiva.org/. You will notice the new link over to the right. If you feel so inclined please look over their site. Kiva works with carefully vetted third-party field agents. As with any charity, read it all before you decide to give. I just thought this site looked promising.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Dancing Carts
...hide me in the shadow of your wings... Psalm 17:8
When you live in the desert of the southwest you get used to sunny skies. As I look around me on this hilltop this morning there are maybe three or four puffy little clouds in the whole sky. It is funny on the golf course to watch the dance of the golf carts. That's what I call the scurry and maneuvering of the the cart drivers to find shade. Going from shot to shot, carts pull into the closest shade they can find. Sometimes it is just a pee wee suggestion of a shadow. Hard to find places of comfort and relief.
We are blessed that our Creator has big wide wings under which we can find peace and relief. Whether we are looking for a place to hide from "the wicked who assail me", or a loving embrace, it is always there. However, you need to look for it. You must seek it out and then put your attention and intention on the presence in which you find yourself. Give your mind, body and spirit over to the safety of the shadow.
If you have trouble finding this shadow of peace and comfort, start with centering prayer. Go to the site over under Links called Contemplative Outreach and click on the information it gives you on centering prayer.
Let's spend this day walking under the shadow of God's wings, always mindful of being in the apple of our Creator's eye.
When you live in the desert of the southwest you get used to sunny skies. As I look around me on this hilltop this morning there are maybe three or four puffy little clouds in the whole sky. It is funny on the golf course to watch the dance of the golf carts. That's what I call the scurry and maneuvering of the the cart drivers to find shade. Going from shot to shot, carts pull into the closest shade they can find. Sometimes it is just a pee wee suggestion of a shadow. Hard to find places of comfort and relief.
We are blessed that our Creator has big wide wings under which we can find peace and relief. Whether we are looking for a place to hide from "the wicked who assail me", or a loving embrace, it is always there. However, you need to look for it. You must seek it out and then put your attention and intention on the presence in which you find yourself. Give your mind, body and spirit over to the safety of the shadow.
If you have trouble finding this shadow of peace and comfort, start with centering prayer. Go to the site over under Links called Contemplative Outreach and click on the information it gives you on centering prayer.
Let's spend this day walking under the shadow of God's wings, always mindful of being in the apple of our Creator's eye.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Prayer Friday
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2Peter 1:2
Gracious and loving Creator, we thank you for all of the blessings and graces you have poured out on us this week. We know that every breath we take we take because you give it to us. You are our ground and our air. Thank you for forgiving us when we stray away from that knowledge. Help us stay in the awareness of you all the time, we seem to have a problem doing that.
Lord, don't let us be a stumbling block to those you put in our path. Let us recognize them as a gift from you. Remind us that we are all the same, made of the same, body, mind and spirit.
Let us be generous with the gifts you have given us. Let our every thought be one of love and kindness.
Help us forgive as we are forgiven.
We are yours and you are ours, we are blessed in that.
Holy Spirit please take our prayers through Christ, Amen
Please feel free to add your prayers in the comments. If you have requests, I will be happy to add your prayers to mine and take them to my prayer group.
Gracious and loving Creator, we thank you for all of the blessings and graces you have poured out on us this week. We know that every breath we take we take because you give it to us. You are our ground and our air. Thank you for forgiving us when we stray away from that knowledge. Help us stay in the awareness of you all the time, we seem to have a problem doing that.
Lord, don't let us be a stumbling block to those you put in our path. Let us recognize them as a gift from you. Remind us that we are all the same, made of the same, body, mind and spirit.
Let us be generous with the gifts you have given us. Let our every thought be one of love and kindness.
Help us forgive as we are forgiven.
We are yours and you are ours, we are blessed in that.
Holy Spirit please take our prayers through Christ, Amen
Please feel free to add your prayers in the comments. If you have requests, I will be happy to add your prayers to mine and take them to my prayer group.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Cleaning Out The Never Ending Dust
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
No golf today. The group is scattered and it is too windy anyway. Windy, windy, windy. That translates to dust, dust, dust.
Yeasterday I cleaned with a vengences. I mean I got into places that had been ignored for weeks... OK, months. I cleaned, threw out, put back what was left and then cleaned some more. Now you have to think of something while you clean, so I did some attitude cleaning. I took out some relationships, looked at the dirt that had accumalated around them, cleaned them up and then looked at them as new and shiny.
I don't find it easy to live in unity with my friends and family when there are rough edges or little dirty spots adhering to the surfaces. I know the relationships are good and clean and pure under the fuzzy stuff I let get in the way. So periodically I need to clear off the dirt and dust that has gotten in the way. Maybe dirt is too harsh a word, but I cannot think of another right now. Anyway, yesterday I sorted out a lot of thoughts in my mind that were getting in the way of love. Fortunately none of them were huge, just little spots that were not needed nor useful. As I did that I of course found that a lot of those spots were imaginary, of my own making.
Now today there is more wind and I can see a fine line of dust on some surfaces. But, as you get older and see the dust build up, you realize that it is a lot easier to clean when you first see it. Don't let that dust build, on your shelves or your relationships. Clean it all up. Then you can function in unity. In clean, pure love.
No golf today. The group is scattered and it is too windy anyway. Windy, windy, windy. That translates to dust, dust, dust.
Yeasterday I cleaned with a vengences. I mean I got into places that had been ignored for weeks... OK, months. I cleaned, threw out, put back what was left and then cleaned some more. Now you have to think of something while you clean, so I did some attitude cleaning. I took out some relationships, looked at the dirt that had accumalated around them, cleaned them up and then looked at them as new and shiny.
I don't find it easy to live in unity with my friends and family when there are rough edges or little dirty spots adhering to the surfaces. I know the relationships are good and clean and pure under the fuzzy stuff I let get in the way. So periodically I need to clear off the dirt and dust that has gotten in the way. Maybe dirt is too harsh a word, but I cannot think of another right now. Anyway, yesterday I sorted out a lot of thoughts in my mind that were getting in the way of love. Fortunately none of them were huge, just little spots that were not needed nor useful. As I did that I of course found that a lot of those spots were imaginary, of my own making.
Now today there is more wind and I can see a fine line of dust on some surfaces. But, as you get older and see the dust build up, you realize that it is a lot easier to clean when you first see it. Don't let that dust build, on your shelves or your relationships. Clean it all up. Then you can function in unity. In clean, pure love.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Way Is Love
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
This is to be a busy week. Today I help a dear one set up for a member/guest golf tournament. Tomorrow is the tournament. I think this weekend we are having a visit from an old friend. I say "think" because he is on the road and said he might swing by our town. So, as I was sitting here doing my devotion and prayer I was a little preoccupied with the week's work. My devotion was primarily concerned with walking closer to Jesus, in the hands of the Holy Spirit. How do I let go of tension and worry and busy stuff... put the devotion to work?
As I put the dishes in the dish washer, pondering this question it became clear...I do it Jesus's way, and we know Jesus's Way is love. I realized I need to help make this tournament an opportunity for these lady golfers to have fun, fellowship, laughter. So every task I undertake needs to be done in love to shine love on the situation. Change the word task to gift.
I need to prepare the house and guest room for our friend so it will be filled with a feeling of welcome and love. So all tasks must be done in love and gratitude that we are available for our friend, who needs some unconditional love right now.
Let's walk this week, our hand in the hand of the Holy Spirit. Each task done in Jesus's love for the objective of shining love on the whole situation. Bet we will have a better week than last!
This is to be a busy week. Today I help a dear one set up for a member/guest golf tournament. Tomorrow is the tournament. I think this weekend we are having a visit from an old friend. I say "think" because he is on the road and said he might swing by our town. So, as I was sitting here doing my devotion and prayer I was a little preoccupied with the week's work. My devotion was primarily concerned with walking closer to Jesus, in the hands of the Holy Spirit. How do I let go of tension and worry and busy stuff... put the devotion to work?
As I put the dishes in the dish washer, pondering this question it became clear...I do it Jesus's way, and we know Jesus's Way is love. I realized I need to help make this tournament an opportunity for these lady golfers to have fun, fellowship, laughter. So every task I undertake needs to be done in love to shine love on the situation. Change the word task to gift.
I need to prepare the house and guest room for our friend so it will be filled with a feeling of welcome and love. So all tasks must be done in love and gratitude that we are available for our friend, who needs some unconditional love right now.
Let's walk this week, our hand in the hand of the Holy Spirit. Each task done in Jesus's love for the objective of shining love on the whole situation. Bet we will have a better week than last!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
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.
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.
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