Hole #12
The 12th hole is uphill all the way.
The tee box is low with the green sitting uphill, a creek cuts the hole about 100 yards out.
Past the creek lies a huge bunker and a shelved green with the pin placement today on the front and lower shelf.
This hole could prove tricky, in that, over the last couple of holes the wind has picked up and has been gusty at times. This hole will require a high shot to get on the green and the wind could come "in play".
Wind is an interesting creation. It can be powerful but not visible, except through its effects (ie. see the trees, flags on the holes, etc.). It can keep you cooler on a hot day or make you cold on a cool day.
It can also affect your shot. If you hit a bad shot it exacerbates the problem. Sometimes it is easy to forget about the wind because the trees on the course protect you, but once you've hit that shot you had better have taken the wind into account.
Well our tee shot went well. Landed on the upper shelf of the green for a birdie putt!
The interesting thing about wind and how it relates to life are amazing. If we are not anchored in our faith we are easily blown around from thought to thought and belief to belief.
Ephesians 4:13-15 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
You have to know what you believe and be ready to give account.
1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
If you are not grounded in your faith, people will use that against you. They may then not see any difference between a "Christian" and themselves. We need to be bold and not easily shaken by what may come upon us.
Matthew 7:24-26 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The wind can take many forms in life, from people to situations to even our character (what we do when no one else is around). Ultimately what we do in private will come to light eventually when we are tested by the wind. So do the right things, know who you are in Christ and move forward knowing that though the winds may blow, your shot (character) is as straight as it can be.
Well the birdie putt went right by the cup....and off the green....and down the hill. so chipped back on and putted for bogey.
Back to even par on the day.
On to the Par 4 #13....
Monday, December 7, 2009
Moving.....
well it can suck the life out of you. Hence, the reason i have not posted hole #12 yet. Hopefully it will follow soon and we can make it all the way through 18 and on to the clubhouse for the 19th hole.
we'll see.....
we'll see.....
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Hole 11, Par 4, 379 yards...
Hole #11
The 11th hole on this course is setup with a right dogleg.
Its fairway goes straight for about 270 yards then doglegs to the right up to the green.
This hole has quite a few deep bunkers on it, so that will be the hazzard we need to avoid.
The drive went just where we wanted (well straight at least). It left us with an approach shot of about 110 yards to the pin. The second shot didn't fair so well. We ended up right of the green in one of those many bunkers this hole has to offer.
When you hit into the bunker there are a lot of things that need to be considered.
First, you have to understand what caused you to end up in the sand. Sometimes the ball rolls or slips in. Sometimes it is a bad shot or the wrong choice of club.
Another thing to consider is that once you are in the sand is... the way out is kind of unorthodox.
The object in getting out is to hit a couple inches behind the ball and let the sand push the ball up and out.
If you do it right...you're out.
But...sometimes that sand holds on.
Sometimes you hit it well but that bunker is too long or deep and your best shot puts you right back in the bunker.
...In a different spot
...but same sand.
The world drops us in interesting situations all the time... troubled spots...
The world may tell us to just act like it never happened or it might influence us to blame others to get out of the situation.
But what should we do??
If we are in a difficult situation we need to first realize why we are there. How did we end up there? If it was something we did, then we need to realize our mistake, repent and then go on with the consequenses for getting out.
Like mentioned earlier, the world would have you deny it happened (lie your way out) or to blame others.
Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
The Christian will be much like the unorthodox way we use the sandwedge. We must push our way out (or back to the narrow road) with prayer and repentance. Through prayer we will look for God's direction and leading to get us through.
Also we will need humility to seek forgiveness and restoration. Through that process we can once again be on solid ground.
As a Christian we are forgiven in Christ, but that doesn't mean there aren't consequences for our sin.
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
Those consequences must be faced and dealt with the be restored with those around us.
Let's all help one another avoid those "sand traps" of life.
Galatians 6:1-3 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Well sand shot went well! On the green and the par putt was good!
Cleaning the sand off the clubs and heading to 12...
The 11th hole on this course is setup with a right dogleg.
Its fairway goes straight for about 270 yards then doglegs to the right up to the green.
This hole has quite a few deep bunkers on it, so that will be the hazzard we need to avoid.
The drive went just where we wanted (well straight at least). It left us with an approach shot of about 110 yards to the pin. The second shot didn't fair so well. We ended up right of the green in one of those many bunkers this hole has to offer.
When you hit into the bunker there are a lot of things that need to be considered.
First, you have to understand what caused you to end up in the sand. Sometimes the ball rolls or slips in. Sometimes it is a bad shot or the wrong choice of club.
Another thing to consider is that once you are in the sand is... the way out is kind of unorthodox.
The object in getting out is to hit a couple inches behind the ball and let the sand push the ball up and out.
If you do it right...you're out.
But...sometimes that sand holds on.
Sometimes you hit it well but that bunker is too long or deep and your best shot puts you right back in the bunker.
...In a different spot
...but same sand.
The world drops us in interesting situations all the time... troubled spots...
The world may tell us to just act like it never happened or it might influence us to blame others to get out of the situation.
But what should we do??
If we are in a difficult situation we need to first realize why we are there. How did we end up there? If it was something we did, then we need to realize our mistake, repent and then go on with the consequenses for getting out.
Like mentioned earlier, the world would have you deny it happened (lie your way out) or to blame others.
Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
The Christian will be much like the unorthodox way we use the sandwedge. We must push our way out (or back to the narrow road) with prayer and repentance. Through prayer we will look for God's direction and leading to get us through.
Also we will need humility to seek forgiveness and restoration. Through that process we can once again be on solid ground.
As a Christian we are forgiven in Christ, but that doesn't mean there aren't consequences for our sin.
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
Those consequences must be faced and dealt with the be restored with those around us.
Let's all help one another avoid those "sand traps" of life.
Galatians 6:1-3 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Well sand shot went well! On the green and the par putt was good!
Cleaning the sand off the clubs and heading to 12...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Hole 10, Par 4, 388 yards...
Hole #10
Hole number 10 on this course is beautiful like the rest.
The clubhouse is set on a hill/plateau, so the #10 green is set downhill from the Tee box.
It is a straight shot from the Tee box to the flag on the green.
This hole has a very tight fairway. By tight fairway, I mean its actual fairway at one point is 20 yards wide. In addition this hole has very thick rough (deep grass) on either side with trees lining the full length until they open up at the green.
Well the Tee shot was a slice (straight out about 230 yards then a sharp right turn about 30 yards.)
Now more golfing options....
...The MULLIGAN
As defined: (retaken golf shot) - a shot that, against the rules, a golfer allows an opponent to take again.
Weekend golfers may have an unwritten rule where they allow each other one mulligan on the front nine and another on the back nine.
In fundraising tournaments, they sell mulligans to make money for their cause.
I mean seriously who wouldn't want a "do-over" every now and then? But even when you play that way you have to make sure not to use it too early, you must choose wisely.
Well, no "do-overs" here. We'll play it where it lies (see hole #5).
Our choice here is to punch it out to the fairway.
In life there are "do-overs"as we go...or better yet --FORGIVENESS.
During our lives, we screw up.
We make mistakes.
As Christians we have forgiveness in/through Christ, once we repent and turn from that sin.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Hole number 10 on this course is beautiful like the rest.
The clubhouse is set on a hill/plateau, so the #10 green is set downhill from the Tee box.
It is a straight shot from the Tee box to the flag on the green.
This hole has a very tight fairway. By tight fairway, I mean its actual fairway at one point is 20 yards wide. In addition this hole has very thick rough (deep grass) on either side with trees lining the full length until they open up at the green.
Well the Tee shot was a slice (straight out about 230 yards then a sharp right turn about 30 yards.)
Now more golfing options....
...The MULLIGAN
As defined: (retaken golf shot) - a shot that, against the rules, a golfer allows an opponent to take again.
Weekend golfers may have an unwritten rule where they allow each other one mulligan on the front nine and another on the back nine.
In fundraising tournaments, they sell mulligans to make money for their cause.
I mean seriously who wouldn't want a "do-over" every now and then? But even when you play that way you have to make sure not to use it too early, you must choose wisely.
Well, no "do-overs" here. We'll play it where it lies (see hole #5).
Our choice here is to punch it out to the fairway.
In life there are "do-overs"as we go...or better yet --FORGIVENESS.
During our lives, we screw up.
We make mistakes.
As Christians we have forgiveness in/through Christ, once we repent and turn from that sin.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
That is comforting. As Christians we understand that we are not perfect, in many cases (mine) far from it, but we rest in His grace.
There is enough (GRACE) for us and the whole human race" DCB
We learn from those mistakes, repent of them, move forward and grow in grace and the love that abounds in Christ.
1 John 3:6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
Hebrews 10:25-27 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
We have forgiveness in Christ, if we are in Christ (have a relationship with Him).
If we're not in a relationship with Christ, but we know all about Him and His sacrifice....then we have made our choice.
There is only one way to happiness in the end.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
There are no mulligans for those apart from Christ after death.
No "do-overs".
Choose wisely.
Better yet, work and train yourself not to rely or lean on the mulligan.
Set the example!
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Well after we punched it back on the fairway, it was a short chip on the green and a putt for Birdie.
Sometimes we want to take a mulligan, but if we learn to play it where it lays it will better develop our game (character) and all in all probably help us more later on this course.
This hole started off a little shaky, but worked out OK.
On the way to #11
Monday, October 19, 2009
Making the turn....
Making the turn.
Generally means you are through 9 holes and making the turn at the clubhouse. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to grab some refreshment before heading to the 10th Tee.
Well 9 holes down...
perfect day...
great weather...
and even par.
Now it is time for REFRESHMENTS!!! (My favorite...if it has sugar, I'm there)
We will stop and get something to drink, maybe a candy bar or energy bar for a burst of energy and then on to #10.
The turn is a great time to take a pause and mentally take a rest, compose yourself and get back your focus for the rest of the course.
There are refreshments on the course as well. There are food carts that carry everything on them from drinks to candy or chips...some even have sandwiches.
Those carts are for us high metabolism people who seem to have a hollow leg and need constant nourishment (or just like to eat all the time).
Be careful though...Sometimes we can eat too much or even the wrong thing and it might turn that "pick me up" to a "weigh me down" and have an upsetting effect (not that i have ever experienced that). So don't overdo it.
In life I think that God will send those refreshment carts along. It can come in the form of people or situations.
God sends people in our paths with His truth and love.
They have God's truth in them and they speak it and share it, but sometimes we're too busy to take the time for the refreshment.
There are also clubhouses at the turn as well. Not really clubhouses (although it might be questionable for some) but more appropriately, churches. They are those places at the turn. Right before Monday and right after Saturday.
A place for refreshment.
A place to refocus.
A place to belong.
Make sure you have that in your life.
Make sure you are getting that refreshment or nourishment on a regular basis.
Find a place that feeds you and loves you out on the course (community) and in the clubhouse because we all need that to continue to "play at our best".
Take the full effect of His refreshment, you can't overdo this one.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Be refreshment to those around you as well.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Well that was great...
Now on to #10, Par 4, 388 yards...
Generally means you are through 9 holes and making the turn at the clubhouse. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to grab some refreshment before heading to the 10th Tee.
Well 9 holes down...
perfect day...
great weather...
and even par.
Now it is time for REFRESHMENTS!!! (My favorite...if it has sugar, I'm there)
We will stop and get something to drink, maybe a candy bar or energy bar for a burst of energy and then on to #10.
The turn is a great time to take a pause and mentally take a rest, compose yourself and get back your focus for the rest of the course.
There are refreshments on the course as well. There are food carts that carry everything on them from drinks to candy or chips...some even have sandwiches.
Those carts are for us high metabolism people who seem to have a hollow leg and need constant nourishment (or just like to eat all the time).
Be careful though...Sometimes we can eat too much or even the wrong thing and it might turn that "pick me up" to a "weigh me down" and have an upsetting effect (not that i have ever experienced that). So don't overdo it.
In life I think that God will send those refreshment carts along. It can come in the form of people or situations.
God sends people in our paths with His truth and love.
They have God's truth in them and they speak it and share it, but sometimes we're too busy to take the time for the refreshment.
There are also clubhouses at the turn as well. Not really clubhouses (although it might be questionable for some) but more appropriately, churches. They are those places at the turn. Right before Monday and right after Saturday.
A place for refreshment.
A place to refocus.
A place to belong.
Make sure you have that in your life.
Make sure you are getting that refreshment or nourishment on a regular basis.
Find a place that feeds you and loves you out on the course (community) and in the clubhouse because we all need that to continue to "play at our best".
Take the full effect of His refreshment, you can't overdo this one.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Be refreshment to those around you as well.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Well that was great...
Now on to #10, Par 4, 388 yards...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hole 9, Par 4, 401 yards...
Hole #9
Beautiful hole. Short Par 4 up towards the clubhouse. Green is surrounded by a waterfall and pond. Hole plays mostly uphill, which will make it play longer.
We have had a great round so far so let's cap the front nine score with a good showing on this beautiful hole.
The 9th hole, by now you could be getting a little tired as it has been almost two hours on the course.
You could also be a little frustrated by your score and current skill level.
The good thing about #9 is it will play into (towards) the clubhouse. So after you finish this hole you can get a drink, maybe a bite to eat, and get your focus and energy back.
By now if this is your first time out, (or you're one of those people I referred to earlier in the round that didn't think that golf was, in fact, a sport) you are probably a little tired.
You may have thought all you needed to do was go buy some "sticks" and go hit a little white ball and drive around in the cart all day.
NEWS FLASH...owning golf clubs does not make you a golfer. In the same way owning a basketball does not make you Michael Jordan, or having a tree in your backyard does not make you a forest ranger.
You might look like a golfer, but playing takes effort, it takes focus, it takes discipline.
Just because you own the clubs, maybe the shoes, maybe you are even great playing it on the Wii or Xbox 360, but you are not a "golfer" till you hit the course.
Similar things happen in the church today. People show up to church on Sundays, but what do they do on the other six days of the week?
Do our actions show we went to church?
Do others see it?
You might "look" like a Christian, but it takes action on your part. You have to accept the gift...
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Emphasis added.
It would be quite easy to go to church and talk a good game on Sundays....but quite another to head out on the "course" Monday - Saturday and show it.
It was once said, "It is easy to talk the talk, but quite different to walk the walk."
Being a Christian, following the narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14), everyday takes sacrifice. We have to willingly look towards Christ with every action and thought.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Does that mean we will be popular? ...probably not.
Does that mean our life will be easy? ...probably not.
Does that mean we will have to sacrifice and be persecuted from time to time? ...Absolutely YES!
Look at the sacrifice of the rich young ruler....
Matthew 19:16-22 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,'and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Was it too much? NO WAY. He gave up eternity for 60 or 70 years here on Earth. What a shame.
So what must we do? We must be on the "course" (narrow road), we must do our best, we must mirror Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Let's all be dilligent. Let's walk the walk and the talking will take care of itself.
Awesome hole! On the green in two (barely...almost rolled off the green in the drink). Long birdie putt was good. Nice front nine. Even after nine.
Let's hit the clubhouse...then on to #10
Beautiful hole. Short Par 4 up towards the clubhouse. Green is surrounded by a waterfall and pond. Hole plays mostly uphill, which will make it play longer.
We have had a great round so far so let's cap the front nine score with a good showing on this beautiful hole.
The 9th hole, by now you could be getting a little tired as it has been almost two hours on the course.
You could also be a little frustrated by your score and current skill level.
The good thing about #9 is it will play into (towards) the clubhouse. So after you finish this hole you can get a drink, maybe a bite to eat, and get your focus and energy back.
By now if this is your first time out, (or you're one of those people I referred to earlier in the round that didn't think that golf was, in fact, a sport) you are probably a little tired.
You may have thought all you needed to do was go buy some "sticks" and go hit a little white ball and drive around in the cart all day.
NEWS FLASH...owning golf clubs does not make you a golfer. In the same way owning a basketball does not make you Michael Jordan, or having a tree in your backyard does not make you a forest ranger.
You might look like a golfer, but playing takes effort, it takes focus, it takes discipline.
Just because you own the clubs, maybe the shoes, maybe you are even great playing it on the Wii or Xbox 360, but you are not a "golfer" till you hit the course.
Similar things happen in the church today. People show up to church on Sundays, but what do they do on the other six days of the week?
Do our actions show we went to church?
Do others see it?
You might "look" like a Christian, but it takes action on your part. You have to accept the gift...
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Emphasis added.
It would be quite easy to go to church and talk a good game on Sundays....but quite another to head out on the "course" Monday - Saturday and show it.
It was once said, "It is easy to talk the talk, but quite different to walk the walk."
Being a Christian, following the narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14), everyday takes sacrifice. We have to willingly look towards Christ with every action and thought.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Does that mean we will be popular? ...probably not.
Does that mean our life will be easy? ...probably not.
Does that mean we will have to sacrifice and be persecuted from time to time? ...Absolutely YES!
Look at the sacrifice of the rich young ruler....
The sacrifice to him was too great.
Matthew 19:16-22 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,'and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Was it too much? NO WAY. He gave up eternity for 60 or 70 years here on Earth. What a shame.
So what must we do? We must be on the "course" (narrow road), we must do our best, we must mirror Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Let's all be dilligent. Let's walk the walk and the talking will take care of itself.
Awesome hole! On the green in two (barely...almost rolled off the green in the drink). Long birdie putt was good. Nice front nine. Even after nine.
Let's hit the clubhouse...then on to #10
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hole 8, Par 4, 449 yards...
Hole #8
Hole #8 is a challenging Par 4. You can't hit a driver off the tee because that will put you in the creek that is about 250-270 yards out. So we will hit a "hybrid" or a 4 iron to get us a good second shot.
Now on to our "short game". The "short game" is roughly defined as anything inside 150-180 yards. Generally you will use a high iron (8 or 9) to a wedge. In general, in the "short game" you are not too concerned with trees (assuming you are in the fairway). The only issues/hazards would be sand, and in some cases, water.
When you get into the "short game" area of the game, you have to put the "length" of the hole behind you and now you need to focus on the accuracy of the shot.
A good "short game" is very critical to a good round of golf and most people struggle with it. The "short game" has a lot to do with accuracy and placement. You want to be on the green with this shot and as close to the pin as possible. This shot will determine how difficult your putt will be or if you will even get to putt at all on the next shot.
It all boils down to choosing the right club, lining up the shot, concentrating, hitting the shot and following through.
So you might be asking how the "short game" could ever have life application in it.
I will start off with YOUR "short game".
Here is an easy question, How many people do you deal with or better yet are in your circle of influence, every day?
You and I alike are called to reflect Christ, to share Christ with the world.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Some view that as a call for the "missionaries" of the world. But if you read the scripture, it does apply to the "missionaries" of the world...you and me.
WE are CALLED to make disciples, to share Christ.
So how is your "short game"?
How well are you reflecting Christ to those around you on a daily basis?
Proverbs 14:15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
How many of us lack the "follow-through" in our short game to do and to "be" all that God has for us?
In our circle of influence are we different than those who are apart from Christ? ...or do we retell "that" joke or forward that email? Do we walk away from unhealthy conversations? Are our lives in contrast to the lost?
Do we have bite? ..or are we bland?
Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Do we focus and follow-through? Do we even have our bearings on the goal and line up right? Do we concentrate (do we have a quiet time?). Is it evident?
Some of us need to focus more on our "short game". Let's all make sure we have the right "tools" so when it comes to the "short game" we can keep it in play and get us all closer to the target.
That was a fun hole. Thankfully we played it well and had a two putt for par. Still one over for the round, but we're having a blast and enjoying this course.
On to hole #9...
Hole #8 is a challenging Par 4. You can't hit a driver off the tee because that will put you in the creek that is about 250-270 yards out. So we will hit a "hybrid" or a 4 iron to get us a good second shot.
Now on to our "short game". The "short game" is roughly defined as anything inside 150-180 yards. Generally you will use a high iron (8 or 9) to a wedge. In general, in the "short game" you are not too concerned with trees (assuming you are in the fairway). The only issues/hazards would be sand, and in some cases, water.
When you get into the "short game" area of the game, you have to put the "length" of the hole behind you and now you need to focus on the accuracy of the shot.
A good "short game" is very critical to a good round of golf and most people struggle with it. The "short game" has a lot to do with accuracy and placement. You want to be on the green with this shot and as close to the pin as possible. This shot will determine how difficult your putt will be or if you will even get to putt at all on the next shot.
It all boils down to choosing the right club, lining up the shot, concentrating, hitting the shot and following through.
So you might be asking how the "short game" could ever have life application in it.
I will start off with YOUR "short game".
Here is an easy question, How many people do you deal with or better yet are in your circle of influence, every day?
You and I alike are called to reflect Christ, to share Christ with the world.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Some view that as a call for the "missionaries" of the world. But if you read the scripture, it does apply to the "missionaries" of the world...you and me.
WE are CALLED to make disciples, to share Christ.
So how is your "short game"?
How well are you reflecting Christ to those around you on a daily basis?
Proverbs 14:15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
How many of us lack the "follow-through" in our short game to do and to "be" all that God has for us?
In our circle of influence are we different than those who are apart from Christ? ...or do we retell "that" joke or forward that email? Do we walk away from unhealthy conversations? Are our lives in contrast to the lost?
Do we have bite? ..or are we bland?
Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Do we focus and follow-through? Do we even have our bearings on the goal and line up right? Do we concentrate (do we have a quiet time?). Is it evident?
Some of us need to focus more on our "short game". Let's all make sure we have the right "tools" so when it comes to the "short game" we can keep it in play and get us all closer to the target.
That was a fun hole. Thankfully we played it well and had a two putt for par. Still one over for the round, but we're having a blast and enjoying this course.
On to hole #9...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Hole 7, Par 5, 534 yards...
Hole #7
Hole #7 on this golf course is the #1 handicapped hole.
That means that when the course was handicapped (rated for difficulty), this was the hardest or most challenging.
Holes will be ranked from 1-18 on the course.
1 being the most challenging to 18 being the least.
Although when I play I can barely tell the difference...they are all challenging. Every time you tee off the fun, or should I say the challenge, begins. Focusing on hitting the ball well, planning your shot, focusing and following through... and on top of that...having fun as you play.
This particular hole has a very long and tight fairway (bringing back the "ball eating trees" similar to those on hole #3).
Then comes the decision of whether to "lay up" (hit a short approach shot to make sure you make it over the hazard in front of you on the next hit) or to go for it and hope you ate your Wheaties that day.
The hazard on this hole is located 90 yards in front of the green. It is a creek that runs across the fairway, but it also has a huge cliff. The elevation goes up 20 feet at the cliff. And finally that brings us to the green which is surrounded by the best sand traps this course has to offer.
This will be a fun yet challenging hole.
The interesting thing about golf is that every swing you take goes on your score card. Every stroke ultimately adds up in the end and determines how well you performed. The one with the least strokes, wins the round. The reason I reflect on that here is there will be many opportunities for mistakes and thus strokes to be added to my scorecard on this beauty of a hole!
As we go through life we mess up. We make mistakes. If life were paralleling the game of golf with every mistake we would be adding strokes to our score card.
Not a great thought. But we all mess up from time to time. We don't make wise choices or decisions and we sin.
If anyone ever tells you they never mess up or they never make mistakes, walk away quickly so the lightning doesn't strike you.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
We have all sinned. We have all added strokes to the scorecard of life. With that sin comes punishment.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
That scripture tells us that our wages (what we earn) for sin is death. BUT... the gift of God is Eternal life in Christ Jesus. So all we have to do is accept that gift, take it and receive eternal life!
That is so awesome.
If we receive the gift --> we get Eternal life. So why don't more people take hold of that gift and open it?
Maybe it is ignorance, defiance, stubbornness, or pride.
So in golf to get a clean score card or get strokes removed on a round you have to start over or cheat. To get the strokes (sin, mistakes) removed in life, you have to look to Christ, repent and He will forgive. Wow what a blessing. In life it is not the one with the least stokes (sins) that wins the round (Eternal life), it is:
Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Let's do our part to reflect Christ and show that same kind of forgiveness to others on a daily basis.
Well that hole was fun. We got hung up in the trees on the tee shot, so we naturally laid up for the approach. We were on the green in 3 and two putted for par.
So far this course has been challenging and frustrating at times but all in all, it is just great to be out on the course.
Hole #7 on this golf course is the #1 handicapped hole.
That means that when the course was handicapped (rated for difficulty), this was the hardest or most challenging.
Holes will be ranked from 1-18 on the course.
1 being the most challenging to 18 being the least.
Although when I play I can barely tell the difference...they are all challenging. Every time you tee off the fun, or should I say the challenge, begins. Focusing on hitting the ball well, planning your shot, focusing and following through... and on top of that...having fun as you play.
This particular hole has a very long and tight fairway (bringing back the "ball eating trees" similar to those on hole #3).
Then comes the decision of whether to "lay up" (hit a short approach shot to make sure you make it over the hazard in front of you on the next hit) or to go for it and hope you ate your Wheaties that day.
The hazard on this hole is located 90 yards in front of the green. It is a creek that runs across the fairway, but it also has a huge cliff. The elevation goes up 20 feet at the cliff. And finally that brings us to the green which is surrounded by the best sand traps this course has to offer.
This will be a fun yet challenging hole.
The interesting thing about golf is that every swing you take goes on your score card. Every stroke ultimately adds up in the end and determines how well you performed. The one with the least strokes, wins the round. The reason I reflect on that here is there will be many opportunities for mistakes and thus strokes to be added to my scorecard on this beauty of a hole!
As we go through life we mess up. We make mistakes. If life were paralleling the game of golf with every mistake we would be adding strokes to our score card.
Not a great thought. But we all mess up from time to time. We don't make wise choices or decisions and we sin.
If anyone ever tells you they never mess up or they never make mistakes, walk away quickly so the lightning doesn't strike you.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
We have all sinned. We have all added strokes to the scorecard of life. With that sin comes punishment.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
That scripture tells us that our wages (what we earn) for sin is death. BUT... the gift of God is Eternal life in Christ Jesus. So all we have to do is accept that gift, take it and receive eternal life!
That is so awesome.
If we receive the gift --> we get Eternal life. So why don't more people take hold of that gift and open it?
Maybe it is ignorance, defiance, stubbornness, or pride.
So in golf to get a clean score card or get strokes removed on a round you have to start over or cheat. To get the strokes (sin, mistakes) removed in life, you have to look to Christ, repent and He will forgive. Wow what a blessing. In life it is not the one with the least stokes (sins) that wins the round (Eternal life), it is:
Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Let's do our part to reflect Christ and show that same kind of forgiveness to others on a daily basis.
Well that hole was fun. We got hung up in the trees on the tee shot, so we naturally laid up for the approach. We were on the green in 3 and two putted for par.
So far this course has been challenging and frustrating at times but all in all, it is just great to be out on the course.
On to hole #8...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hole 6, Par 4, 444 yards
Hole #6
Golf is a pretty funny "sport".
In fact there are a lot of people that make fun of the fact that it is called a "sport". Normally by people who really have no idea of what is involved.
Things like, "how can it be a sport when all you have to do is hit a ball with a club and then drive up to it in a cart."
I have even heard someone suggest that "it is not a sport if you don't at least run or break a sweat from the exercise."
While others tell me "that golf is a piece of cake because they have played it on their Wii."(mind you these same people have never been on a golf course)
So there you go all you avid golfers, it is a piece of cake! Just remember that the next time your taking an approach shot to the green over the water.
I do believe that golf is a fairly straightforward sport. It is fun and could be considered relaxing but i am not sure about the easy part.
It is real easy to watch it on television and say it is easy, quite another thing to actually pick up the clubs and attempt playing. There is a lot more involved than just picking up the club and hitting the ball. The outside factors (wind, noise, water and sand hazzards, and other distractions) play a huge role in how you finish the game.
In Christianity, like golf, there are a lot of mockers.
There are a lot of people who call Christians hypocrites.
There are a lot of people who make fun of Christians.
From the outside looking in they see what we say we believe. They know how a Christian is suppose to act, but they see us (Christians) fail.
They see us stumble.
And why is that? Why do we stub our toe so often? Shouldn't it be easy? We have the book. We know what's right and wrong. We know the ultimate goal is to reach out to others, to "go". When He tells us He is with us always.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
So why do we have such problems? Why do we fall short?
Could it be priorities?
Could it be focus?
Could it be our surroundings?
Well, yes to all of those questions.
But, what are we saying to to God when we don't focus on the "prize"?
When He is not our number 1 priority?
What are we idolizing instead of focusing on Him?
Exodus 20:1-4 And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below."
Where are our priorities when others pull us away from what we need to be focused on?
The outside factors of life play a huge role in how we finish our earthly stay.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We need to remember that while some will make fun of our faith, and some will make fun of us and call names, that we are not here to please them. In fact, a lot of people will not like what we have to say about giving up sinful ways and desires.
But ultimately we are not here to have the most friends on facebook.
We are not here to be loved by everyone.
We are here to reflect Christ.
So focus on the goal....press on towards the prize.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Push distractions aside. If you mess up, there is forgiveness in Christ. Pick yourself up and get back on the narrow path.
This hole worked out rather well fo us. I had to stay focused and pay attention to the goal (the green), but I made it out with a par.
If this game was so easy, I should be way under par by this time of the day.
But I am one over, and that is OK.
I will do my best and tackle each shot as it comes. Pressing on to hole #7.
Hole #7 should be fun. It is the #1 handicaped hole on the course. WooHoo!
Golf is a pretty funny "sport".
In fact there are a lot of people that make fun of the fact that it is called a "sport". Normally by people who really have no idea of what is involved.
Things like, "how can it be a sport when all you have to do is hit a ball with a club and then drive up to it in a cart."
I have even heard someone suggest that "it is not a sport if you don't at least run or break a sweat from the exercise."
While others tell me "that golf is a piece of cake because they have played it on their Wii."(mind you these same people have never been on a golf course)
So there you go all you avid golfers, it is a piece of cake! Just remember that the next time your taking an approach shot to the green over the water.
I do believe that golf is a fairly straightforward sport. It is fun and could be considered relaxing but i am not sure about the easy part.
It is real easy to watch it on television and say it is easy, quite another thing to actually pick up the clubs and attempt playing. There is a lot more involved than just picking up the club and hitting the ball. The outside factors (wind, noise, water and sand hazzards, and other distractions) play a huge role in how you finish the game.
In Christianity, like golf, there are a lot of mockers.
There are a lot of people who call Christians hypocrites.
There are a lot of people who make fun of Christians.
From the outside looking in they see what we say we believe. They know how a Christian is suppose to act, but they see us (Christians) fail.
They see us stumble.
And why is that? Why do we stub our toe so often? Shouldn't it be easy? We have the book. We know what's right and wrong. We know the ultimate goal is to reach out to others, to "go". When He tells us He is with us always.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
So why do we have such problems? Why do we fall short?
Could it be priorities?
Could it be focus?
Could it be our surroundings?
Well, yes to all of those questions.
But, what are we saying to to God when we don't focus on the "prize"?
When He is not our number 1 priority?
What are we idolizing instead of focusing on Him?
Exodus 20:1-4 And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below."
Where are our priorities when others pull us away from what we need to be focused on?
The outside factors of life play a huge role in how we finish our earthly stay.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We need to remember that while some will make fun of our faith, and some will make fun of us and call names, that we are not here to please them. In fact, a lot of people will not like what we have to say about giving up sinful ways and desires.
But ultimately we are not here to have the most friends on facebook.
We are not here to be loved by everyone.
We are here to reflect Christ.
So focus on the goal....press on towards the prize.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Push distractions aside. If you mess up, there is forgiveness in Christ. Pick yourself up and get back on the narrow path.
This hole worked out rather well fo us. I had to stay focused and pay attention to the goal (the green), but I made it out with a par.
If this game was so easy, I should be way under par by this time of the day.
But I am one over, and that is OK.
I will do my best and tackle each shot as it comes. Pressing on to hole #7.
Hole #7 should be fun. It is the #1 handicaped hole on the course. WooHoo!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Hole 5, Par 4, 410 yards....
Hole #5
This course is absolutely beautiful. It is real easy to get distracted just by the beauty of the course and how nice of a day it is.
But we came to play and so back to the task at hand.
This particular hole is open down the left side and the right side is tree-lined. So we will just focus on going left or left center.
Good solid contact but it had a little fade to it. Looks like we landed over on the right side (of course!) but we'll have to see the spot of the ball before getting too upset.
With the spot of the ball it looks like we have a straight shot at the green...
....as long as we can move the 50 foot oak tree that the ball rolled up to.
OK so we have a couple of decisions here.
If we were just goofing off with a bunch of friends we might use "the foot wedge" and give the ball a kick from behind the tree.
Or we might declare "winter rules" (even though it is the middle of the summer) and say we don't want to damage the course by taking the shot and move it out as to cause no damage to the delicate new growth (50 foot tree "new growth", I know but some play that way).
A lot of players would just look around to see if anyone is watching, and if the coast is clear just move it and hit it before anyone can see the spot.
Or there is option #2. We could play the ball as it lays. Take out a club and just hit it back in play in the fairway and go on. Because we got ourselves in that position by our Tee shot.
The second option is the right way to play and the honest way to play.
It would be real easy to just move the ball a little and have an easier time of this hole.
But, sometimes it is the tougher situations that are meant to build our character and our skills (both in golf and life).
Life situations present us that same option.
Sometimes we are in difficult places and have to make a decision.
We can get upset and say, "life is not fair" and be controlled by the situation, or we can see it as a building block in our life to be who God truly wants us to be.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
It is easy to say well "It will be OK this one time", "no one will know but me", "really, what's it going to hurt, nobody here knows me".
Common phrases you may have heard in your head before. But if we take this life serious we have to play right.
We have to let our character speak at all times, regardless of who is watching.
1 John 3:6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
This course is absolutely beautiful. It is real easy to get distracted just by the beauty of the course and how nice of a day it is.
But we came to play and so back to the task at hand.
This particular hole is open down the left side and the right side is tree-lined. So we will just focus on going left or left center.
Good solid contact but it had a little fade to it. Looks like we landed over on the right side (of course!) but we'll have to see the spot of the ball before getting too upset.
With the spot of the ball it looks like we have a straight shot at the green...
....as long as we can move the 50 foot oak tree that the ball rolled up to.
OK so we have a couple of decisions here.
If we were just goofing off with a bunch of friends we might use "the foot wedge" and give the ball a kick from behind the tree.
Or we might declare "winter rules" (even though it is the middle of the summer) and say we don't want to damage the course by taking the shot and move it out as to cause no damage to the delicate new growth (50 foot tree "new growth", I know but some play that way).
A lot of players would just look around to see if anyone is watching, and if the coast is clear just move it and hit it before anyone can see the spot.
Or there is option #2. We could play the ball as it lays. Take out a club and just hit it back in play in the fairway and go on. Because we got ourselves in that position by our Tee shot.
The second option is the right way to play and the honest way to play.
It would be real easy to just move the ball a little and have an easier time of this hole.
But, sometimes it is the tougher situations that are meant to build our character and our skills (both in golf and life).
Life situations present us that same option.
Sometimes we are in difficult places and have to make a decision.
We can get upset and say, "life is not fair" and be controlled by the situation, or we can see it as a building block in our life to be who God truly wants us to be.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
It is easy to say well "It will be OK this one time", "no one will know but me", "really, what's it going to hurt, nobody here knows me".
Common phrases you may have heard in your head before. But if we take this life serious we have to play right.
We have to let our character speak at all times, regardless of who is watching.
1 John 3:6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Sometimes the "correct shot" when playing by the rules, is a lot tougher in the present. But it pays huge dividends down the road.
So next time this game of life puts you behind a tree. Remember who you are and whom you represent and take the shot you know you should.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Take the shot...build Character....reflect Christ.
Well the tree didn't help us on this hole. We ended up getting on in three and missing the putt for par. So bogey on the hole but character was displayed on the course!
On we go. Through five holes we are one over! Hole 6, Par 4, 444 yards...
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hole 4, Par 3, 171 yards
Hole #4
Having never played this course before, I was looking forward to the Par 3's. You know the feeling, getting to hit an iron instead of being so dependent on your driver. Well i was looking forward to the Par 3's until I saw this hole...
It is 171 yards to the center of the green, it's going to play a little shorter today because the pin location is in the front.
But to give you an adequate description of this hole.....
Picture the ocean...
you got that idea in your mind?
Lots of blue water...now put an island in the middle of it.
Now you are picturing this hole.
Actually only 1/3 of the hole is water, but it is still going to be a way difficult hole.
Why is it that sometimes when we see what is in front of us we tense up and worry?
We see that obstacle (Water in this case) in front of us and start to worry. It rattles our confidence. Some very sound advice was given to me once in a sermon by David Daniels, he said, "Do your thing the way you practice." In other words, don't let what you see in front of you affect what you know you are capable of.
You have hit you 6 iron numerous times, you know what it will do if you hit it right and the water will just be a pretty feature on the course, not a negative aspect.
So focus and do your thing.
Good hit! We played through the inward/outward distractions and landed it on the green.
In our everyday lives....Why is it that we let our surroundings affect who we are at the core?
If we are who we claim to be, why do we seem so "wishy washy" at times?
Why do we lose our cool when we are faced with certain situations?
Why does peer pressure affect us so much?
We know what we're capable of (even more we know what God is capable of) but yet we let our guard down. We falter, we worry, we tense up and freeze generally during the true tests of our life.
We know we were never promised an easy life here on Earth. We knew it wasn't going to be all easy, sometimes we were going to be in sticky and otherwise difficult situations. Maybe that is why we were called to take up our cross.
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Deny himself...focus. We know what is important in those difficult situations....so focus.
But we would rather worry.
Worry about what we see although we have a faith in the unseen.
Worry about what people will think if we don't go along with the crowd.
Worry about how it will all play out rather than standing on what we know.
worry.....anxiousness.....uncertainty.....confusion......peer pressure....
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:25-27 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Matthew 10:22 "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Ephesians 6:13-15 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Stand on what (WHOM) you know. "Do your thing the way you practice." Don't let the current thing in front of you affect how you know you should act/live.
Be Bold....Stand firm....follow through with your part.
.....all that worry and anxiety about the water and i couldn't even putt when i got on the green! Oh well, got a par.
Next up Hole 5, Par 4, 410 yards...
Having never played this course before, I was looking forward to the Par 3's. You know the feeling, getting to hit an iron instead of being so dependent on your driver. Well i was looking forward to the Par 3's until I saw this hole...
It is 171 yards to the center of the green, it's going to play a little shorter today because the pin location is in the front.
But to give you an adequate description of this hole.....
Picture the ocean...
you got that idea in your mind?
Lots of blue water...now put an island in the middle of it.
Now you are picturing this hole.
Actually only 1/3 of the hole is water, but it is still going to be a way difficult hole.
Why is it that sometimes when we see what is in front of us we tense up and worry?
We see that obstacle (Water in this case) in front of us and start to worry. It rattles our confidence. Some very sound advice was given to me once in a sermon by David Daniels, he said, "Do your thing the way you practice." In other words, don't let what you see in front of you affect what you know you are capable of.
You have hit you 6 iron numerous times, you know what it will do if you hit it right and the water will just be a pretty feature on the course, not a negative aspect.
So focus and do your thing.
Good hit! We played through the inward/outward distractions and landed it on the green.
In our everyday lives....Why is it that we let our surroundings affect who we are at the core?
If we are who we claim to be, why do we seem so "wishy washy" at times?
Why do we lose our cool when we are faced with certain situations?
Why does peer pressure affect us so much?
We know what we're capable of (even more we know what God is capable of) but yet we let our guard down. We falter, we worry, we tense up and freeze generally during the true tests of our life.
We know we were never promised an easy life here on Earth. We knew it wasn't going to be all easy, sometimes we were going to be in sticky and otherwise difficult situations. Maybe that is why we were called to take up our cross.
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Deny himself...focus. We know what is important in those difficult situations....so focus.
But we would rather worry.
Worry about what we see although we have a faith in the unseen.
Worry about what people will think if we don't go along with the crowd.
Worry about how it will all play out rather than standing on what we know.
worry.....anxiousness.....uncertainty.....confusion......peer pressure....
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:25-27 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Matthew 10:22 "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Ephesians 6:13-15 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Stand on what (WHOM) you know. "Do your thing the way you practice." Don't let the current thing in front of you affect how you know you should act/live.
Be Bold....Stand firm....follow through with your part.
.....all that worry and anxiety about the water and i couldn't even putt when i got on the green! Oh well, got a par.
Next up Hole 5, Par 4, 410 yards...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hole 3, Par 5, 562 yards
Hole #3
So we have two par 4's behind us. That should have us all warmed up for the Par 5 in front of us.
This is a beautiful hole but it is one of the hardest one's on the course.
The fairways are very tight (meaning narrow). They are tree lined and being that it is mid summer they are full and bushy reaching in towards the middle to grab any unsuspecting ball.
I have always been told that trees are 90% air and to play your normal shot, but for me....i am generally in the 10% and nail them every time. So for today, I will do my best to avoid the 'hook' or the 'slice'.
The hook is a shot that can start off seemingly straight but turn hard left once it has left the face of the club. The slice, like its counterpart the hook, is similar but it goes hard right.
These shots appear to be great shots for about the first 75-100 yards but the spin and follow-through they are hit with greatly affect the outcome of the shot.
So too with Christianity...
When we start off we all seem to be going the direction we need to be. We are 'on fire' for Christ and pursuing His desires above our own. But as with golf shots, we need to have the right foundation and follow-through to ensure that we stay out of the rough and troubled areas as we walk this 'course' God has set us on.
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Outwardly all we, as fellow believers, might see of another Christian (or they see of us), is that initial contact and connection with Christ. The analogy of hitting the golf shot. They see us as going straight down the middle of the narrow road (fairway).
But, what things, what obstacles have we let get near us that can pull or sway us off that road? What have we let pull us to the side where not only getting back in the fairway is the goal, but also being able to even see the goal (prize) anymore is difficult?
As with golf, life and Christianity needs to have our attention and concentration. When we get distracted with all that is going on around us and what people are saying (or even doing) we can become distracted and lose focus.
We are only here for 70 maybe 80 years but eternity lasts forever. Choose wisely and focus on your life. Those around you may depend on your choices.
...well the tee shot went ok. We stayed out of the trees and kept it in the fairway. The awesome thing about par 5's is generally you follow your first shot up with another long shot still 250-300 yards out. Just as easy to hook or slice with your 3 wood as your driver. Focus and concentration is what it is all about. You can have a lot of fun out here if you are focused on the goal and doing everything within your control to play your best.
When we get to the end, all that discipline will pay off.
Nicely played! On in three and one putt. That is a birdie and brings us to even on the day.
Next up Hole 4, Par 3, 171 yards.....
So we have two par 4's behind us. That should have us all warmed up for the Par 5 in front of us.
This is a beautiful hole but it is one of the hardest one's on the course.
The fairways are very tight (meaning narrow). They are tree lined and being that it is mid summer they are full and bushy reaching in towards the middle to grab any unsuspecting ball.
I have always been told that trees are 90% air and to play your normal shot, but for me....i am generally in the 10% and nail them every time. So for today, I will do my best to avoid the 'hook' or the 'slice'.
The hook is a shot that can start off seemingly straight but turn hard left once it has left the face of the club. The slice, like its counterpart the hook, is similar but it goes hard right.
These shots appear to be great shots for about the first 75-100 yards but the spin and follow-through they are hit with greatly affect the outcome of the shot.
So too with Christianity...
When we start off we all seem to be going the direction we need to be. We are 'on fire' for Christ and pursuing His desires above our own. But as with golf shots, we need to have the right foundation and follow-through to ensure that we stay out of the rough and troubled areas as we walk this 'course' God has set us on.
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Outwardly all we, as fellow believers, might see of another Christian (or they see of us), is that initial contact and connection with Christ. The analogy of hitting the golf shot. They see us as going straight down the middle of the narrow road (fairway).
But, what things, what obstacles have we let get near us that can pull or sway us off that road? What have we let pull us to the side where not only getting back in the fairway is the goal, but also being able to even see the goal (prize) anymore is difficult?
As with golf, life and Christianity needs to have our attention and concentration. When we get distracted with all that is going on around us and what people are saying (or even doing) we can become distracted and lose focus.
We are only here for 70 maybe 80 years but eternity lasts forever. Choose wisely and focus on your life. Those around you may depend on your choices.
...well the tee shot went ok. We stayed out of the trees and kept it in the fairway. The awesome thing about par 5's is generally you follow your first shot up with another long shot still 250-300 yards out. Just as easy to hook or slice with your 3 wood as your driver. Focus and concentration is what it is all about. You can have a lot of fun out here if you are focused on the goal and doing everything within your control to play your best.
When we get to the end, all that discipline will pay off.
Nicely played! On in three and one putt. That is a birdie and brings us to even on the day.
Next up Hole 4, Par 3, 171 yards.....
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hole 2, Par 4, 360 yards
Finally at hole #2.
It is quite a distance from #1 to #2.
Golf in general requires a lot of patience. From battling bad shots to waiting on people, you learn a lot about a person's patience on the golf course.
This hole plays rather nicely. Pretty short Par 4. We got to the green in two shots, but now the putting....
This green is pretty tricky. It has steps/shelves/levels (whatever you want to call it) and as my skills would have it, my ball is on the bottom and the cup is on the top. Well two big hills and I can be there.
Putting is pretty funny. Half of our shots on the golf course end up being putts but we rarely practice them. In fact we rarely think about them. We could all improve our game tremendously with a little focus and concentration.
It is the little things on the golf course that are important. So I need to line this putt up. I need to focus on this shot and not rush it. Push distractions aside and not get in a hurry.
.......That putt went well from 50 foot out left it 6 inches from the cup.
Isn't that scenario similar to life?
It is the little things that make a difference.
But all too often you will find us focused on the big picture and "what is next", rushing through life. Skipping over the little things and the details all to "just get ahead".
Rarely do we silence our cell phones (no, not vibrate...quiet), much less actually take time to talk with God.
I am not a survey guy but if there was one (and there probably is) on the time spent in prayer for a Christian, it would probably average less than 1 minute a day. But isn't that the most important aspect. In order to know what He wants and desires and plans for us, shouldn't we talk to him? Shouldn't it be a priority in our lives. Shouldn't we push all distractions aside and not get in a hurry. Wouldn't that improve the overall condition we find ourselves in day to day?
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Maybe we need to focus a bit more on God and concentrate on His Will a little more.
...well a tap in for par.
Good hole for us and good counsel along the way.
Now on to #3. This will be a true test of how ready we are to play today. Par 5, 562 yards with a tight fairway......
It is quite a distance from #1 to #2.
Golf in general requires a lot of patience. From battling bad shots to waiting on people, you learn a lot about a person's patience on the golf course.
This hole plays rather nicely. Pretty short Par 4. We got to the green in two shots, but now the putting....
This green is pretty tricky. It has steps/shelves/levels (whatever you want to call it) and as my skills would have it, my ball is on the bottom and the cup is on the top. Well two big hills and I can be there.
Putting is pretty funny. Half of our shots on the golf course end up being putts but we rarely practice them. In fact we rarely think about them. We could all improve our game tremendously with a little focus and concentration.
It is the little things on the golf course that are important. So I need to line this putt up. I need to focus on this shot and not rush it. Push distractions aside and not get in a hurry.
.......That putt went well from 50 foot out left it 6 inches from the cup.
Isn't that scenario similar to life?
It is the little things that make a difference.
But all too often you will find us focused on the big picture and "what is next", rushing through life. Skipping over the little things and the details all to "just get ahead".
Rarely do we silence our cell phones (no, not vibrate...quiet), much less actually take time to talk with God.
I am not a survey guy but if there was one (and there probably is) on the time spent in prayer for a Christian, it would probably average less than 1 minute a day. But isn't that the most important aspect. In order to know what He wants and desires and plans for us, shouldn't we talk to him? Shouldn't it be a priority in our lives. Shouldn't we push all distractions aside and not get in a hurry. Wouldn't that improve the overall condition we find ourselves in day to day?
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Maybe we need to focus a bit more on God and concentrate on His Will a little more.
...well a tap in for par.
Good hole for us and good counsel along the way.
Now on to #3. This will be a true test of how ready we are to play today. Par 5, 562 yards with a tight fairway......
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hole 1, Par 4, 420 yards
The first hole of the day.
The first hole on any golf course has it's good and bad attributes.
Three good things about being on hole #1:
1. First and foremost you have the freedom and privilege to be out on the course playing.
2. The score card in your cart is blank. You start out clean with no marks/strokes against you yet.
3. You will spend the next few hours playing a game (frustrating as it can sometimes be) with some one you will enjoy playing with and get to know better through the process.
The bad/frustrating/stressful attributes:
1. That first shot off the tee box. It is sometimes hard to hit a good first shot for fear of failure. There are more people watching you tee off on hole #1 than will watch the remainder of your day. If you're like most, you probably didn't prepare yourself for the shot.....you're tight (forgot to stretch) and you probably didn't warm up enough (if at all).
The pressure to perform well right off the bat causes most to come up with excuses for the shot before they hit it. "My back really is bothering me this morning." "I tweaked my arm last night hope it doesn't bother my game.", etc....
Most people are busy thinking up reasons/excuses for why they might play "off" than really concentrating on the fundamentals and playing the game (Doing the best you can)
Can you see the parallels with Christianity?
First of all if you are in certain areas you have the freedom to be a Christ-follower and share/meet and discuss with others. Once you turn your life over to Christ you score card is wiped clean.
Your partner is this endeavor is none other than Christ. Not only can you consider Him your caddie (giving you pointers and lessons learned) but spending time with Him will help you to know Him better. He has been here and lived a sinless life, who better to get advice and learn from? He has given us His all to make sure we finish well. And thankfully He is driving the cart.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
As far as the pressure we feel when we're starting off on something new, if we are prepared, we can show people how it is not anything that we do on our own, but the power of Christ working through us that helps us be who we are and accomplish the tasks set before us.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Yes the first hole can be mentally taxing and somewhat challenging, but we seemed to make it alright. Were we perfect on the first hole? No we shot a 5, so bogey on this one. But we know that with persistence, diligence and practice we can continue to improve.
This is a long and difficult course at times. We will have to focus and concentrate on the task at hand.
Well on to hole #2. Feeling better after getting the first hole complete and only being a stroke behind. This one is a short Par 4 with a stepped green.......
The first hole on any golf course has it's good and bad attributes.
Three good things about being on hole #1:
1. First and foremost you have the freedom and privilege to be out on the course playing.
2. The score card in your cart is blank. You start out clean with no marks/strokes against you yet.
3. You will spend the next few hours playing a game (frustrating as it can sometimes be) with some one you will enjoy playing with and get to know better through the process.
The bad/frustrating/stressful attributes:
1. That first shot off the tee box. It is sometimes hard to hit a good first shot for fear of failure. There are more people watching you tee off on hole #1 than will watch the remainder of your day. If you're like most, you probably didn't prepare yourself for the shot.....you're tight (forgot to stretch) and you probably didn't warm up enough (if at all).
The pressure to perform well right off the bat causes most to come up with excuses for the shot before they hit it. "My back really is bothering me this morning." "I tweaked my arm last night hope it doesn't bother my game.", etc....
Most people are busy thinking up reasons/excuses for why they might play "off" than really concentrating on the fundamentals and playing the game (Doing the best you can)
Can you see the parallels with Christianity?
First of all if you are in certain areas you have the freedom to be a Christ-follower and share/meet and discuss with others. Once you turn your life over to Christ you score card is wiped clean.
Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Your partner is this endeavor is none other than Christ. Not only can you consider Him your caddie (giving you pointers and lessons learned) but spending time with Him will help you to know Him better. He has been here and lived a sinless life, who better to get advice and learn from? He has given us His all to make sure we finish well. And thankfully He is driving the cart.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
As far as the pressure we feel when we're starting off on something new, if we are prepared, we can show people how it is not anything that we do on our own, but the power of Christ working through us that helps us be who we are and accomplish the tasks set before us.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Yes the first hole can be mentally taxing and somewhat challenging, but we seemed to make it alright. Were we perfect on the first hole? No we shot a 5, so bogey on this one. But we know that with persistence, diligence and practice we can continue to improve.
This is a long and difficult course at times. We will have to focus and concentrate on the task at hand.
Well on to hole #2. Feeling better after getting the first hole complete and only being a stroke behind. This one is a short Par 4 with a stepped green.......
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
(AA) Allegory Attempt
The thought has occured to me over the last few weeks to try and write an allegory.
For those of you who don't know what that is:
"SYMBOLIC WORK - a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral, or political meaning"
I am going to play golf. or better yet walk you through 18 holes comparing golf with Christianity.
Golf seems to be a sport that has grown in popularity and i think will relate fairly well with most people. The thought process and how it will all "play" out as of yet are not solidified. As we embark on this journey, i welcome insight, comparisons, and critiques. I am venturing out on this as a discipline to keep myself sharp and hopefully take someone in the "cyber" world into a much deeper thought process concerning their ultimate eternity and their responsibilities right now on Earth.
Join me on this adventure. My plan and hope is that it will be updated in a timely manner and that someone will enjoy it as much as i will.
Great day out today. Perfect for golf. Gentle breeze, sunshine, mid 80's, great playing partner..........
For those of you who don't know what that is:
"SYMBOLIC WORK - a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral, or political meaning"
I am going to play golf. or better yet walk you through 18 holes comparing golf with Christianity.
Golf seems to be a sport that has grown in popularity and i think will relate fairly well with most people. The thought process and how it will all "play" out as of yet are not solidified. As we embark on this journey, i welcome insight, comparisons, and critiques. I am venturing out on this as a discipline to keep myself sharp and hopefully take someone in the "cyber" world into a much deeper thought process concerning their ultimate eternity and their responsibilities right now on Earth.
Join me on this adventure. My plan and hope is that it will be updated in a timely manner and that someone will enjoy it as much as i will.
Great day out today. Perfect for golf. Gentle breeze, sunshine, mid 80's, great playing partner..........
Friday, August 7, 2009
Reflecting on the Moon
So i was driving along with my family a couple of night's ago and the moon was full. We were discussing how pretty it was, when my wife informed the boys that the moon doesn't give off light on its own, it reflects it. That got me to thinking...i know scary.
The moon is pretty interesting when you think about it. It gives off no light on its own but is beautifully bright. It gets it's light by reflecting the sun. When it is a full moon and not being blocked by anything it is at its best reflecting the sun...beautiful and bright.
Ever consider your life that way?
We are called as Christians to reflect the Son as well.
How well we reflect the Son depends on how much we are blocked.
The moon gets blocked by the Earth and sometimes looks like a fingernail, or a half circle, or like nothing.
The strange/funny/weird part is...that same WORLD blocks how bright we shine as well. It blocks us from our source of light.
We all know that living organisms grow best in the light. We can't grow as well when we are in the dark, or better yet, blocked from the Light. We sometimes let the world get in the way of what is truly important and meaningful.
We let the world block that light.
We do it in many ways from words we use, people we associate with to things we do or see. Just like the moon has a hard time reflecting light when it is blocked or away from the source of light, so too we are hindered when we don't put ourselves in a position to obtain and thus reflect as much Light as possible.
We are given 60, 70 maybe 80 or 90 years to walk on this earth. When you weight that with eternity and where we will spend it, we really don't have that much time to reflect Christ to those around us.
What/how you choose here to reflect your relationship with Christ will be brought to light once you step out into eternity.
Let's all try to remember when we look at the moon and how cool and pretty it is, that our lives need to resemble a more full moon than a new one.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Reflect Christ.
Make it a great day!
B
The moon is pretty interesting when you think about it. It gives off no light on its own but is beautifully bright. It gets it's light by reflecting the sun. When it is a full moon and not being blocked by anything it is at its best reflecting the sun...beautiful and bright.
Ever consider your life that way?
We are called as Christians to reflect the Son as well.
How well we reflect the Son depends on how much we are blocked.
The moon gets blocked by the Earth and sometimes looks like a fingernail, or a half circle, or like nothing.
The strange/funny/weird part is...that same WORLD blocks how bright we shine as well. It blocks us from our source of light.
We all know that living organisms grow best in the light. We can't grow as well when we are in the dark, or better yet, blocked from the Light. We sometimes let the world get in the way of what is truly important and meaningful.
We let the world block that light.
We do it in many ways from words we use, people we associate with to things we do or see. Just like the moon has a hard time reflecting light when it is blocked or away from the source of light, so too we are hindered when we don't put ourselves in a position to obtain and thus reflect as much Light as possible.
We are given 60, 70 maybe 80 or 90 years to walk on this earth. When you weight that with eternity and where we will spend it, we really don't have that much time to reflect Christ to those around us.
What/how you choose here to reflect your relationship with Christ will be brought to light once you step out into eternity.
Let's all try to remember when we look at the moon and how cool and pretty it is, that our lives need to resemble a more full moon than a new one.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Reflect Christ.
Make it a great day!
B
Monday, July 27, 2009
Mountaintops
Mountaintop experiences are amazing! But they're not why we are here. I know a lot of people that think Christianity is all about mountaintop experiences. Moving from one to another. Mountaintop experiences are amazing and rewarding but our faith plays out in the valleys and trenches.
Look at Christ's example....rejected, spit on, beaten. Doesn't sound like a mountaintop.
Think back to the transfiguration, Peter wanted to put up three shelters and hang out there on the mountaintop. And i mean who wouldn't..hanging out with Jesus, Moses and Elijah?
But Peter's question was answered in action. They left the mountain to continue their work.
We are not here for mountaintops...we are here for the valleys. We have our reward on the other side. This side we work for the King. Matthew 28:19-20. "Go" is the word. "Go" and make disciples. "Go" into the valleys. "Go" to all nations. Let's enjoy the mountaintops we get to experience but let's not live there. Let's get our work done so we can "go" hear "Well done good and faithful servant". Enjoy your day and remember the valley you walk through today means God's not finished with you yet.
Make it a great one!
B
Look at Christ's example....rejected, spit on, beaten. Doesn't sound like a mountaintop.
Think back to the transfiguration, Peter wanted to put up three shelters and hang out there on the mountaintop. And i mean who wouldn't..hanging out with Jesus, Moses and Elijah?
But Peter's question was answered in action. They left the mountain to continue their work.
We are not here for mountaintops...we are here for the valleys. We have our reward on the other side. This side we work for the King. Matthew 28:19-20. "Go" is the word. "Go" and make disciples. "Go" into the valleys. "Go" to all nations. Let's enjoy the mountaintops we get to experience but let's not live there. Let's get our work done so we can "go" hear "Well done good and faithful servant". Enjoy your day and remember the valley you walk through today means God's not finished with you yet.
Make it a great one!
B
Monday, July 6, 2009
Hannah Montana...REALLY?
So God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. He gives us circumstances to pass through. There are tests, situations, people and struggles that all capture our attention and somehow cause us to reflect on who we are and where we are going in life. Are we doing what God has for us? Is this the right choice? Which fork in the road do we take? etc...
So the other day i am cruising down the road and a song comes on, "The Climb"
Some of it's lyrics are:
"I can almost see it
that dream i am dreaming
but there's a voice inside my head saying
'You'll never reach it'
every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
lost with no direction
my faith is shaking"
Pretty profound, depending on how you take it. If you have ever been faced with some tough decisions, like i have been lately, the song was right on. We as humans lay out our lives and what we want to do, how we want to "do life". Where we will be in 10 or 20 years. And when faced with decisions you try to go ahead and plan it out. But when those plans seem to take you away from where you feel you need to be, what do you do?
Continue with the song:
"But i gotta keep trying
gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast i get there
ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
True right? We are ALL on a journey. It is what happens betwwen the dashes that people will remember. What comes after, will be amazing. So we are all pursuing that AMAZING day.
James 1:2-4 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
We all have mountains before us....how do we handle them? Do we face them and climb, or slide back down and wonder 'what if'?
I have a great many decisions facing me right now about the future, as we all do on a daily basis, but i rest knowing that God is in control. My prayer is for Him to direct my steps.
It was once said, "You either pray and then don't worry or you worry and never truly pray." Pray, have faith, put it in God's hands and move on. 'God will never leave us or forsake us'...' He will cause all things to work for the good to those who love Him' (Romans 8:28)
So if you are facing tough situations, hard decisions, or even just daily life. Press on mi amigo.
In closing....the Song is sung by Miley Cyrus...yep....Hannah Montana! (See Lyrics here)
So because i like it and listened to it....does that make me a tween?
Some questions may never be answered.
Have a great Climb!
Make it a great day!
B
So the other day i am cruising down the road and a song comes on, "The Climb"
Some of it's lyrics are:
"I can almost see it
that dream i am dreaming
but there's a voice inside my head saying
'You'll never reach it'
every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
lost with no direction
my faith is shaking"
Pretty profound, depending on how you take it. If you have ever been faced with some tough decisions, like i have been lately, the song was right on. We as humans lay out our lives and what we want to do, how we want to "do life". Where we will be in 10 or 20 years. And when faced with decisions you try to go ahead and plan it out. But when those plans seem to take you away from where you feel you need to be, what do you do?
Continue with the song:
"But i gotta keep trying
gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast i get there
ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
True right? We are ALL on a journey. It is what happens betwwen the dashes that people will remember. What comes after, will be amazing. So we are all pursuing that AMAZING day.
James 1:2-4 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
We all have mountains before us....how do we handle them? Do we face them and climb, or slide back down and wonder 'what if'?
I have a great many decisions facing me right now about the future, as we all do on a daily basis, but i rest knowing that God is in control. My prayer is for Him to direct my steps.
It was once said, "You either pray and then don't worry or you worry and never truly pray." Pray, have faith, put it in God's hands and move on. 'God will never leave us or forsake us'...' He will cause all things to work for the good to those who love Him' (Romans 8:28)
So if you are facing tough situations, hard decisions, or even just daily life. Press on mi amigo.
In closing....the Song is sung by Miley Cyrus...yep....Hannah Montana! (See Lyrics here)
So because i like it and listened to it....does that make me a tween?
Some questions may never be answered.
Have a great Climb!
Make it a great day!
B
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Right now?
What are you going through right now?
Why are you going through it?
What is God training you for?
What is he preparing you for?
What does God want to accomplish through you?
No answers here. Look to God for answers.
Just know that every time difficult situations come, don't look down...look up!
God is probably preparing you to be who He NEEDS you to be.
Make it a great day!
B
Why are you going through it?
What is God training you for?
What is he preparing you for?
What does God want to accomplish through you?
No answers here. Look to God for answers.
Just know that every time difficult situations come, don't look down...look up!
God is probably preparing you to be who He NEEDS you to be.
Make it a great day!
B
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Blip...and gone
Do you ever check your priorities?
What are you pursuing?
What is it costing you?
Have you ever built something just to see it crumble down around you?
What did you sacrifice to build it?
Was it worth it?
Did you learn anything?
Our experiences are but a blip in our lives.
Our lives are but a blip in eternity
Let's focus on what counts.
Let's be kingdom builders.
Let's be people that set our minds heavenward.
Let's effect people and situations with an eternal perspective in hopes that God will bless it and thus not just be a blip, but be somebodies eternity.
What are you pursuing?
What is it costing you?
Have you ever built something just to see it crumble down around you?
What did you sacrifice to build it?
Was it worth it?
Did you learn anything?
Our experiences are but a blip in our lives.
Our lives are but a blip in eternity
Let's focus on what counts.
Let's be kingdom builders.
Let's be people that set our minds heavenward.
Let's effect people and situations with an eternal perspective in hopes that God will bless it and thus not just be a blip, but be somebodies eternity.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Perfection!!!
I am so glad that Jesus was perfect. Man what a relief it is... He came and lived among us. With His perfection it is a huge load off because it means i don't have to be. I can't even come close. Day by day i realize that this life is merely a pursuit of perfection, we are taking it step by step and day by day. If we spend our time trying to reflect Christ to others, we are making the most of our days.
Heard a preacher once say that we should always act as if we have it all together, but why? Wouldn't transparency be better, people see our struggles but also the peace we hold onto.
Yes we know where our peace comes from and we have that assurance, but to appear as if we have it all together all the time seems fake. I'm glad Jesus said come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. I don't have it all together nor will I this side of Heaven. I'm not going to 'act' like it either. I think that is why the word hypocrite is used. Jesus accepts and uses me just as I am.
I don't have to be perfect....I should pursue it at all times and will be glad to meet it in Heaven. Thank you Jesus for paying my debt. I am very grateful for your sacrifice and the gift of salvation. Help me to be who you need me to be.
May your day be great and God accomplish great things through you today.
Peace
B
Heard a preacher once say that we should always act as if we have it all together, but why? Wouldn't transparency be better, people see our struggles but also the peace we hold onto.
Yes we know where our peace comes from and we have that assurance, but to appear as if we have it all together all the time seems fake. I'm glad Jesus said come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. I don't have it all together nor will I this side of Heaven. I'm not going to 'act' like it either. I think that is why the word hypocrite is used. Jesus accepts and uses me just as I am.
I don't have to be perfect....I should pursue it at all times and will be glad to meet it in Heaven. Thank you Jesus for paying my debt. I am very grateful for your sacrifice and the gift of salvation. Help me to be who you need me to be.
May your day be great and God accomplish great things through you today.
Peace
B
Monday, March 30, 2009
Do you ever wonder why you are here?
I mean we are all here for a purpose. But what is yours? Are you pursuing the right things now to be where God wants you to be tomorrow? What is God's will for you?
You ever done something and then wondered if it really made any difference at all? Was it important or just a waste of your time. Like you were just a pawn in someone else's game?
I'll admit i have been in that situation. I have had those thoughts.
I heard a song the other day that made me reflect on my life and the 'unusual' road the my life has wiggled down. The song is WAIT AND SEE by Brandon Heath and here is a couple excerpts:
There is hope for me yet
Because God won't forget
All the plans he's made for me
I have to wait and see
He's not finished with me yet
Still wondering why I'm here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He's up to something
And the farther on I go
I've seen enough to know
That I'm, not here for nothing
He's up to something
As long as your here. God's is not done with you yet. As a close friend told me the other day, "keep walking throught the open doors". God is not done with you yet. Pursue Him with 'reckless abandon'.
You ever done something and then wondered if it really made any difference at all? Was it important or just a waste of your time. Like you were just a pawn in someone else's game?
I'll admit i have been in that situation. I have had those thoughts.
I heard a song the other day that made me reflect on my life and the 'unusual' road the my life has wiggled down. The song is WAIT AND SEE by Brandon Heath and here is a couple excerpts:
There is hope for me yet
Because God won't forget
All the plans he's made for me
I have to wait and see
He's not finished with me yet
Still wondering why I'm here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He's up to something
And the farther on I go
I've seen enough to know
That I'm, not here for nothing
He's up to something
As long as your here. God's is not done with you yet. As a close friend told me the other day, "keep walking throught the open doors". God is not done with you yet. Pursue Him with 'reckless abandon'.
Friday, March 27, 2009
New link
Check out the new link www.gointhename.com It is a mission organization. If you ever wanted to go on a mission trip to Panama this is your link. A close friend of mine runs it and it is having tremendous results.
An interesting life principle learned....by a mistake
Were you ever disobedient as a child? Of course.
Did you ever learn an important lesson through that disobedience?
This last week my son learned a valuable lesson that sometimes it is much safer to listen to dad. Or at least give a little thought to what the outcome might be.
When we are disobedient, what are the consequences?
What happens that we don't see?
In our disobedience, are we running down a hill out of control?
Are we going to come crashing down at the end?
What do we put in motion through our disobedience that we cannot see?
We all have a Father God.
How often do we honor Him?
How often do we disobey?
Sometimes our disobedience has visable consequences. Sometimes it doesn't, but eventually that downhill run will get out of control and we will wind up with pain.
How much better it is to walk the narrow road hand in hand with our Savior.
How i need to remember that every minute of every day.
The last thing i want is to run down the hill of disobedience and have that momentum carry me somewhere i never thought i would go to someplace i never want to be.
Remember to have an eternal perspective. Jesus came to rescue us. He came to offer Eternal life. It is a free gift. He can be your rescue, peace and confidence just ask Him.
The journey of life is much more controlled with Him than without.
Peace
Make it a great day!
Did you ever learn an important lesson through that disobedience?
This last week my son learned a valuable lesson that sometimes it is much safer to listen to dad. Or at least give a little thought to what the outcome might be.
When we are disobedient, what are the consequences?
What happens that we don't see?
In our disobedience, are we running down a hill out of control?
Are we going to come crashing down at the end?
What do we put in motion through our disobedience that we cannot see?
We all have a Father God.
How often do we honor Him?
How often do we disobey?
Sometimes our disobedience has visable consequences. Sometimes it doesn't, but eventually that downhill run will get out of control and we will wind up with pain.
How much better it is to walk the narrow road hand in hand with our Savior.
How i need to remember that every minute of every day.
The last thing i want is to run down the hill of disobedience and have that momentum carry me somewhere i never thought i would go to someplace i never want to be.
Remember to have an eternal perspective. Jesus came to rescue us. He came to offer Eternal life. It is a free gift. He can be your rescue, peace and confidence just ask Him.
The journey of life is much more controlled with Him than without.
Peace
Make it a great day!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Resolutional
Well here we sit on January 8, 2009. One week since the beginning of the new year. I am not sure how many of you out there in the blogosphere actually set New Year resolutions, but i wonder a week into the year, how many are still in place.
Another thing about resolutions, they generally tend to be ME focused. How can/What can I do to make ME better or more important? What can i do to help MYself?
Have you ever thought about God's perspective?
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should take care of it, but what about others?
What resolutions were set this year with others in mind? Regardless of what it cost us?
I had the privilege of hearing the song "Let it Go" by Tenth Avenue North over Christmas and it hit home. The following is an excerpt:
"I've been holding on so tight,
look at these knuckles they've gone white
I'm fighting for who i want to be,
I'm just trying to find security.
But You said let it go, You said let it go,
You said life is waiting for the ones who lose control
You said You will be everything I need
You said if i lose my life it's then I'll find my soul
You said let it go.
Well it's hard enough to hear,
harder still to move beyond this fear
We know there is nothing i can bring,
So tell me, what do You want from me?
You said let it go....
But how many of us "let it go"? How many of us hold on. How many of us are more worried about the economy, and our jobs than doing and being who God wants us to be? Where is faith in fear? Where is the peace in turmoil?
God is waiting for us...
Let's have the resolve to move in Christ.
Today, Tomorrow and Forever!
Peace and Love
B
Another thing about resolutions, they generally tend to be ME focused. How can/What can I do to make ME better or more important? What can i do to help MYself?
Have you ever thought about God's perspective?
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should take care of it, but what about others?
What resolutions were set this year with others in mind? Regardless of what it cost us?
I had the privilege of hearing the song "Let it Go" by Tenth Avenue North over Christmas and it hit home. The following is an excerpt:
"I've been holding on so tight,
look at these knuckles they've gone white
I'm fighting for who i want to be,
I'm just trying to find security.
But You said let it go, You said let it go,
You said life is waiting for the ones who lose control
You said You will be everything I need
You said if i lose my life it's then I'll find my soul
You said let it go.
Well it's hard enough to hear,
harder still to move beyond this fear
We know there is nothing i can bring,
So tell me, what do You want from me?
You said let it go....
But how many of us "let it go"? How many of us hold on. How many of us are more worried about the economy, and our jobs than doing and being who God wants us to be? Where is faith in fear? Where is the peace in turmoil?
God is waiting for us...
Let's have the resolve to move in Christ.
Today, Tomorrow and Forever!
Peace and Love
B
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