Sand Traps and Water Hazards

I went golfing with Jay after church today. We had a great time and got some exercise to boot. I had not played golf since last summer and really surprised myself with an okay game. I love the course here in Woodland Park. It's well taken care of and not too hard for guys like me. I just wish they made a course without all the hazards. I did fairly well with them. I think I went into the sand twice and missed the water altogether. I hit one on the fifth tee from the second hole (I think) and one in the front yard of some poor guy who probably has way too many golf balls in his garage. The biggest hazard of the day was actually lightening!

On my way home I started thinking of all the hazards that life presents us with. Some of them are due to our poor selection of clubs (poor judgement), some due to the hazards on the course (just plain life struggles), and some of them come from the least expected places (other people, the Devil, etc.). You would think we would get better at avoiding those hazards; but we don't. Sometimes all we can hope to do is hit a good shot out of one of them. Just pitch back on the fairway and try again. Sometimes we get enogh courage to go for the green from them; not always a good idea, but sometimes it works. The point is not to sit in the hazard and give up trying! There is always a way out. It may take some ingenious shot. Or it may just take a little courage to try again!

Don't stay stuck in the hazard because you are afraid of the course! You have a Friend in Jesus who will be your caddy when the shot is not obvious! Check with Him and He will help you get back on the course!

Thanks for a great afternoon Jay!

Invisibility

I looked out in the general direction where I usually catch a glimpse of Pike's Peak this afternoon and found only clouds where it should be. It was a little disappointing to want to see that majestic mountain only to see dreariness. I didn't see the snow in the crevases. I didn't see the glimmer of the visitors center atop. I didn't see the tree line so well defined 2/3 the way up. All I saw was rain and clouds.

Although we usually find rain and clouds annoying in their ruin of our schedule, we also find it hard to imagine what the view was like before them and what it will be after them. Clouds come in and cover our mood. Then we find it almost impossible to see past them.

I was reminded this morning of the horses and chariots of fire circling the city when the Arameans where trying to capture Elisha. Elisha saw them in the sky, but his servant did not. The servant only saw the army of the Arameans all around and asked what they were going to do. Elisha said, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Still not seeing the Lord's army Elisha prayed, "O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And he saw the multitude of the Lord's host there to help them.

Don't let the clouds in your life obstruct your view of the multitude of the Lord's host here to help you in your time of need and your everyday life. Look beyond the clouds and ask the Lord to open your eyes to see how he is lending His help!

Unconditionality

It's tough sometimes to watch your children from a far enough distance so as not to give them a complex. At the same time, it's hard to know when your too far away to help them gain confidence and shape their lives. It's hard not to get frustrated when others don't see in them what you do. Or when they aren't recognized as the best. It's hard not to feel hurt for them when they aren't the starter on the team or first chair in the band.

Grandparents have figured out the helping from a distance thing better than us parents. They ask questions like what did you learn, or what was your favorite part, or who are your friends in that group. In stead of how did you do, or did you get the position, or who beat you.

I think God is more like a grandfather than a father in that respect. I think God asks us those kind of questions. But, that comes from His unconditional love for us. You see, it doesn't matter what we accomplish as much as how we accomplish it with God. It doesn't matter where we end up as much as how we got there with God. It doesn't matter when we do stuff as much as if we listened to His direction on doing the stuff. One of my favorite verses speaks of God's unconditional love toward mankind. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) He did not send His Son because we had proven we were worthy! He did not send His Son because we had cleaned our lives up! He sent His Son because we were in need of a Savior. God loves us in spite of our failures and wrongs.

Parents, try to understand and show more unconditional love to your children; love them because of who they are, not because of what they have done. I know you do, but show them that!

Sinners (that's all of us!), except God's love just the way you are. Let Him decide who is worthy of His Son's sacrificial offering!

Seasons

A friend saw a post on "Facebook" the other day and thought my wife was crazy for wishing for snow in August. I didn't think she was crazy! I love snow and would welcome it at anytime. It does make me think of something I heard my grandmother say one time though. She said that "we are not supposed to wish away time." I have often thought about that saying as I journey from one season to the next, or, more probably, get stuck in the middle of an uncomfortable season of life. We are all strange creatures who wish for change and then grow quickly uncomfortable the moment we have the change we sought. Sometimes life seems like an ongoing series of problems to fix. Sometimes it seems as though nothing will ever happen. Whatever the season, we always seem to want the other season back or to move on again. The moral of the story? Take care of today, "do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt 6:34 My grandfather used to say there is no such thing as tomorrow because tomorrow never comes; it's always tomorrow if we want it to be.

Searching for greener grass is a pastime that leaves only empty desires. Learn the lessons of the season God has you in and you will move on soon enough. Even then you'll most likely wish to go back.

A New Beginning

It is great to know we are a part of such a wonderful community and church here in Woodland Park. We are excited about the days and months ahead and we are praying that God opens some doors for ministry. This blog will contain mostly sermon notes and musings brought to my mind during the week. I hope you will post your thoughts and musings along with mine.

The first thought that has been going through my mind recently is the incredible view I have from the window I look out everyday. To some of you it may be old and you may take it for granted, but for us, it is a wonderful new experience that we have been longing for. The wonderful creation of God that we live in daily is not just purposed to sustain us. We are also surrounded by measures designed to give us pleasure. Some of the activities and pastimes we take pleasure in are not healthy for us. Paul said that all things are permissible to him, but not all things are beneficial! (1 Cor 6 & 10) However, God's creation is both permissible for us to enjoy and beneficial for us to take advantage of. You don't know how medicinal the mountain air and life is until you have lived elsewhere for a season. Don't take the wonderful creation of God fro granted. As you pass by the scenery and the wildlife, thank God for all He has given us!