"Got Weeds?"

Did you know that weeds can be harder to pull out of the ground than nice green grass? We have a weed in our flower garden that has literally turned into a small tree! Last Saturday, I mowed and cleaned up our backyard. By the way. . . I have a new appreciation for my son now. Nothing like doing some yardwork to show you how out of shape you have gotten. . . that's a J O B! As I was de-weeding and blowing out the garden, I saw this weed that stood tall and strong as if saying "Go ahead. . . just try and pull me up from this ground!" I had noticed it for several weeks and figured when the time came. . . I would just pull it up. I was O SO wrong. I heaved and hoed and gave it the best pull with all my strength. It didn't budge one bit. As a matter of fact one week later. . . and it's still standing in same spot.

Now before you exit this Blog and say "Yeah Debby. . .that's a real nice story about a weed in your garden that you couldn't pull up. But I have too many other things to think about and do. Sooo...catch ya next time."  Give me just a few more mins of your time.

Thanks!

When I look at that weed I see our life, our children's life, other's life. Let me try and explain what I'm saying.
We all know that weeds are so much easier to remove when they are noticed early on and pulled up. Many times though we become uncaring or lazy telling ourselves "I'll take care of it later." Later comes. . . later goes. . . weed still there. Only as time goes by this weed begins to grow and can take over places if allowed. It's a mystery how weeds can be so healthy and spread so quickly . . . EVEN in a drought such as we are having.

Sin is much like a weed I believe. They both start out small and innocent. They grow as a result of our laziness choosing not to remove it. If left unchecked - they both take over places we never intended. And they both can appear to be impossible to remove with time.

Anyone can have weeds in their yards, just as anyone can have un-checked sin in their life. Weeds don't pick and choose whom they will visit, neither does sin only visit the heathens of this world. The rich, the beautiful, the faithful, the diligent, the God fearing, the christian as well as the poor, the lost, the beggar, the dirty, the unsaved ALL have sin in their lives and when left un-checked turns into something bigger and stronger than they ever imagined. And once given time to grow it becomes seemingly impossible to remove.

This is where I believe God steps in and becomes that tender loving Gardener of our "gardens". He knows how weak we are. We are nothing but dust to begin with. Genesis 2:7 tells us that. Though we are weak, God also warns us to beware!! As I mentioned above, sin starts out small and innocent. Just as a weed never comes up out of the ground as a full grown plant, sin never comes into our lives as a monster. We must be alert! Sin enters in, over time, as something that gradually just becomes easier and easier to accept. I won't go naming catagories and names of sins in our lives for I believe the Holy Spirit can show you where and what those "weeds of sins" are. As He shows you, will you be willing to agree with Him that Yes, Lord these are "weeds" that need to be removed and I'm willing to make the necessary changes in my life to let you do that ?

Sometimes those "weeds" in our life have become so deeply rooted that only God Himself can uproot them. We can try all we want. . . but the truth is. . .  God and God alone is greater, able, and mighty to save us from ourselves! His power, His love, His grace, His sovereignty steps in and makes new! There are times when God must do this through a process and not all at once as we had hoped. Just as it has taken time for that "weed" to grow in your life, it can take God time to uproot and change things in our lives. Don't get me wrong though. Whenever God chooses, He also can take that "weed" right out of our life and we become all the better for it then and there! Trust Him for He knows what steps we need and He never makes a mistake with His timing and His ways.

As well we can see those darn ole "weeds" in others we love and care about. We want so very much to step in and say "Can't you see this?!? It's not going to take you anywhere good!! Get rid of it!!" I believe as parents we can be an example to our children, we can pray, we can guide, we can love - but ultimately it is up to our loving God to remove and set them free from those "weeds" we see present in their lives. Don't ever give up, Mom and Dad, for God is mighty to save, His timing is perfect, and He is able!

So go outside today and take a look around. See any tiny weeds budding out of the ground? Better seize them before they seize your yard!! :) Or else you could have an odd looking minature TREE growing in your flower garden that really just doesn't belong. And let's not forget . . . to beware in our own lives for those unwanted "weeds" of sin that start out so small and innocently. Romans 12:9 "Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."



"Don't Touch Me Mom!"

Out of the 40 something Blogs I've shared I've probably written about or touched on this subject somewhat before. That's alright. . . I can repeat myself. . . I'm at that age that allows it. : )

I will tell you that I REALLY really wanted to be inspired to write something this past weekend and I kept coming up with blanks mostly but not entirely. I told my Mother that I was having a hard time finding just the right story to share. I pray always before I write and I sit and wait after that. I had in fact started going in a direction but didn't finish. That's when my ever present, always willing to help Mother texted me this morning with the simple words of "A Mother's Touch". . . and thus begins my Blog. . . .

Yesterday, while leaving church, I was walking out with David and Levi. While still in the building I happen to reach over and just lovingly pat my son on the back. He immediately jerked away and made quite a mad face. He said "Why did you have to do that?!?" to which I replied "Because I'm your Mother and I didn't know I wasn't supposed to." When we got to the car, he still seemed pretty mad about it. He said "I just don't see why she had to do that." David spoke up at this time and said "Because she's your Mother, she loves you and she wants to touch you." He still didn't get it of course. . . and David ends the conversation with "Someday...... you will."

A Mother's touch is so important throughout our lives. I can remember every single day that I lived in my parent's home that I always came and hugged my Mother before starting my day. It's just what I needed. Today, when I visit,  I still hug her as well. There is something comforting and securing in that hug. I believe, that in those days of growing up, it gave me the strength I needed and to know that I was loved. . . always. Today I have my own children to love. . . and love them I do! But I will tell you . . . they each are different. Although I love each of them with great amount, they each respond differently to it. I have a child who comes often to give and receive a hug of love and comfort. . . but it must be of her decision because when I come to give it myself it doesn't hold the same meaning it would seem. This child loves to hug with great aggression due to her personality. She will hug me anytime and anyplace. I have another child who has not let me even so much as reach out and touch in her anyway whatsoever for a very long time . . . and this hurts. Not even on a birthday or holiday. Through time I have come to accept it and know that God's great ways of overcoming things in our lives are always able and present. . . . I choose to wait on Him. And then, of course, there's my "sweet" son. No, really he is my sweet son and for the very most part he allows me to hug him, play with him and I even sneak in a kiss on his cheek when we are wrestling. I understand too though that he is growing up and doesn't need a "Mother's touch" out where he can be seen by others. : ) Sidenote: Although I didn't find it TOO noticeable when we are walking through a crowded room of people all with the mindset of finding their family and leaving! Haha! Ah well. . .

So as much as I love my children I also accept the fact that they all respond differently to my touch.

How about when we think of God's touch in our life? How does God touch our life?

I will be honest with you and tell you that I get really put off when I read stories of how people have just felt that "overcoming sense of God putting His arms around me and hugging me tight and everything just became better". I know God very well CAN do that. . . but just the same I don't think He's ever chosen to do that in my life and believe me when I say I've needed it! There's is kind of a funny situation here as I think about this. . . .I was upset no make that VERY upset. . . I was crying and praying and just really needing God to be close to me. While being like this, I started feeling very WARM all along the back of me. I was sitting and praying out my prayer window. As this warmness came upon me it started making me feel sick. I told God through tears "Ok God....you're standing too close and it's making me feel sick!" :) Heehee!

Although God may not choose to physically reach out and touch/hug me, I most certainly believe He does still touch us in many ways! There are touches through other people God places in our life! Our family members (I am SO blessed with the family members who give me God's touch often), there are friends (many of you have given me God's touch through your encouragement), there are godly leaders God gives us, even strangers can be used by God to touch us! It can be something simple like a song on the radio, a song at worship, words spoken through devotions/messages, books, ...... you name it! And one very important way is through God's Word....the Bible. Any and every part of life we live (yes, in this day) is covered in His Word. But don't forget. . . God does also speak to our hearts and you will know it.

How will you respond to all the many ways God is reaching out to touch you today? I hope and pray that you will willingly and gladly accept each and every single one of them! For He happily gives them! Will you accept them, draw strength from them and be renewed from them? Or will you turn away from them, going your own way and drawing from your own strength? The choice is yours my friend!

I hope that you will choose to be touched by God today and be on the lookout for all His many ways! I know I have been through, a distant in miles though near in heart, Mother's touch of a text leading me to share this Blog with you. I love you Mother! :) 



"Results or no results!"

Sometimes. . .  I think I'm the only one.

And then I stop and realize just how selfish is that?!

The father of lies wants us to be discouraged and decieved. When he succeeds he knows we aren't being our best for God. So what's the remedy? Don't listen!!

Let me explain myself. . .
Most know that I'm relatively a quiet person by nature. I'm not the center of attention . . . although oddly at times I like to be, I'm not loud and outgoing, but I am friendly, I don't have a big circle of friends, I'm not all involved and caught up in "Ladies ministries" at church, I don't have a job outside the home, my kids are human and have far to go,  my very BEST friend is my husband, and my ministry/gift is encouraging others, and.....I feel like I can do that best through writing.

My job as a mother is nearing it's end . . . .I know I know "Once a mother always a mother". . . but your influence can seem weak when 2 "adult" children live in your home. And all throughout our child rearing days I have turned to the leader of our home both spiritually and physcially to guide us through.....my David....so he makes many of the decisions. Yes indeed I know WHO leads him and I pray daily for that in his life!

So maybe you can see a little bit of me and understand when I say I don't always feel like I have a whole lot of influence, purpose and outreach in this world. Ya know....I have found it very easy to get on FB and get discouraged. You can get caught up in thinking everyone else's life  has lots of friends, lots of purpose, lots of good kids, lots of involvement, and this list goes on. . . .  But that really isn't the whole truth. There must be others, who like me, don't always feel as far reaching and purposeful as they would like to be.

As I said earlier. . . my gift (although I don't like referring to it as such because I feel like I'm lifting myself up) is encourager. My God given ability is writing. When God puts the two together I know that's how I can reach out to others hopefully to inspire, to strengthen, to lift up. I would love to write a book, but God hasn't put that into plan as of yet. I would love to have a story entered into the Guideposts inspirational magazines, but God hasn't put that into plans as well. I would love to write and encourage ANYWHERE God wants me to be . . .  and for now it is here with you through Blogs and status updates. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Blogging and am so very thankful for a very sweet friend who opened this world up to me! It has given me a chance to share me with you in ways that I wouldn't be able to otherwise. :) I sincerely hope and pray that with each Blog or status I share that you, my friend, find something to encourage you or even just make you smile.

The deception comes when I start thinking I'm reaching no one. . .  based on the lack of Comments/Likes . . or very few. And I will tell you that those who have shared their Comments/Likes regarding statuses and Blogs have been a great encouragement to me! I realize that I should not rely on this method to know that I'm reaching out to others and it is selfish of me to do so. The real me will tell you that I have another sweet friend (mentioned above) that is also an encourager through writing statuses and Blogs and it is at times of selfishness that I fall into the trap of listening to the deceiver say "SEE .... look at how many people she is influencing, helping, and encourging!" I know this is wrong. Michele, if you are reading this know that you are a wonderful friend, woman of God, encourager, and faithful servant. Blessings to you! Keep shining for HIM! And to you my readers. . . I'm sorry for my selfishness for I know that it is NOT based on the comments/likes or the lack thereof that tells me if I'm reaching out to others for God. There are those that do and those that don't.....and I thank God for both! Whether or not you are touched, inspired, encouraged, lifted up, or just made to smile.....I do it all for God and He is the One to receive glory and honor! :)

Just the other day, my Mom shared a very SPECIAL blessing with me! She has a circle of sweet ladies that are her friends and they call themselves the FIT group. As she went to their lunch outing, she told me how that my name was mentioned several times in regards to the Blogs I share and such. I will tell you wonderful ladies that may be reading this  - YOU each blessed this girl's heart and I am so very thankful for everyone of you! You brightened my day when my Mom called and told me!! :)  In saying that, I know that there are those that God has allowed me to reach out to and many times I'm not even aware of it! Thank you God!

So. . .  although I'm not a person with alot of friends, or an out-going and aggressively friendly person - God can and does use us quiet people too! I'm not the one with all the comments/likes, but I'm still reaching out to people others in ways I don't always see! I'm not busy and all caught up in other things like many are, but I am serving God through a mission led by our church! I don't have a job outside the home, but I do have lots of absolutely wonderful fun times with a husband who has work hours to do this! My kids aren't as good as yours sometimes, but they are my gifts from and by our God who is molding, shaping and leading them to be what He wants them to be! My influence may seem weak at times as a mother, but I'm gonna keep loving, praying for and being the best Mom I can be! And although I may not have many visible outlets to share a ministry through writing, I'm gonna keep writing and praying that God uses what I can offer to do His will!
(Results or no results.....for they are all in His hands. )

Don't get discouraged, my friend, when you physical eyes may not see and your physical ears may not hear for "We never know how far reaching something we may say or do today will effect the... lives of millions tomorrow." And never compare your blessings to the blessings of others for they are given to you by our God who loves you and knows you best!

Above all. . .  know that each of our purposes is to have a relationship with Jesus our Lord and our Savior as well as to bring Him glory, praise, worship and thanksgiving to Him alone. For there is no other greater purpose!

Thanks for letting me.....be me. :)

Got gas? Dinging cars? PJs? and Old age?

Wanting to share one of many of our funny times here in the Moore family household! :)

This morning Levi and Mom set out to take him to school. We were doing great with time which was an added plus when I saw that my gas tank was still on empty from the previous day before. I then had to decide whether to risk it by going on to school or stop and get gas. Levi spoke up and made the decision for me saying "Mom - go get gas at Chevron." So, being the good Mom, I did as told and drove to what I thought was Chevron. . . . which turned out to be Shell instead. As we are pulling in, Levi speaks up and says "Mom, I told you to go to Chevron." and I say "O well, where's that?" Annnd Levi says "The other direction. It's by Culvers, Mom." Ah yes! To explain myself here, we NORMALLY go to WalMart for gas, and even though Chevron is just a stones throw from our house (well almost) I don't think of it. :)

Once we pull up to the gas pump, I ask dear son if he would pump the gas being as though Mom is in PJs. He accepts and takes my credit card. I wasn't sure if he had ever done that part of the procedure so I ask him if he needs help to which he tells me no. So I sit. While sitting. . . I hear this "O CRAP. It won't let me put anymore gas in the car and it's barely a gallon in now." I turn my head to see what is going on and he is seming to be confused saying something about the pump shut off because he squeezed the handle too hard. He then takes my credit card and attepts to make another transaction. While he is doing this I can hear him saying "no....no" and pressing buttons. I have no clue at this point what this boy is putting on my card!! He gets it going once again and we are back to a good start. I say "start" because after just a bit here we go again....."Mom, he's laughing now) it happened again! I don't know why it won't let me squeeze the handle down!" ........ "Mom, come here." Ok, Mom, who is still in PJs has to come to aid. I open my door and for some reason my car starts dinging at me. I look down, key is in my hand, I shut door. I open door, car begins dinging once again, I shut door. I look all around wondering what the heck is making this car ding like that?!?! Then I ask myself - does my car ding everytime I open my door and just don't realize it?? I mean I've only HAD this car for 8 years now. . .you would think I know my car by now!! So while Mom is sitting there opening and shutting her door trying to figure things out - son begins to figure his own problems out. He says "Mom, nevermind...." FINALLY, we have gas in the car, boy is in car, hopefully the double transactions did right, and Mom is still sitting there ..... in her PJs.....wondering "Why did this silly car ding at me?" But off we go! As we are going down road towards school, I go back through our neigborhood. Funny sidenote here: I've been known as the person who only has 1 way there and 1 way back wherever I'm going regardless. (Although I indeed HAVE learned more than 1 way most places...it's still a standing joke.) At this time, son speaks up and says "Mom, why didn't you go just straight down the road and turn later on West Lake Houston Rd? I say "O yeah....there is another way!"
Ah well.....it was a longer way to take ...... cuz I told David about it later. ; )

So as I get boy to school and on time (thank ya very much) I travel back home. As I do, I notice headlights shining on the garage door....coming from my car. Ah-Ha! it was my lights on that caused my car to ding when I opened the door.....but WHO turned my lights on?? The mystery continues. . .  ; )

Later this afternoon, I told Levi that I was writing a Blog about our funny morning, to which he replys "What happned this morning that was so funny??"

Ok - so it was funny to me!! : ))

Lately, my David has had this saying regarding me. He tells me as he smiles "You're gonna be one funny old lady/grandma....I can already tell."
Got news for ya . . . . I already am!! : )

He has said before too. . ."You'll be pushin me in the wheelchair and I'll be tellin ya where to go." LOL! :)

Laughter is good for the soul......keep laughing my friend!

"Your Sept. 11th, my Sept 11th - it is ALL for GOOD! :)"

As most people are probably aware of, in 2 weeks we will be honoring the 10 year date that marks a tragic time for our nation. . . September 11. Many countless lives were changed during that time. Lives were taken and lives were given. But one thing remains. . . through all the tragedy God brings good. For an unbeliever reading this, I'm positive they would strongly disagree. For how could there be ANY good found through all of this in their eyes? But to the believer. . .we KNOW God brings good from the ashes. "And we KNOW that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.  He strengthens, He restores. He does what only God can do. . . He heals. With this healing I believe He brings a deeper faith and an equiping to be used in greater ways than before.

Today I read a story of woman who was the very last to be rescued from the rubble. Questions formed in her mind of many "what-ifs". What if she had left the 64th floor earlier and escaped unharmed? What if the ground hadn't been falling out beneath her at the 13th floor as she was getting closer to escaping? What if she hadn't been stuck under rubble and debris for 27 hours before they could free her? She goes on to say she would have been grateful, but knew she wouldn't have looked any deeper at her life. She would've chalked her survival up to quick thinking or quick moving or plain good luck. Instead it caused her to re-evaluate her life entirely. She celebrates a relationship with God (being the very best), she also celebrates her survival, her health and her family. She volunteers with the American Red Cross, as they were there in her time of need. She lives with no fear. She knows God has changed her life to the good.

There are thousands upon thousands of stories of how God changed their lives through what was thought to be for bad. As one man put it into perspective, he referred back to the story of Joseph and his brothers. How that they betrayed him, abandoned him and sold him. "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

Not only does God work through tragedy in our lives to bring good, He also works through our failures and mistakes to bring about the same. . .  good. "Christians need to see and know that failure/mistakes do NOT end your usefulness to God! For even the great ones of the faith failed, yet God continued to use them, often in a deeper way AFTER their fall. It is those who have fallen into the depths of failure to who God gives the call to shepherd others. This is not a call given only to the gifted, the highly trained, or the polished as such. Without a bitter experience of their own inadequacy and poverty, they are quite unfitted to bear the burden of spiritual ministry. It takes a person who has discovered something of the measure of his/her own weakness to be patient with the foibles (weaknesses) of others." "God brings blessings from the ashes of our failures."
<taken from a devotion>

I have not visited the first paragraph in any sort of tragic way in my lifetime. I know it would take great dependance upon our merciful God to know and believe that He would see them through regardless the pain and suffering. Faith would be deepened for sure. But just as I know faith would be deepened for them, it would also be deepened for those who have visited the second paragraph. . . for I was there. There is much to be said concerning this second paragraph, but I believe I have covered alot of it throughout my Bloggings over time. I am here to testify that God indeed does bring great GOOD from bad, wrong, evil, mistakes and when He does He uses it for His own glory for all to see! He uses it to show His strength in you, to show His deliverance in you, to show encouragement for others ..... in you. I know that God has me here to urge you on. . . . to encourage you. . . . to give you hope. . . and to tell you that no matter WHAT you have faced/are facing in life whether it be tragedy, failure or mistakes, God will use it for your good and His glory.
Trust Him. And not only trust Him, but wait on Him for it often can take awhile to turn a painful situation into a good one. He has a timetable and it's right on schedule as with everything else in His plans!! Who knows what He will reveal to you as you wait and trust Him.....it could be a higher purpose than you ever dreamed possible!

So as we look back and remember this time, September 11, 2001, let us not look back with a heart of bitterness of all the bad that went on throughout that day - but rather let us look ahead to all the lives that were forever touched in a positive way. . . to bring about God's GOOD for ourselves and His glory for all to say HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!!

What has God allowed in your life that you thought was for bad but turned out for your good? I'm betting there is plenty if we take a honest look. Also plenty of grace, mercy, love, forgiveness and plenty of better- than -we- ever- could- have- been- befores! :)

I leave you with this thought: "Contentment is not governed by circumstances. Contentment comes from within. It is the knowledge that God is in control (no matter what) and He will work everything out right."

There is HOPE!



"Footprints of Time"

The weekend of our wedding anniversary, David, me, Levi and his friend got to go to a wonderful place by the name of Pensacola Beach, Florida. It was simply an amazing time! The beach, the water, NO crowds, the time spent together, the activities all rolled into one was a BIG blessing from God Himself.
We are thankful! We are even more thankful for the meaning of our trip for which we celebrated. . . 24 very blessed years together as two best friends living a life together as one. I am beyond grateful for the beautiful gift that God has given me in this life.



As you know when you are at a beach. . . you leave footprints everywhere you go. There are millions of footprints coming and going in all different directions. Big, little, fat and skinny prints all belonging to many various different people. But the one thing they all have in common - they are all only there briefly in time - and some even more brief than others. I took a picture of this particular subject and it happens to be one of my favorite pictures! It represents so much!!

One morning, David was sitting out on the beach watching people as we often like to do. He noticed a family of 4 running by. As they did, there were footprints left on the beach. Soon after though the tide came up and washed them all away as if they had never been before. David sat there thinking to himself "I bet Deb could write a Blog about that." He later told me his thoughts and thus, as he said, became a good Blogger subject! :) Btw...please click on the above picture and it will enlarge. I really love the beauty of it and don't want you to miss it!

As I think about footprints on a beach I am reminded of the age old poem called simply "Footprints". It is a reminder to us that often when we feel that God isn't helping us in our time of need. . . that truly He is. For as we complain and cry out to God saying "Why didn't you help me??" He gently says "I was there all along. . . . carrying you in my arms of love." That is why we look and only see one set of prints in the sand. I am also reminded that each of us carry our own set of footprints here upon this earth. We each are going in different directions, striving for different goals and have different walks of life. Some have footprints of persuing what's ahead such as a career, a marriage, children. Some have footprints of walking through days of being a wife, a mom, or simply a servant of God. Some have footprints of things accomplished - kids raised and retirement. They may see ahead to numbered days, but just as well knowing their life has been full.

Whatever your walk, whatever your direction. . . . a question comes to mind. What footprints are you leaving behind for others to see? Are they deep selfish prints heading in a direction that is centered around you and no one else? Are they scared prints hoping here and there in fear that God is not going to see you through your situation? Are they dragging prints saying I'm lazy and I don't want to do my part? Are they running here and there prints saying I'm confused. I'm running in all directions trying to make sure all turns out right?

OR - - -

Are they sure, steadfast, confident steps saying : 

• I want to walk as Jesus walked upon this earth. Loving and giving myself to others as doing it unto Him.
• I don't have all the answers, but I trust in a God Who does. He WILL see me through no matter what.
• I may not can do everything, but I can do my part to be who God wants me to be. A wife, a Mom, a friend, a servant of God.
• No matter how much people may want control of life's situation - they simply will NOT be. God is sovereign, He is trustworthy and He is able. His purpose will be done regardless of your fruitless efforts.

So stop stomping, hoping, dragging and circling. . .  for God is and will forever be more than enough to carry us through whatever He has in store for us! Trust HIM!

Know too that our footprints are only here for a very brief time before they vanish just as on the beach. Make the most of each and every opportunity God gives you to leave footprints of love, forgiveness, acceptance, gratitude and mercy in another's life.



And my friend, when you turn around and only see one set of footprints through your life. . . know that it was God carrying you in His arms, by His heart.

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Isaiah 46:4

"Who Said Golf Was Meaningless and Boring?!"

Lessons of life according to the game of GOLF!! :)

Since I have taken up friends with the o so wonderful game of golf, I thought I might share some tidbits of life that can go alongside it as well.

1. There is ALWAYS room for improvement!
I've heard it said that not even the Pros have ever played a perfect game. I guess that means us beginners need not fret. As so in our christian walk with God, we always have much room for improvement. God is there to help us through each and every part of it. He is there strengthening and helping us to become all He has purposed us to be! Isaiah 41:10. "I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

2. There is always gonna be ditches/waterways to hit your ball up and over!
There is one such ditch at Walden that you must cross. So far it has got me each time! I'm still learning of course. But my David has given me the FAITH to believe that I AM going to hit it up and over that darn ditch .... in time. Perserverence will pay off! As in our spiritual life - we all come to ditches at one point or another. But in coming to that ditch we know that we are not alone and that God is there to help us to aim high and over it. For it is Christ in us that makes us strong and not we ourselves. Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Christ which strengthens me." Never give up!

3. Playing golf can be HOT and tiring!
Who hasn't noticed that it is just downright HOT out there?! Maybe we should've picked up this idea of being golfers a little later in the season. And sometimes playing can be tiring, but I guess it just goes along with the FUN. :) Serving God can be rewarding - but it has it's time of being "hot and tiring" as well. When we are tempted to say "What does it matter? I'm tired. This isn't fun anymore." We stop and remember the verse that says 1 Cor. 15: 58. "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."

4. Playing golf requires hydration!
We all know that water is an essential must for our bodies to be maintained properly. Without proper hydration we become sick and are unable to continue on. David got me a nice big Bubba mug (in purple) to keep me full of water. Sometimes I simply make myself drink because I don't always get thirsty on my own and I know it is for my good. God has given us His Word - the Bible - to keep our lives hydrated and functioning as it should. But if the Bible (water) just sits there on it's own and isn't consumed by us how will it help us? God gives us hope through His Words in showing us how to deal with every part of life. But we must read it and consume it. John 4: 14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

5. The game of golf is played to KEEP your balls - not to lose them!
Ah yes, it's gonna happen, even on your good days the inevitable happens. . . you lose yet another ball. Ya know I'm not sure you should call it "playing" golf but rather it should be sometimes called "working" golf! There's alot to remember "working" this game including where did you last hit your ball. Trying to help your team mates watch for their balls AND keep in mind where yours are is tricky sometimes! I'm sure the home tenants must think "Yup...another beginner on the course. They are looking all over the place!"  By the way, it feels really great when you do find that darn little ball! :) God assures us though that He NEVER loses us as His children! John 6: 39 "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose NONE of all that that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day." John 10: 29 "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater that all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."

6. Everyone has their own golf swing!
I'm sure everyone must have their own little peculiar ways of standing, setting up and swinging through the ball. I often wonder how odd I look myself as I'm trying my darndest best to connect with this little itty bitty round object laying on the ground. Though not totally comfortable with the idea of people watching as I am learning, I think I have improved! David and Levi try to give me helpful tips to manage myself. Sometimes their tips help.....and sometimes they just don't. But I listen and at least attempt to follow through with what they are saying. I know that I can take all these helpful tips, find which ones work for me, and in time become the O so wonderful golfer I hope to be! Heehee! It's just like in our christian walk. My walk (golf swing) with God may not resemble your walk with God. But it's MY walk with a God who loves me and relates to me right where I am at! I can know that God is putting all the "stuff" of my life together to make me into who He wants me to be in time. Philippians 1: 6 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you/me will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

(I see I am getting longer with each example. I will try to wrap this up!)

7. Lining up your ball and shooting straight takes time and patience!
One thing I do have over David and Levi, on most occassions, is that I can hit the ball straight! But a straight ball is only as good as the power behind it. David and Levi have a very sharp right hook once they have hit it. It is frustrating to say the least, but it is something they are learning to overcome with time and patience. Lining up our lives with Christ can be just as time consuming and requires patience at times as well. We need to watch and be careful lest we veer to the left or the right for temptation is all around us. In knowing that, we stand firm, trusting the One who knows us best to help us stay lined up with His purpose. Hebrews 12: 1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with the perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Philippians 3: 13 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

8. Last but not least. . . . HAVE FUN!!
Golf is challenging . . . but golf can be fun! There are people who love a challenge. I, on the other hand, do not. But I look past that fact and I see all the fun that lies in one simple game. It is time well spent with my very best friend. It can be a self motivator to get up and be active. It can boost self confidence in a positive way. And it simply can be fun to learn and accomplish something new. God also wants us to be active, have fun, enjoy and see the blessings in all that He has given us! Philippians 4: 4 "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again; Rejoice!" Psalms 144: 15 "...Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord."

: - ) Enjoy life!