God's Grace on the Golf Course

I played a round of golf with some friends the other day. That is an innocent enough statement. Please understand, I don't play golf nearly as much as I'd like to. The fact of the matter is, I play golf just enough to keep me wanting to play more. The golf course is not always friendly to me, and I'm sure there are people who are playing either with me, or behind me that wish I would choose a different part-time hobby. The last time I was on the golf course, though, brought some lessons I would like to share. The four-some on the course decided it would be prudent for our schedules if we played two-man best ball. For those not familiar with golf terminology, that basically means that we had two, two man teams. After each person hit the ball, the team could choose which ball had the best lie and would be able to play their next ball from that spot. It makes for a quicker and lower scoring game. On the first hole, my partner and I had some issues. We shot a +2 ~ two over par. My comment to my parnter upon entering the golf cart to go to the second hole, "New hole, new life." We had to consciously put that hole behind us. If we're not careful, we can dig ourselves a hole and get bogged down because of mistakes or bad days. It is a conscious choice to put mistakes behind us and start over. Incidentally, we went on to par the next few holes. Later in that round of golf, I hit a shot on a par 3 that landed on the green. That's precisely what was supposed to happen. The reason I say it that way, is that many times, the shots I hit don't do 'what they're supposed to do.' The putt that followed surprised everyone on the green ~ especially me! It fell into the bottom of the cup! Yes, I birdied the hole. The positive words that came from both my partner and the two friends we were playing with served to encourage me. I've hit a lot of golf balls, but few have actually gone where I fully intended them to go. I was thankful for the good play, and equally thankful for the encouragement from my friends. The back nine was not as kind on the whole. In fact, on one hole, both my partner and I hit our tee shots and we weren't sure where either of the balls landed. The trajectory of both balls were, to say the least, not headed for the fairway. The friends we were playing with extended grace. They offered to let us hit a mulligan. A mulligan is a 'do-over'. Hit another ball, without a penalty. We didn't deserve their kindness and generosity. We accepted it, of course, but we didn't deserve it by any means. By the end of the round, both my partner and I were tired. He had driven a couple of hours just to get to where we played golf. I had stayed up all night working. Both of us were playing on bad knees. He didn't have any ligaments in one knee and I have a knee with basically bone on bone and no cartilege. As we approached the 18th tee, we were ready for the round to be over. But we finished the round. Good, bad, or ugly, we finished what we set out to do. The fellowship was incredible! To be able to hang out with some of my best friends in the world is enough to make the day a great one. We are able to talk about a lot of things while we're enjoying a day on the golf course. We are able to talk about grace and how God's grace amazes us. We are able to discuss how we are able to extend grace to one another. We are able to put grace into action even as we miss a shot or hit a ball where we don't intend to. Those are mirrors of what God is to us. When we miss the opportunity to do what He wants us to do, or we are offended by someone's hurtful comments to us, we can practice extending grace. All men are born sinners. We have all been condemned at birth. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). But we have all been extended grace. When we didn't deserve it, Christ took our place on the cross. Even in our most unlovely state, He chose to die for us (Romans 5:8). Be encouraged today to love someone in spite of their faults or quirks. Jesus set the example to love us; now let us love them.

Christmas in ~~ March?

I have heard of several who have had Christmas in July events. It's kind of catchy to do something like that. After all, in the middle of the year; Christmas is a good five months away. Although, the commercialism of Christmas these days, there are some pretty good sales pushing Christmas gifts about that time of year. Wait, did I really type that? OK, you can feel free to insert a sly grin there.

I've told several people during the past few years that retailers make their money between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hmmm, ignore that last paragraph's sarcasm then. Back to my original thought ~ but hoteliers in Florida make their money between January and April, with a concentrated focus on March.

What normal person living in a cold weather climate doesn't enjoy a break from the dreary, gray skies of January and February? Spring breaks typically are in March for a reason! Additionally, who wants to throw a baseball in the great white North during Feburary and March? Not me! I'm so glad God allows me to live in Florida during the winter and spring months!

The particular town where I live was home to the Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers for 60+ years. It was a great love affair between our cities. Unfortunately, the Dodgers chose to leave our city for apparently greener pastures in Arizona, leaving our economy in a world of hurt at the most inopportune time. Enough about their loss!

The grounds that were once officially known as Dodgertown is now called (in official speak only) the Vero Beach Sports Village. It will, however, ALWAYS be Dodgertown to the Vero-ites. Minor League Baseball has been operating Dodger---- (see what I mean?) Vero Beach Sports Village, since the Dodgers left. They have worked diligently to bring high school and college baseball to Vero Beach during this time of year. They also host the USF Bulls football team in the August heat for their preseason camp. Umpires come down for clinics, as well as the Dodgers and Yankees (wow, that hurts) hosting their fantasy camps. Concerts and even festivals are hosted there now. They have built four new ball diamonds, as well. Essentially, this year has almost been a break through year for the hallowed grounds that once celebrated America's Past-time during February and March.

I work at a hotel about four miles away from Dodger---- (there I go again). During the first two weeks of March, this place has been almost 90% occupied. We've sold out several nights this month already. Tonight was one such night, therefore this blog post. I mentioned to my nightwatchman, I wish I had $5 for every person I've had to turn away tonight. I could take my wife out for a pretty nice dinner! We have two college baseball teams, a college rowing team, and a part of an orchestra from Germany in house tonight. It has been the proverbial zoo!

Yes, someone in the upper heirarchy of our hotel management would enjoy reading this for sure! But as I've seen the pained looks on people's faces as I've told them I've no rooms, another thought has crossed my mind. Luke 2:7, "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because their was no room for them in the inn." The innkeeper in Bethlehem was presented a need. Mary needed a place to rest. Joseph must have been a bit nervous as he sought a place to lay their heads, knowing Mary's physical condition. I realize the customs and culture of the day was different. This innkeeper was not expected to leave the light on for them. Unfortunatly, hotels.com was not around to secure the cheapest room. The fact was, however, that there was no room to be found at the Bethelehem exit, and that's exactly where Joseph needed to stay in order to keep his appointment with the local office of the taxing and census bureau.

As I've turned people away tonight (and yes, the phone has been ringing all night, too), I've honestly thought of the Christmas story. I've put myself in the shoes of the innkeeper in Bethlehem. I wish I had a place to offer these people. In fact, one young man (literally, true story!) grinned as he headed back to the door and asked if I had a room at my house where he could stay! It almost broke my heart to tell him that was not a possibility. (Yes, my wife is breathing more comfortably now.) I heard stories of how people had been driving for hours, yes HOURS, looking at every hotel at every stop for 150 miles, to no avail. Earlier this week I had a lady from OnStar call me with a client she was trying to place. No room. Earlier tonight, I had another lady traveling alone, now in a full-blown panic attack because she couldn't find a place to stay. And yes, since beginning THIS PARAGRAPH, I've fielded two phone calls inquiring about our availability.

Is there a lesson to be learned? Other than make sure you have hotel reservations when traveling through Florida in March? I think the biggest lesson to learn is to be prepared to help those with whom we come in contact. Unfortunately, we may not be able to meet the ultimate need, i.e. a room in a sold out hotel, but we may be able to offer a word of encouragement along the way.

The ultimate way to help is to provide the good news that there is a Savior who has come to this world to give hope and help. There is a Savior who has come to give the hope of eternal life and help us through the comfort only He can provide.

Christmas in ~~ March? Christmas can come anytime when we are reminded of the special birth of our Savior. Share Him with someone today, won't you?

Traditions of Christmas

What does sparklers and knit slippers have in common? What similarities do Leeds, Alabama and Thomasville, GA share? They each are a part of my childhood Christmas traditions.

Because of geographical situations, our family would usually alternate Christmas family visits. Mom's family gathered in Alabama, dad's in Georgia. It seemed like every time we were in Alabama, there were sparklers and other fireworks involved. Every trip to Grandmama Faison's yielded a pair of knit slippers.

Doesn't sound like much, but those memories are priceless to me today. All my grandparents, two aunts, an uncle, a cousin, and my dad have all died. Maybe because every year seemed to be in a different place, there weren't annual traditions much in our family for Christmas. I do remember, though, that our get-togethers began to change as time went on.

The grandkids grew up and got married. As we began to have families of our own, it was less likely to get together with our extended families. It was much more hectic because we were scattered more than ever before.

When I married, my wife brought a completely different set of memories and traditions to the table. For example, in our family, stockings at Christmas was little more than decoration. I was a bit dumbfounded at Christmas 1990 when we literally put STUFF in the Christmas stockings!

But now that my own children are growing up, our traditions are about to change even more. It's harder to put activities together with our extended families.

Traditions change. They have to for logistic's sake. The beautiful thing about Christmas is the message of Christmas NEVER changes! Christmas is STILL about the Savior being born of a virgin, coming to forgive our sin.

I hope you've trusted Him and accepted His gift to you.

Singing Southern Gospel

Music. If ever there was a non-political or a non-religious word to ignite emotion, that word could do it. There are social, political, and religious discussions that can send people over the top, but get someone in a discussion about good or bad music, and watch what happens!

Perhaps the reason for that is, along with those social, political, and religious topics, music tends to define who we are. When we openly discuss these topics, our values suddenly begin to shine. These things will say more about us than we might otherwise verbalize about ourselves.

While I generally consider myself to enjoy a wide variety of music styles, my roots lie in Southern Gospel. Growing up, I remember listening to the Mull Singing Convention on the radio that featured the Chuck Wagon Gang. I remember watching the Singing Jubilee with the Goodmans and Florida Boys. The Bill Gaither Trio were also favorites of mine. Then, as I got into high school, I began working at our local radio station. We played Southern Gospel music every night, and I learned about the Nelons, Cathedrals, Gold City, and the Kingsmen among others.

During my early adult years, the Gaither Vocal Band was begun. I think they took my music appreciation to a completely different level. Gaither began the Homecoming series of videos, and practically gave this genre of music the proverbial shot in the arm to keep it alive. Groups like the Martins and Signature Sound have risen to popularity, largely with the help of Gaither's Homecoming Series.

I enjoy listening to all these groups. I'm very familiar with many of the older songs because of the radio days. There is one group of young men, though, that has really caught my attention recently. The group is called Soul'd Out Quartet. Honesty compels me to say the reason I began to listen to them is a young man who is an alumnus of my alma mater sings baritone for the group. Later, I learned the bass singer is also an alum.

Several things have impressed me about this group of guys. First, if you click on their website (AFTER you finish reading my blog!), you will notice these are a bunch of young kids! Seriously, I dare say their average age would put them in their late 20s. Another thing I appreciate about them is their talent. They have a really incredible sound. They are able to sing a unique blend of old style southern gospel with a newer, more progressive sound that reflects their age. Third, the guys like to have fun! As you are visiting their website, (again, AFTER you read my blog) check out some of the videos they have uploaded. It is obvious they enjoy being together. I've been able to only attend one of their concerts. But from that experience, combined with visiting with them via social media, etc., I really believe they have a genuine walk with God. That is the most important aspect of anyone in ministry.

I sing in a southern gospel quartet myself. (No, our average age isn't in our 20s.) It is a thrill for me to sing in different places and meet lots of people. The most important part, though, is being able to share Christ, and communicate the gospel message. I hope you will take advantage of listening to some good music today. Let it lift your spirits and encourage you. Most of all, allow yourself to meditate on the good news of Jesus Christ. If you are in need of a relationship with Him, or have questions about that, please feel free to send me a message via my blog. I'd love to share with you!

Lessons Learned From Facebook Groups

A year or two ago, I began a Facebook group for alumni of my college alma mater. I'm glad for the way it has grown, now well over a thousand members, and a couple more administrators have been added to help manage the group. There is a goal now to reach 3,000 members by July. A lofty goal, but certainly one that is attainable in this technologically saavy world.

Since I attended a Christian college, we have tried to maintain a clean community designed specifically for reconnection and fellowship of lifelong friendships that were forged through the college years. Not long ago, I had to do my administrative duty and set the membership to administration approval only. We had been spammed and it was not a pretty sight.

All was well until a controversial opinion was opened in a discussion forum. Anytime there are opinions, there is potential for hurt feelings. Anytime there are opinions, there is potential for argument and heated discussions.

The administrators exchanged e-mails about how to handle the situation. We did not want to censure anyone's opinions, but at the same time, we wanted to promote fellowship and friends reconnecting instead of potentially divisive issues being promoted in a heated exchange. There is a time and place to work out differences and we felt that was not the appropriate place.

As I was sharing this with my wife, we wondered how God must feel when He sees the way we handle our differences of opinions. He created us to have fellowship with Him. He created us to enjoy this Earth He provided. Have you ever wanted to just take Eve and Adam behind the woodshed a time or three?

Sin has caused problems for the entire human race for centuries. It will continue to cause problems for the duration of the human race as we know it on this Earth. Worst of all, sin has caused an eternal separation from God. But because of God's love for us, He has provided a way to be reconciled back to a relationship with Him. There is only one way and it must be on His terms. After all, He created us; not the other way around.

God sent His son, Jesus, to Earth for the express purpose of living a sinless human life while still God, and becoming a sacrifice for our sin. He accomplished that, and when we place our complete faith and trust in Him and His sacrifice, living to honor Him, we can know beyond doubt that we will live with God for eternity.

While on earth, we will not be free from sin's difficulty. There will continue to be pain and suffering because of sin. But the payment for the ultimate sin debt has been paid. We can accept that payment as our own.

What does all this have to do with a Facebook group page? The discussion of our group members occasionally go away from the true purpose of why the group was created. The fellowship sometimes turns south. As the 'creator' of the group, that disappoints me.

How much more does our wayward actions disappoint the Creator? Yet, He is gracious enough to make a way back to Him. Have you accepted His grace and making your effort to live for Him? If you have, thank Him for His grace today. If you haven't, please send me a message and let me share with you some more about how you, too, can obtain His grace for eternity.

I Need Easter This Year!

The beginning of this blog could be seen as morbid. I will apologize up front for that, but I promise if you'll read the entire blog, you will see there is more to the story. In fact, FAR MORE to the story!

A few weeks ago, I was told of a young 16 year old high school student in a neighboring town who decided to skip school. Later that day, he was involved in a auto accident. He did not survive. He was thrust into eternity far too soon by our human, fleshly time table.

Right on the heels of that, a friend of mine from my college days, only a year older than I, went to sleep in his own bed. The next face he saw was that of Jesus! A massive heart attack to this young man who was involved in mountain biking came as a shock to all who knew him. This was an incredibly bittersweet occasion. Paul, writing in the New Testament put it somewhat in perspective. He said to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. We who are left behind are the ones suffering from the painful separation caused by death.

Also, within the past few days (not weeks or months, mind you), I have had friends with relatives pass from this life. Some have been expected, some not quite. Some have known and trusted Christ as Savior, others have struggled with wondering if their loved ones had made that commitment to the One who died as a sacrifice for their sin.

Still, as I write this, another family of friends are struggling with a daughter / sister being placed in hospice care. They travel now to visit with her before she likely slips into a coma and passes from this life. There is much pain in that scenario.

I watched a little bit of the news earlier. Wars and fightings continue to abound. People around the world are feeling the effects of Libya, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The news continues with the quakes and tsunami in Japan. We turn to our own Nation and are confronted with economic struggles amid other problems.

It was likely a similar scenario that Bill and Gloria Gaither found themselves in early in their young family's life. It was the late 60s, the United States was in turmoil over racial tensions, the conflicts in Viet Nam, and more. This young, midwestern family of four learned that another baby was on the way.

Why would anyone want to bring more children into this world? They fought with their emotions and as Spring drew closer, had a head knowledge that life should get better. Perhaps it was merely the dreary winter that had brought about the emotional struggles.

It took a little blade of grass that had fought its way through the asphalt parking lot, stretching itself toward the heavens to help the Gaithers break free. Just as that grass had defeated all odds, persevering to the light above, the Gaithers knew that they, too, could defeat the odds.

They realized a very important factor, though. They knew they could not defeat anything alone. They recognized that the only way their loneliness and struggles could be defeated would be because Jesus had risen from the dead. It was the beginning of that now classic song, Because He Lives! Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He Lives, all fear is gone! Because I Know, He holds the future, and life is worth living Because He Lives!

Reflecting on the world's events, the pain of death, and the seemingly hopeless state of affairs, it would be easy to become discouraged. This is one year, I need Easter. I need the refreshing reminder that although Jesus died, He has now risen! He has risen, indeed!

Jesus' followers likely felt somewhat as we do today. Their lives had been turned upside down in a matter of days. The One they had trusted with their very lives was now dead. They feared for their own lives. But with that first Easter morning, everything changed! Perhaps you need a good dose of encouragement. Perhaps you need Easter this year to remind you of the victory that belongs to the Christian. Our hope is not found in job security or retirement funds. Our hope is not even found in our family or the church. Our hope must be founded in none other than Jesus Christ. He is Risen!

Now, perhaps you've read all the way through this and realize you have not come to terms with your own relationship with Jesus. Your hope has been in things other than the truth of the Christ. Feel free to e-mail me and let's discuss further the opportunity of discovering real, true hope. I need this Easter! Do you?

Do You Remember Being Two?

I recently heard a new song. It wasn't just any ordinary song, either. I'm not sure if it has ever been recorded or even written on staff paper or a lead sheet. The song, by and large, is just a cute comedy song ~ that's exactly what it is intended to be. It's author performed it live in my presence, and I laughed. I genuinely laughed.

Beyond the laughter though, I began to think and assess its words. Leave it to a preacher to do that, right? The song simply answered questions about our younger years. Much younger. What's the title of this song? (Thought you'd never ask!) It's Just What You Do When You're Two. What did you think about when you were two? What was your logic at the ripe old age of two? We've heard of those Terrible Two's; the author mentioned an interesting thought as he prepared to entertain us. For those new parents who have yet to experience a three year old child, this is what you have to look forward to: A three year old is merely a two year old with experience! Doesn't that sound encouraging?

Josh Taylor, the author of the song, wrote this about his experiences as a dad of a two year old. Incidentally, the lad is a cute three year old now. He was able to capture and put to music some questions all parents ask themselves from time to time. Incidentally, after you read my blog, feel free to click on the link and visit his site. He's pretty insightful, and insanely funny. Being around him for a few hours, I'm pretty sure he has a serious side to him that could help a person understand the importance of living a solid Christian life. He is indeed an impressive young man.

Now, back to the assessment; the Apostle Paul, in the New Testament, wrote that when we are young, we act young. Sounds profound, eh? Seriously, when we were a child, we spoke as a child, we acted as a child, etc. But when we became a man (or woman, as the case may be), we put away the childish things. Later in the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews (we really don't know for sure who that is) compares a young Christian to a little baby. He says that as young Christians desire the pure milk of the Word, when we grow, we should desire the meat of the Word. We should be constantly growing. We should not be satisfied with the status quo. We should not want to stay merely a child in our faith.

For the more seasoned believer, take some time to think back to your early Christian life. What are some ways you have grown in your faith? For the new believer, stay in the milk and continue to grow daily. For the unbeliever who may be reading this, are you skeptical of all this Christianity stuff? Are you just not sure it is for you? Let me hear from you. I would love to exchange communication with you about where you stand in a relationship with Christ.

A Sea, A Storm, and a Savior

The church I attend is having revival services this week. Doug Little (songwriter, preacher, friend) is the guest speaker. On Monday night, Doug shared with us from Matthew 14 ~ when Jesus walked on the water and encouraged Peter to do the same. We've heard many sermons from that text; many of them having to do with Peter being willing to get out of the boat. I've preached some like that myself.

But Doug caused me / us to think of a totally different perspective. Jesus had just finished feeding the 5,000 and he sent his disciples out in the boat to sea. Jesus went up on the mountain to a secluded spot to pray. A storm began to rage on the sea, to the point these professional fishermen were afraid. Yet Jesus was praying on the mountain. In all likelihood, Jesus saw exactly what the disciples encountered while they were in the boat. Do you think He might have been praying for them?

At just the right time, Jesus went to the disciples ~ walking on the water. He didn't go too soon because they might not have fully realized the complete need for Him. He didn't wait too late, or they might have perished in the sea. He was exactly on time! Are you trusting Him to deliver you from your struggles, at just the right time?

When the disciples saw Him, they initially thought He was a ghost. They were afraid of the storm, and as if that weren't enough, now they have a ghost walking toward them! He quickly calmed them with His words of comfort, "Peace to you!" Will you listen to the comforting words of Jesus to you today? He longs to help you overcome your fears.

As Jesus got on the boat, the storm ceased. The disciples recognized the fact that it was Jesus' presence that calmed their worst nightmare. Their response? They worshipped Him! Jesus is worthy of our worship. He is praying for us, protects us, and His presence calms the storms in our lives. Be encouraged by the work of God. Praise Him for His comfort today. Worship Him for His presence in your life.

If you have never experienced His peace in your life, I'd be happy to share with you through any means available how you, too, can know and experience Him.

Comparing Miami's Celebration with Heaven's

The Super Bowl did not go as the experts thought it would. More people in the know predicted an Indianapolis victory than not. Although Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints were a quality football team, they just didn't stand a chance against Peyton's boys from Indy. Hey, I thought the same thing.

A person asked me not long after the game, "I thought Indianapolis was supposed to win. Everybody said they were going to." Now, this person is not a football fan by any stretch of the imagination, much less someone who would spend any amount of time analyzing the game and trying to speak intelligently about it. This person has values far higher than a football game. They did, however, keep their ear to the ground enough to know what the predictions were and how the game SHOULD have ended.

I reminded the youngster that they had just witnessed WHY the game is played. On paper, anyone could see the Colts should have won the game. But the sixty minutes of playing time revealed that New Orleans was, at least on this night, a better team.

Aside from the game, the commercials, or the conversation I had with a youngster afterward, the one thing that caught my attention was a close up of Drew Brees holding his son during the celebration. This little boy, not yet a year old, looked wide-eyed at all the flashing lights, confetti, and crowds, taking it all in. He didn't cry, he didn't talk or even appear to be making an audible sound, but his eyes told his story. There, in the arms of his dad, he was seeing things he had likely never seen before.

What do you suppose will be the very first reaction to the splendor of Heaven? How do you think the Apostle John felt as the wonders of Heaven were revealed to him on Patmos? These are just some of the things we can think about today in preparation for that awesome day in Heaven. I have a strong suspicion, though, that the little Brees' experience in Miami won't hold a candle to that one. That leads us to the most important question you will consider in your life on this side of eternity: Will you one day experience that sight? If there are any doubts, please post a reply with your e-mail, and I'd be more than happy to share with you privately how you can be certain of that experience.