One Step

Last Sunday, the weather was so amazing that Adam insisted we spend all day outside. This worked out well for me because I was able to convince him to go to Proper Bagel for an after-church brunch.  I used their underrated patio as my negotiating leverage!  When it came time to select an afternoon activity, I thought we would either go for a walk or sit by the pool; but, in Adam’s opinion, the only outside activity worth pursuing was to hit the range. So we did.

Don’t get me wrong, I like golf. There is nothing like a “golf nap” on a Sunday afternoon. It is the most peaceful sporting event to nap through. However, because I associate golf with these naps, when I actually play the sport, I have trouble making it through all eighteen (okay, okay… nine) holes without getting tired. On this particular day, we were just going to the driving range (which is also code for an additional hour long putting session), so I was pretty sure I could swing it… literally. 

Here is the thing about golf: there are so many steps to remember when you hit the ball. First, you have to hold the club just right. Well, actually, you have to initially pick the correct club. Let me tell you how I handle making that decision –

Me: Adam, which club should I use?

Adam: Pick a high one.

Me: Well, which way is high? Is 3 high – like 3rd place? Or, is a 9 high?

Adam: (Insert eye roll) Just get an 8.

SO, every time I hit the ball, I just use an 8, a pitching wedge, or a putter. After you pick the correct club, you have to line yourself up in the direction you want to hit the ball. The odd thing is that you are sideways, even though you want to hit it straight. Unless of course you are putting, then you have to hit it in the direction of the curve of the green. Then, you have to choke up on the club… but not too much. Interlock your fingers just so. Bend your knees and lean over the ball… but not too much. Pull your arms back to swing… but not too far back, and keep your front arm straight. Then, you swing the ball and attempt to get under it… but not too much… all while you keep your head down and knees bent.

Were you able to keep track of all those steps? I sure couldn’t.  Out of the 50 balls – I probably had two decent shots. Whenever I asked Adam what I was doing wrong, his answer was always something different. No wonder golfers make so much money!

While it takes many steps to perfect your golf swing, it only takes one step to pray.

Print available at LeMarigny 

Really, just one step. All you have to do is start talking to God. You don’t have to be in a certain place, read a particular chapter in the Bible, fold your hands together, or keep your eyes closed. You can be anywhere and just start talking to God.

The sense of peace I feel when I remember to talk to God is truly amazing. It is very easy to get caught up in all the steps to make it through the day that sometimes we forget the most important one. For me, it usually isn’t until I become so overwhelmed with the day’s “steps” that the prayers start to pour out. I only wish I could remember to talk to Him sooner. But that is the beauty of the relationship God has with us. It doesn’t matter how quickly or how long you wait to talk to him… He is always there to listen.

It only takes one step. 

Shine Bright

You will typically find me in dress patterns with much softer colors than what I chose to wear to the wedding this past weekend. I don't think I even realized just how neon it was until we were literally walking out the door to leave. But I love this dress all the same. It is super comfortable (which is really all that matters) and was absolutely perfect for an outdoor wedding. 

The couple that got married this past weekend holds a special spot in my heart. I have known the groom for most of my life. We were part of a neighborhood "play group" and were forced to become friends because our moms spent so much time together. To this day, the group still get together once a year to play laser tag and have dinner at...wait for it...Hooters. Yes, it's a weird combination of activities - especially just days before Christmas, when this event usually takes place. I've been pushing to move the entire event to Pinewood Social - hopefully others will soon agree. Nevertheless, it was a blast to get everyone together again for such a joyous event. 

The amazing thing about this wedding was the amount of love shown from the families for the bride and groom. The bride's story, in particular, is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. She has a contagious personality that is so full of happiness and joy that you can't help but want to be around her. I am in awe of her smile, as well as the grace she exhibits on a daily basis. 

On this magical day, the sun was shining brightly, the Edison lights were twinkling, and my dress was practically glowing in the dark; but, nothing was shining as bright as the love these two have for one another. 

In life, we constantly crave love - it's how we are wired. God did not create us to live this life alone. He created us to live it with people, surrounded by His love. 

While God is the ultimate support system, He brings different people into your life to walk with you through all types of occasions - whether they are happy, sad, hilarious, embarrassing, tragic, or depressing. He can even send people to help you through those "what were you thinking when you wore that" times in your life.

Can you think of someone who has been an example of this kind of support in your life? Have you told this person how grateful you are for his or her friendship?

This week, I encourage you to recognize the support system God has placed in your life. I also encourage you to look for ways to show the people in your support system just how you can be that support system for them.  

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." - Matthew 18:20

Print from Choose Brave

God & Golf

First lesson I learned about hosting a Sunday in the Shed:  don’t schedule it at the same time that a major golf tournament is wrapping up. If you do, you will get about a half dozen phone calls or text messages asking something like, “Are you still having Sunday in the Shed…don’t you know the Masters are on?” Or, “Are we watching the end of the Masters at this thing?”

It ended up as a blessing. We hosted a Masters watch party/Sunday in the Shed. And as it turns out, God & Golf can go hand and hand. I’ll admit, the second Jordan fell behind enough for the other guy to win, I quickly switched that TV over to the Sunday in the Shed event. We didn’t get to watch the “green jacket ceremony”.  I know that the jacket is a symbol of tradition, but don’t you think it’s time that they invested in a slim fit? I mean, that is the latest fashion trend these days.

But, enough about golf.  Let’s focus on the main attraction, which was Sunday in the Shed.

To kick off Sunday in the Shed, I stood up and said a few words about what we would be watching. I forgot half the points I had planned to cover during my mini-spiel – even after practicing several times. (I decided that I’m much better at speaking in front of 9-year-olds than my peers). 

For Sunday in the Shed, I chose to watch a message from Cross Point’s OMG series called “Unwavering Faithfulness.” It took awhile to pick the message I wanted to share with my friends. I picked this particular message because of what it meant to me. To read more about that you can click HERE.

While the event was full of fun, food, laughter, and the cutest little 9-month-old, it was what happened after the event that has made me realize the impact God can have in our lives when we all get together.

My friends were of course supportive and encouraging for the whole event. Most of them asked to be included in the next Sunday in the Shed. But I can’t tell you how many people have asked about it – even people that didn’t attend the event.   

It was so special to have a conversation with a co-worker who I would have never thought would be interested in something like Sunday in the Shed – much less my church. I felt like it opened the doors for us to have that conversation, and it even ended with a, “I might need to give that place a try.” It is amazing what can happen when God is in control. 

I am counting down the days until the next Sunday in the Shed. God is already doing big things through this process. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for the future. I have no idea how this is going to play out, but I do know that I am growing in my faith and becoming a stronger person.  For that, I am forever grateful.