Wow, another Wednesday with the Fore His Glory Bunch !
A little putt'n... A little lunch... A LOT of fellowship!
What a Blessing!!
Who knew?
Okay, God of course...Him being all sovereign and everything!
Before I proceed you need to know a few things about me...I speak and write in run-on sentences, and...
Prior to Fore His Glory Ladies Bible Study, the sum total of my golfing skills consisted of my ability to select 'the' perfect golf ball that would coordinated beautifully with whatever ensemble I wore that day...or night to the local mini-golf.
Club selection....uh...does it really matter?
See the hole... hit the ball into the hole, right?
Through the windmill, around the water hazard, over the bridge then a big finish with much fanfare by sinking the ball into the Clowns nose...Sweet!!
I could not be more wrong.
Lo and behold there is so much more to this game. For starters, if you are playing on a fine course like the one we are blessed to use at Woodmont, you are required...REQUIRED mind you to follow a certain dress code that has nothing to do with matching your ball or club to your ensemble.
Imagine!!
The dress code is more like... no jeans, yoga pants or sweat suits.
A southern lady staple, 'The Capri Pant', works well here.... I was so relieved!
Whatever you wear, you must... MUST mind you....Wear a collared top.
I could give you my thoughts on this collar thing, but that should probably be saved for another day. Although I will say... I never really noticed the whole collar requirement taking hold on the Putt Putt circuit...I guess it's just one more thing that distinguishes the two types of golf.
Anyway...am I alone in loving a good justification for shopping? I think not. After a trip to the PGA Superstore, Sports Authority and Steinmart...don't you just love Steinmart! I was set...or so I thought.
I figured looking like I knew what I was doing might make up for the fact I sooo do NOT know what I'm doing. Dressing for success did not worked out the way I imagined at all...Oh, my utter astonishment!
Here's the thing....
I joined this wonderful Bible believing, golf bag tote'n group over 2 months ago, I was thrilled to be included. Trust me when I tell you, there are some gals in this crowd who really know their stuff! Many with much such skill not to mention incredible fashion sense.
There are some golf wardrobe, the likes of which can only be found inside the pages of InStyle Sports....umm...does InStyle have a Sports edition?...sorry, I digress.
I want you to know, this eclectic gang of sweet sisters don't just 'appear' to play the game, they know it. They talk the talk and walk the walk...and ever so humbly I must add.
Those of us with lesser talents (and there are quite a few of us) are regularly embraced for who we are and where we are in our golf and life journey. The entire mess of us consistently encourage and lift each other up in all the areas of our lives, not the least of which in our spiritual lives. Enabling one another to set out for the course once more with renewed spirit.
And have I mentioned Don....
the remarkable and Godly Woodmont golf pro who has patiently been instructing us on everything from putting, chipping to the best use of drivers, putters and a sandwich...uh sand wedges?
Among other things, Don points out the need to use the right equipment in every situation to get the results you desire.
This is SOOO true.
Case in point:
I discovered yesterday the reason you don't want to use a driver when attempting to chip the ball onto the green... besides really missing your mark,
You could hurt somebody...bad!
Friend, golf is some serious business. I am striving to hit my mark and help...not hurt anyone in the process! I can't say that has always been true.
Now for the analogies...yes, I do have a point here and I thank the two of you who stayed with me thus far.
Fortunately, it has not taken me too very long to see similarities between the golf lessons I have been privileged to partake in and the life instructions graciously given in Ephesians 6:10-18.
I like how the Message Bible puts this;
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. "
Golf is an activity you can enjoy for a few hours and walk away from. Not all that treacherous unless you choose to play during lightening storm or....happened to be on the green with me yesterday.
Unlike Life, where we regularly face serious...often fatal battles, this life is no game. We encounter every kind of pain, hurt, and struggle the enemy can throw. Thank God for giving us the teaching and equipment we need in His Word to live victoriously and gloriously in Him. My prayer is that we continue to "Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me in heavenword Christ Jesus."
Yes, taking part in this fellowship continues to abundantly bless and equip me for so much more than listed above...by His grace and for His Glory!
How cool is that?
See you on the green,
Tammy
No comments:
Post a Comment