Glove Bugs and Floaties

Well, yesterday was game day.

The anticipation surrounding these first real rounds of golf - with grown ups mind you, on a 'big kids' course was sooo much more rewarding than I ever imagined.

There is something to be said for lowering you expectation...once they are low enough, anything better is cause for much celebration.

Miss Polly offered to play a some practice holes with me a couple of days before our 'real' game.

I was so relieved!

What a way to break the ice, not to mention get an idea of just how bad the damage might be on game day.

Let me start by saying, I did no physical damage to Miss P, and minimal damage to the links.

I was ecstatic!

Our little practice outing yielded a wealth of experiences. We battled hazards of all kinds: water, sand and tree, with my biggest battle coming from memory or lack of it, I should say. It can get a bit challenging to the 'ol noggin trying to keep track of your score once it get into double digits.

Trust me on this girls, the trouble begins as soon as you run out of fingers, I mean you can't use your toes what with them being covered up with shoes and all, it get dicey...you get the picture.

Polly recommended I pick up a stroke counter.

"They just hook on your belt loop" How cool is that?

Sounded like a fine idea, so by the end of our practice rounds, I vowed to 'get me one a those'.

From P's description, I envisioned something like these 'little' gems.

Take note, the one on the right, the 'Glove Bug' is about the size of a nickle, and attaches inconspicuously to the top of your glove.

Both counters are so discreet, don't you think?

Unlike say...this?

I've deduced this is a multipurpose gadget. Not only can you tally up your strokes, you can use it as golf themed jewelry, say... a choker or belt ( depending on the size of your waist), and...that's not all, just like seat cushions on an airplane; In the event of a water emergency, use this beauty as a floatation device.

Did you note the bright color?

What better way to attract attention in the event of said water rescue or even getting lost in woods?

Unfortunately for me, I did not get over to The PGA Superstore before the 'Big Game', and the only counter available at the club house shop was that clip-on abacus number above.

Having no other option, as I forgot the necessary tools to execute Plan B.

Plan B you ask? Using of stick of chalk to tally strikes on my pant leg of course.

Instead, I was left with this.

Can you say Golf Tourist?

It is my contention that this thing is the fanny pack of the golf world.

Get spotted with this hanging from your waist and it's tantamount to wearing a neon sign that screams,

'I am a foreigner in your Land of Golf' 'Beware!! I have no clue what I am doing!'

An ingenious method to track neophytes, don't you think?

By 10:30 the four of us: my 2 faithful companions, Floatie and myself, made our way across hill, ditch, sand and water.

Along the way I learned some of the best methods to rescue your ball from same water, sand and ditch and trust me, there are many...but lest I digress even more, we'll save that for another day.

Amazingly, the abacus on my belt did not run short of beads, as I feared. Never making it to double digits once, I was elated at the end of play to have scored a 61, which included 1 bogey, and 4 double bogey's.

That's playing 9 holes ya'll.

See for yourself

My sweet loving spouse pointed out this score would be a nice round 122 were we playing a full 18 holes.

My response?

Ya baby!

I'll take a 122.

You see, two days earlier I scored 62 in six holes of play, (with par for these 6 being 25) averaging double digits at most holes (ergo the red alert that I might need a counting tool).

Using my honey's astute observations, should I triple these first score's, those 6 holes would net me a 'round' 186 after 18 holes.

Gotta put things into perspective folks!

As I confessed earlier, there was a certain amount of apprehension leading up to this date. The looped tape running in my head caused me to envision a long, gruesome game with my two partners trying to figure out how to break the news, that I should rethink this golf thing.

Which one will be Paula and which one will be Simon I pondered? Huh?

My concerns were unfounded.

What an encouraging group of friends! They both turned out to be Paula's.

Not only did they cheer, but by games end my golf buddies taught me so many other invaluable things, like...the finer moves of 'fist bumping', (my grown children will be so proud!)

Michelle Obama's got nutt'n on the FHG gals, let me tell ya!

Oh yes, and let's not forget the real purpose behind the super large fans that scattered among the greens

Why Glamour shots of course!

Okay, if you wear a floatation device a rope aaand bring a camera to golf ...you might be a redneck greenhorn.

Fine with me! Sign me up and call me silly, you got my number!

How grateful I am to have spent such a fabulous, fun filled day with these two amazing women, swinging, putt'n, and fist bump'n to beat the band.

I am reminded of Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. "

The Message says it another way

"So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. "

The entire group of FHG Sisters, is nothing... if not full of belief, firmly gripped on God's promises, ever inventive, sharing love, helping out and full of much encouragement!

Our new study begins in a few short weeks, if you stop by, I'll be the one with the large stroke counter and infinitely bigger smile. Hope to see you there!

Taking steps of faith...and lovin' it!

Well, "Tee" has been hearing from God about pursuing golf for His glory (and her good). He's put this desire in her heart to learn the game as well as the desire to draw other girlfriends into the delightful challenge....for His glory (and their good).

She's persevering and she's on her way -- having long since joined the forces of the Fore His Glory Bible Study; having recently taken lessons from a gifted PGA instructor, and now has ventured out on her maiden round of golf! Yep. She did it. She's overcome so much to get to this place and it's God who has brought her so far.
Hmmm. God is at work in her life. He's showing her (and us) that His word is true and that He is trustworthy and loving. Look, she's "living out" His word:

"You dear child(ren) are from God and have overcome..." 1 John 4:4

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:5

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16-17

All glory to Him, Girlfriends, All glory to Him!
Let's ALL keep steppin', Sisters!

Natural as Breathing

It's finally happened. I've received my first invitation to play 9 holes of real golf.

I am filled with anticipation and a golf cart of anxiety.

I accepted the invite of course.

I have spent far too many years otherwise engaged, watching others live lives full steam ahead without hesitation or fear of failure, as such, I have made a decision.

Now is my season to be bold...to jump in with both cleated feet and start swinging!

Did I mention the nervousness?

You see, aside from what could be written off as rookie jitters, I know something my host are not aware of.

I have not spent much time lately practicing the game, like I KNOW I should.

As summer began, I took a private lesson with Don B. Mr.

Don could not have been any clearer, giving me every manner of concise instruction, helpful hint and encouragement...muuch encouragement...let us not forget the encouragement!

The last most important thing he told me was practice...practice as much as I could, then based on how I was doing with what I had learned, he would see me in about 10 days or more. He stated that obviously the more I practiced, the quicker I should be feeling at home with this game.

I expected him to schedule another lesson right away, but no...he stated once I was able to execute various swings with some consistency in results and began feeling more comfortable doing it, I was to give him a call and we would move on.

Mr. D advised practicing many of these skills in my backyard, the driving range or perhaps playing a 3 hole course for starters. If I did as he told me, before long golf would begin to feel as natural as breathing. Then we could go into more in depth training.

I have done little to none of the above.

Panic has set in.

Just so we're clear on this...I am not concerned about 'looking' bad.

A myriad of experiences throughout my life regularly humble me to the point that I sooo know that 'this', (like so many other things) is NOT about me!

That said, here are my concerns:

My good and I'm talking GOOD golf pals, are showing such grace and mercy escorting me on the fairways. I shutter to think of the many ways I might harm them physically, psychologically and emotionally.

The two courses being considered are fine pieces of real estate. Whew! When I consider the unintentional aeration of sod that I know I am capable of, it makes my knees shake!

Nine hole play is said to take a couple of hours to complete...my buddies are already suggesting we use golf carts for this expedition. These two ladies usually walk (for the exercise don't you know). I suspect they are looking for a hasty getaway in the event I inadvertently harm one of their neighbors person or property.

If I am so ill prepared, why do it you may ask?

If I wait for perfect conditions...all my tee's in row so to speak, I could be well into my 70's before I play the first round. I really want to do this, and now seems to be the time.

God has been really dealing with me on this, oh...He has!

Recently I have been vigilant in seeking an even more intimate relationship with Him. I prayed for Him to actually increase my 'want to'. I prayed God supernaturally blow past the 'Mom-nesia', the worn out old body and pump me up in mind, body and spirit, think Godly steroids. Once this happens, we could really get tight and as a result, in all ways my life would do and be nothing that does not glorify Him.

You see, I had a good plan for something I really wanted, or so I thought.

That was when He, in that still...oh so small, non-condemning God voice said,

"You claim to want to hear from Me, seek My will and way, making your life all about Me...yet how much time are you really spending with Me child? Just you and Me? You say you want to be closer...how about desire? What is your hearts desire? " He then reminded me

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4: 8

He so had my number.

Since summer reared her hot and sticky head, I have slowly fallen out of some wonderful routines I've cultivated. These practices assure that my day begins early and intimate with just He and I, His Word and usually a large cup of Joe.

With total amazement at His commitment to me, showing Himself regularly in every part of my meager life, I would start my day with Him before the sun had shown a hint of color and all of nature was just beginning to stretch and yawn. Depending on the weather, we might visit out on the screen porch, the sun room or curled up in the big chair in the library.

This was our time. Without many of the distractions of life and tending to everyone else's need. My focus for the day began with Him and continued that way throughout the rest of the day and night until we pick up where we left off the next morning.

Here's what I discovered, just like it says in Psalm 37:4-5

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this"

These disciplines, drew me so near to my Savior. Knowing Him better was my deepest desire, and what do you know...He gave it to me! My delighted heart would then overflow into every part of my life.

Throughout summer I've gotten increasingly lack in setting my alarm to be up by 5:30. Relishing just a few more winks every day. As a result, by the time I get up lately, my little crew is up and at 'em. They come out of the baby gate full speed, no need for caffeinated beverages to start their day by gollie!

Once they are up, I may as well give it up. Quiet time is over, why bother or so I thought.

To equate spending time on my golf game with pouring over my Father's Word may seem a stretch. It's not legalism, I don't feel condemned for not keeping up with a practice that I have enjoyed for so many years. I just miss the closeness.

Taking time, focusing...really focusing on His letters to me, allowing Him in, to speak, guide and love me more requires that I set aside our time to do so. If not, life wakes up and runs me over, leaving moments here or there for just the two of us throughout the day, and that's not cutting it.

This makes me way more anxious than playing those 9 holes next week, and it should.

So this morning, I was up before the chickens with triple cappuccino in one hand, Bible in the other. Snuggled up with just He and me in a favorite overstuffed chair. My heart overflowed. I was back home... and it was as natural as breathing.

It's not about golf but it IS in the mix!

I had no idea that when God breathed life into this Fore His Glory concept of combining a Bible study, a bunch of growing girlfriendships, golf instruction and play, and lunch, that it really isn't about golf. I can see that He is just using golf to "bring us out" physically, spiritually, and emotionally. And He's doing it differently in each one of us and He really is doing it for His glory!

See we're a bunch of Warrior Chicks who are still learning that it's the joy of the Lord, prayer, a deep relationship with Him, laughter, clean jokes, a sense of humor, a thankful heart, and not taking ourselves too seriously that gets us through the hard times that always come our way!

God promises us that "in this world we would have trouble" and He also says, "but take heart, I have overcome the world." He is in charge. He rules. He rocks, if you will. Well, He does!

Anyway, about the golf part.... You've heard of Chick Flicks, you know, movies that only girlfriends enjoy.....well, I'm about to describe Warrior Chick Golf! You gotta have just the right 'tude to enjoy it and you gotta think like a Chick!
Here goes:
1. Golf is an activity you can enjoy into a ripe old age. You don't have to run, you don't have to kick anything (well you're not supposed to), you don't have to throw anything (not supposed to do that either) nor lift anything heavy but a club and you get to s-w-i-n-g the club! And then, of course, there's the gas or electric golf cart! Whoo hoo. You have the choice to RIDE around the golf course instead of walking and pushing your bag of clubs around on a three-wheeled chariot, uh, cart.

2. God is all over golf. A golf course is a beautiful setting to find God. The setting is made up of rolling dark green fairways, waterways that sparkle from the sunshine hitting it just right, birds are singing their songs, you're surrounded by plush landscaping...and it's quiet. Well, it's supposed to be quiet so the golfer can concentrate on making that shot.....uh, I guess the quiet part really depends on who's out on the course with you or who's on the neighboring fairway. I won't go there for now.

3. Then there's the FUN of playing with your girlfriends.....and that's always a blast because when you're out there you can visit while you play....you know. TALK. See, when you play golf, you're not panting and losing your breath over the next shot....you can visit and catch up with your girlfriends....because you're all out there for the same reason -- to relax with friends, to laugh and "lighten up" while you spend time together in an outdoor activity, and you even get some exercise. And you know what? I've found that when I relax I play a much better game of golf without really trying! Cool huh?

4. Another benefit to regularly getting together with girlfriends to play golf is that you can't help but improve if you 'keep on keeping on' ...it's like anything else...just like the Bible says, "sowing and reaping".....oh yeah.

5. Another blessing that comes from playing golf for His glory is that when we have special friends who either already play golf or are willing to learn to play ..... our outings become something very precious that God uses to minister to each one of us personally -- and to add more blessings, we end up ministering to each other .......and that's awesome!

You are invited to join our

Fall 2008 Fore His Glory Ladies Bible Study

at

Woodmont Golf & Country Club

3105 Gaddis Road

Canton, GA 30115

beginning

Wednesday, August 20, 2008.

9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Our study material is the book

"Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On"

by Stormie Omartian

Yes, we meet at a country club but you do not have to know how to play golf, nor do you have a be a resident of the neighborhood. Hey, we've got girls coming from everywhere and it's a blessing! It's like heaven...we come from all walks of life. This is a Bible study outreach and we're reaching out to you! Please send us your comments and questions.

Bee the Ball

One thing I have learned about this sport: Tension and golf do not a harmonious experience make.

Everything I have read and learned from Mr. Don and the ladies of FHG Bible study, tells me this is so. The best play comes when you relax.

Relaxing for me requires tossing out all the 'stuff' that usually jumps into this Mawmaw's head whenever I have a calm moment.

That said, if not prepared, I find some of the strangest thoughts enter my mind at the most inappropriate times…with my ADD tendency's, should this really come as a surprise? I think not.

Where was I?

Oh yes, tension and golf...

Last week, as a few gals were fine tuning their putting skills and I was seeking to gain some, I found myself thinking...

'Be the ball. Just be the ball'.

Where had I heard that before? It sounded fairly profound...like something a golfer might say to get in tune with their game. I didn't recall Don or any of the Warrior Chicks espousing this refrain. No, I had not read it in Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.

I was at a loss.

But hey, in addition to the ADD thing, I periodically suffer sever Mom-nesia, so the fact that I was experiencing this momentary loss of recollection was no surprise. Mom-nesia? The inability at any given time to recall everything from say...your child's name, where you left your car keys, or whether you've ever met a US president in your lifetime. The condition is linked to the abundant - at times useless and mind numbing information mothers collect in the course of child rearing.

Such as...the names of all the Sesame Street characters, and where they get their hair done, identifying animals and inanimate objects from slices of toast or pizza, the oh so endless hours of playing Go Fish with paint chips.

Yes, Mom-nesia has taken it's toll on many a fine woman. It's a wonder we can dress ourselves some mornings!

Anyway... 'Be the ball. Just be the ball'.

Truth be told, this mantra did not arrive completely out of the blue. It was prompted by the arrival of some tiny, winged, yellow jacketed golf enthusiast, commonly known as Bees.

Want to enjoy a nice relaxing bout of putting? Do not invite bees. Bees do not play the same way we do. They are very possessive and clingy as it were. They make the game all about them. This particular group decided they really wanted to ride the balls I was trying to putt, which meant I could not play without whoppin them upside their stinger, what with them, tryin to 'bee' the ball.

No amount of refocusing on my instructions from Mr. D or recalling the Annika tip I got the week before helped that day. Those bees were determined to be...on the balls.

Bee...be...be...as I stood there observing my new partners frantically clinging to each white globe my ADD dissolved and Mom-nesia took a hike, as the other 'Be's' flooded my mind and heart.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10

Imagine a huge smile (that would be me!) as I praised and thanked God right there on the Woodmont putting green. Once again He was speaking to me and showing me Himself in places and ways I never saw coming. Whoa! How glorious!

He is all about the details and the daily grind. Nothing is too big, small or innate for Him to just get all over with us!

Don't you just love Him?

Hello, Everyone.
I can not tell you how much the Lord has blessed me through becoming friends with the women in this study and through the teachings in this study. Please come and join us ladies who have not come and experienced the blessing of the women and our leader, Polly.
His Love,
Mary Jo :-)

His Grace IS Enough for Me

Today is the first anniversary of my mother's passing.

Mary Elizabeth Gillette Brown

November 26, 1919 - July 5, 2007

Some of you in the Bible study have read the following page written in my journal dated May 27, 2007. However, since our name change from Woodmont Ladies Bible Study to Fore His Glory, the Lord reminded me of something else my mother shared with me about God and golf so I'm sharing another page of my journal dated May 11, 2004.


May 11, 2004
Journal
Mom was here for a visit and she & I talked this afternoon in our family room watching the golf pros play in a tournament. She started talking about golf on TV and about being spiritual. She said she doesn't think about golf without thinking about God, and she said, "He is in everything and it's very, very important to me. Whenever I'm playing I think about Him. It's not just about golf. It is of the utmost importance. I know I'm a lot older than you, Polly, but when God tells me to do something I say, 'Yes, I'll do it" and when He tells me not to do something I will not do it. He speaks to me and this is very important to me. I think this is right and I think it is Him talking to me. Sometimes when you children [I have 4 siblings] have problems I'll tell you to do what is right and then I'll go and pray and wait to see what God will do about it."

I told her that I thought it was right and good that she was doing that. She asked me if I think that way and I said, "Yes, He is everything to me and I try very hard to obey Him. It's important to me, too." She said she was so glad and had tears in her eyes. "That's good", she said, "that's very good."

When we looked at the Woodmont Ladies Bible study scrapbook I created she kept getting teary and finally said, "This so good that you are doing all of this. I just love it. This is such a good thing and, it's you! Keep it up!" -- Polly


May 27, 2007
Journal
When I was playing golf today with three friends, I started thinking about Mom and how she has given me such a wonderful legacy of loving life… and even teaching me to play golf at a very early age.
While I was on the course, I started to remember what she was like on my last trip to Coral Gables (FL)…she had to be bathed and dressed. Couldn’t go to the bathroom by herself…couldn’t walk alone and struggled to speak. She would shuffle to walk but it took two people to help her. BUT, she was still so pleasant and cordial and gracious and willing to do whatever was in front of her. She has always been that way…just accepting what she was given with thankfulness.

Growing up and even in my adulthood she always made everything in life an adventure; when we would be eating outdoors and she’d say, “We’re having a party!” Whatever it was, she made it special somehow; by her words and her attitude.

When we were living in Pennsylvania on the farm, she’d load up a picnic basket and then load us in the station wagon and we’d drive down a pasture road and then she’d stop by our creek. She’d start a fire and get out her huge black iron skillet and make us fried egg sandwiches. We were having another party! Mom saw life as an adventure and always wanted to make the most of every moment with a joyful, thankful attitude.

She even handled the ripple effects of her tragic divorce with so much grace: Dad walked out on her with no warning and leaving her with 5 children. She had the heartbreak of him leaving and she obviously loved him, and then she faced the relentless struggles of raising the five of us high-energy children. She didn’t complain about our dad leaving. She didn’t complain when she had to put food on the table (we had HUGE appetites). She loved us deeply and kept us all together. She made birthdays special. She made holidays special. We took trips to Florida. We rented large cabins in NC for the summer. We took regular beach trips and beachside vacations. We learned to play golf at young ages. We fished. We went boating. We had people over all the time for dinner.

One of her secrets is that she didn’t expect anything from anyone. She just gave from her generous heart. Everyone loved Mom and everyone in town knew her name: Mary Brown. She loved to entertain in our home and loved to dance and sing and loved to eat, especially ice cream! She had quite the gift of hospitality.

Another one of her secrets is that she did not care what people thought of her. She didn’t think about herself. She didn’t care if she got other people’s approval. That didn’t matter to her. She wasn’t impressed with nice things, even though that was the lifestyle she grew up in. She wasn’t a snob. She just wanted to love people and make them feel good.

She had faith in God. But she was very quiet about it. It was like: She simply BELIEVED. She made sure we all went to church, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. We grew up going to church. A few years ago she told me she prayed for things and prayed for us (her children) and she then would leave it with God and not worry about it after she prayed.

But when I was playing golf today and thinking how calm she was when I last saw her and she just accepted what was going on: her body failing and not able to take care of herself, it made me think: ‘That is the kind of abandonment God desires of me (of all His children) to just hand over my life to HIM and trust and believe He WILL take care of me, He will take good care of me.’ That’s the way she lived. She lived an abundant life. God gave that to her. God did it.

And now He is showing me that I am living the life she wanted for me…she used to tell me, “You should be living in a country club and you and Don and the girls should be using the pool, and the girls should be having their friends come over to the club and play tennis, too, and you should use the golf course. You and Don should be going to the club for dinner. You should be playing golf again! I know you love to play and you do it well.”

A few years ago she came to visit us and stayed with us a few days. It was obvious she was beginning to get very sick and yet she said, clearly and succinctly, “This house is you, Polly. This is where you belong. What do you need? What can I do for you? What can I give you?” I said, “Nothing, Mom. I have everything I need.” She just sat beside me and hugged me. She was so happy to know I am doing Bible studies. She loved it. She loved it that I’m a writer, too. She acted so pleased to know what God is doing with my life. It is as if she prayed this all along! Maybe that’s what this is all about…maybe God is showing me I’m living the life she prayed for me all along and that’s why she’s so happy about it. --- Polly

July 5, 2007
God is the only one who can heal my broken heart....and He's doing it. There has been great power that has come from the countless, fervent prayers of my sisters and brothers in Christ. Here's what I'm talking about: I used to cry every time I even thought about Mom, and I couldn't talk about her without my eyes watering, but now I can say out loud, "Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a cool mom!" I have lots of the most amazing and wonderful memories to bless and comfort my heart. I know she's with Jesus and some day I'm going to see her again!

--Polly

"The Lord is my light...."

Psalm 27:1

----Polly

Ever Prayed For "Vitality"?????

My spiritual mother (AKA my mentor) often reminds me, "The hardest thing for a Christian to do is pray." She says that because the enemy of our souls knows what happens when God's people pray: mountains move, people are healed, relationships are restored, needs are met, battles are won ---frankly, His Will is done!

However, if our prayers are interrupted and/or hindered (that's the "enemy of our souls" part) because we're too tired and too busy to stop and pray every day-- then we're not as effective as we could be. Ever notice what happens when you find a quiet place to pray? Uh-huh. Distractions come: the phone rings, the dryer buzzer goes off, your dog nudges you with a cold wet nose to go 'out', the bug man is at your front door stuffing your bill in the door jam, your mind wanders to that hill of clean towels on your kitchen table....you get the picture.

And yet, God knows this and still, He tells us in His word to pray continually and to keep on praying for all the saints. We can pray when we're washing dishes, going for a walk, even while driving a carpool -- only don't close your eyes for that one! It's still effective to pray with your eyes open, Girls! It still counts.

Why do we pray? Because God tells us that "we don't have because we don't ask" Him for it. Something happens to us every time we pray---we grow closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him. The truth is everything comes from His Hands. When we pray we're acknowledging that all things DO come from Him...and that brings Him glory.

I remember when I was the publicity/marketing person for a Christian school. Very early every morning I would arrive like a bright-eyed cheerleader (the explanation comes later) long before each school day began to greet each car that drove up to the front door. My job was to welcome each parent with a huge smile and then open their child's door and help them out of the vehicle.

Well, I thought, this is definitely a marketing thing...and it would be good to show lots of energy to the families dropping their children off each morning and it would give them a cheerful start to their day.....so I began to pray for "vitality". Yep. And lo and behold God answered that prayer. I didn't even need caffeinated coffee. No sireee, without realizing it I was giving each driver a big "Gooooood Morning!" and I'd fling their child's door open and said, "Goood morning! Welcome to our school!" As each parent drove away leaving me in a cloud of dust and small rocks (the parking lot wasn't paved yet) I'd wave and call out, "Have a nice day!!!!!"

Parents began to ask me how I was so cheerful and so energetic so early in the morning, every morning. When I told one parent, "Well, I prayed that God would give me vitality so I could provide "a little sunshine" to each family as they drive up to the school. Another parent heard my explanation and gave me a stare while being very pensive and then said, "Well, hmmmmm, I think I'm going to start praying for my wife to have vitality!" Ahhhhhh, things that make you go, hmmmmm.

Girlfriends, there is nothing we can't pray about and there's nothing too small or too big for God to provide in answer to prayer. We need to be praying about everything and then watch and wait for God's amazing answer. He will do it and His answer will always be better than we could ever ask or think of asking. That's who He is!

I love to say: "I can't fix it, I can't heal it, I can't help make it better, but I know WHO can....so I pray!to the one WHO rules and reigns over the universe!"

I'd love to hear how God has used prayer in your life to accomplish amazing things. I look forward to hearing from you!
God bless you, Sweet Sisters!
Polly