Friday night before my yoga class I sat in the dry sauna for a bit. It's typically pretty hot, like nearly take away your breath hot. But this time it had been turned up to the hottest level possible. It burnt my nose just to breathe, and I ended up getting a cup of water to sip on. The edge of the paper cup was super hot to the touch, but that water, each little sip, was so cool and refreshing.
I couldn't help but think of the Bible story about Lazarus and the rich man. (Read the whole story HERE, Luke 16:19-31) There is a lot more to the story, but the part that stood out was this one verse. Luke 16:24 ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ Just in the 10 minutes or so I was sitting in the sauna I was grateful for the multiple sips of water. And that was just a hot sauna, not sitting in fire.
Fast forward to yesterday. It was a beautiful spring day. The first day we were able to get the kayak out on the water, put on swimsuits and enjoy the beach, boating and sun. It wasn't super hot and I really wasn't thinking about sunscreen. I am outside a lot and was ok, EXCEPT the tops of my shoulders. They haven't seen sunlight since early fall. And they fried, as in bright red, look like a lobster, hurt, no doubt will peel, kind of burn. The kind that woke me up every time I rolled over last night. And it was a halter type swimsuit, which meant all day my shirt has rubbed on it. I couldn't believe I had burned my shoulder tops that badly when the rest of me just turned brown. They were so burnt I posted a pic on facebook. And wow! So many of my friends either told me how not to get burnt next time (sunscreen and yes, I should have used it) or told me what to do to relieve the burn (multiple remedies of which I'm trying most).
Friday night's sauna episode had all but been forgotten by this point. But this brought it back to mind as well as thinking about what hell would be like. Being that I have probably the most random thoughts you could think of, I thought about the effort and time that my friends took to post to prevent and help my burn. It made me feel cared for and loved. But its just a sunburn, and just on my shoulders.
What about those we know that don't know Christ? Do we ever take the time to share with them the good news that though we are in a sin filled world, and though we are all sinners doomed to eternal death in a lake of fire, that Christ has died to pay that payment? (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16) Our redeemer, our Savior, and if I might be so bold, our SONscreen. Of course He is more than just "fire insurance," but rarely do I ever hear anyone mention the word hell anymore. We all want to be "good." So many think that "Christian" and "good person" are the one and the same. And even when we know they aren't, we use the words interchangeably. For example, not long ago I was trying to help someone find a job and the comment back was that I'm such a good Christian person. At that point this person really didn't know me at all. Just because I'm a nice person doesn't mean I'm a Christian person (I AM a Christian, but not because I'm nice or helpful or good). Hell isn't pleasant to talk about. It isn't politically correct. We don't want to feel like our friends think we are judging them. Believe me, I totally get this. But we have GOT to quit thinking and worrying about others thinking that. None of my friends that posted was worried that I would think they were judging me because they were sharing with me ways to prevent sunburn and offering to share sunscreen. And isn't a life spent in hell for eternity much, much worse than a sunburn?
Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way."
God, please give me the boldness to point out the narrow gate, the way of life, to those I am around and meet. Give me the words to say that guide, not turn away. That show love and grace, not judgment. Help me in my own daily walk to stay on the path of life. To remember today and this life are quickly over, but heaven and hell are forever. To not live in fear of hell, but to walk humbly in grace and gratitude that You have made a way of escape. To be as willing to share with others the things that will effect their eternity, as I am to share the things that are fleeting. Amen.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Let it Go, let it Go!
Ok, first off I have to admit I've never seen the movie Frozen. But you'd have to be hiding under a rock with no children in a 1,000 mile radius not to have heard the song. I have let life and the drama and stress it brings push me to all "go" and no "no." Sometimes we just have to let things go. Before Frozen came out we had AA give us the phrase "It is what it is" as well as having the Serenity Prayer to remind us to let things go that we can't control.
I was challenged by a friend today to write. And write I will. To let it go, it's gotta come out. So unlike most of my blog posts, there is no rhyme or reason to this one. Just a process of letting it out and letting it go. So Crystal, this is for you! ;)
I first started feeling very tired in March of 2014. I went to a doctor for blood work and my cortisol levels came back very high, which indicates high stress. I got the results the day before I left for my Granddaddy Amos' funeral, my second grandparent funeral of 2014, would end up with my last and final grandparent dying before the end of 2014. I asked the doctor what to do and he said "take deep breaths." Seriously, that's it?! I left literally shaking and upset and not sure what to do next. But I'm a person who in crisis step up to the plate, deal with it and afterward fall apart. Which may be exactly what is happening right now. Because ALL of 2014 was one big crisis. The highlights include three grandparents dying, my daughter running away, bouts of her being in the hospital and a group home, lots of doctor visits for her, massive medical bills, a job promotion to manager, to a position where I was the third manager in 15 months (the others quit if that tells you anything about the stress levels of the job). Our rent went up twice, our truck broke down a couple of times, once leaving us stranded on the side of the road on Christmas Eve with all of our presents in the back of it. My son, a senior in high school, found out not all his credits from Georgia transferred, so he has more classes to do next year. His senior photos are all in a nice neat package in my nightstand now awaiting a hopeful "5th year senior" status and graduation. To say I was looking forward to 2014 to end is an understatement of great proportion.
I did start taking yoga, pilates, walking much more (lots of walking in my new job position too) and limiting the nights I would bring my work laptop home to do work at night and weekends. I also started taking all kinds of herbs, vitamin and even cannabis oil drops (the CBD part that has the medicinal properties in it, not the THS part)
Thank you 2015!! Was looking forward to a much better year. The year I turn 40, the year that you supposedly are the ultimate combination of settled in, have a decent job, have learned from past mistakes and are still healthy enough to enjoy the wisdom you've finally acquired. Only it hasn't worked out quite that way.
In mid December I got strep throat. Then another infection. By January had the flu and now fighting a head and chest cold. All this interspersed with extreme bone pain, intermittent debilitating fatigue and brain fog. Went back to a new doctor for more tests. Still in the middle of that one. But at least this doctor is looking for answers, not just telling me to go chill. And while I have in black and white, numbers that show things are not right, I also know that long-term stress can reek havoc on your body.
I've also learned that even good stress can be stress. Good stress would be things like getting a small group at church started for people affected by mental illness (aimed mainly at parents, but open to anyone, family or friend affected), working on the greeting team, attending my Walk, Water, Word small group and an 8-week marriage workshop my husband and I are attending. Good stress could also include the Book Club I'm in, with books I love to read and people I love to be around, but still its another source of a deadline and another to-do item on my list.
The fatigue has gotten worse and today I ended up home by 11 am. It gave me quite a bit of time today to really reflect on some things. Having to come home stressed me. Stopped to think, why would taking a day off work stress me out even more? And it hit me that I let what I "do" dictate my self worth. Not what I do as in what career I have, but in literally what I do. What if I can't clean or cook for my family, what if I can't work and bring home an income, would I be less of a person? Would I still matter?
I also have to wonder how much of this could be a spiritual attack? My husband and I are taking our marriage workshop seriously and truly working on behaviors, attitudes and actions. I'm helping lead a small group and have been open (though somewhat subtle) in my office about my beliefs, displaying Bible verses and such in my office. I think of Job and wonder about what all he thought about as his children, home and health were taken. I wonder if I've done something wrong, but then I also wonder if how I react and respond isn't a way to be a testimony to the power of prayer and having God in my life.
So while I still wait to see if/what is wrong, I'm learning a new concept. "Be Still" I never have been able to do that. One other time I got to an overwhelming state and it affected me more mentally and I ended up in the hospital, forced to be still. But here I am, running full force again. Why, oh why, do I have to have extremes to get my attention??! So for now, I will rest, albeit forced, rest is happening. Sweet time to pray, evaluate where I'm at, where I want to be and realize that all of life is by grace, not by works.
And as far as the song "Let it Go," well God had that one covered long before Disney!!
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Matthew 6:25
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin." Matthew 6:28
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Luke 12:25
"See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut. 1:21
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account." Ecclesiastes 3
And if you come to my house, please just ignore the dust bunnies, I've learned that they won't bite or kill you! ;)
I was challenged by a friend today to write. And write I will. To let it go, it's gotta come out. So unlike most of my blog posts, there is no rhyme or reason to this one. Just a process of letting it out and letting it go. So Crystal, this is for you! ;)
I first started feeling very tired in March of 2014. I went to a doctor for blood work and my cortisol levels came back very high, which indicates high stress. I got the results the day before I left for my Granddaddy Amos' funeral, my second grandparent funeral of 2014, would end up with my last and final grandparent dying before the end of 2014. I asked the doctor what to do and he said "take deep breaths." Seriously, that's it?! I left literally shaking and upset and not sure what to do next. But I'm a person who in crisis step up to the plate, deal with it and afterward fall apart. Which may be exactly what is happening right now. Because ALL of 2014 was one big crisis. The highlights include three grandparents dying, my daughter running away, bouts of her being in the hospital and a group home, lots of doctor visits for her, massive medical bills, a job promotion to manager, to a position where I was the third manager in 15 months (the others quit if that tells you anything about the stress levels of the job). Our rent went up twice, our truck broke down a couple of times, once leaving us stranded on the side of the road on Christmas Eve with all of our presents in the back of it. My son, a senior in high school, found out not all his credits from Georgia transferred, so he has more classes to do next year. His senior photos are all in a nice neat package in my nightstand now awaiting a hopeful "5th year senior" status and graduation. To say I was looking forward to 2014 to end is an understatement of great proportion.
I did start taking yoga, pilates, walking much more (lots of walking in my new job position too) and limiting the nights I would bring my work laptop home to do work at night and weekends. I also started taking all kinds of herbs, vitamin and even cannabis oil drops (the CBD part that has the medicinal properties in it, not the THS part)
Thank you 2015!! Was looking forward to a much better year. The year I turn 40, the year that you supposedly are the ultimate combination of settled in, have a decent job, have learned from past mistakes and are still healthy enough to enjoy the wisdom you've finally acquired. Only it hasn't worked out quite that way.
In mid December I got strep throat. Then another infection. By January had the flu and now fighting a head and chest cold. All this interspersed with extreme bone pain, intermittent debilitating fatigue and brain fog. Went back to a new doctor for more tests. Still in the middle of that one. But at least this doctor is looking for answers, not just telling me to go chill. And while I have in black and white, numbers that show things are not right, I also know that long-term stress can reek havoc on your body.
I've also learned that even good stress can be stress. Good stress would be things like getting a small group at church started for people affected by mental illness (aimed mainly at parents, but open to anyone, family or friend affected), working on the greeting team, attending my Walk, Water, Word small group and an 8-week marriage workshop my husband and I are attending. Good stress could also include the Book Club I'm in, with books I love to read and people I love to be around, but still its another source of a deadline and another to-do item on my list.
The fatigue has gotten worse and today I ended up home by 11 am. It gave me quite a bit of time today to really reflect on some things. Having to come home stressed me. Stopped to think, why would taking a day off work stress me out even more? And it hit me that I let what I "do" dictate my self worth. Not what I do as in what career I have, but in literally what I do. What if I can't clean or cook for my family, what if I can't work and bring home an income, would I be less of a person? Would I still matter?
I also have to wonder how much of this could be a spiritual attack? My husband and I are taking our marriage workshop seriously and truly working on behaviors, attitudes and actions. I'm helping lead a small group and have been open (though somewhat subtle) in my office about my beliefs, displaying Bible verses and such in my office. I think of Job and wonder about what all he thought about as his children, home and health were taken. I wonder if I've done something wrong, but then I also wonder if how I react and respond isn't a way to be a testimony to the power of prayer and having God in my life.
So while I still wait to see if/what is wrong, I'm learning a new concept. "Be Still" I never have been able to do that. One other time I got to an overwhelming state and it affected me more mentally and I ended up in the hospital, forced to be still. But here I am, running full force again. Why, oh why, do I have to have extremes to get my attention??! So for now, I will rest, albeit forced, rest is happening. Sweet time to pray, evaluate where I'm at, where I want to be and realize that all of life is by grace, not by works.
And as far as the song "Let it Go," well God had that one covered long before Disney!!
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Matthew 6:25
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin." Matthew 6:28
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Luke 12:25
"See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut. 1:21
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account." Ecclesiastes 3
And if you come to my house, please just ignore the dust bunnies, I've learned that they won't bite or kill you! ;)
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Deciphering Contracts (and the Bible)
The last couple of weeks have been super busy with preparing for end-of-year contracts. A big part of my job is to review and renew contracts each year, as well as answer questions regarding current contracts and association documents. Several times lately I ran into obscure meanings or phrases that were not clear as to either who was responsible or what exactly they were responsible for. How did I go about figuring out the meaning or determining the interpretation?
I actually referred back to my Bible college days. You may wonder why, what does that have to do with it? There were Eight Rules of Interpretation that we learned. And most applied to interpreting the contracts.
1. The rule of Definition - what does the word or words mean. While we may think we know what they mean, looking up the Webster definition (or Greek or Hebrew using a concordance) can help narrow and clarify the meaning. Also, some of these construction based scope-of-works and contracts (100+ pages, I kid you not) have words that I'm just not that familiar with. Same often happens with studying the Bible.
2. The rule of Usage - how is the word used? Many words have multiple definitions based on usage. This is especially important in the Bible where there were different cultures. So taking this into account is an important part.
3. The rule of Context - what is the setting? This is probably one of the most important. Many people pull out one verse, or even one phrase, of the Bible, not taking into account any of the verses around it. By reading the verses and/or chapters before and after the one in question can help decipher it. Same with the contracts. Is the phrase in question in the section on services rendered, services needed, in the main part, for an additional fee, etc? Reading before and after can narrow down based on what section it is written in and the surrounding context. As with the Bible, the interpretation of one section can't contradict the contract itself. This is why to me this is a critical aspect of interpretation.
4. The rule of Historical Background - while much more relevant in Bible study, it still can come into play in contract readings. Was this contract done by the developer, the association, the management company, the vendor? When was the date? Was it during a storm? Was it during a construction phase or once turnover had occurred?
5. The rule of Logic - does it make sense? Check the grammar, the language (written by a lawyer or contractor?) and apply the rules of reasoning. What is the intent?
6. The rule of Inference - this is facts based on being implied elsewhere. Such as love your neighbor as yourself. In other places what is meant by "neighbor?" If the intent of the contract is to provide quarterly pest control, you can pretty comfortably assume that a phrase won't be in there that would cause pests. Just by the name of pest control it is implied that you are getting rid of pests, not making more.
7. The rule of Genre Judgement - which section of the Bible is it in? The prophets, the gospels, the historical books, the epistles, etc. Harder to use with contracts, but back to what section is it in? The scope, the services provided, the costs?
Last, but not least...
8. The rule of dependance on the Holy Spirit - go to the source! While all the other seven rules provide great guidance to interpretation, the only SURE way is to go straight to the source! The Bible is the Word of God, God has given us the Holy Spirit. We have been given the Holy Spirit for illumination. We can't understand it all, and we never will fully while here on earth. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can understand it. He gives us gifts of knowledge and discernment. I Corinthians 2:10-12 "But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us." This one is also the most accurate on contracts - go to the source! Most of the disagreements or differences on opinions on the contracts I have been working on I was able to use the first seven to determine the outcome, one that both vendors and the association agreed with. But one..ack, this one has very valid arguments from both sides whether this one detail was included in the scope or an additional fee to the association. I went to other managers and to board directors. Everyone had a view point, differing view points I might add...who was right?! Finally I decided it was time for rule eight. And I called the lawyer who wrote the contract. I mean who better to interpret it than the one who wrote it?! Right? And he gave me a definitive answer, no more combing words, phrases and pouring over definitions. Same with the Bible, it is God's Word. When you study a passage and still don't understand it, ask the one who wrote it. Pray about it, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal the meaning to you! And the best part? You don't have to wait to use it as a last resort, because unlike my consultation with the lawyer, the Holy Spirit is in you. No appointment necessary and no fees.
Great news if you ask me! And that is how I used a class on Rules of Bible Interpretation from my college days in my current job.
I actually referred back to my Bible college days. You may wonder why, what does that have to do with it? There were Eight Rules of Interpretation that we learned. And most applied to interpreting the contracts.
1. The rule of Definition - what does the word or words mean. While we may think we know what they mean, looking up the Webster definition (or Greek or Hebrew using a concordance) can help narrow and clarify the meaning. Also, some of these construction based scope-of-works and contracts (100+ pages, I kid you not) have words that I'm just not that familiar with. Same often happens with studying the Bible.
2. The rule of Usage - how is the word used? Many words have multiple definitions based on usage. This is especially important in the Bible where there were different cultures. So taking this into account is an important part.
3. The rule of Context - what is the setting? This is probably one of the most important. Many people pull out one verse, or even one phrase, of the Bible, not taking into account any of the verses around it. By reading the verses and/or chapters before and after the one in question can help decipher it. Same with the contracts. Is the phrase in question in the section on services rendered, services needed, in the main part, for an additional fee, etc? Reading before and after can narrow down based on what section it is written in and the surrounding context. As with the Bible, the interpretation of one section can't contradict the contract itself. This is why to me this is a critical aspect of interpretation.
4. The rule of Historical Background - while much more relevant in Bible study, it still can come into play in contract readings. Was this contract done by the developer, the association, the management company, the vendor? When was the date? Was it during a storm? Was it during a construction phase or once turnover had occurred?
5. The rule of Logic - does it make sense? Check the grammar, the language (written by a lawyer or contractor?) and apply the rules of reasoning. What is the intent?
6. The rule of Inference - this is facts based on being implied elsewhere. Such as love your neighbor as yourself. In other places what is meant by "neighbor?" If the intent of the contract is to provide quarterly pest control, you can pretty comfortably assume that a phrase won't be in there that would cause pests. Just by the name of pest control it is implied that you are getting rid of pests, not making more.
7. The rule of Genre Judgement - which section of the Bible is it in? The prophets, the gospels, the historical books, the epistles, etc. Harder to use with contracts, but back to what section is it in? The scope, the services provided, the costs?
Last, but not least...
8. The rule of dependance on the Holy Spirit - go to the source! While all the other seven rules provide great guidance to interpretation, the only SURE way is to go straight to the source! The Bible is the Word of God, God has given us the Holy Spirit. We have been given the Holy Spirit for illumination. We can't understand it all, and we never will fully while here on earth. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can understand it. He gives us gifts of knowledge and discernment. I Corinthians 2:10-12 "But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us." This one is also the most accurate on contracts - go to the source! Most of the disagreements or differences on opinions on the contracts I have been working on I was able to use the first seven to determine the outcome, one that both vendors and the association agreed with. But one..ack, this one has very valid arguments from both sides whether this one detail was included in the scope or an additional fee to the association. I went to other managers and to board directors. Everyone had a view point, differing view points I might add...who was right?! Finally I decided it was time for rule eight. And I called the lawyer who wrote the contract. I mean who better to interpret it than the one who wrote it?! Right? And he gave me a definitive answer, no more combing words, phrases and pouring over definitions. Same with the Bible, it is God's Word. When you study a passage and still don't understand it, ask the one who wrote it. Pray about it, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal the meaning to you! And the best part? You don't have to wait to use it as a last resort, because unlike my consultation with the lawyer, the Holy Spirit is in you. No appointment necessary and no fees.
Great news if you ask me! And that is how I used a class on Rules of Bible Interpretation from my college days in my current job.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Golf Stories
Today I went golfing for the first time. In preparation I did go once last weekend to a driving range and then to a puttering course yesterday. But today was my first time actually playing on a golf course and started with a bang at Burnt Pine, a private course designed by Rees Jones. While my game, if you can even call it that yet, leaves much to be desired and much, much to be learned, it was an incredibly fun time laughing, talking and enjoying the gorgeous day. There were six of us and we played three and three. As much fun as whacking balls was driving the golf carts, especially off the path and on the rolling hills.
The caddy was probably entertained by our accidental insinuations, that were truly said in complete innocence, but had me biting my lip not to start laughing out loud. First he grabs two of our golf bags and was waiting to pick up the third. But we weren't sure which bag we wanted to use. So told him go ahead and take those two over to the golf carts then come back. One of the other ladies commented, "I think he was wanting to wait and do a threesome." Not positive he heard that one as he was walking away from us with his back to us. But when he came back we were trying to decide which would be better for me, men's that were taller (for my tall self) but heavier, or ladies that were shorter but much lighter. He was trying to explain the difference in the clubs and told us that the men's clubs had stiffer shafts. Another lady asked, "why would men want stiffer shafts?" That is when I had to bite my lip not to bust out in laughter! I was quite impressed by his ability to maintain his composure (you could tell he was amused though) and finish explaining the reasoning.
This week while getting ready Ron started telling me about his golf experiences. The craziest part of that is that I've known him for 18 years now and never knew he used to golf! But during high school he used to golf, had his own set of clubs and took golf lessons with his dad at the club. He was trying to give me tips. I looked at him and said, "How can you give me tips when you've never played?" And that is when I learned that you can live with someone for years and years and still find out new things about them. Today while telling him about the golf carts he proceeded to tell me about how he was swerving on a path and flipping a golf cart while on the course one time, hurting himself and his brother and nearly totaling the cart. While that wasn't really funny, it has been interesting learning more about my husband and things he used to like and enjoy and things I never knew about him.
But for a funny, funny golf story, my dad wins hands down! Talked to him on the phone tonight and this is the story he told me. Granted he is a master story teller so to get the full effect, you'd have to hear him tell the story. This is my best effort at relaying it how I heard it via writing. Back when he was in the Navy he and a buddy went to a course to play golf. You are just hitting a ball, so how hard can that be, right? Neither of them had ever played or even been on a driving range before. So they check out a set of clubs and head off to tackle the popular sport of golf. My dad is up first. He pulls his club back and swings.....the ball flies into the air, and hits a tree (yes, Dad, I totally know that feeling after today, my first swing also hit a tree). His buddy steps up and its his turn to tee off. The ball is lined up, the guy takes his stance, pulls the club back and swings...the ball rolls 6" forward. BUT the club continues to fly far to the left. So far to the left that it flies in front of the shooting range! Why the military would have guys shooting next to guys golfing is beyond me, but that is beside the point. The guy shooting stops and looks at this club now lying in front of him. My dad's buddy looks at my dad and says, "YOU go get the club." My dad, always the most practical person I've ever known, responded with, "No way, that guy has a gun!" Needless to say his buddy finally retrieved his club. They look at each other both decide they are done and walk back to return the clubs. This is where I thought the story ended, but one last little laugh. It had been a drizzly day so the lady at the clubhouse asked them if they would like a rain check so that they can come back and try again later. Handing over the clubs they emphatically decline the rain check and announce they are done. And that was the ONE and ONLY time my dad has played golf!
What is your most memorable golf experience?
The caddy was probably entertained by our accidental insinuations, that were truly said in complete innocence, but had me biting my lip not to start laughing out loud. First he grabs two of our golf bags and was waiting to pick up the third. But we weren't sure which bag we wanted to use. So told him go ahead and take those two over to the golf carts then come back. One of the other ladies commented, "I think he was wanting to wait and do a threesome." Not positive he heard that one as he was walking away from us with his back to us. But when he came back we were trying to decide which would be better for me, men's that were taller (for my tall self) but heavier, or ladies that were shorter but much lighter. He was trying to explain the difference in the clubs and told us that the men's clubs had stiffer shafts. Another lady asked, "why would men want stiffer shafts?" That is when I had to bite my lip not to bust out in laughter! I was quite impressed by his ability to maintain his composure (you could tell he was amused though) and finish explaining the reasoning.
This week while getting ready Ron started telling me about his golf experiences. The craziest part of that is that I've known him for 18 years now and never knew he used to golf! But during high school he used to golf, had his own set of clubs and took golf lessons with his dad at the club. He was trying to give me tips. I looked at him and said, "How can you give me tips when you've never played?" And that is when I learned that you can live with someone for years and years and still find out new things about them. Today while telling him about the golf carts he proceeded to tell me about how he was swerving on a path and flipping a golf cart while on the course one time, hurting himself and his brother and nearly totaling the cart. While that wasn't really funny, it has been interesting learning more about my husband and things he used to like and enjoy and things I never knew about him.
But for a funny, funny golf story, my dad wins hands down! Talked to him on the phone tonight and this is the story he told me. Granted he is a master story teller so to get the full effect, you'd have to hear him tell the story. This is my best effort at relaying it how I heard it via writing. Back when he was in the Navy he and a buddy went to a course to play golf. You are just hitting a ball, so how hard can that be, right? Neither of them had ever played or even been on a driving range before. So they check out a set of clubs and head off to tackle the popular sport of golf. My dad is up first. He pulls his club back and swings.....the ball flies into the air, and hits a tree (yes, Dad, I totally know that feeling after today, my first swing also hit a tree). His buddy steps up and its his turn to tee off. The ball is lined up, the guy takes his stance, pulls the club back and swings...the ball rolls 6" forward. BUT the club continues to fly far to the left. So far to the left that it flies in front of the shooting range! Why the military would have guys shooting next to guys golfing is beyond me, but that is beside the point. The guy shooting stops and looks at this club now lying in front of him. My dad's buddy looks at my dad and says, "YOU go get the club." My dad, always the most practical person I've ever known, responded with, "No way, that guy has a gun!" Needless to say his buddy finally retrieved his club. They look at each other both decide they are done and walk back to return the clubs. This is where I thought the story ended, but one last little laugh. It had been a drizzly day so the lady at the clubhouse asked them if they would like a rain check so that they can come back and try again later. Handing over the clubs they emphatically decline the rain check and announce they are done. And that was the ONE and ONLY time my dad has played golf!
What is your most memorable golf experience?
Sunday, September 7, 2014
A Calling?
When I was 9 years old I heard a missionary speak at church and felt God was calling me to the mission field, at that point I was thinking Peru, as he was a missionary to Peru and had a great slide show that just captivated me.
After graduating from college I went on to New Tribes Bible Institute (Waukesha, WI) in pursuit of missions training. During that time frame I spent a summer living in Papua New Guinea hands on learning how to do missions (including language acquisition, cultural studies, etc), and went on a missions trip to Spain and another couple of weeks in Honduras working in an orphanage. While at NTBI my fiance broke up with me, amongst several other things. Felt like I had spent my whole life (yeah, all 20 years..lol..but at that time it felt like forever) trying to serve God but my life was not working out like I wanted it to. So decided it was time to live life however I wanted to do it. And I did just that. Enter about a decade of me living mostly for me (and for my two children who I thank God for as I know they kept me going).
But even through everything I kept getting pulled back toward feeling I was being called to some kind of Christian vocation. I didn't really change a lot of how I was living, but I did start working at a church. Felt like that must be the fulfillment of my childhood "calling." Spent almost 12 years on church staff (two different churches) and in that time frame also did multiple volunteer things, such as lead a Celebrate Recovery group (12-step study and small group facilitator), occasionally taught in my adult Sunday School class, led a few small group Bible studies, went into the prison preaching to women once a month, and volunteered with Project Adam (local men's recovery home). All these were good things, but eventually burnt out. And several things in my personal/family life were falling apart. Ron moved to Florida and a few months later I left my dual position in Publications and as Student/Children's Ministry Assistant at a church to follow him. Started my first full time secular job in over a decade. Once again felt like whatever that "calling" was must have just been a childhood fantasy. I mean what kid doesn't have crazy dreams, how many kids answer doctor, firefighter, astronaut, etc when asked what they want to be? And how many actually become that?
We moved to the beach, the beach is always where we left the "real" world behind and partied and had fun. Now it was our new way of life. No one knew me, knew our family. No expectations to have to live up to as a church staff member, small group leader, recovery/prison volunteer. That lack of accountability wasn't too good for me.
Long story short, spent one year down here just living the beach life, and all that comes with whatever that means. And then the whole past year has been a journey. A much longer one than I had anticipated, but forward motion none the less. During this year God has brought a wonderful group of ladies into my life, our "condo mates" group. The six of us went to a retreat together last February (2014) and we all were roommates in the same condo. Only one I knew pretty well, and two I had never met. This has been a great experience and much work of ironing sharpening iron as we have grown closer and shared struggles and victories and lots of just plain ole good, clean fun. Expanded from just fun times to team challenges like a 5K Mud Run to meeting weekly studying The Holy Spirit (by John Bevere).
And now I keep hearing "calling" over and over, inwardly and from external sources. Was talking to someone and told them I felt like Jonah who ran from his calling, spent time in the darkness of the belly of the whale, then was thrown up onto the shore. Feeling like a "washed up/has been." But as I was relaying that to her, it dawned on me... Despite the muck covering Jonah, despite him running in the complete opposite direction God told him to go, despite spending time in the utter darkness and in the deep abyss of the sea, God never took away his calling. Here he was on the shore, all stinky and just emerging back into the light. Yet God never said, "forget it Jonah, I have more capable people, you ruined your shot, you aren't good for anything else but to be put on the shelf as an example of what not to do." Nope, his calling was still there and he still had a mission from God to do.
On our way to the Florida Keys the first week of August I felt God telling me, you have a new career, and its a good career. It was given to you for a purpose, but don't forget, its just a career, it is not your calling. Since then I've gotten more and more comments or just things happening to confirm a shift or change coming. Things that I feel God telling me that needs to be changed in my life so that He can reveal what's next. I have no idea what the next it, and quite frankly it scares me. Today we had a guest speaker and he was saying that at his church and from their view point the age 40 is the change, the change from living for yourself to taking the knowledge you've learned and using your life for others. I'll be 40 in five months. Then he was talking about calling on our lives too (not the main part of his sermon, just a blip, but one that definitely caught my attention).
There is no nice neat wrapped up ending to this post. I don't know what is next, I'm not even really sure of what direction God is trying to point me or His time frame. But I do know I strongly feel I'm coming up to a transition period. I don't know how that will tie in and work with my new job position, as I LOVE my new job as a community association manager and maybe that new position is a part of the plan. Mainly I wanted to note this time in my life, so that one day I can look back and see where this part of my journey started and be able to look back and see how far God has brought me.
After graduating from college I went on to New Tribes Bible Institute (Waukesha, WI) in pursuit of missions training. During that time frame I spent a summer living in Papua New Guinea hands on learning how to do missions (including language acquisition, cultural studies, etc), and went on a missions trip to Spain and another couple of weeks in Honduras working in an orphanage. While at NTBI my fiance broke up with me, amongst several other things. Felt like I had spent my whole life (yeah, all 20 years..lol..but at that time it felt like forever) trying to serve God but my life was not working out like I wanted it to. So decided it was time to live life however I wanted to do it. And I did just that. Enter about a decade of me living mostly for me (and for my two children who I thank God for as I know they kept me going).
But even through everything I kept getting pulled back toward feeling I was being called to some kind of Christian vocation. I didn't really change a lot of how I was living, but I did start working at a church. Felt like that must be the fulfillment of my childhood "calling." Spent almost 12 years on church staff (two different churches) and in that time frame also did multiple volunteer things, such as lead a Celebrate Recovery group (12-step study and small group facilitator), occasionally taught in my adult Sunday School class, led a few small group Bible studies, went into the prison preaching to women once a month, and volunteered with Project Adam (local men's recovery home). All these were good things, but eventually burnt out. And several things in my personal/family life were falling apart. Ron moved to Florida and a few months later I left my dual position in Publications and as Student/Children's Ministry Assistant at a church to follow him. Started my first full time secular job in over a decade. Once again felt like whatever that "calling" was must have just been a childhood fantasy. I mean what kid doesn't have crazy dreams, how many kids answer doctor, firefighter, astronaut, etc when asked what they want to be? And how many actually become that?
We moved to the beach, the beach is always where we left the "real" world behind and partied and had fun. Now it was our new way of life. No one knew me, knew our family. No expectations to have to live up to as a church staff member, small group leader, recovery/prison volunteer. That lack of accountability wasn't too good for me.
Long story short, spent one year down here just living the beach life, and all that comes with whatever that means. And then the whole past year has been a journey. A much longer one than I had anticipated, but forward motion none the less. During this year God has brought a wonderful group of ladies into my life, our "condo mates" group. The six of us went to a retreat together last February (2014) and we all were roommates in the same condo. Only one I knew pretty well, and two I had never met. This has been a great experience and much work of ironing sharpening iron as we have grown closer and shared struggles and victories and lots of just plain ole good, clean fun. Expanded from just fun times to team challenges like a 5K Mud Run to meeting weekly studying The Holy Spirit (by John Bevere).
And now I keep hearing "calling" over and over, inwardly and from external sources. Was talking to someone and told them I felt like Jonah who ran from his calling, spent time in the darkness of the belly of the whale, then was thrown up onto the shore. Feeling like a "washed up/has been." But as I was relaying that to her, it dawned on me... Despite the muck covering Jonah, despite him running in the complete opposite direction God told him to go, despite spending time in the utter darkness and in the deep abyss of the sea, God never took away his calling. Here he was on the shore, all stinky and just emerging back into the light. Yet God never said, "forget it Jonah, I have more capable people, you ruined your shot, you aren't good for anything else but to be put on the shelf as an example of what not to do." Nope, his calling was still there and he still had a mission from God to do.
On our way to the Florida Keys the first week of August I felt God telling me, you have a new career, and its a good career. It was given to you for a purpose, but don't forget, its just a career, it is not your calling. Since then I've gotten more and more comments or just things happening to confirm a shift or change coming. Things that I feel God telling me that needs to be changed in my life so that He can reveal what's next. I have no idea what the next it, and quite frankly it scares me. Today we had a guest speaker and he was saying that at his church and from their view point the age 40 is the change, the change from living for yourself to taking the knowledge you've learned and using your life for others. I'll be 40 in five months. Then he was talking about calling on our lives too (not the main part of his sermon, just a blip, but one that definitely caught my attention).
There is no nice neat wrapped up ending to this post. I don't know what is next, I'm not even really sure of what direction God is trying to point me or His time frame. But I do know I strongly feel I'm coming up to a transition period. I don't know how that will tie in and work with my new job position, as I LOVE my new job as a community association manager and maybe that new position is a part of the plan. Mainly I wanted to note this time in my life, so that one day I can look back and see where this part of my journey started and be able to look back and see how far God has brought me.
The End of My 90-Days Probation Period
September
6, 2014, work probation period finished. 90 days, on my own officially in my new
job position. Just a few steps away from my old desk, yet worlds away
inside my new office.
Cheers!! Here's to tons of meetings, contract negotiations, never ending email, climbing high condo roofs, seeing incredible views, digging/dirt under nails with irrigation issues, water leaks, great owners, unrealistic vacationers, feeding the koi in the pond, walking the beach, testing pool chemical levels, stretching my finance knowledge with creating budgets, investment strategies, laddered CD's, $ signs followed by numbers in the millions, dealing with employees of my own, confidence building while pitching my ideas/public speaking, taking management classes, peace in chaos, calm in stress, discovering the multitudes of insurance policies available and required, state certifications of pools/elevators/balconies, mold remediation, working with great board members, management reports, meeting so many new/exciting people, stretching my wings, learning to fly, long days, some long nights, even a trip to the ER from work with heart issues, but satisfaction with the knowledge (and acknowledgement) of a job well done and that I thoroughly enjoy!
Thank you God for your blessings! Two years ago when I started working for this company I prayed for the Lord to expand my territory and bless the work of my hands and He has. My prayer now is to honor Him in the midst of it all.
Above my office door I have the words "Forgiven" and "Grace." Priceless gifts from my Heavenly Father.
Cheers!! Here's to tons of meetings, contract negotiations, never ending email, climbing high condo roofs, seeing incredible views, digging/dirt under nails with irrigation issues, water leaks, great owners, unrealistic vacationers, feeding the koi in the pond, walking the beach, testing pool chemical levels, stretching my finance knowledge with creating budgets, investment strategies, laddered CD's, $ signs followed by numbers in the millions, dealing with employees of my own, confidence building while pitching my ideas/public speaking, taking management classes, peace in chaos, calm in stress, discovering the multitudes of insurance policies available and required, state certifications of pools/elevators/balconies, mold remediation, working with great board members, management reports, meeting so many new/exciting people, stretching my wings, learning to fly, long days, some long nights, even a trip to the ER from work with heart issues, but satisfaction with the knowledge (and acknowledgement) of a job well done and that I thoroughly enjoy!
Thank you God for your blessings! Two years ago when I started working for this company I prayed for the Lord to expand my territory and bless the work of my hands and He has. My prayer now is to honor Him in the midst of it all.
Above my office door I have the words "Forgiven" and "Grace." Priceless gifts from my Heavenly Father.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Dog Leash - Mean or Caring?
Tonight I was walking Barkley back from the beach and kept him pretty close to me as he has no fear of vehicles or any traffic in the road. A huge box truck came up behind us and I pulled his leash up tight and clicked the safety on, as soon as the truck passed I clicked the safety off and he tried to take off toward the truck. I shook my head and told him, "silly dog, that truck would squish you so flat if you weren't on this leash."
At that moment I thought that keeping him on a leash, while some may consider it mean as he pulls and strains against the restraint of it, is one of the most caring things I can do for him. Keeping him out of sand spurs, out of traffic and away from danger.
This is the message I want to share with my daughter the next time I talk to her. She has strained and pulled at the parental leash for some time now, and the other week finally broke free. But the freedom was short lived and she is now living in a situation and place that she regrets. The safety, comfort and ultimately the love of our boundaries and rules were all for her benefit, not to keep her from fun or freedom. Breaking away from that has hurt not only her, but all those that love and care for her.
I wondered if that was like us as the children of God. However, God does not have us on a leash. Yes, He has set guidelines and boundaries, but it is more like an invisible electric fence. We may get a shock when we try to leave the safety of the zoned areas, but we are able to leave. But at what price? I know for myself I often stand at the boundary line, barking, yelping and whining about it, and sometimes decide it's worth the shock to escape. However, time and again, I realize with 20/20 hindsight, that the fence was for my safety.
Unfortunately, my daughter is having to learn this lesson for herself now in a very hard way. As I walk Barkley each day I hope that his pulling at his leash reminds me that the "freedom" I think I'm yearning for, is not freedom at all, but the boundaries are there to keep us safe and from harm.
At that moment I thought that keeping him on a leash, while some may consider it mean as he pulls and strains against the restraint of it, is one of the most caring things I can do for him. Keeping him out of sand spurs, out of traffic and away from danger.
This is the message I want to share with my daughter the next time I talk to her. She has strained and pulled at the parental leash for some time now, and the other week finally broke free. But the freedom was short lived and she is now living in a situation and place that she regrets. The safety, comfort and ultimately the love of our boundaries and rules were all for her benefit, not to keep her from fun or freedom. Breaking away from that has hurt not only her, but all those that love and care for her.
I wondered if that was like us as the children of God. However, God does not have us on a leash. Yes, He has set guidelines and boundaries, but it is more like an invisible electric fence. We may get a shock when we try to leave the safety of the zoned areas, but we are able to leave. But at what price? I know for myself I often stand at the boundary line, barking, yelping and whining about it, and sometimes decide it's worth the shock to escape. However, time and again, I realize with 20/20 hindsight, that the fence was for my safety.
Unfortunately, my daughter is having to learn this lesson for herself now in a very hard way. As I walk Barkley each day I hope that his pulling at his leash reminds me that the "freedom" I think I'm yearning for, is not freedom at all, but the boundaries are there to keep us safe and from harm.
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