This past May 31st marked my 25th year as an ordained Christian Minister. I was ordained to the ministry at and by Emmanuel Baptist Church in West Chester, PA. I was 28 years old at the time and looking back there has been a myriad of minstry experiences including serving two churches as an associate pastor, part time youth ministry, home and social ministry, correctional chaplaincy and the past 17 years as a hospital chaplain that included clinical pastoral education. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve God and people. To be honest I have tried to discern and follow the LORD with the most sincere, grace and mercy filled devotion that I know. God's leading has been so clear through most of the past 25 and for that I am grateful and humbled. So, I look ahead with greater eagerness, maturity, wisdom and artistry. In closing, let me share one scripture verse that has guided and aided me in my journey of serving others: Luke 4:18-19 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Golf and Life: Stay in the Game
1. One bad hole does not make a life. It’s ok to take the double bogey and play the next hole. Each day brings new opportunity. Sometimes you have to flush the double bogeys or a bad day or a bad something.
2. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky rather than good. That happens when your playing partner holes the ball from 100 yards out.
3. Manners and kindness go a long way in life. Complimenting your partner on a good shot is the right thing to do. Same for someone at work who does a good job or goes the extra mile or a family member who offers a helping hand with one of life’s challenges.
4. Golf is a game for a lifetime. So is life. It’s not over until it’s over. Keep going and keep pressing since a par or eagle may lay ahead. Life’s best days are ahead--hopefully.
5. Golf requires focus and so does life. Don’t get distracted by things that don’t matter. Focus on what matters most to you.
6. Patience. Sometimes the foursome ahead is playing slower than you want. Sometimes change and goodness are not happening at the rate you want them. Patience and time are important. Hold on. Usually the group ahead clears and then your opportunity appears. It’s an ordered world and so is golf. Waiting for one’s turn is just part of life and part of golf.
7. Par is good. It’s not average. It means you met the goal. Reaching goals and par go hand in hand.
8. Make new friends. Golf is a social game. Be open to small gestures of assistance like when the other person tends the flag or picks up your club for you. Say thank you when you are complimented.
9. Some things are meant to end. That includes a bad front 9. Lunch at the turn can always give new energy, hopefulness, and new goals. Past successes or failures don’t predetermine future results.
10. Finally, like life, it is easy to get off track and into the rough, woods, or water. Take the medicine and the penalty shot and then go ahead a make the third shot and the eventual up and down for par 5. Enjoy your “round” and be sure to stay in the game.
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