Tag Archives: Golf Course

My Eyes Are On You, Lord!!

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I Don’t Want To Gain The Whole World…

And Lose My Soul


For whosoever will save his life shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?” 

Mark 8:35-36

What will you gain???

If you lose your soul? 

Have we lost our souls while gaining the whole world?

Don’t want to walk away…

Not going to let material things get in my way…

I’m trying to get somewhere…

That’s real and pure and true and eternal!

Father God…

I am clay in Your hands…

Help me to stay that way through all life’s demands…

‘Cause they chip, and they nag, and they pull at me…

And every little thing I make up my mind to be…

The road that is wide and filled with self-love…

Everything that I see draws me…

Though it’s only in You that I can truly see…

That it’s a feast for the eyes…

A low blow to purpose…

And I’m a little kid at a three-ring circus!

Who I am…

Is not what I do…

But, where’s my heart?

The first thing to prosper…

Should be the inside of me.

We’re free!!

Christ came!

Now we’re changed!

Not the same…

Even though I made a fall…

Since I got that call…

No more Saul…

Now I’m Paul.!

 I sense the tide that’s rising…

De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity…

It’s hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity…

Lord, what we can we do?

We’re relying on you…

All eyes are on you, Lord!

 All eyes are on you, Jesus!

Don’t let me lose my soul…

This is my honesty…

Father, won’t You cover me?

Lord forgive us…

When we get consumed by the things of this world…

That fight for our love…

And our passion…

As our eyes are open wide…

And on You…

Grant us the privilege of Your world view…

And may Your kingdom be…

What wakes us up…

And lays us down!

Amen!!

Lord, I could sing of your Love forever!!

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“…keep thy soul diligently…”

Deuteronomy 4:9  KJV

Our God Is An Awesome God!!

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Especially when He shows up magnificently…

At the end of an ordinary day!!

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His return is very close and so you better be believing…
Our God is an Awesome God!

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He reigns from Heaven above!

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With wisdom, power, and love…

Our God is an Awesome God!

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And when the sky was starless in the void of the night…

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He spoke into the darkness and created the light…

Our God is an Awesome God!

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“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords,

the great, the mighty, and the awesome God…”

Deuteronomy 10:17  ESV

“You are the Lord, You alone.

You have made Heaven, the Heaven of heavens, with all their host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them;

and You preserve all of them;

and the host of Heaven worships You.”

Nehemiah 9:6  ESV

Branch Out!!

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“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall:

but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”

Proverb 11:28

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Stay Attached To The True Vine!

Bear Fruit!

Accept Pruning…

Be Even More Fruitful!

Remain!!

Be His Friend!

Love!

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John 15

The Vine and the Branches

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 “I Am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener.

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He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,

while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes

so that it will be even more fruitful.

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You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

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 Remain in Me, as I also remain in you.

No branch can bear fruit by itself;

it must remain in the vine.

Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

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I Am the vine;

you are the branches.

If you remain in Me and I in you,

you will bear much fruit;

apart from Me you can do nothing.

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 If you do not remain in me,

you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers;

such branches are picked up,

thrown into the fire and burned.

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If you remain in Me and My words remain in you,

ask whatever you wish,

and it will be done for you.

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This is to my Father’s Glory,

that you bear much fruit,

showing yourselves to be my disciples.

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As the Father has loved Me,

so have I loved you.

Now remain in My love.

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If you keep my commands,

you will remain in My love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commands

and remain in His love.

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I have told you this so that My joy

may be in you

and that your joy may be complete.

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My command is this:

Love each other

as I have loved you.

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Greater love has no one than this:

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends

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You are My friends

if you do what I command

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I no longer call you servants,

because a servant does not know his master’s business.

Instead, I have called you friends,

for everything that I learned from My Father

I have made known to you. 

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You did not choose Me,

but I chose you and appointed you

so that you might go and bear fruit—

fruit that will last—

and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you.

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This is my command:

Love each other.”

You’re Branches!!!

Remain attached to The Vine!

Flourish

and

Branch Out!

Bear Fruit!

Love

He Wills It!

This is Just Duckie!!

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The sun setting on the pond on the golf course…

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The warm breeze blowing on the water…

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Causes moving ripples of light and color…

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And shadow reflections and mirrors…

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He almost doesn’t look real…

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But he is!

“…It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth…

Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other name under heaven

given to mankind

by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:10-12  ESV

Don’t let anything distract you…

From seeing that Jesus is real, too!

Dead Lizard!! Dead Lizard!!

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I had the most amazing conversation with a little boy on a bicycle, while I was taking a walk around my neighborhood last week!

I was just past the new construction site I told you about in a precious post…

Haven’t Seen One Of These Around Here In A While!!”

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I was listening to my inspirational Gospel tunes on my iPod, and thinking…

“Things are progressing nicely at the construction site!”

My Dad was a carpenter, so every step in the building process interests me!

I remember as kids, my Dad would ride us by every house he had built, and proudly say, “I built that house!”

I perhaps didn’t appreciate it then, but after having built all our houses over the years…

I appreciate it now…

Great job, Dad!!

Anyway…

Suddenly,  this little boy, perhaps 6 or 7 years old, came barreling at me on his bicycle…

While I was thinking, reminiscing, and listening to my music…

Shouting, “Dead Lizard!!  Dead Lizard!!”

I pulled out one ear bud…

And said, “What!?!”

He repeated it again!

“Dead Lizard!!  Dead Lizard!!”

“Where?”  I said…

He pointed up ahead…

“Want to see it?” he asked…

“Of course!” I said…

I just love kids!!  Don’t you???

I see people on my walks all the time…

Mostly those walking their dogs…

I don’t walk mine, my husband does that…

Because my crazy Siberian pulls my arm out of its socket!

It’s not a calm walk!!  Ha!!

Anyway, I talk to a lot of people on my walks, pet their dogs, say “Have a nice day,” etc.

And not once has anyone said anything as amazing as,

“Dead Lizard!!  Dead Lizard!!”

That’s why I love kids!!

So the kid on the bicycle turned his bike in the direction I was walking…

And raced to show me the way to the dead lizard you see in the photo!!

Soon, he turned back to me as I was apparently following too slowly!

“Come on!” he said…

“Can’t you run???”

Apparently he doesn’t understand age!  Ha!

So I walked a little faster to please him!

When we got to the dead lizard…

He proudly pointed to it, and said, “There it is!”

“Ahh,” I said.

“You’re right, it’s definitely dead, alright!

How do you think it died?” I asked…

“Did you run over it with your bike???”

In FL, little lizards run back and forth, and in front and around you all the time…

I remember when we came to FL for vacation, before we moved here, when my son was young…

That he went to grab one, and it let go of its tail to get away…

My son started crying, thinking he had killed it…

But we explained to him that it’s their defense mechanism…

And they can grow their tail back again!

Quite amazing little creatures, these “Lizzies!!”

So the little boy on the bicycle says…

“No, I didn’t run it over…

I found it this way!!”

I’m glad I came along for him to share his “find” with!!  Ha!

After we looked at it for awhile, I said…

“Merry Christmas, and thanks for showing me the dead lizard!”

And he turned to ride back the way he was going, and I continued on my walk…

Quickly though, he had another thought and said…

“When you go around the corner and see a black truck…

That’s my Dad’s truck…

Say to him, ‘Bryson said, Hi!'”

“Oh, you live around the corner?” I asked…

“We’re renting!” he said…

“Okay, I’ll tell him!”  I said as I continued walking…

He turned his bike around, and sped off ahead of me, to make sure I gave his Dad the correct message…

And beat me there!

Sure enough, there was his Dad washing his black truck!

So I said, “I’m supposed to tell you that Bryson said Hi!”

He laughed, that laugh that’s says, “Yup, I know my kid and that’s exactly what he’d say!!”

Bryson called to his Dad, “We saw a dead lizard!!”

His Dad said, “Great!

And Bryson, remember, stay where I can see you!”

While doing the “I’m-watching-you” motions…

“I know  that, Dad,” he replied…

And then he pedaled away, but on his own block this time!

So I said, “Merry Christmas, Bryson”

And he said, “You already said that!”

Yes, he’s right…I did!

Dear Jesus…how can anyone hurt a child???

My Beloved Jersey Shore, No More???

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I receive a daily email from…

Focus On The Family

Today’s e-mail was titled…

“An Attitude Of Gratitude”

Here is the e-mail…

We Floridians can certainly relate!!

“Dear Friend,

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving, a time to gather with family and friends to specifically thank God for the many blessings we enjoy each and every day. But there are also people who don’t see a lot to be thankful for because of their circumstances: Maybe they’ve lost loved ones, homes or property—possibly even all those things at once. As many people on the East Coast who have been struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy can tell you, it’s a difficult thing to see the good amid difficult circumstances.

My friend Len Deo, executive director of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, spoke with Stuart Shepard recently about this on the latest CitizenLink Report.

Sandy was nothing short of horrific. Residents of New York and New Jersey spent weeks trying to get back to some sense of “normal” afterward. Food and gas were running low, the power was out, trees were uprooted and schedules were awry.

Despite those circumstances, some chose to have an attitude of gratitude for the little things they did have. In fact, Len Deo and his team paraphrased the 23rd Psalm to keep their perspective right. Their version reads:

‘The LORD is my shepherd, and shepherds have it rough right now. He has no place to make me lie down but muddy pastures; He leads me beside troubled waters. He is giving my soul a lot of unusual work. He leads me in the paths of perseverance for a purpose I really don’t see. Yea, I am walking through the aftermath of a hurricane and You are still prodding me; Your rod and Your staff, they are uncomfortable. You have filled my house with my children all day long; You anoint my head with cold showers; my impatience runneth over. Surely the good times went out with the lights, and I will dwell in my dim house for yet another day that feels like forever.’

Of course, we know that’s not what the Psalm really says—but the New Jersey team knows that the Word of God is powerful to provide comfort and solace. The point is simply this:  A sense of humor is a gift, and gratitude is a choice that we can always make, regardless of our circumstances. God does not stop being good just because our circumstances become difficult; we can trust Him through everything. And can’t we all be grateful for that?

For faith and family,

Tom Minnery
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy”

We’re from NJ…

My sister lives in Brooklyn…

Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins live in South Jersey…

And at the Jersey Shore…

Many of my cherished summertime memories…

Include the Jersey Shore…

Loved the Boardwalks!!

And the rides!

Family vacations in Wildwood and Cape May when I was young…

Trips with friend’s families to Long Branch…

Teenage drives to Seaside Heights, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Lavallette, Sea Girt, and Brielle…

Yearly vacations to a Bed & Breakfast in Spring Lake…

Later, when I taught, Teachers Convention at Convention Hall in Atlantic City…

Walking and shopping on the pier…

We have friends living in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North and South Carolina…

Everyone was affected…

I’m praying for the entire East Coast!

We, in FL know recovery is a long haul…

We also know that God is faithful!!

It will take time, but folks on the East Coast are resilient!

They’re survivors!

They will rally…

They will unite!

And this email gives me Hope…

That they know God is with them!!

My beloved Jersey Shore will rise again!!

Amen!

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…Even In FL!

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See our snowflakes???

Don’t they look real pretty with our Palm Trees???

And the beautiful wreath with a pineapple motif!

And a Santa with sunglasses and fishing pole!

And Christmas colored landscaping…

A festive Hibiscus…

Some rosy colored Bougainvillea…

With greenery…

This would be a great place for Santa to land his sleigh….

Or to imagine a Nativity Scene!

Isaiah 9:6-7

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

Luke 2:10-11

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord’.”

Lord, Thanks For Giving!

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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Psalm 69:30  “I will Praise the Name of God with Song, And shall Magnify Him with Thanksgiving.”

Gracious Heavenly Father…

Thanks for Giving Me…

All Your Promises…

Your Precious Word to Guide Me through this Life…

Your Beloved Son to Give Me New Life…

And Your Holy Spirit to Teach me all Truth!

For my Parents who Brought Me Up to Love You…

For my Husband who Works to keep us Safe…

For my Son who never ceases to be the Delight of my Life…

For Our Precious Siberian who Gives us Unconditional Love and Affection every Day!

For my Siblings, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins who Know How to Pray…

For Good Friends wherever we have Lived and Worked…

For Caring Believers wherever we have Worshiped…

For Helpful Acquaintances along the Path of Life…

For our Jobs over the years that have been Blessings from You…

For the Safety and Protection of our Home, Cars, and Finances…

For our Health in Body, Mind, and Spirit…

For Your Gift of allowing us to Retire to the Town and Neighborhood of our Dreams…

For Teaching us to Delight in You…

To Love Others…

And to see Everyone as You see Them…

To Minister with Grace and Encouragement for Your Kingdom!

I Pray Your Blessing on this Blog, to be a Powerful Ministry for You…

And that I Always Know how Very Blessed I Am…

In Knowing Who You Are!

Lord, Thanks for Giving…

I Welcome You Into My Life Always, Lord!

God’s Sky-Painting In My Backyard!!

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I live on a golf course…take a walk with me in the cool of the evening to see what God is up to…

He’s very busy painting in the sky…

The colors amaze me…

I love the Palm trees silhouetted against the backdrop of the sky…

My walk is so peaceful watching God’s creativity…

The trees seem to be reaching to touch the sky…

What do you see in the clouds?

As the night settles in…

All my cares seems to drift away…

A burst of color…

Seems to light my way…

The artistry of Creation…

In the Master’s hand…

Everything is still…

I notice the glow of His work reflected in the lake…

The world sleeps…

While God paints…

And signs His Name…

With Love…

And a kiss goodnight…

Promising sweet slumber…

And peaceful rest…Amen!