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“The game of life is a lot like football.  You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.” Lewis Grizzard

Football season is now upon us, and I must say it’s welcomed with great anticipation here! Georgia has a win under their belt, and we have many more weeks of excitement to come!

This year, two of our grandsons are also on the gridiron, but they are in different places and they play different positions.  While watching them play, I realized Lewis Grizzard is right, football is a lot like life.

Cooper, our ten year old, plays center for the Buford Wolves.  His position makes me think of the anchor that we need in our lives.  He is a big boy, smart, and nobody gets past him!  I also love that until he hikes that ball, nothing else can happen in that game!

Mason, our eight year old, plays anywhere on the field for his team!  His positions make me think of a sparkplug or motivator that we need in our life.  He is a live wire, and even if he is not in the game, he is out there motivating others just being there!

In our lives, we also need encouragers, and I love how both boys encourage their teammates before, during and after games.  Friends are there when the game is over, so it’s a great idea to be there for them all the time.

As Christians, I look at the Bible as our anchor.  We have so much conflict, tragedy, and upheaval in our world today.  If you are anchored, you are held firmly in place.  The world is changing, but God’s truth as stated in the Bible has not changed.

I look at disciples of Christ as the motivators.  We motivate people around us each day by living a life that exemplifies our faith by our actions as well as our words.

We are all supposed to be encouragers of each other.  We are not to be critical of our fellow Christians, but rather, we should be there to encourage and not judge. We might not always agree, but it is up to us to be there for each other to support and encourage.

“The Lord your God is in your midst; a warrior who gives victory.”  Zephania 3:7

Coop is #44 and Mason is the blonde scoring the TD!

“The loving kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him; who keep His commandments.”  Psalm 103:17-18

A friend was telling us a story of two men-one, his dad; the other, his uncle. When he was a boy, his uncle would always ride around the block looking for a parking meter with time left on it.  His dad, in contrast, would always find an empty meter, park, and when he left would fill it up for the next person.  His uncle lived on borrowed time, while his dad paid the price for someone else!

In the movie, Going in Style, three retirees who have lost their pension begin to count up how many years they have left on earth.  They do this because they plan to rob a bank and “borrow” the amount of cash they feel they are due!  They don’t want to take too much, but they don’t want to have to rob the bank again if they take too little!  They were “borrowing” from the bank what they thought was owed them.  When I think about it, all of us are living on borrowed time, and we really are not promised or owed anything other than today.  We can’t count up how much we might need to live because we don’t know.

This past Sunday, Randy and I returned to Bowdon First United Methodist for homecoming.  It was like turning back the clock for us.  As I looked around at the pews, I could visualize where everyone sat on Sunday morning when we served there.  Now there are different faces in some of the pews where friends sat.  Some of those faces are of their children, grandchildren, even great grandchildren.

These folks who were missing are like the dad in the story above.  They filled empty meters for those who would come after them – they paid the price for someone else!  This is how the kingdom of God advances.  We live for Jesus the time we are given and don’t worry about the time we have left.

“I will thank God for the day and the moment I have.”  Jim Valvano

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace can be found in silence.”  The Desirata

I like to start my day on my back porch when the weather permits.  When I first begin my devotional time, it is usually silent except for the hum of the neighbor’s air conditioner.  Slowly, the noise of the day begins to creep in – first a dog barking, then a car going by, next a blower, and pretty soon noise has overtaken the silence.  This time every day is set aside for solitude, but the world and life happen to interrupt.

Over the years, I have learned the difference between silence and solitude. Silence is defined as “the absence of sound” while solitude is defined as “being alone.”  Silence demands solitude.  As we wait quietly before God, the spiritual ear becomes trained to hear His voice.

In our world today, nobody seems to enjoy silence.  The television is on even when no one is in the room, cell phones interrupt our quiet times constantly, Alexa is ready to talk first thing in the morning, exercise classes blare music to pump you up, car trips are filled with audio books, and stores play music continuously.

This week the buzz was all about the solar eclipse, and even though it wasn’t as total as I had expected, it was still incredible.  The strange thing was as we sat in our yard awaiting the eclipse, there was an unusual and comforting silence.  No one was driving, walking, talking, and there were only the birds singing their night time song.  We watched in silence as the reflection of the eclipse danced around the shadows revealing the crescents of the eclipse.  God speaks in silence, and Monday He assured me that He is still there and still in control.  I take a lot of comfort in that silent assurance.

Remember,  “silence can never be misquoted”.  selected

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.”   Psalm 107:1

I was shopping in Trader Joe’s the other day, and as I passed the food sampling station, the man behind the counter reminded of a life lesson.  A little boy came running up to the counter and said, “Give me some.”  The man immediately moved back the sample he was holding out and said, “What’s the magic word?”  The little boy was visibly perplexed and said, “I don’t know, just give me some.”  “No,” said the man, “not until you give me the magic word, and the word is ‘please’.”  The little boy said, “Well, ok, ‘please'”.  As the gentleman handed him the sample, he said, “Now, you need to say ‘thank you'”. “OK, thank you,” said the little boy as he took the sample,” but I need one for my brother, so ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ for him too.”

The first thing I thought as he ran away was, “Where is his Mom and why has she never taught him his manners?”  The second thought I had was how easy it is to say the words but not really understand or attach meaning to the words.  I grew up saying the magic words- please, thank you, yes m’am, no sir – and I say them out of habit.  We were taught our manners from day one, and our parents would be embarrassed if we didn’t use them.

One of my pet peeves is asking a child a question and having him or her respond with “what” or answering my question with “yeah” or “no”.  It might be politically incorrect to request that they answer politely, but it is my opinion that a little dose of manners is good for them!

Yet, sometimes when I pray, I forget to use my manners.  I ask for blessings in my life which I don’t deserve, I ask for forgiveness when I am slow to forgive others, I ask for peace when I neglect quiet time with God, I ask for love when I am unlovely, and so many other things.  I forget to use the “please” word on a daily basis in my spiritual life.

I also forget to say “thank you” which is the most important of the two “Magic Words”.  It is so easy to forget when prayers are answered, blessings are abundant, peace flows like a river, or love is abounding to say a simple “thank you” to God for His blessings and His goodness. Sometimes  I need to be reminded of these two “magic words”.

“I just thank God for all of His blessings.”  James Brown

“A friend loves at all times.”  Proverbs 17:17

“There are big ships, and small ships, but the best ship is Friendship.”  Robert the cruise director

During the years of our ministry, Randy and I have been fortunate to meet and love so many friends.  These are folks that are always there no matter the circumstances- they would do anything for you and vice versa.  These people are always honest with you and loyal to you no matter the situation.

In 1975 while serving in Dalton, we were awakened around 5 in the morning during a horrific thunderstorm by our friend and neighbor, Sam. A huge creek ran in front of both our houses, and it seems the rain had carried his bridge downstream.  “Randy,” he yelled, “run out to your front yard and see if you can grab my bridge – I’m on my way.”  They did it!  No questions – just I’ll be there!

During our first appointment in Newborn from 1976 to 1978, the summer of 1977 was extremely dry – so dry that rats (cat size ones) would gnaw the screen of our porch trying to get to our dog’s water.  We tried everything to rid ourselves of these awful pests.  One night about dusk, Randy abandoned logic and decided to shoot them as they went about their nightly ritual.  I was in the kitchen when I heard two things pretty close together – a shot and the phone ringing. Sammy, our back door neighbor (a lawyer and now a judge), said one sentence after I said hello, “Diane, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m coming and I’m bringing my gun, tell Randy not to shoot!”  No questions – just I’ll be there!

We moved to Bowdon in June of 1978 and were expecting our second child in July.  We had met people there, but in July we were still relatively the new folks!  The morning we had to go to the hospital, Randy called our new friend, Sherrod, to ask if she could keep Rob until my Mama got there.  She said, “Of course.”  I didn’t know until sometime later that she was hosting a luncheon that day, but she didn’t hesitate!  No questions – just I’ll be there!

When I think of friends, so many names leap to my mind.  I can still see a group of men who were first church members at Mt. Bethel, then lifelong friends.  They guided, advised, and loved us!  We depended on them for honesty and guidance.  We would never have built such a ministry without them.  No questions, just I’ll be there!

If you know us, you know that when we call or text with the one word “help”, don’t hesitate, just come!  No questions, just I’ll be there!  We will always do the same if it’s humanly possible.

C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship has no survival value; rather it gives value to survival.”  How could we survive without our friends?  God bless all our friends!

“Sunshine is sweet; it is good to see the light of day.”  Ecclesiastes 11:7

Recently I had a conversation with a gentleman in Moultrie, Ga. who is helping our family with some land we own.  Our conversation turned to the large amount of rain we were getting at the time.  This part of South Georgia is the watermelon capital -in fact, I have a friend who was the Watermelon Queen in high school.  I asked him how the watermelon crop was doing, and his reply was, “Well, they sure do need some sunshine to sweeten them up.”

Sunshine is good for the soul as well, and it takes many forms.  It can be the actual sunshine that we see or feel, or it can be the “sunshine” that is brought into lives through small acts.

When we first moved to Mt. Bethel, we had the honor of knowing Miss Eleanor who was over 100 years young at the time and still very active.  On one occasion, we invited some of the ladies in a circle to lunch at our parsonage, and she was among the ones who attended.  Our driveway was very steep, so Randy picked the ladies up in the church van and delivered them to the door.  As they began to unload, it was clear that Miss Eleanor was struggling to get down the steps of the van, so Randy asked if he could help her. She smiled and said, “Honey, I thought you’d never ask!” He scooped her up in his arms, she put her arms around his neck,  and together they came inside. When they got inside, Randy asked her where she would like to sit, and she replied, “Oh, I’m fine right here –  this is like bringing sunshine to my soul.”  Just a touch can be sunshine to many folks.

I think a lot about ways to bring sunshine into lives of those I know and hold dear.  It really only takes a moment of my time to call, text, write a note, give a hug, or reach out in some way.  It can mean the world to someone, and I may or may not know if it’s needed, but I always know it’s appreciated.

I love the sunshine both physically and emotionally.  It provides more than Vitamin D – it provides sweetness to the soul.  A small deed done in the name of God can produce a lot of sunshine!

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.  Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.”  Dive Master Dan

Every day has a sunset whether you actually see it or not.  Some are brilliant and hard to miss, while some are hidden behind clouds.  No matter what, I love watching the sun set at the end of the day especially over a lake, ocean, or mountain.  It is God’s exclamation point on the day!

Weathermen go about trying to predict what the next day, next 5 day, next 10 day forecast will be by using all their radar, computers, etc. and most of the time, they get it wrong!  So, I choose to use the much simpler method which is stated above.  There actually is scientific proof that if the sky is red at night, that means there is a huge concentration of dust particles in the air.  This indicates high pressure and stable air coming from west – so good weather.  In contrast, if the sky is red in the morning, that means the good weather has passed and there is higher water content in the atmosphere – thus, rain on the way!

There is also Biblical confirmation of the red sky philosophy.  “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather for the sky is red.’  And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today for the sky is red and threatening.’  You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the sign of the times.”  Matthew 16:2-3

There are times in my life when I wish with all my heart that I could predict or interpret the future for myself, my children, my grand children, my family, my friends, and my church family, but then I would play God. Each sunset is different  – some brilliant red, some yellow, some orange, but all beautiful in a different way.   Each day in life is different with its surprises, joys, disappointments, unexpected happenings, and even grief. It’s the differences that makes life meaningful and beautiful just like a gorgeous sunset!  It might not always be the way we want it to be, but it is still a God given blessing.

At the end of each day, we have a choice to compare life to our expectations or to thank God for what we have actually been given.  We can rejoice in the small surprises and differences in each day if we only take the time and know that God holds each day in His mighty hand!

“I firmly believe that in every situation no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship along with strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before.”             Andy Griffith

While walking on the beach last week during the beginning of a threatening thunderstorm, I saw a sight that I’ve seen many times before but never really considered.  In preparation for the storm, the seagulls were lined up – each one facing the wind. This wind was really strong, but they would not be moved!  In contrast, I found myself trying to turn away from the wind as I walked.

As I researched this phenomenon, I found that seagulls do indeed face the wind, and they do it for several reasons.  They face the wind to take advantage of wind speed. The wind speed determines their direction, and it makes it easier to vacate the beach quickly in case of danger or if food becomes readily available. When air comes straight toward the gulls, the special shape of their wings and body allows air to flow faster over the top of their wings than under the wings.  These forces that raise the bird are called LIFT, and it allows them to go up!

It seems the seagulls are smarter than I.  Instead of facing difficulties, problems, or situations head on, I tend to turn my back and hope things work out.  It would be so much easier to use my faith in God to face these obstacles head on and be lifted up and through.  God has given me the two things I need to face the wind – dependence on God and confidence in God.    As long as these two things are in place, difficulties will become easier, problems will be solved, and situations will have a successful resolution.  Like the seagull, God has made us to be LIFTED up if we only face the wind.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolation cheers my soul.”  Psalm 94:19

Growing up in my small hometown, our family’s favorite recreational activity was water skiing.  We spent every weekend hauling our boat, The Sandikay, (named for each one of us girls) back and forth to Lake Seminole!  A group of friends and family always met at the dock on the lake.

We all skied, but it soon became a goal for all of us to learn to slalom.  We were taught to get up on two skis, get balance and prepare, wiggle one foot almost out of the ski you are preparing to drop, then drop that ski (or just let it go) when you passed the dock.  As you passed the dock, the crowd went wild with support and cheers!  One of the group would swim out and retrieve the dropped ski. If all went as planned and you stayed up, you were slaloming!  If you fell, you started all over again!  The art of getting up on a slalom is a slightly different story, but it was achieved as well!

It’s been years since I’ve skied, but I remember vividly the feeling of gliding along waters as smooth as glass, crossing the wake, and taking on wakes made by passing boats!  I remember laughing with whomever was skiing next to me (sometimes 4 of us) and the joyous feeling of fresh air and water.

Our Mama was a beautiful skier, and she was always the one in the water with us giving instructions.  I can’t even guess how many kids she tutored.  Her instructions were always the same – bend your knees, hold your skis together, lean back and let the boat pull you up,  and above all, if you fall, let go of the rope!!  There were several instances of people not listening to the last one.

These instructions apply to life as well.  Sometimes, I forget to just lean back and let God pull me up or out of whatever stressful or confusing situation in which I might find myself.  Often, I don’t drop one of the burdens I am carrying, and I don’t trust God to retrieve and handle it.  I also tend to hold on to things when I should just let go!  When I think of things that weigh me down, I try to remember the sense of freedom I felt when I just dropped one!  It’s almost as if God himself is cheering!!

“Some think holding on to something makes us strong, but sometimes it is the letting go.”  Hermann Husse

(The picture is of Randy tutoring Coop!  It worked for a minute!)

“Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high; Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky; Live like you ain’t afraid to die; Don’t be scared, just enjoy your ride.”  The Ride by Chris Ledoux

Our family took a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming last week, and we had multiple chances to be near horses.  We took a trail ride one day with some gorgeous views of the Teton Mountain Range.  It was the first time on a horse for some of the boys, and as they mounted, the wranglers would always say, “Sit tall, hold the reins firmly, keep your belly button lined up with the horses’s mane,  stay behind the horse in front of you, and don’t let the horses eat grass along the way. Above all, enjoy your ride!”

I was near the end of the line, so it was easy to see how directions can fall apart when boys of any age want to enjoy the ride!  First, Reese, our 6 year old, dropped his reins and allowed the horse to wander up the hill and off the trail. This meant the wrangler had to abandon the lead to go and rescue this rider.  The diversion allowed Mason, who is 8, to let his horse begin to eat grass and wander up after Reese.  At this point, Lee, our 35+ year old, decided to change places in line, and that is not encouraged! The horses can’t get in the habit of passing one another to take the lead. Trotting is also not part of the program, but somebody allowed that to start, so we all got to do that as well!  When one horse starts breaking the rules, they all do, and these riders loved it!  I actually saw Cooper and Drew laughing!  I’m pretty sure there was someone (maybe several) encouraging bad behavior! I have to admit that I’m a rule follower, but married to one who isn’t, so I’ve learned to just sit back and enjoy the moment!

Kids, young adults, and adults live with so many rules whether made by those in charge, self imposed or otherwise, that sometimes, it’s just necessary to ask forgiveness rather than permission and enjoy a different ride!  Often, we just need to break out of the rules and enjoy this ride called life!  These moments make the best memories!  It’s OK to be the lead dog sometimes!

As Lewis Grizzard once said, “If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes!”