It's SiMPLE

Ever have one of those days where a simple thing became very complex?  Some years ago we bought a house and were in the process of moving in.  One of the things on my to do list was to hook up the washer and dryer.  I have become adept in doing this seeing how we have moved 13 times in 30 years.  The washer and dryer were hooked up in record time and when I went to test the connections…there was a leak.  Water was coming out from under the washer.  I quickly turn off the water pulled the washer out and deducted the faucets and the drain thingy was bad.  The drywall surrounding the faucets showed signs of leaks in the past.  At this point I went into hyper drive.  The drywall was torn off the wall, new faucets were purchased and installed, and I even bought a drain catch system that would prevent any further damage to the wall “if” another leak ever occurred in the next millennium.  Day one in the two-day project was completed.  Day two consisted of final prep to the wall, paint and baseboard installed before the final hook up of the washing machine.  Everything looked great as I stood back and admired my handiwork.  I was quite proud of myself; I had taken the bull by the horns and made a potentially bad situation turn out really well. 

The moment had finally come where I turned the faucets back on.  I don’t think I said any bad words when the water began to form under the washer although I must confess I was thinking a few!  I quickly shut off the water and was totally perplexed by this sudden turn of events.  I didn’t know what to do.  After a few moments of silent meditation I decided to unhook the washing machine and begin troubleshooting.  As the hoses were disconnected from their faucets I realized one more time how much of an idiot I can be at times.  One of the hoses didn’t have a rubber washer!  I had managed to take a very simple fix: a 5-cent washer, and turn it into a two-day, $100 project.  It was simple…but I had made it complicated.  Life seems to go like that sometimes.  In fact, I think that’s really the issue with life.  Within us is a desire to move to the simple things of life.  This goes all the way back to the beginning in the garden.  It was simple until we humans decided to make things complex with sin.  I’m so glad Jesus came on the scene and brought simplicity back.  He says he’s making all things new again.  When questioned about the most important command he simply says: Love God, Love Others!  It’s simple…I just hope I can keep from making this too complex!

Trying to keep it simple,

Marty

Running with the Wind

I'm attempting something this May that has been on my list for over 5 years: A Marathon.  Last Sunday according to my training schedule I was to run 9.7 K (6 miles).  The weather conditions were not real favorable, the wind was gusting from the south up to 72 kph (45 mph).  I came up with the brilliant idea: run with the wind!  So, I headed to the beach and marked out my route north.  The only problem was my route was short by 3.2 K (2 miles) so I decided I would just run back (south) for the remaining part of the run.  Bad idea!  The first 6.5 K was awesome, I was fast, my time was incredible and I felt like I could go forever.  The last 3.2 K was unbelievably hard.  My pace went from light speed to slow mo in just one simple turn.  I could hardly breath, my legs felt like rubber, and I began to wonder if I had lost all my marbles!  Another thought was: don't spit Marty!  I really wanted to quit. As I began to ponder the reality of finishing the route one thought kept coming to mind: just keep going.  I can't tell you the exhilaration I felt when I reached the end of the route. 

I don't know about you, but for me there are times I have felt like I am running with the wind in life.  Things are going great, accomplishments seem to be a breeze, and the "run" is just plain ole fun.  It's in those days I feel like I can do anything, life is good.  However, there are those simple turns in life that take my breath away, makes my legs go wobbly, and the thoughts swirl through my cranial lobes: what is going on, will I make it?  It's in those times I have to remember to just keep going.  The prophet Isaiah penned these words in chapter 43:18,19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  In other words, just keep going, God is making a way!

It's been a few days since Sunday and I am so glad I didn't quit when the run got tough.  I'm also glad I didn't spit!  I'm hoping to remember this day for a while...especially when I'm "running against the winds of life."  God is making a way.

Be Blessed and just keep going!

Marty

Up Close and Personal

Okay, I just had another experience that kind of surprised me.  I got to be on the sidelines of the Tour Down Under professional bike race.  Go figure!  I have watched several times portions of the Tour De France on television and never thought I would see something like that in person.  This event draws riders and spectators from all over the world.  Goolwa is one of the towns the tour passes through on it's third leg of the Tour.  On television you get to follow the bikers as they ride the course, you get the bird's eye view of the lead riders and the distance that separates the peloton, in person...not so much.  As you can see from the video the experience lasted only a few seconds.  http://youtu.be/eRP03XHyTQY The video doesn't do justice the speed or force of the riders.  I'm sure there are some deep spiritual insights, parallels, or truths that can be drawn from this experience but for now I'm just enjoying the experience and the cool summer breeze in South Australia!

Be Blessed,
Marty

I think I'll take a Mulligan!

Golf, for some it brings thoughts and feelings of relaxation, anticipation, and excitement.  For me, not so much!  I have dabbled in the sport, but find it too slow and very agonizing.  I've never gotten the hang of it, never really understood the technique of it, and really haven't had the time or willing "coach" to lead me from "the rough" to the green of the game!  By description I'm a hacker.  I have on occasion shown greatness on the green for one hole out of eighteen but overall, I choose not to frustrate myself with slices, hooks, dribbles, and going through packets of balls.

One aspect of the game I find intriguing: the Mulligan.  I tried to find the origin of this term and there are many legends surrounding how this term became a standard for "do over!"  Where ever it came from doesn't matter to me, I like it!  Wouldn't it be great if life came with mulligans?  Give the wrong answer on a test...mulligan!  Rear end the guy in front of you...mulligan!  Say too much in a conversation...mulligan!  Retaliate after a deep hurt...mulligan!  A mulligan is in a sense the ability to wipe the slate clean and start over.  However, it's more like a second chance.  With a second chance I can take the experience of what I've just done, hopefully learn from it, make corrections, and take another swing at it.  I find that new years are somewhat like a mulligan...a fresh start, a second chance!  I have the opportunity to take the experiences of the past year, learn from them, make corrections, and take another swing at it!  This is not a new thought, God has pretty much designed life this way and even provided a way for new things to emerge out of past hooks of pain and slices of disappointment.  Jesus declares that he is making all things new again...!  He provides me with the opportunity to take a mulligan and take a second chance (although with me, I think I'm on my 14th or 15th chance in some areas)!

This new year, I'm grateful that God is a God who allows for mulligans.  I look forward to this year and the opportunity I'll have to go for the green.  I do know there will be times I'll swing and land in the rough but when I can, I'll remember the option to use the mulligan to get back on track!

Happy New Year...and to you golfers out there, keep your eye on the ball and take a mulligan for me!

Marty

Tradition

Usually, I buck tradition.  However, when it comes to Christmas there is a tradition I have been a part of my entire life. 

From my earliest years I remember one gift that has always been present under the tree: a box of chocolate covered cherries.  This gift was always given to my grandpa Longcor.  It was one of those things you could count on every year.  Grandpa would receive the hollowed box of cherries.  The tradition included him opening up the box and passing them around for everyone to share.  It was just a given that Grandpa Longcor loved Chocolate Covered Cherries and Christmas wasn't Christmas without a box under the tree!  I can remember for weeks after Christmas going to Grandpa's and within a matter of minutes he would pull out his stash of cherries to share. 

A few years before he died he was spending a week with Ruthann and I.  I was at work and he and Ruthann were doing gardening.  They took a break to have a cup of coffee and Ruthann pulled out our stash of Chocolate Covered Cherries to share with Grandpa.  As they sat on the couch enjoying their coffee Grandpa leaned into Ruthann and with a faint whisper said: "I have something to tell you: I don't like chocolate covered cherries!"  He then threw back his head and laughed like there was no tomorrow.  The secret was out.  It all made sense to me why he would always open the box and share.  It also made sense why he always had cherries well after Christmas.  The following Christmas he received a plethora of chocolate covered cherries!  It has been 21 years since grandpa died but every year a box of cherries would magically appear under our tree. 

This has been a tradition for 50 plus years and this year I was wondering if Christmas would come and go without the cherries.  Unlike the States, Australia hasn't caught on to this tradition and does not have chocolate covered cherries...chocolate covered licorice yes, cherries, NO!  When Natalie's luggage came she called me to her room as she unpacked her suitcase and what did she uncover?  A box of Chocolate Covered Cherries sent to me by my sister in law Jan!  WOW, the tradition continues.  Thanks Jan!

It's Christmas Time!

I was asked the other day what the word Christmas means.  My answer: "it means Christ Mass or the Mass of Christ."  I then did a little research and learned it is associated with the celebration of the Lord's Supper.  I am struck at how we celebrate the birth of Christ with a word that goes right to the heart of the mission of Christ...to give his life as a ransom for us.  He came to bring fulfillment to life and connection back to the Father!  May you be blessed this Christmas with the realization that Jesus loves you.  I don't know about you, but that gives me hope and a reason to celebrate!!!

By the way, this Christmas there are a lot of firsts for me: 1. long daylight hours, 2. Caroling in sandals and shorts, & 3. 80 F weather.  (Sorry, just had to mention that!)

Merry Christmas,

Marty

Done, but NOT Finished!!!

I'm DONE, done with my Master's from Fuller Theological Seminary.  In January 2008 I started the adventure and today, submitted my final two papers for my last two classes.  I have to admit, when I finished the last paper and sent it to my editor, tears welled up in my eyes.  This has been a long haul but I have learned and gained so much from this experience.  The knowledge was a given, the life-long friends were unexpected.  I have great friends now all over the world who have walked with me through a significant part of this journey.  I also have come to realized how blessed I am.  My family, Ruthann and Natalie have put up with almost four years of me being consumed at times with homework, papers, reading, and the anxiety of waiting for grades to be posted.  Ruthann has put in countless hours as my chief editor and put up with a lot of run on sentences, poor grammar, and looming deadlines.  Who would have guessed that 34 years ago in college when I was flunking out of Freshman English, that pretty little tutor I began meeting with several nights a week would be editing my papers for my Master's!  Thanks Ruthann! Both Ruthann and Natalie have been my cheerleaders through it all. I love em heaps!  I'm done, but NOT finished.  I'm done with my Master's but not finished learning.  I am committed to be a lifelong learner...there is so much more to learn!

Be Blessed,

Marty