To play again

HARLEY MADE IT. I didn't think he would survive to tell about it. I was sure that he had gone to check out the greens on another "golf course" when I saw him lying on the grass just after he had teed off on the 3rd tee-box. I hope Harley will play again. More importantly, I hope that before he takes his last swing with his golf club here on earth, he will have booked a tee-time for a celestial "game."

It's a busy week for a retired preacher. On Monday I conducted a funeral for an 85 year old lady. On Saturday I will officiate at the wedding of the grandson of the 85 year old lady. On Sunday I will preach at Cherryville -- the church we had the privilege to pastor for 9 years.

Thanks Heather Cyr for mentioning my book on your blog. And thanks for the very kind things you said about me.

A better game than Harley's

I should really call this blog "fore" or "putt, putt" or "slice" or whatever would more accurately describe my frequent comments about the game of golf the way I play it.

Yesterday morning I was on the golf course with my son. He and I each had a friend with us. The golf course was not crowded and everyone moved at a steady pace. We were just coming up on #4 fairway, which runs parallet to the 2nd and 3rd, both par 3's, when we heard someone yell. "Has anyone got a cell phone?"

I have golfed with a lot of people, but I don't recall ever golfing with Harley. It looks like I never will golf with Harley. Harley was laying flat on his back on the ground and his buddies were making efforts to resuscitate him. In about 10 minutes the ambulance arrived to take Harley away. (to be continued)

Maxims

Summer time finds me most mornings on the golf course - early. I prefer to play with someone, but not everyone is willing to tee off at 6:00 a.m. This morning we will be attending a worship service at our home church. I must remind myself that alphabetically God comes before Golf. That must be true when we take that out of it's alphabetical setting.

Max Lucado, a favorite author, writes in his book entitled "When God calls your name," a chapter about maxims. The word ''maxim" is defined as a brief statement of a general principle; truth or rule of conduct. Lacardo says: "I believe in brevity. Cut the fat and keep the fact. Give us words to chew on not words to wade through. Thoughts that spark, not lines that drag. More periods. Fewer commas."

Here are a few lines of wisdom from the book.
"Greed I've often regretted, Generosity - never."
"Pursue forgiveness, not innocence"
"Don't as God to do what you want. Ask God to do what is right."
"Know answered prayer when you see it, and don't give up when you don't"

KNOT NOT FOR NAUGHT

I love anniversaries. Fay & I are going to Penticton today to join our daughter, Maureen and her husband, David in the celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, which was Aug. 1.

I remember the day when I as pastor of the church in Hope, which they attended, I had the honor and the privilege of tying the matrimonial knot. That same week 25 years ago Prince Charles of Great Britain had married Dianna who then became Princess Dianna. The whole world heard about the Royal Wedding. Unfortunately Charles and Dianna's relationship became estranged as husband and wife and the "knot" that tied them together slipped and they divorced.

What the world didn't hear was that a young couple in the little town of Hope, British Columbia, Canada exchanged their vows of love and commitment. So today I'm going public. CONGRATULATIONS, to David, you hansom prince. When life has not always been bliss it has always been blessed. Continue to build your castle with love and faithfulness. Maureen, you charming princess, when life for you wasn't fair it was always fun. You bring the music of the soul into the palace. So dance with your prince through dark days as well as bright days. Remember the cord that tied you together was made of unbreakable material called unconditional love.