David, Goliath and Golf

David and Goliath. A familiar and popular story from the Bible that many people, including myself, turn to when facing the "giants" of life.

When I picture the mighty giant Goliath looking down at little David, standing there with what appeared to be nothing more than a sling and a prayer, I have to admit it didn't look good. But Goliath wasn't counting on Almighty God stepping in to give David the victory over his opponent.

It really is quite a lesson in faith. When we face battles in our own lives; when we feel small or weak or completely overwhelmed, we can be sure that our Heavenly Father will help us overcome the giants that stand in our way. A truth, as it turns out, that is not lost on PGA player Zach Johnson.

You can read more about Zach and his David and Goliath story here:
Mastering the Game

Salt Burgers Are Not For Me

Recently I purchased a burger at one of my favorite fast food restaurants. You know how the story goes....go to the drive-thru, get home and realize the food is bad or they forgot something you paid for. This time, to my frustration, the hamburger meat was over salted. Not just a little bit. Every bite seemed to get worse. My last bite (half-way through the burger) it was so bad I had to throw it out.

After I got through my "rant" I got to thinking about Mark 9:50,"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." To me a person that has "salt in themselves" is one that being enjoy being around, someone who cares about others before themselves, someone who brings out the best in others.

I can eat food with little or no salt but extreme salt makes me throw it out. It is hard to take salt out of food but you can always add it. This got me thinking. Can it be possible where someone can be too "salty"?

Have you been around someone who literally turns you off, makes you want run out of the room because they are so into themselves, always talking about their lives, their needs......literally sucking the air out of the room? Next time you are having a meaningful conversation with someone, ask them questions about their world, find out what their needs are before you engage them in your world. You won't be too salty and you will have just the right salt in yourselves and will be bring peace to those around you.

And, before you drive away from the "drive-thru", check your bag and take a bite of your food. It will save you a lot of frustration later.

Do-Over

I love sports....especially watching football, then playing golf. I was not a great football player during jr. high and high school mainly because I was not driven to be the best and my size (short and very thin) afforded me plenty of excuses.

But something happened my freshman year in college as I grew taller, gained more confidence and became a decent receiver in "flag football". I realize flag football is a long way from the real thing but that little bit of confidence made me wish I could get a "do-over" and go back to high school and get serious about football. It also gave me more boldness in my life that impacted me for years to come.

I guess we all wish we had at least one "do-over" in life. But, no matter what your current situation, you have this moment in time to make the right decision. As you continue making right choices you gain confidence and with confidence you start believing anything is possible.

I like what a former boss of mine (Dave South) sent to me: "Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional."