Self Defense is not something I pondered when I was a kid, but in today's world it's a necessity. Over the past two weeks I have spent 4 evenings in 3-hour classes learning how to defend myself from an aggressor. The classes helped me to recognize and be ready for bad situations.
My self defense class gave me a confidence in my ability to fight back. It was intense, exhausting and tough - and I have the bruises to prove it. Even after the training I know that ultimately my safety is in God's hands. Faced with a bad situation, I'd be praying for protection and for me to remember my training.
Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
God is still the best weapon against evil.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
The Archery Lesson
On Friday, my son turned 14. I thought a great deal about a birthday gift because I wanted something he would really enjoy and remember. Following a friend's advice, I registered my son and me for a 6 hour archery course taught by a World Longbow Champion at a place called Medicine Bow.
My son wasn't sure he could learn anything since he had been shooting for a year, but he started researching the class and seemed to be looking forward to it. I was a little nervous because it had been 25 years since I had my last archery class, but all I could think about was getting to spend a whole day doing something with my son that he really liked.
We attended the class on Saturday along with 9 other people. From a primitive parking area, we hiked about a 1/4 mile through the woods to a cleared field up in the mountains. He and I both listened carefully to the Archer as we practiced various lessons side by side. We encouraged each other, gave pointers and cheered when we had good shots. During one of the contests, my son's arrow was closest to the bullseye and we all took a knee, held up our bows and said, "Oh, great archer." You should have seen the joy on his face! I'm sure it was reflected in mine.
Psalm 96:12a Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
It was an awesome day!
My son wasn't sure he could learn anything since he had been shooting for a year, but he started researching the class and seemed to be looking forward to it. I was a little nervous because it had been 25 years since I had my last archery class, but all I could think about was getting to spend a whole day doing something with my son that he really liked.
We attended the class on Saturday along with 9 other people. From a primitive parking area, we hiked about a 1/4 mile through the woods to a cleared field up in the mountains. He and I both listened carefully to the Archer as we practiced various lessons side by side. We encouraged each other, gave pointers and cheered when we had good shots. During one of the contests, my son's arrow was closest to the bullseye and we all took a knee, held up our bows and said, "Oh, great archer." You should have seen the joy on his face! I'm sure it was reflected in mine.
Psalm 96:12a Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
It was an awesome day!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Open Houses
Saturday was overflowing with activity for my 8-year-old and me. She accompanied me to work at a morning Open House at the college, where we were set up in the ballroom with tables containing information about the academic divisions and the clubs on campus. While I spoke to prospective students and their parents, she gobbled down a biscuit, mini-muffins, fruit and cookies. Then she began to visit the tables, collecting giveaways ranging from frisbees to pens to rubber duckies.
Next we headed to another Open House of a friend who had just moved into a beautiful new home and who was celebrating her 50th birthday. It was a great party with friends and family and lots of wonderful food. My little one only knew two people when we arrived, but it wasn't long until she left my side to learn how to play pool with some new friends: another 8-year-old and a few of my coworkers.
She loved the freedom of being on her own, but I noticed that about every 30 minutes, she came back to verify that I hadn't moved from my seat. I stayed where I was while she played. Truly she never had to worry that I would leave her, just as we never have to worry that Jesus will leave us.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
We finally said our goodbyes and set out for the hour drive back home. About halfway there we decided to stop to see a friend that we hadn't visited in a couple months. Somehow our brief visit turned into two hours and a dog getting a bath. Now my dog-less child can say she learned to play pool and wash a dog in just one afternoon. It turned out to be a very full and eventful day.
Next we headed to another Open House of a friend who had just moved into a beautiful new home and who was celebrating her 50th birthday. It was a great party with friends and family and lots of wonderful food. My little one only knew two people when we arrived, but it wasn't long until she left my side to learn how to play pool with some new friends: another 8-year-old and a few of my coworkers.
She loved the freedom of being on her own, but I noticed that about every 30 minutes, she came back to verify that I hadn't moved from my seat. I stayed where I was while she played. Truly she never had to worry that I would leave her, just as we never have to worry that Jesus will leave us.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
We finally said our goodbyes and set out for the hour drive back home. About halfway there we decided to stop to see a friend that we hadn't visited in a couple months. Somehow our brief visit turned into two hours and a dog getting a bath. Now my dog-less child can say she learned to play pool and wash a dog in just one afternoon. It turned out to be a very full and eventful day.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Straight and Smooth
This week my parents were working around their yard with lots of trimming and mowing. Dad apparently had pity on my driveway and took the edger to it. I had not realized how much the grass had creeped into the driveway until I saw the lines along the edge. Everything was uneven and rough.
So on our first real Saturday of fall, with the bright sun, cool air and strong breeze, I cleared away the excess grass and dirt from my drive. I used a shovel and a bucket. Bit by bit I cleared away the uneven ground and after a couple hours, the edge along my driveway was straight and smooth.
Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth.
It took a couple of hours, but it was well worth it. Now I just marvel at the remarkable change each time I come home. It makes me think about my own rough places that God 'edges' until they are straight and smooth.
So on our first real Saturday of fall, with the bright sun, cool air and strong breeze, I cleared away the excess grass and dirt from my drive. I used a shovel and a bucket. Bit by bit I cleared away the uneven ground and after a couple hours, the edge along my driveway was straight and smooth.
Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth.
It took a couple of hours, but it was well worth it. Now I just marvel at the remarkable change each time I come home. It makes me think about my own rough places that God 'edges' until they are straight and smooth.
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