'Tis the Day After Christmas

It is the day after Christmas and all through the house,
Not a person was stirring, not even that mouse.
The stockings that were hung by the chimney with care,
Were empty and worn from the use and the wear.

The children were sleeping, snug in their beds,
While the same visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
Mama in her new pajamas and I in my cap, were just awaking from the night's cool nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to that window, I flew like a flash,
Flipped open the curtains and lifted up the sash.

The morning dew was glistening as the sun filled the sky,
What was this clammering I could hear nearby.
When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a garbage truck with two men on the rear.

With the same old driver, so brash and so bold,
He yelled to his helpers, "hurry up, I'm cold".
They stopped at each house to empty the cans,
Of yesterday's surprises, the boxes and pans.

As they continued their work going down the street,
I thought of the remnants they were putting in their heap.
Presents so sought after in stores everywhere,
Where now nothing but paper and boxes to spare.

The kids all excited as they opened them up,
Have already put them away to collect dust.
The hours we spent looking for that perfect gift,
Seems wasted somehow annoyed and miffed.

This day when lights will begin coming off the tree
And homes everywhere will lose their bows and holly.
People will return to work as the days before,
Has anything really changed? Could there be more?

I remember a manger scene down the street,
That seemed to have a lasting message to speak.
There was a baby there that took the stage,
With wise men and shepherds and gifts for the babe.

Have we missed the true meaning of this special season?
Is there more to Christmas than shopping? What's the reason?

The baby in the manger was the gift!
Not the ones we share as we get all huffied and miffed.
We worry about receipts and whether others will like,
but the gift is for all, everyone alike.

The presents we gave will seem the scatter,
But the one from our Heavenly Father, will really matter.
For there will be another day, just like the one years ago,
When people will be busy and no one will know.

When Jesus will return for His people,
And only those that know Him will rise above the steeples.
His word says He will come back,
I know I'll be ready, I know for a fact!

But what about others, on this day after morn,
Do they know the true story? Do we care? Are we torn?

As I got dressed for the new day,
I prayed that God would show me the way.
To be a guiding light to those around
That need to hear the good news, so they too could be found.

This day after Christmas is a new start for me,
I know my New Year will have purpose and glee.
For I have a message to share
That has meaning and purpose beyond compare.

Christmas can be empty without the right gift.
However, Jesus was for all, not a legend or myth.
So take opportunity to share His great story
Of love and peace from here on earth to eternal glory.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Happy Holidays?

I was reminded the other day of a crisis in our culture. You have probably already been reminded as well as you passed other people in the stores or even as you go through the check out line. People, no matter how nice they seem to be as they say the words, "Happy Holidays." The crisis is that our culture is trying to reconfigure the whole meaning of the season and tranform it into a commercial calamity. I honestly believe people are trying to be nice, but really, is nice what we need in our world today? Nice is nice, but there is no substance to it. Our world doesn't just need another nice day, or another nice gesture, or even another nice word, they need hope. Hope in more than Santa Clause and Rudolph, though these are nice, they only promise gifts once a year, at best. That is only if you make the cut from Santa checking his list out twice. Also, if you don't bribe the man in red with milk and cookies, who knows what second-rate gift you may get.

Instead of a character riding around in a sleigh driven by reindeer, what about a Savior that is always there 24/7. What about a Savior that doesn't need bribing to come into your life, he has already made all the arrangements, He justs waits for the invitation from us. Wouldn't that be nice? Do you know about the invitation?

This is what the season is all about. A God who loved us so much that He gave! That is why we exchange gifts. What did He give? The greatest gift of all, a gift we all needed. No not that new suit or xbox, but something we really needed.....a savior. Where did He get that? From his right hand in Heaven. Sent this gift to come into a lost world to save us. Us that were lost. Don't feel lost? Honestly ponder a question this season if you don' feel lost: What is my reason for existence in this world. Can you answer that question? I know you can, but are you capable of dealing with the truth? Most of the time people brush it aside and in turn miss out on the TRUTH. Jesus said Himself in the bible that He came into the world to TESTIFY to the TRUTH. The truth of God's word that said over 700 years before Jesus was born how, where, and who would be involved in this GIFT. Conincidence? I think not. But that answer comes only after pondering the question.

So what will it be this season? Back to the Merchandising Meyhem the Retail Rat Race, or will you trade your wal-mart gift card in for something of more eternal purchasing power. You see there is another invitation. One to be with God, the Eternal Father, Almighty God forever, in a relationship that is more intimate than we can imagine here. And just like before, it will probably happen when most are not aware. There will be taxes to pay, places to go, and schedules to keep; Circumstances will probably make you uncomfortable and you'll be "stranded in a stable". What will happen though. Will you miss the event? Even though angels will announce His second coming as well and wise men will follow, will you be left behind still looking for something to live for? Or will you accept the invitation to be a Child of God and have your name written in something of greater value than Santa's toy list. The Bible tells us that all who accept Jesus as their Savior and believe in Him, will have their names added to the eternal book of Life to be granted access to Heaven. That sounds like a better deal than a pair of socks for some milk and cookies.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Not just happy holidays. I do hope that these days are happy, but not with a happiness from a good season, but a joy that flows from within from knowing your Savior. May God bless you and your family as you remember Him, the true reason for the season.

Comradery vs. Competition

As I ventured to Charleston for the Nationwide "Palmetto Pride" Qualifier, I felt very good about how my game was progressing. I really felt it was possible to meet my goal and make the event, or at least come close. Two days before the qualifier, I had the opportunity to play golf with some friends. Both days, I played well, especially to be on courses I had not yet played, from the back tees none the less.

However, something changes when you are out playing with your family and friends and when you are keeping a competitor's score walking down fairways with a caddy. Something just seems to happen to usually normal swings and easy shots. They all become much harder, at least you begin to think they are.

I am learning that the difference between playing with friends and in competition is only about 6 inches (the space between your ears). Don't give me credit for that one, I believe it was Bobby Jones who said it first. He must have experienced the same thing I have.

How does one get through it? Practice and experience. I believe the key is to make every round the same. Not to make each round competitive, but to make the same swing, I need to have the same thoughts and the same amount of pressure, or lack of it. Most of the time, pressure is put on ourselves. I am learning that pressure is all about how I acknowledge it and handle it. As I began my round Monday, I started out great. I was -1 through 5 holes, on track for my goal, which would have made the event. However, something happened, ever so quietly, sneaking up like a roaring lion (looking for someone to devour- had to throw that verse reference in from 1 Peter) and believe me it ate up my confidence and my score. Don't worry, it spit it back out after 18.

I am disappointed. I am glad I am, that means it hurts, that means I know I can do better and will strive to learn how to play in that setting and be successful. What is successful? Is it winning...not always. If we measure success by winning, we are worldly, I don't want to be that. I want to measure success by my Shepherd's rod. His definition of success is to go where He leads and do as He asks of us.

My shepherd has me back in Florida at work today picking up range balls at Orange County National. My heart though, was in Charleston, wishing I was having that experience of playing in a multi-day golf event. This time, it wasn't meant to me. I guess there is a reason I am here. My Shepherd will tell me when I am ready to hear.

Thank you for your prayers and support last week. I am seeking opportunities to play locally in smaller venues that still demand great play to get me ready for future events. I'll keep you informed. Have a great being a sheep.

A Brake Job

Today I had the manly job of having our brakes fixed on our van. Not fun when you consider the cost, but not worth the risk of not having good brakes, especially on the vehicle that Kelley and kids drive the most.

As I found the right place, for the right price, I had a two hour wait before the job would be finished, so I decided to go for a walk. Highway 50 runs right through Orlando and also through some rough areas, however, I figured it was OK being the middle of the day. I wasn't going to venture off the main street though.

After about 2 miles, I had already decided to turn back when a young man came over to me at the light. I had asked God to place someone in my life I could share the Gospel with just a few minutes before. The young man asked if I was new to the area and that he was hungry. He shared that he had left home and had just quit his job because he didn't get paid. I asked the young man his name and he siad it was Eric. Proven by his tattoo on his arm. So Eric and I backtracked to a Wendy's to get some lunch. As we sat down to eat, he shared that he had a mom and two younger brothers at home, but he had chosen to leave home to be on his own. However, he was realizing that he really needed to go back home. He asked if I was a Christian since I was helping him. Eric said that he believed in Jesus, but found it very hard to live like it on the streets. I encourage him to go back home and to set a positive example for his younger brothers. As they are without a dad, they need someone to help them and although it would be hard, he needed to be that someone for them.

As we were talking, one of Eric's friends came in and sat down next to us. It was there I met Mike. Mike was quite a bit older than Eric, 36, and has had a really tough background. His story is one of foster homes to dropping out of school at 14 to living on the streets and serving time in jail for loitering and trespassing. He is without a job or a home in the area. I took Mike to a 7-11 on the corner and made some phone calls to try to help him. He seemed excited at first, but soon was discouraged as I began sharing steps for him to take to find help. "I don't want to go back there", he shared as I told him how to get to the Salvation Army where they would house him free for 3 nights, and help him locate a job. Mike immediately only wanted money and more help from me. I guess he had already forgotton that I had given him a few dollars I had in my wallet and all I was trying to do for him. I left Mike my phone number and I hope to stay in touch as I find time to go back to the intersection where he hangs out.

I wish I had a happy ending from my encounter with Mike and Eric today, however, I don't, yet anyway. I walked back to pick up my car really wondering what God meant for me to meet Mike and Eric today. I realize they have it hard and there seems to be no hope for them. I am sure they have heard it all before; people that come in and want to help, but don't know what to do, so they disappear. I don't want to just disappear, but there is a choice they have to make too. They have to want to change. I believe there are organizations there to help and people that really do care, however, sometimes those in need don't know how to accept help to change, all they can see is their immediate need. Sometimes that need is for a cigarette or another drink, or that prescription drug that would help him. Mike said that all he needed was a week in a hotel for a rest and a nice shower. I asked him, what after that? He couldn't answer.

I am still not sure what God wants to teach me through Mike and Eric, however, I did learn something. To be thankful for the blessings God has given me. I have a wonderful wife, and 3 healthy beautiful children. Not to mention a bed tonight to sleep in. I guess that sometimes we need to have a BRAKE JOB to stop and realize how lucky we really are.

On Course Faith and FCA Event

This past week was a lot of fun. I had the privilege to make some new friends from Puerto Rico as I went to play Tuesday morning and had a great day today playing in an FCA Event with some fathers and coaches from The First Academy.

First, I'd like to share about my international friends. I arrived at the first tee of Panther Lake, one of the two courses at Orange County National, and was going to be paired up with a twosome, a usual request from the local starter. As I arrived to the tee, the men had already teed off. However, they signaled me to play up with them on the green. We were formerly introduced on the green after we had putted out. Joe and Carlos would be my playing partners for the morning. I soon learned they were from Puerto Rico and we struck up conversation since my dad was stationed there in the Marines and my brother in law's family is from there.

I am not sure how it would be when women play golf, but guys are into the game. Sometimes there isn't much conversation besides what happens on the course. There are times it is a real battle to get to know someone, expecially when you are trying to share Christ with them. However, God had a purpose for our round that day.

About 5 holes into the round, Joe asked what I did for a living. There was an open door to give them a peek. Usually, the response says alot about their personal beliefs. Joe responded to my work with GKTG positively and said, "I believe in God." Several holes later, we were standing on the green and noticed some skywriting. There is a local pilot in the Orlando area who frequents the skies with the message, "Jesus Loves You." Carlos was amazed at the artwork, as he called it. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to ask these guys what they thought about Jesus. After all, even the demons believe in God. So on the 18th tee box, I asked Joe and Carlos what they thought about Jesus. Joe's response was positive, however, he lowered his head in doubt as I asked him if he had Jesus living in his heart. He responded with, "I'm not sure." I offered to share more with him and Carlos, but they were sidetracked by the timing of their departing flight. I offered to share more with them if they wanted me to after the hole.

After the round, they didn't ask anymore about knowing Jesus, however, they did each give me their business card and said that when they come to Orlando again, in about 3 months, they wanted to play again. I have already heard back from Joe and they made it home safely and enjoyed the round. I told him to remember that question I asked them and to let me know if they wanted to be sure of their answer.

I believe that if you give God a chance, He always comes up in our conversation no matter what we are doing. It was neat to realize that the other day, God partnered me with a skywriting evangelist to share the good news of Christ with some new friends from Peurto Rico. Please pray for Joe and Carlos that they would seek the answer to the question and they would find a personal relationship with Jesus.

Today I played in an FCA Golf Event at The Palm at Disney. Coach Don from TFA had sponsored a team and I was asked to join them. We had a blast. It was a little different format, called a Shamble. Yes, I know, it is close to my last name, but I assure we, we left the course in shambles as we came in at -25. I have never been part of such a team. We were able to choose the best drive from the foursome, then everyone had to play the rest of the hole themselves. Your team score was the lowest individual score after the handicap was applied. For example, since one of our players had a handicap of 18, he received a stroke on each hole. In other words, if he scored a par, it would be a net birdie (-1) from his actual score. Due to our great iron play and superb partnering, we did not even come close to parring a hole. We recorded 4- 1's as we had a few actual birdies on par 3's then would apply the handicap to their score for a 1.

My highlight was a stretch of two holes. With my handicap I didn't get but one stroke. It was on the hardest hole on the course, according to somebody, and it became a hightlight as I holed my shot from 175 yards. With my actual 2, I netted a 1 on a par 4. The next hole was a par 5, which I was able to eagle on my own for a natural 3. So those two holes propelled us to a 1 stroke win. We had a blast and was very encouraged by the work FCA is doing not only in Central Florida, but around the nation.

I was thinking today how I need to get in touch with the Florida rep and share about GKTG. What a great missions opportunity for some college golfers who want to share Christ in their community. I think every Christian College should allow their golfers a chance to be on mission for him with children of their community and possibly around the world. I will start making some contacts soon.

Now my focus goes to my next big event. The Palmetto Pride Classic in Charleston, SC. I will playin a qualifer on Monday, October 16. If I qualify, I will have the great opportunity to play in the Nationwide Tour Event that following weekend. I would appreciate your prayers as I prepare for the event and that this could be the breakthrough week God has in store for us.

Can I count the Mulligan?

I Finally had a day off today and was so looking forward to playing a round of golf. However, I had some things to take care of this morning and did not get to the course as early as I had hoped so I decided to practice a bit then play 9 holes.

After checking in, I got a few range balls to hit and spent a few minutes at the putting green to get warmed up. Got to the first tee and hit a great drive right next to the 150 yard marker, a great spot to be on the long par 4. The GPS system on the cart said I had 153 yards to the pin. I took into consideration the pin placement, slope of the fairway, and the wind and decided to hit a smooth 9 iron. I hit the shot and was pleased, however, it wasn't really the shot I was hoping for, so I dropped another ball for practice. I imagined the same shot in my mind and this time as I watched the ball fly, it mirrored my thoughts. I knew that the ball was going to be close, but was somewhat shocked as I arrived at the green to find it in the hole. Too bad I can't count my mulligan. It would have been nice to have been 2 under after one hole. However, I did finish -1 for the nine with one three-putt.

The courses at Orange County National are always in great shape and very challenging from the back tees. Both courses come in at about 7300 yards and have ratings over 75. Those numbers will not mean much to those who don't play golf, however, they are impressive and tell how difficult they are. I am really enjoying the playing privileges and practice facility though. I know that God has me here for that purpose. Another cool thing about OCN is never knowing who you may run into. I was asked to join one of my bosses for the back nine last week and realized his playing partners were two Champion's Tour veterans (Larry Zeigler and Hugh Biaocchi). We were having a blast until the lighting came and ended our match after 3 holes. Whitney and I were up by one stroke though.

It has been neat to get to know some of my fellow coworkers at OCN. Most of them are younger than me and are just beginning to find out what they want to do in life. Some of them attend a golf college on campus at OCN. They are hoping to be a head Golf Pro or Director of Golf at facilities in their future. There has been some neat conversations with some of them as they ask me what I am doing there and why I just moved here from Charleston. God has a tendency to open doors when you are out in the world.

I have my eyes on a Nationwide Tour event coming to Charleston, SC in October. I will sign up to play in the Monday Qualifier on October 16th. If I get in the event, I will be able to play in the first two rounds that following weekend at Daniel Island. I am really looking forward to the event for the experience. Of course, my dreams have kicked in gear to have my first professional tournament possibly be in my old backyard. Pray for me that I will learn how to prepare for the event and play the way that God intends me to play.

Family Behind the Vision

Meet the Shamblin family. Kelley and I have been married going on ten years. Jacob will be 8 in October, Gracey is 6 and Luke is 3. Kelley and I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to be parents to such wonderful children.

We have moved to Central Florida one month ago seeking God's vision for our lives. What is that vision?

Four years ago, while away at a conference, I had a great time alone with God. During that quiet time, He impressed a vision upon my heart that I would be in a Golf Ministry. What does that mean? That was my response back then too. I immediately shared my calling with Kelley and we began to seek the definition God would have us find. I began to take steps in becoming a competitive golfer. I have played golf since I was young, however, had no lessons or competitive experience. Since that time, I have played in 8 competitive rounds and have sought out the expertise of a 35 year experienced teaching pro that just happened to be the founder and president of Growing Kids Through Golf. Mark has an incredible faith - based junior golf program set up and is trying to get the word out about how you can use golf to change the lives of young people. I was so excited to hear about this ministry that really seemed to fit into what God had put on my heart. I felt so sure of God's call that I resigned my full-time ministry position at Old Fort Baptist Church in Summerville, SC and moved to Windermere, FL.

My role with Growing Kids Through Golf will be that of a Player Representative. As I work on improving my competitive play, I will represent GKTG as a player, speaker, and Program Director of Central Florida.

Kelley was blessed to get a job teaching Kindergarten at The First Academy, the Christian School affiliated with First Baptist Orlando upon our move. What a blessing that has been. Everyone there really is a family and we have been showered with love and acceptance not only from the school faculty but the church as well. To help support our family, I will be taking a part-time job at a nearby golf facility. This will provide some much needed income, golf business experience, as well as a practice headquarters.

As well as these ventures, Kelley and I feel that we want and need to give others a chance to be a part of what is happening in our lives as it will support our family and this new golf ministry. We will be seeking individuals, families, or christian businesses to support either monthly or yearly to help cover the expenses of this ministry endeavor.

Please come by and visit the blog anytime and often to check on the latest happenings. I will be posting my tournament entries and results. Plus sharing some of what I learn on the course and in life.

Have a blessed day. Talk to you soon.

What is Lefty Golfer?

LGM is a ministry dedicated to sharing the true meaning of life with golfers as well as non-golfers. LGM is affiliated with Growing Kids Through Golf, a Faith-based Junior Golf Program that exists to teach golf to children as well as truth from God's word.

Behind LGM is a vision that prompted me, a former Student Pastor / Worship Leader to step out in faith and seek to experience God more as I follow the desires He has placed in my heart. Updates will occur regularly as I look to share the experiences God puts in my path.

I have also been working on publication of a children's book as well as a Men's devotional guide. As a Student Pastor, I enjoyed putting together retreats and sharing God's Word in a creative way. Be looking for more information concerning these publications soon.

I also want to make myself available to lead Men's Golf Retreats or share with your church. As a former Student Pastor and Worship Leader, I enjoy sharing with God's people in a fresh way, using real- life experiences to share God's truth. If you are interested in having me to come share at your church, outing, or retreat, please contact me at erik@gktg.org or 843-276-4360. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. Come back soon.

Erik Shamblin