The Caddy

I had a fantastic opportunity this past summer; the opportunity to golf at Whistling Straits over in Kohler, WI, a beautiful setting overlooking Lake Michigan. This was a very unique experience, because every pair of golfers were paired up with a caddy. For me, it was the 1st time ever, and I was actually nervous to have someone following me around, watching me, and coaching me on what club to use, what the slope of the green was, how and where to putt the ball, because my golf game is about as inconsistent as can be. But you know what…it only took my caddy a couple holes and he had me all figured out. All I could imagine was, in the back of his mind he was probably thinking about me, (as a golfer, Kevin is just a lost cause).

But, I was wrong, he hung right in there with me. He was very gracious and good at his job. We would walk up to the ball and he would hand me the club I should use. Now, you have to realize, that’s pretty scary. I usually don’t know what club I should use, and I’ve been golfing with me for years!

There were a few times he would hand me a club and I thought, that is a poor choice for a club to use. But he would tell me; "just hit it over there, lay it up short and play it safe." I thought, well what fun is that? Lets give the long ball a try, give it a rip and see what happens. Let’s go for par. He would just smile, shake his head, hand me the club I wanted, and say, "OK, but if you hit it to the right - you’re out of bounds, hit it short or to the left – you’re in a hazard, hit it long - you’re over the green and it will roll into the woods. You will end up with a 7 or 8 (which is 3 or 4 over par)." So, reluctantly I’d take his advice, play the hole his way and end up with a 1 over par. I guess I have to admit, he knew what he was doing.

There are so many lessons to be learned about our life as a Christian from an experience like this. The caddy was there to watch out for me, to help me out when I needed it, to give encouragement and to keep me accountable. Doesn’t that sound just like the role of a Christian parent, a good Christian friend, or your church family?

We are surrounded by hazards every day. Our faith is tested and our attitude and actions are sometimes questionable. We are tempted to take that risky shot. Jesus came to be a light to the world. As we grow in our faith and reliance on Jesus Christ, we understand that He came to be a light to the world and that light is to shine through each one of us. We are all called to be caddy’s – encouraging and leading others to a closer faith and relationship to Jesus.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The caddy knew that golf course like the back of his hand. He knew all the right advice to give, and he gave that advice in a kind and caring way, so that the end result would turn out for the best. The only thing is, he couldn’t hit the ball for me. I had to step up and hit that ball myself. I was the only one accountable for my score. It’s the same way in your relationship with Christ. Your parents, spouse, best friend, teacher, pastor or your church can give you all the guidance and instruction you need, but you alone have to make the decision to accept Christ as your personal savior. The free gift of grace is there for you, but there is no one else that can accept it for you. YOU have to step up and hit the ball yourself.

If you haven't made the decision to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you will look to Him and that He will provide you with that caddy to help you on your way.

If there is ever anything I can do, please contact me by phone or you can email me at krbaughman@gmail.com

The Trophy's of Life!

My favorite all time hunting experience happened when my daughter, Sheena, was almost 6 years old. Back in those days, I had a real passion for hunting. Always in search of the trophy. So being a good dad, I thought I should encourage her to go out hunting with me to see if she would catch the fever. And of course, you know she would just jump at the chance.

What a proud day, her first day of hunting with her father....I even have a picture! I had the perfect spot, a couple of well used deer trails crossing in front of two chair size tree stumps, a little one for Sheena, and a big one right next to it for me. That way we could sit there and enjoy the experience together.

Well, we got out to the woods and actually sat there quietly together for what Sheena felt was an eternity (you know, maybe 10 to 15 minutes) when suddenly she whispered...."Dad, is it time to eat yet?" (before we went out we had the discussion about talking quietly in the woods). "Not yet Sheena" I responded. But, a couple minutes later, a little more insistingly... "Dad, is it time to eat yet?" You see, little did I realize, it wasn't so much the hunting she was interested in, as it was the chance to enjoy a lunch full of the "forbidden" food; you know, pop, chips, and candy bars. Well, I continued to tell her "not yet', but after she asked another hundred times or so, I decided maybe we should eat so we could finally quiet down and see some deer. And sure enough, it wasn't long and I heard a deer coming down the trail. I thought, wow, this is great! Sheena will get to see a deer and will begin to understand the thrill of the hunt and the concept of being quiet....when all of the sudden she says, "DAD, I hear something." I put my finger up to my mouth to quiet her down, but she just pipes right up and says, "NO, DAD I think a deers coming!" Well....needless to say, we didn't end up seeing anything that day, but we did have a fantastic time together and an awesome lunch.

It's strange how we try to influence and encourage our children, family, and others around us to get them interested in something we are excited about. We don't want them to miss out on it. Our enthusiasm and passion are unmistakable and even contagious, because it's just one of those things you can't seem to get enough of, or live without. It is a priority in our lives and we want them to share that priority with us. And you just can't understand it when others don't share that same passion.

Have you thought about it? Is that how you share your passion for God? We are instructed in how to teach our children and others as we journey through life.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV) says "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

I started out thinking that I was going to teach Sheena as a hunter, to seek out and go after the trophy, but after failing to even see a deer the first time out, I thought maybe I had failed. But, now I realize, over the years, my wife, Janet and I have taught her to see the trophies in life and to seek the genuine trophy of life. Not only does she see and appreciate the awesome gifts from God in all things He has created; the beautiful sunrise and sunset, the simple beauty in the sculpture of the trees even without their leaves seeing the magnificent design of grace, the wonder and awesomeness of all that He has created. But, most importantly, she recognized, sought and has accepted the ultimate trophy....the promise of the crown of salvation which is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of her life.

Yes, our relationship with God should be the #1 passion in our lives. Is it evident in your daily life? What passion do you share with your children and others around you? Think about how you can share your passion adn enthusiasm for God with others in a loving and sincere way. As you think about this, I would like you to consider...

As you stand at His gate,
are there trophies you'll take?
The ones on the wall,
will have no meaning at all.

Was your focus off base,
is it the wind that you chased?
By then you'll be sure,
What it is that was pure.

In the life that you led,
where there one's that you fed?
Did you help open the door,
for them to see Him more?

You'll praise God and sing,
for the ones you helped bring,
and the souls that will cling,
to a life in search of the King.

Introduction!

Just a quick note to explain the title of the blog. I have always felt that it was more important to teach than preach "life" lessons to my daughter, Sheena, in a loving, fun and non-threatening way. One of the earliest "sayings" I taught her was "Don't take any wooden nickels". The point of it all...was for her to understand that things aren't always as they appear. Because, as it says in 2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." I wanted her to learn to discern the difference between the truth and what can be appear to be OK, harmless, acceptable, because after all - everyone else is doing it and they think it's OK. I wanted her to understand that she needed to examine each choice that she faced and determine...is this the genuine article or just a fake imitation.

I knew that throughout her entire life she would be faced with choices and I wouldn't always be right there at the moment to help make those choices with her. I wanted to teach her a simple phrase to remind her to think before acting.

Over the years a tradition arose each time we parted, a firm hug and a kiss on the cheek, a last minute instruction, "good-by sweetheart, have fun, be safe, I Love You," and each time as I continued to talk...she would stop me to say "I know daddy - I won't take any wooden nickels" As she walked away, with those words tucked away she would glance back for a quick smile and a wink.

So this blog is titled "No Wooden Nickels" because throughout my life I want to see truth, show truth, and know truth and I ask the Holy Spirit to work in me to have the spirit of discernment.

In this blog I will be sharing some of my old thoughts, new revelations and my journey through cancer.