Cancer is the most devastating diagnosis anyone can receive. But, after surviving a life threatening whipple surgery, chemo and radiation treatment, a horrible post-op infection, hernia surgery and most recently lung surgery to determine the origin of the tumors has been a difficult journey, but I am thankful for this time I have been blessed with. Yet still wondering each day, each minute if tomorrow I will wake up and feel the effects of the tumors that are slowly growing in my lungs. While is sounds cliche’ cancer does suck.

Seeing Christmas theu the eyes of my grandchildren has given me new hope.They are hearing of the birth of Jesus for the very first time. They peer at the Nativity that sits on the cabinet listening as I explain each character and the part they played in this miraculous story. We attend the preschool Christmas program where one of them plays the part of a wiseman. We travel to see a live nativity reenactment with live camels and a precious live baby Jesus. This story is the core of the season and I am going to make sure they don’t think it is all about toys and gifts for them. Christmas is about hope and miracles and humbling humility.

It’s our favorite time of year. A time when we make toasts at dinner to tell the ones we love why we love them. It’s a time to dress up and visit our friends and sing Christmas carols. It is a time of reflection. What has the last year brought us? Did we enjoy success, good health, happiness? It is a time to consider a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. To reach out and share our blessings.

And, it leads up to New Years eve, when we have a chance to make changes that will ensure the next year of our lives will be even better.
I don’t know what the year ahead will bring me. But, I can enjoy every minute knowing eventually I will be going to heaven to spend eternity with the Lord.

Do you know Jesus? Do you have a deep relationship with our Lord and Savior? Is there something lacking in your life that leaves you feeling depressed and unsure? Don’t allow yourself to think “This is how I am, it’s just Me.” Everyone can make change and improvement in their lives. It takes work and effort but the first step is to recognize what needs to be changed. I promise you if you ask Jesus into your life and let Him lead you every moment of every day, your life will be transformed. You will be able to be the best you can be. Now is the time to make 2019 transformational.

This truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though out outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

The post The most wonderful time of the year… first appeared on Zjudes blog.

If I could have written this on Saturday night I undoubtedly would have more vivid memories of the day.  But, I will try to recapture the excitement we felt walking toward the 16th green of the Stadium Course at The Players during the third round. That day Fred bounced back to shoot an unbelievable score fresh off the recovery of knee replacement surgery. Or, as caddy Mark Long described it, “He’s come out of hibernation just in time.”

This 53 year old former University of Maryland golf coach-turned-pro is one of the most beloved golfers on tour.  His ability to remain a regular guy despite his 19 professional wins including the 2005 Players Championship is proof of his humility and strong faith. He is just a good guy who works hard. No other way to describe him.

The gallery was building as our long time friend approached the epicenter of the famous Stadium Course where holes 16, and 17 can be viewed simultaneously. The fans relaxed in the grass, or if fortunate enough to score a ticket to one of the air conditioned chalets, munched on sumptuous snacks and a Sawgrass Splash or an ice cold brew while waiting for the next group to come thru. The giant TV screens announced the golfer on each tee box and provided currents stats. It is the perfect place to watch The “almost major” Players unfold.

No.16 hole is a 523 yard par-5 that sits across the water from the famous island 17th green. Tom and I and many others Funk’s Punks in bright orange shirts escorted Fred as he walked the 16th fairway. You could hear the fans whispers, “Here comes Funk and his Punks”. The fans cheered as he eagled 16 taking back the 2 shots from bogeys on Nos. 14 and 15.  However, lurking ahead was 17!

Undoubtedly the most famous hole in golf, the island green 17 is extremely intimidating with it’s ribbon of walkway to the green surrounded by water. Dreams have been shattered by pin placement near the front of the green on a bottom shelf. Fred managed a two-putt-par and it was now on to 18 with it’s entire left fairway hugging the water.

If you can hold it all together to 18 you must maintain your cool as this hole will test your skill and a stiff  north westerly wind hitting you in the face will cause your knees to shake. The green is surrounded by a sandy bunker on the left and deep pots of grass bunkers on the front that can devour your chances of par in one bad bounce. Fred was fortunate to hit the green with his second shot as the ball raced 22 feet past the hole. But, he sunk the putt which had a left-to-right break for a birdie and a stupendous 6-under-par third round score. We high-fived one another as the goose bumps rose on my sun burned arms. “I love to watch that man!” I shouted. We all watched him climb up the leader board that day as high as 6th place, with 5 birdies and an eagle, a whopping 52 spots ahead of the tie for 58th he posted at the end of the second round.

Sunday round four was a comfortable weather day.  Low humidity and temps in the high 70’s, ocean breezes and sunshine.  But the course held no favor as the scores began to drop from the strong wind.  Fred felt the pressure and did not have his best day. He finished with a 78 tied for 39th place.  But, he stayed the course, as they say.  He finished his round.  He did not retreat.

It is said that the game of golf is a game of inches played mainly in the inches between our ears. Tiger could take a lesson from Fred. He inspires so many to work hard and to keep going. He has transformed his physical body by working out more. He has has reaped the benefit with longer drives and greater stamina. Here is a 53 year old man with a new knee who plays both PGA and Champions Tours and might I say…..very well.  I am proud of Fred Funk for being a strong man who loves his family and is blessed with a God given gift that not only provides he, and others he helps, with a great life….it entertains and inspires others. Keep on going Fred. As one fan yelled out as we approacehed 16 green ….”You still got it”.

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