Estes Park Women’s Golf Association Results Of Play –

The game of the day was

“Low Net”

Congratulations to the winners.

Net

1st Place Carrie Logan 63

Tied 2nd Place Dot Dorman 70

Tied 2nd Place Jane McAfee 70

4th Place Carla Spreng-Webb 71

5th Place Pam Vendegna 72

6th Place Kathy Bryson 73

August 1, 2023

7th Place Claudia Irwin 74

8th Place Linda Bowie 75

We invite any women golfers to join our golf league with many levels of players on Tuesdays at the 18 Hole Golf Course.

Contact President, Carla Spreng-Webb for more information. Carla. spreng@gmail.com

Thursday Bridge Notes

By: The Bridge Noter

July 20th was a dark day for the manager of the 12:30 game at the Senior Center. Years ago, he got roped into awarding players for high scores and slams bid and made. There had been costly games before, but this one exceeded all expectations.

Jeaney Hounshell scored three small slams earning her $7.50. Donna Mac Tavitch was her partner for two of those twelve trick coups earning her a five spot. This alone, exceeded the dollar each player paid for the three hour’s “entertainment.” Since 5,000 is a high total for the 30 hands played, each got a dollar for that. Another two dollars went to Jeaney for exceeding 6,000 and 7,000, a very rare accomplishment. Martha Blum, along with Jeaney got a dollar each for having the high score at their last table.

Then there’s the unnamed scoundrel who was Jeaney’s partner for her third slam. He or she couldn’t pick up a poor hand all day, and in spite of failing to bid games and slams repeatedly, finished with a 7,600 total. Rumor has it that he/she didn’t even pay his/her dollar entry fee. It needs to be said that the 7,600 fell well short of Esther Cenec’s all time record of more than 8,000, several years back. Needless to say, a few more days like that one will force the manager to find a banker foolish enough to make a loan.

Come join us for the fun. Call 970581-3505 or 581-2195 for details. Free lessons are available for anyone from beginner on up.

President Abraham Lincoln famously stated that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Lincoln’s remarks would prove prescient given the great civil war to come. But, the sentiment was not Lincoln’s alone. Rather, it was one instance in a long and storied history of preserving and defending American unity. For some reason I’ve been pondering UNITY the past week and realize more than ever that it’s not something that comes nature to a person. It seems as if everything within us wants to fight for our own self-made agenda and when others oppose it, a divide begins to separate us. It may start as a fracture created by the tone of voice we’re using, and then it widens as we put our foot down on the side we have chosen to stand on. Without intentional action to narrow the gap, unity will be lost. I ask you today, Is there such a thing as common ground where people can live in the Spirit of Unity? The deepest sentiments within me want to say “YES, we can do it! ”, but this sentiment is not as common as we might think. It takes a lot work, and at times, a little blood, sweat and tears. The cost of UNITY is not cheap. Have you thought about what it would cost you to purchase unity when there’s division taking over a conversation or relationship? I get up most mornings to study the Bible and write in my journal. I also spend time considering how each day is a gift that’s been given to me, so I try my best to make the most of it. At times I will write out truths containing values that I believe in and if put into practice will help me succeed in making the most of my life. One of the values I’m thinking about right now is UNITY. David wrote a psalm saying “how good and pleasant it is when people live in unity.” It is very pleasing to see and experience people living in harmony with one another. I have decided that I want this so much that I’m willing to do whatever I can to ensure it’s happening in my life and in the lives of those around me. Like I said earlier, it’s not easy and it’s definitely not for the fate of heart. In fact, if unity is a value that you hold true to, then I’m assuming that in some way every decision you make in life is centered around preserving unity as well as promoting it in your sphere of influence. For instance, if you’re at a crossroads in life as to whether you’re going to get your way or a way that leads to unity, then you intentionally find a path forward that maintains the unity of peace. It’s not always a cakewalk to consider alternatives that could disrupt your best laid plans, but in the end if moving forward will cause division and threaten the unity you so de- sire, then ultimately it’s worth slowing down so as to listen to your heart and follow the voice of the Spirit that lives within you.

President Lincoln’s speeches were full of biblical references and quotes. His famous “house divided” analogy from a speech in 1858 is right out of the Bible. William E. Barton who wrote biographies about Lincoln said Honest Abe “read the Bible, honored it, quoted it freely, and it became so much a part of him as visibly and permanently to give shape to his literary style and to his habits of thought.” I’m no Abe Lincoln, but I’ve found this to be true in my life that whatever I’m filling my mind and heart with has slowly but surely shaped the way I am living and speaking among the people I’m in community with. Have you ever noticed how you can’t have Community without Unity. We really do need each other and we’re no doubt better together than a part.

Over the past 30 years I have worked with people who have lived in a constant state of DISUNITY and in this condition found themselves continually at odds with people whether it was arguments leading to broken relationships, excessive tension in the workplace or just a disdain with whoever had a differing opinion that didn’t line up with theirs. What they didn’t realize is that choosing to live this way had created such a heavy burden for them to bear that it soon became their downfall.

It is a reminder to each and every one of us to ask ourselves-- if today, with this act or with these words, whether we are participating in the holy work of unity or the deeds of division. Let’s commit to find common ground in the Spirit of Unity.

A Prayer for Unity: Heavenly Father, We need you. Some days feel so broken and uncertain. We’re hurting, we’re struggling, and we’re aware, more than ever, of our own weaknesses, and of the dark forces that constantly surround us, fighting to gain ground in our lives and families. We choose to stand our ground today and say, “no more.” We ask for your help to set aside our differences and look to the greater cause, the cause of Christ. We ask that you would help us to truly live a life of love. We ask that you surround this country and cover us with your mighty hand. We pray for unity in our land, that in spite of our differences, we would be willing to stand strong together and live out our days with compassion and grace. Remind us to live aware, to redeem the time, listen to your words, and be willing to make a difference in this land. Give us the courage to speak out. Amen.