Community

I have been apart of the Horizon community since January 2004. Lately, I have been thinking more about community and what it means to be apart of it. So I ask, what do you think community means? Does this differ from those around you?

What I have noticed since I have been here is something unique. Typically, people hang and connect with those with similar interests. Though this has played somewhat of a role, I have noticed diverse groups connecting. I have to attest that I have checked out a couple or a few different churches. I think they all are great in there own way, but the more I become apart of the Horizon community and connect with others, I see this uniqueness compounded.

So why is Horizon different, or why may it be more apparent to me at this church? On Tuesday all the Link Groups (church small groups) from Towson got together to fellowship as one. As I scanned the rooms I saw interactions and conversations from all types of people. To give you an idea, this room was filled with non-Christian, Christian, married, single, analytical, jokester, sports-minded, artistic, and musical. I know that it is typical to see these segments in other communities, but we seem to wear it on our shirts. The coolest thing is that we almost encourage it. I mean come on; the place we met at has been deemed, “The Geek House." Trust me, it is that name for good reason. I believe this is one of reasons diversity works here. We accept you for who you are. This is not only embedded in the leadership, and staff, but others alike.

Despite the fact that the church has had its ups-and-downs, I see the growth within the community growing in amazing ways. Link Groups are a testament to that. One friend mentioned and it stuck that to build muscle you have to break it down so it can heal and grow. As of late in the community, I see this more true than ever. During my first job out of college, I was reminded to not see a problem as deterrent, but to see it as an opportunity.

Whether the connections of Horizon have derived from the hearts of the people, or the divine plan for this community, I see changes and growth in people in ways that not one person could make.

"Lord, Father. You tell us, that when two or more come together in Your name, You are there with them. Father continue to be among us Lord. Continue to help us connect with the lost and help us keep close guard on one another. Let us continue to seek strength from You Lord, and to see adversity as opportunity. You are my God, my Lord, my Father, and with that I thank." Amen

The O.C.

A vacation even though brief can be totally and truly be reviving. This past weekend a few of us headed to the beach. The time was filled with family time, tons of sand, video games, waves, ice cream, great laughs, picturesque venues, putt-putt golf, and very hot weather.

During the time at the beach we had numerous friends and folks come and go. Overall, the time spent was great. Almost all the conversations either started or ended with laughs. It was surely relaxing. The three-day excursion was totally what I needed. I can’t wait until I can get in a whole week!

"Blades of Glory"

The air clean, the grass so green, the sight…amazing. I find that in most circumstances we all tend in some way find God’s creation of nature in its pure and unscathed form as glorifying. I mean glorifying in the sense of seeing it as a splendor, and or possible glimpse of God’s power revealed. Some of us got to see some of this kind of talk at Greenridge a few weeks ago. After this past Friday I wondered, do we as people take away or add to our natural surroundings as we alter them?

On Friday, I had the opportunity to not only witness but to be apart of nature altered in a way that most would appreciate, including the novice, and professional. The morning was slightly humid with a slight sense or hint of greatness lurking behind. As I stepped into my car and started this day, I realized I was in for a treat. My destination, Beechtree Golf Club in Aberdeen. This golf course is ranked not only as one of Maryland’s top golf courses, but as one of the best in the country.

Now with all of this said, I am not comparing the beauty of a natural bridge or a sunset to a golf course. I am just noting that with creativity and the right tools, people can make beauty surely in the eye of the beholder. The four hour venture was pristine with amazing shades of green, offering club bending challenges, bent grass, firm greens, tight lies, and bunkers like no other. And yes, I was talking about the golf course. So with great confidence and a thick wallet, I will say that this course is a must to play.

My next blog will be about my trip to the tennis court and how asphault has changed humanity. Haha… kidding.