Fresh off the tortuous course conditions at the U.S. Open at Chamber's Bay and the brutal weather challenges at the British Open at St. Andrews, the origin of golf, Dr. Cook shares a humorous excerpt from his novel: Johnny's US Open. This passage describes the nightmare our main character had on the eve of his first US Open as a competitor. Enjoy. We will return to the Journey of Awe series in the weeks to come.
Read MoreThe true journey of awe is better than fiction.
Several years back we were living in Fort Worth, Texas. I was commuting back and forth to San Antonio every other week to work with the San Antonio Spurs. An opportunity came about that would allow us to move to San Antonio to have more time with the team, as well as start a “mental game” golf academy at a major resort. But there was a catch…
Read MoreA few years back I was invited to play the perennial number one ranked golf course in the world, Pine Valley. It is on every golfer’s bucket list. The first interesting aspect of the invitation was that I was living part time in Utopia, Texas at the time. My course in Utopia was pretty much the opposite of Pine Valley, if you catch my drift. Secondly, the invitation also included the sharing of my faith with a group of men at this particular gathering. So in essence the trip started with awe. Only God could orchestrate such an invitation.
Read MoreThe magnolia tree gives life to the noticer. It’s aroma and brilliant white flowers bring hope each spring that lasts through mid summer. I look for them as one looks for treasure. Glimpses of heaven abound if we look carefully. The magnolia bloom is one...
Read MoreA good friend of mine passed away last month. I cried and smiled simultaneously. Cried because I miss him and because he died young. But I smiled because I know where he is today. The story is one of true awe. It will move fast so just be in awe and know this is better than fiction...
Read More"I found a majestic oak next to the oat patch that fit my mission. I spotted a nice patch of grass to sit on and leaned back against the trunk of this purveyor of time. Utopia is in the middle of nowhere, and this spot was about five miles from Utopia. So you could say I was five miles from nowhere..."Read More
So my daughter is sitting in our house in Fredericksburg, Texas last April. Fredericksburg is an idyllic town in the Hill Country of Texas, reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. We had been living there for seven years in an amazing little 1932 restored bungalow two blocks off main-street. I loved this town. It was a place where I could breathe deep.
Read More“What do you want from me.” He asked. The two blind men said, “To see.” I read that recently in Matthew and heard Him ask, “David, what do you want from me.” Wow, a God who listens, a God who speaks, and a God who wants to know what my heart longs for. I thought about it and became sort of self conscious. I was stumped because I didn’t want to say the wrong thing, ask for the wrong thing.
Read MoreFall comes late in Utopia. It arrives around Thanksgiving and hangs out through Christmas. I hope this photo I took gives you a little taste of what it looks like here during the holiday season.
Read More“Game Day.” These words evoke such emotion. For anyone who has ever competed it is the day we live for. Game day is unlike any other. It is fraught with interference, intensity, expectations and distractions on a grand scale. And when it is over the scoreboard is lit up for the whole world to see. It is both the canvas of destiny making moments as well as forgettable crash and burn scenes.
Read MoreThe Sabinal River dried up. Never before has this happened in Utopia. While there were a few pockets of water along the desperate valley floor, the seven-year drought had taken its toll on the springs. You see, it’s the springs that are the source for this life giving wonder. The occasional rain provides nothing more than run-off water. What is needed to recharge the springs is a sustained rain.
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