Legendary wailer

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook

North Side Baptist Church

Boundaries= abundant life

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Boundaries are usually set to protect us from something. Boundaries are like rules, and rules also usually serve to protect someone or something in some way. God gives us a guidebook in the Bible to help us follow the rules or stay inside the boundaries. If we stay within the boundaries He gives us, we will have a more abundant life. Some people view these limits as confining. These people have obviously not known or have forgotten the confines of sin and living in the shackles of shame. Jesus makes it clear it is not His intention to confine us to a boing life of living by His “rules”. He tells us He has come so that we can have life and have it more abundantly.

Out of Bounds

The definition of out of bounds is: 1. Being beyond or passing the limits or boundaries of a field, course, etc., marking the area within which the ball, puck, or the like is legally in play; 2. Beyond any established boundaries or prescribed limits; prohibited; forbidden. 3. Further than or beyond established limits, as of behavior or thought. If applied to the Christian life, when we are “out of bounds” in our Christian walk, we have crossed the line. When we get outside the lines of God’s will and protection, we are in dangerous territory, although it may not feel dangerous. We are distracted, just like a child walking in the woods who is looking at all the animals, picking flowers, not paying attention and before they know it, they are lost and it is dark. We can get distracted in our sin like that and suddenly we find ourselves in a bad place that we cannot get out of on our own. Stepping outside the bounds will make you lose your focus and forget where you are just long enough for Satan to pull you even further.

Most of the time we think of boundaries as keeping something out but God’s boundaries for us are designed to keep us in – inside His will and protection. The river flows with the banks as its boundaries. If you want the refreshment of the river, you have to stay in the river. If you are on the banks or in the woods, you won’t get the refreshment of the river. All God’s blessings come within the boundaries He has set. We have to stay in the river of His will to receive them. There is nothing worthwhile or beneficial to gain outside His boundaries, but everything to lose.

God uses boundaries to protect us, not inhibit us. There is nothing more freeing than having the shackles of sin removed by God and living inside His will. True freedom and abundant life is not living wildly, doing anything we want to regardless of others or consequences. True abundant life is found in the security of the boundaries of God’s love and protection. There we are secure to live free and grow in Christ. There we can experience a close personal relationship with God that is more satisfying than anything outside His plan for us.

20 Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

September 2022 End of Summer Fun

That’s Close To Home

This list was originally titled “Drought-Bustin’ Fun.” Little did we know the area would receive a year’s worth of rain in one single day – less than 48 hours before we were due at press. Since we’d had a near record number of 100-degree days this summer, and no measurable rain for months, we thought a list focusing on water fun was in order. So much for planning ahead. But we have a sneaky suspicion there’s more summer heat to come. This is Texas after all. So hang onto your hat and this list of “cool” activities to evade the last of the summer heat.

ERIC HUNT

The Fort Worth Water Gardens.

1. Fort Worth Water Gardens

1502 COMMERCE STREET • FORT WORTH

The Water Gardens is a favorite spot for tourists and locals. It’s a perfect place to cool off and take a picnic lunch. Located on the south end of downtown Fort Worth, the hardscape canyons and flowing water offer a quiet respite. Tabletopped stairs allow patrons to walk above the torrents to the basin without getting wet. The water features are beautiful and attract closer inspection, but please take the same precautions that you would at a lake or stream. Swimming and wading are not allowed. Open: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Parking is free at streetside meters after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.

COURTESY

Captain Kirk’s Tiki Cruise at sunset.

2.Captain Kirk’s Tiki Cruises

919 EAST PEARL STREET • GRANBURY

Let the wind whip through your hair on Lake Granbury’s shaded, Caribbean themed tiki-cruise. The 30-foot vessel runs daily and is docked at the the Mesquite Pit restaurant. Bring your own beverages (small coolers allowed). Food is also encouraged, and riders often place to-go orders from Mesquite Pit an hour before the boat is scheduled to leave the dock. Make reservations for a cruise online at www. captkirkstikicruises.com/granbury or call 833-845-4278. Open: Daily 10 a.m. Family Cruise 2 p.m. Party Cruise 7 p.m. Sunset Cruise Cost: $55 Adults (ages 13 and up) $50 Children

3. Sea Life Aquarium

3000 GRAPEVINE MILLS PKWY • GRAPEVINE

This 45,000-square-foot aquarium, located inside of Grapevine Mills Mall, is home to thousands of aquatic creatures and a 360-degree ocean tunnel. Grandkids, in particular, will love the interactive touch pools. Be aware that there are some stairs to manuever if you have a walker, wheelchair, or stroller. Check out the Rainforest Cafe inside of Grapevine Mills for more sealife and a delicious menu.