The Wired Word for 07272025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 07/27/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article0.00998d930354.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 07/27/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: [#wordpress, #opensource, #community, #education, #accessibility, #marketing, #contributorprogram] Author: ChatGPT (based on multiple sources including The Wired Word, WordPress community updates, and open source advocacy materials) Source: The Wired Word July 2025 Issue, WordPress community updates, open source ecosystem news Reference: Various linked articles and transcripts from July 2025 date created: 2025-07-25 12:00 --- # Title: Open Source & WordPress Community Insights — July 2025 ## Table of Contents: - 📝 Summary - 📖 Main Content - 🗒️ Notes - 📖 References - 🗣️ Paraphrase - 📰 Newsletter Blurb - ✅ Action Items - 🧪 Hypotheses - 📊 Methodology - ❓ Questions - 🔮 Future Research - 💡 Implications - 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment - 📊 Accessibility Assessment - 🌍 DEIB Assessment - ✅ Logical Validity - 🔍 DARVO Analysis - 🔍 SEO Evaluation - 🎯 Conclusion ### References: - The Wired Word, July 27, 2025 Issue - WordPress community announcements July 2025 - Open Source Summit North America 2025 reports - Related articles from The Repository, Web Designer Depot, CHAOSS, and WP Builds YouTube channel ## 📝 Summary: This collection of materials highlights recent WordPress community efforts to improve contributor collaboration, education, accessibility, and sustainability. It includes reflections on professional fulfillment and community health, insights into open source project governance (FAIR), and strategic marketing efforts to engage contributors and amplify impact. The overarching theme emphasizes aligning contributions with meaningful impact, sustaining community vitality, and fostering inclusive, transparent collaboration. ## 📖 Main Content: The WordPress Test Team launched a new contributor group to better connect testers and core committers, aiming to strengthen quality assurance collaboration. Meanwhile, FAIR, a Linux Foundation-backed project, is moving toward permanent governance with open nominations for co-chairs, underscoring open source’s evolving organizational maturity. Community voices express concern over WordPress's current state, calling for renewed innovation and better stewardship amidst fears of stagnation. Contrastingly, lessons from Shopify’s agency partnerships offer pathways to grow WordPress product ecosystems through strategic collaborations. The Wired Word’s featured story on golfer Scottie Scheffler delves into the nature of accomplishments and lasting happiness, offering a spiritual lens on prioritizing faith, family, and genuine relationships over fleeting successes — a metaphor resonant with contributor motivation in open source. Open source leaders discuss sustainability challenges, emotional costs, and the delicate balance of sponsorship and governance. OSS Rebuild, a Google security initiative, exemplifies efforts to reinforce open source infrastructure for long-term viability. ## 🗒️ Notes - WordPress community prioritizing improved collaboration between testers and developers. - FAIR project progressing to long-term governance structure. - WordPress perceived by some as stagnating, needing renewed innovation. - Shopify’s agency-first growth approach may offer lessons for WordPress product makers. - Spiritual reflections on joy and fulfillment echo open source contributor motivations. - Security and sustainability remain central challenges; initiatives like OSS Rebuild address these. - Marketing and outreach campaigns aim to highlight open source contributions and community impact. - Diverse content formats used to engage community (blogs, podcasts, videos, live Q&A). ## 📖 References: - [The Wired Word July 2025](https://thewiredword.com) - [WordPress Test Team Announcement](https://therepository.email) - [FAIR Project Nominations](https://therepository.email) - [Shopify Agency Strategy Podcast](https://youtube.com) - [OSS Rebuild Initiative](https://security.googleblog.com) - [WP Builds Podcast Episode #341](https://youtube.com) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. The WordPress Test Team’s new contributor group aims to deepen cooperation between testers and core developers, streamlining bug fixes and improving product quality through tighter integration. 2. Golfer Scottie Scheffler’s reflections on success and happiness reveal that while professional achievements bring joy, lasting fulfillment comes from faith, family, and meaningful relationships — a lesson mirrored in open source contributors’ motivations to serve community beyond mere code commits. ## 📰 Newsletter: Hey WordPress enthusiasts! This July, our community is buzzing with exciting moves to strengthen contributor collaboration, from new testing groups bridging gaps with core committers to FAIR’s step toward solid governance. Dive into lessons from Shopify on growing partnerships and reflect on why true success is about more than just achievements — it’s about passion, faith, and connection. Don’t miss the latest on open source security initiatives like OSS Rebuild, plus podcasts and videos unpacking the future of WordPress. Stay tuned, get involved, and keep building the ecosystem we all love! #SupportingOSS #WordPress ## ✅ Action Items: - Promote participation in new WordPress Test Team contributor group for improved collaboration. - Monitor FAIR governance developments and consider involvement opportunities. - Integrate insights from Shopify’s agency strategy to enhance WordPress product growth. - Share and reflect on motivational themes (like Scheffler’s) to support contributor well-being and retention. - Support and contribute to security-focused projects such as OSS Rebuild to bolster open source infrastructure. - Amplify community achievements and initiatives through coordinated marketing campaigns across social channels. - Align all activities with open-source advocacy, contributor education, inclusivity, and sustainable community building goals. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Stronger collaboration between testers and core developers will reduce bug resolution time and improve WordPress stability. - Governance transparency (e.g., FAIR co-chair elections) increases community trust and engagement. - Partnerships modeled after agency-first approaches enhance product adoption and ecosystem growth. - Contributor motivation rooted in meaning and belonging leads to higher retention and contribution quality. ### 📊 Methodology: - Mixed-methods research combining quantitative metrics (bug resolution times, contribution counts) with qualitative surveys/interviews on contributor satisfaction. - Longitudinal community engagement analysis pre/post governance changes. - Case studies comparing product growth under different partnership models. - Psychological and sociological assessments of contributor motivation and burnout. ### ❓ Questions: - How can WordPress foster deeper cooperation between testers and developers at scale? - What governance models best balance transparency with effective decision-making? - In what ways can agency partnerships be adapted to open source ecosystems? - How can spiritual and community motivations be leveraged to sustain contributor health? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Investigate long-term impacts of governance reforms on open source sustainability. - Explore integration of faith-based and community support frameworks in contributor retention. - Develop best practices for product ecosystem growth inspired by commercial agency models. ### 💡 Implications: Research findings could shape more resilient and engaged open source communities, improving product quality, inclusivity, and contributor well-being. They may also influence organizational policies balancing governance transparency with operational efficiency, ultimately sustaining WordPress and other open source projects into the future. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - Visual: Limited visuals in source; suggest adding diagrams illustrating governance structures and contributor workflows. - Aural: Podcast and video links support auditory learning well. - Verbal: Rich textual content and reflections present. - Phy - Summary: American golfer Scottie Scheffler recently won the British Open in dominant fashion, after saying that golf is a joy for him, but not something that fills the deepest wants and desires of his heart. Dear Class Members, American golfer Scottie Scheffler recently won the British Open in dominant fashion, after saying that golf is a joy for him, but not something that fills the deepest wants and desires of his heart. Based on Scheffler's reflections, this installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on accomplishments, happiness, and keeping love and faith at the center of life. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Scottie Scheffler Wins British Open, Reflects on Happiness*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of July 27, 2025** **In the News** Golfer Scottie Scheffler won his second major title of 2025 on Sunday, July 20, at the British Open. His skillful and steady game produced a score of 17-under-par, four shots better than fellow American Harris English. According to *Fox News*, "There's only one word to describe Scottie Scheffler's performance at the Open Championship over the weekend -- dominant." Having won the PGA Championship in May, Scheffler has now been victorious in half of this year's major tournaments, which include the Masters Tournament (April), the PGA Championship (May), the U.S. Open (June), and the Open [British] Championship (July). To date, Scheffler has won three of four majors, and is the first player during the modern major championship era to win his first four majors by three or more strokes. At Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, Scheffler started behind the pack but then took command on Friday, establishing a four-shot lead. He played another excellent round on Sunday, wavering only once with a double bogey on the 8th hole. He got a stroke back on the 9th hole, putting him five shots ahead of everyone else. From that point on, his victory was virtually assured. On the 18th green, Scheffler tossed his cap high in the air as he caught sight of his wife and his toddler son, Bennett, and went to pick him up. His father snapped a photo of the leaderboard, which was congratulating Scheffler on his achievement. But there would be "no Instagram posts or media tours," reported *Golfweek*, "because that's not what Scheffler's about." "He doesn't care to be a superstar," said fellow golfer Jordan Spieth. Scheffler's personality is different "from any other superstar that you've seen in the modern era and maybe in any sport. I don't think anybody is like him." Scheffler has the unique ability to separate his golf life from the rest of his life, according to Spieth -- family and faith come first. *The New York Times* reports that Scheffler said that golf "is one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not." Golf is not Scheffler's identity. According to *The Washington Post*, Harris English, Chris Gotterup, Wyndham Clark and Rory McIlroy made challenges along the way, but they never seriously threatened Scheffler in the Open. The Northern Ireland crowd was clearly on the side of native son McIlroy, who was the 2025 Masters champion. At the end of the event, McIlroy showed his respect for Scheffler by saying, "He is the bar we're all trying to get to. ... Incredibly impressive." Scheffler has offered a refreshing perspective on accomplishments and happiness. In a reflective moment with reporters before the Open, he said, "You win it, you celebrate, get to hug my family, my sister's there, it's such an amazing moment. Then it's like, 'Okay, what are we going to eat for dinner?' Life goes on." Sensing the fleeting nature of success, he said, "It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate winning a tournament for, like, a few minutes. It only lasts a few minutes." Arthur Brooks, a professor at Harvard Business School who teaches a course on happiness, was asked to reflect on Scheffler by *The New York Times*. He said, "Humans naturally set goals, and then they get all their satisfaction from making incremental progress toward the goals. But that's where a cognitive error comes in. The belief is that once you actually achieve your goal, once you get to that finish line, that's when the ultimate satisfaction will occur and that will last. It will be bliss and it'll be good forever." But satisfaction does not last. "Now, why is it that," asked Brooks, "a majority of Olympic gold medalists suffer from clinical depression in the three months after winning their gold medal? Because it doesn't satisfy. That's called the arrival fallacy." Arriving at the goal does not leave a person with permanent happiness. Brooks once thought, "'If I have a book that's No. 1 on *The New York Times'* bestseller list, it's going to be so freaking awesome,' and you get there and you're like, 'Yeah, but the next week, it's a book by some politician,' and you're like, 'Oh.' That's how we're wired. That's how the arrival fallacy works. In a nutshell, that's what Scottie Scheffler was talking about." "Meaning comes from human relationships," concluded Brooks, "meaning comes from love. We're built for love. The happiest people are the people who are serious about their faith or their philosophical lives, who have serious family relationships, have deep, real friendships, not just 'deal' friendships." *ESPN* offered this reflection on Scheffler's achievement at the Open: "Scottie Scheffler may not find his life's true fulfillment in winning, but that's not going to keep him from continuing to do it on the sport's biggest stages." More on this story can be found at these links: [Scottie Scheffler Wins 2025 Open Championship](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3Do5ak_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSnIg6yTpOXFPNfPBg9xPc1XGkt-2FbyX-2FocHGav6slPPKnZNVyMHHNFep4D33FVVw-2BO45lTKOWnpkhmeAIiwZBV2ggnZ8-2FiJ7bs9-2BQed5fgFRk1H5ZRa2p6Yy-2FIS0C5tZP9lbHWfa5WXwN6obPkLjONIu2D094uMFXmh5RLIr4XZpKyXBoEsoL5M0HPJjc66Dxp-2BD5nRa7nreR5zszY3TEMxg-3D) [Wit](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3DAzX1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSpoEZDfp-2FfJ32DefF0233Y2S1z0Z8-2Bo0wVExWuNPjHNvXAaoujuDo4GsphBuTQw1PZQTrh5e0UipHbPhtICNforNMicrN3gwOM4CNANn9U5lBnPCawlvhChqUWeNq8gaWq1JOPDp0ifiiVNFncZiGZpEUcVlL9m-2BXa9MfP-2FMqOVGrUlIYYj5XWpK1etLh3jrEhQ13sp7MZ3U7s8mtOMCMiM-3D)[h Dominant Final Round.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3Ddyau_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSnN6TfUkmtfol5-2FqU5dGbuHhCxm786mP4VzZxPsqvkPkWajyB0nm6uQMVsRwVTKcWZ8op73VXJKjM5i6cd-2FM0SjKcQgiUhPocYscmwj5ojfl7CgvYn56VkwOuC9YZKyIuPRGHDGqoC50JwWPgEX0afivMCB-2BSFYVIIGbZCnraKPPVwibp49McyDbl7eKe6Hr7e3BdDkAsYyHwNDr5afEuP4-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3Dt16H_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSuU35BessV7HyXTNNfB1GFIzL538wJNt6vl3qz1WfZONyAz83aQp-2BJCG3nmATgtXBoDMqfQy2c-2BU-2BUSQirxe5OMuw0nvAXOKKLeqGnVrBK62WbNeZwD0jyIikjyWN22A9dD4LL2FPy0xIwG-2FcFdyXHq6Br20bI-2FcnjsudUL-2BScAWt8QPC0xQ3U5ZOds453o7yXdubLBCJTtfHXeDnDt-2Fq0w-3D) [Scottie Scheffler Dominates British Open, Wins Second Major of the Year.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0V4JfZSNd2KqR4fInwFM9jFCDn97LEdmefi7RBTvy76dLbZ-2B9U38Bz2HHJ6nSLuTAJ-2BsuWsCyIdRQuTRFGL6YWkFAdr_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSrB9FE38w51SE-2BptienYDs8P7crjCu9didQPoZ8ztM8IYpBDQVSi2izO-2F35J88fn-2FzeRdS6IPUm7i4FapCmjx-2BUCaPj6f1FTyOzYGmAj5YtaE9oNzOO998qTq7B9c9SimZjkuY4o96ey0OgnJbEBLUFfsUTX-2F2zrTZ5OQ6FePXBk6I8cLsUmOd62ZPpqXTGRJQx6p-2BZw9XR2Wn94vGy920M-3D) [*The Washington Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0V4JfZSNd2KqR4fInwFM9jFCDn97LEdmefi7RBTvy76dLbZ-2B9U38Bz2HHJ6nSLuTAJ-2BsuWsCyIdRQuTRFGL6YWkztWA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSv7OtiIxMvzBX2OOZTzbOTXT0c6pN9qDQMnkL4XN-2BoQt1aZ2z7DFVIfo1x1D9AEucM7THWZihHYW14ld6fatE9yzOB71sycqp1Me-2B40iW042xkIE075MzPfZ0krMxfEtFXdHI-2Bq-2BGdWaHho1yw0-2B38qqUnF58rZt8IqLTanf-2FQ6BSozysuqDwrwiSEdT-2BmqSUDETl-2BzHEGfo-2BQ2V-2BLfdLg8-3D) [Scottie Scheffler Blew Away the Field to Win British Open for His Fourth Major Championship.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFe51vPjxE6QIwWvdYHrDXE0PN2RQBGzDHndUki5xBPdfB3A9F6uOaQWzSscD2mbTNuxLQ8dOy5HSaFVMUBl9G2tVz0X9HqFqs9-2Bw-2FtcZ7zS4yblPB1tSXgxMXbdYNPHIQR7e2BKazL0oL8DhdhJWR0uAZ-2Bthiy0x-2F6Je-2F4VHpI-2BXxLVc9Xviw4W3-2FhJhYZXOf0NARXl3ctXNIDgJecfM1g-3Dxpoe_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSrNW-2FpNORN2g50xR8gjAryo2SzajvBoDDI8cWJZCZXpUs8vDVRy1-2FUA5C1SAxMwruLzkerjaS1-2FkMq7rlwQFcnMl-2F2px5vGUjvgBCe-2F8-2FJAgAwEy-2BTPcpJDEHcn-2Bzo98410bhL-2BBH-2Bhns7tFe2pxDhIp1e1ZRWsH71BBdJ9KYeUQn-2B-2BLEycCh-2FBjOfkyEDDYeKtNjIskU-2FFxuYGMSSrg34Q-3D) [*USA Today*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFe51vPjxE6QIwWvdYHrDXE0PN2RQBGzDHndUki5xBPdfB3A9F6uOaQWzSscD2mbTNuxLQ8dOy5HSaFVMUBl9G2tVz0X9HqFqs9-2Bw-2FtcZ7zS4yblPB1tSXgxMXbdYNPHIQR7e2BKazL0oL8DhdhJWR0uAZ-2Bthiy0x-2F6Je-2F4VHpI-2BXxLVc9Xviw4W3-2FhJhYZXOf0NARXl3ctXNIDgJecfM1g-3Dj6Fg_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSmMFC8ZkTHgOCuWzO7elUyDwC863gy-2BEMyQ9Le-2F7EaSq62WVPeptfOhDrJ5DhnE-2Bh6d0GXtHAjpB2E4k5gGQAiGxXvH9lCT-2BOOVvEo27njlTSiBQt-2FVqGrnRhEqf3e6o6QngB3b0lbMy6u0WCZvXGpf85Ku3fpoI5DlfglLFpWJAMM1JMFdTwS3L2tJIE2P-2BL1JkfZDYmWte8YaI0jo-2FuUM-3D) [Scottie Scheffler Raised Questions About Happiness and Fulfillment. This Professor Has Answers.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPo6RJomZMwobVngCwgLbhxIJptIdce9jBJgpIYe6BilLXwQ5QpSAOiiIOaR8m9SBCafD6uM7MZL-2BWhIOUx8evooJjZv-2B5ggiIj9gNzGybQUda67cnJoXkWELoOycANgu-2F8-3D0IRz_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSlmCwqFplCnWveloW5aXL1lSveAqmsrgPld0lxNaH1xFRiwCW-2B-2FaX7FQ4jFxOgleQJVcEU3hOxh0RM91K5XagwbGpHLpPAxDWXi49lGZJLZWA2kCVImXk0PsfFWJ1strHx6ik8WQ75Aac2zadh-2FRZA5fGfcU-2B654B9lr2SgLTHyvF-2BVGDu-2BAmHgh-2BDlggXwuOkAL6PBKtZJt91AZ4fanA5I-3D) [*The New York Times*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPo6RJomZMwobVngCwgLbhxIJptIdce9jBJgpIYe6BilLXwQ5QpSAOiiIOaR8m9SBCafD6uM7MZL-2BWhIOUx8evooJjZv-2B5ggiIj9gNzGybQUda67cnJoXkWELoOycANgu-2F8-3DXPwQ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSte4nLGF7tN3zuf4ae3CygEPzK34YRzWD7EvTqDPDvXNsTCAD2h9Zt4h8bT5CVIYXVHDZ3AkZHo7WHgTpl8ibMFZQMrpy9gwXa-2B1VgtDWFELn6gSgwZxbu7dGo2-2FK-2BheaiHCbxT6y4vJQOxvcF5icngLqZvqURwpWARAu-2FYcZgq5l5Ggl3HgmoYTHFRi5plRrOLNIxbjzRB18-2BCkH2sM1JM-3D)[Scottie Scheffler Wins Open Championship for Third Leg of Career Grand Slam.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMbSelXeKuP80WoHFkdI0VX4xXuZ8HjkdCwFAtsgtr4hX2IDR5o17dwt4RsZ5P4fpcl3lqeGjMRBaJPVqCgT8BO3SgzoJ8P4w2oobCLcrrWrAdoInDcZhX70tA8x7KVFGYfy94cooAETbHtT2wATNb8-3DCp9r_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSmjmNiqYJ8f7lWarznRIglqWlAynlw2nKs8yuCPfZTVVa21kg9AhS1b8vc4H-2FYTCJ-2Fqg-2FI6mD199v1ZwxNxvdn7F3JW-2F6zMPk2mAFJoaYPITsbzUE6CIkgTCh8yaNNDT-2BJ0EBrromvudyfEoIPOWpGdadXF8hM3dnexTIxUnpZ-2FZfGK3SI5KGcGScc7gNfjluHdt149-2FJj2-2ByoICR9gm4gY-3D) [*ESPN*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMbSelXeKuP80WoHFkdI0VX4xXuZ8HjkdCwFAtsgtr4hX2IDR5o17dwt4RsZ5P4fpcl3lqeGjMRBaJPVqCgT8BO3SgzoJ8P4w2oobCLcrrWrAdoInDcZhX70tA8x7KVFGYfy94cooAETbHtT2wATNb8-3Dah8V_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSk1CY6LYFDeHwDPM5oa-2FqOppPxKZWzpc0iYLzq2r5Pt0urUXW7Z-2BE1KQbmn3K1Jyagxom4hN40d4KwNjbAqbh1yHB3d-2BpZoAqcncwHEMXT2UoqjMdbpFYbLuwv-2FBu47Hqdlw3qmuV0GdJZ0kiqMyDoXjdnoCI5a50TPx-2F3pHhtqD6eNykt-2FaWJG7QdQm4-2FblGV6a5ph3XB8yry2R95dUTvE-3D) **Applying the News Story** Share your personal story of accomplishments, happiness, and what you have discovered about keeping love and faith at the center of your life. **The Big Questions** 1. What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? How did it make you feel? How long did the emotion last? 2. Where do you find your greatest happiness? With whom do you share it, if anyone? How could the church be a more joyful place? 3. Family and faith come first for Scottie Scheffler. What difference does this make in the life of a professional golfer? In the life of any person? In your life? 4. Why is the joy of success so fleeting? What kind of effort produces lasting happiness? Be specific. 5. "Meaning comes from human relationships," says Arthur Brooks, "meaning comes from love." He says that the happiest people are serious about their faith and have "deep, real friendships, not just 'deal' friendships." Where do you find meaning in human relationships and love? What is the difference between a real friendship and a 'deal' friendship? How can the church help with this? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Joshua 24:15***Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.* (For context, read [Joshua 24:14-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxLCLf3FQCD-2Bou6xsGv0WLLkqvry6h3AZ4XGyjsCIEJ0VVeGfkGmJ5kNqhHGL1aKYStPLb_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSur1atQnwrKtKkkPXxjgOi0OGf00gY51cBjRB6-2FXgPPCKJ0T8Rf7e-2BIEpr8MwCZROWtqQNBCkxhZCQdGM4vvnStv2gMu1l6oDuhm6RfvcC-2F9-2B3B-2F6Z7rkLd933U6otzniTNY1ZAfSOVFehZ-2FVg7rTtS7QJg8oQIiAyzU0NRLrKbemkjzj4pqkLuESFofD423oSHSskNp7hJP-2FhK1l-2BLjWiA-3D).) Joshua is the first of the Old Testament “Historical Books.” Named for its main character, the book of Joshua tells of the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites. Early in the book, the people of Israel are standing on the Moab side of the Jordan River, wondering what to do. Unlike their ancestors on the edge of the Red Sea, they have no Moses to lift his hand to part the waters. The Moses generation is passing away and the Joshua generation is rising up. By the 24th chapter, the land has been conquered under the leadership of Joshua. He invites the people to renew the covenant that Moses had made with the people in Exodus 24. He reminds the people of all that God has done for them, and he invites them to "revere the LORD" and "put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt" (v. 14). Clearly, they need to make a choice between idols and the Lord. But "as for me and my household," says Joshua, "we will serve the LORD." The people make a commitment to join him, promising to "serve the LORD" (v. 18). > **Questions:** What are some of the idols that people worship today -- accomplishments, money, success, political power? What difference does it make to choose to serve the Lord? How does this decision shape your experience of accomplishments and success? **Psalm 34:8***O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.* (For context, read [Psalm 34:4-10](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxsn7zFIeHXZbOdHDWA5JXi0N-2F7rAH2q-2FwJhXT8uJCTR0M58nzDroebz0Dqhnh-2FgQPJcZg_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMStD-2B7G5-2B1P5E0Q-2FL-2B9FQy9vu1A1se-2FdpyLfSLxPTB48IMvr4x4xsOAwcKm0TuQf4oSstZNKiVroq3N5IzpTQVnSkMzSHf0UxJyGmfDTecxMQS5IEzcx37aMuGe2Vj14z0a0bUkUtORvF-2FWRxxHAXAJ8cTlQ2uURAptimhJjlRuseZq3-2B3yaB7RfCwsmjA1MijnYK35HB4Xlk1MYXYy7b8-2BE-3D).) The Hebrew title for Psalms is *Tehillim,* which is translated as "praises." Together, this collection of praise songs served as the hymnbook of Israel. "It is a collection of 150 prayers and songs that give praise to God, Zion, and the king," writes professor of Old Testament Tyler Mayfield; "give thanks to God and ask God for deliverance; announce trust in God; and petition God." Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving authored by David, according to tradition, "when he feigned madness before Ahimelech" (1 Samuel 21). The psalm praises God, saying, "I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears" (v. 4). Seeking God is at the heart of this psalm, and it invites people to "Look to him, and be radiant" (v. 5). David invites people to "taste and see" the goodness of God, and to find happiness by taking refuge in God. The psalm promises that "those who seek the LORD lack no good thing" (v. 10). > **Questions:** When have you sought God in a challenging time, and what have you found? How did God answer you, if at all, and deliver you from fear? How does faith in God's goodness lead to happiness? Describe this particular kind of happiness, and how it differs from other kinds of joy. **Matthew 22:37-40***[Jesus said] "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."* (For context, read [Matthew 22:34-40](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDciZyLtp4ZdIGat-2BJKawIlbnLa1Du-2Fh2ciQaGw9-2BmiQ1ZKFu_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSuiU3cjrHnxgea0MZPVyrpBcgr-2F6j6NJLBt5pY7CH4cZp-2FR96YRjNV-2Bbi4cffGYOwFjVFuwN6QHEugrfKtLXn2EFHmiA3tMRiyj6IA5ZKWDq856Q7SJszWsyy2HUYJPgOWw6doIHGUVEflKqtltrn-2BYYtUVZTvBtssZCtKS1NLZ5bYnCUs2X4cAmmCv-2BKn3kjCSZKr4ejS8AVgHnLHWrs6M-3D).) In chapter 22 of the gospel of Matthew, a lawyer from among the Pharisees asks Jesus a question to test him: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" (v. 36). It is a difficult question, because if Jesus names one, he will be accused of ignoring others. If he says they are all great, he will look weak for not answering the question. But instead, Jesus gives a short response: "You shall love the Lord your God," and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On this powerful formulation, he says, "hang all the Law and the Prophets." Preaching professor David Lose says that "our Lord names his center" with this Great Commandment -- "the center of his ministry, the center of his mission, the center of the kingdom he has been sent to proclaim and build." > **Questions:** How is the Great Commandment the center of Christ's mission and ministry? Where is it practiced in your church? How can you make it the center of your life? How does the commandment's focus on love and relationship lead to happiness? **Romans 15:13***May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.* (No context needed.) Paul's letter to the Romans contains a compelling definition of the gospel: "it is God's saving power for everyone who believes" (1:16). He develops his thinking about the importance of faith for both Jews and Gentiles, and then summarizes his belief about the gospel in chapter 15. This section concludes with the blessing, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing." > **Questions:** When do you feel "joy and peace in believing"? Where do you see a connection between happiness and faith? How can the church make this link stronger? **For Further Discussion** 1. "There's a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfill them in life, and you get there, you get to No. 1 in the world, and they're like, what's the point?" [Scottie Scheffler recently said](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPo6RJomZMwobVngCwgLbhxIJptIdce9jBJgpIYe6BilLXwQ5QpSAOiiIOaR8m9SBCafD6uM7MZL-2BWhIOUx8evooJjZv-2B5ggiIj9gNzGybQUda67cnJoXkWELoOycANgu-2F8-3DYmAu_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSqGSeGIUFlxyYSdhiQUds69b0IJ3CgJvMYa3ItSilXvBrvs6s6Fta5X1eoWH0L5It-2BzsNMLO-2BA50lfICFTQAefgqvk6jdAWy10ctmznnOb5-2FvRrS4Vp2nWlqmS7tP1Eyq8V5s-2BjCIJcLbT6G6NylL44x52Y-2FUFq56xdTf0vKM5dpWprhL5lw-2BAQGi7bCvQyRSHVg41FrP-2Bbz6-2B1ESAiClTI-3D). When have you achieved something that you thought would fulfill you, only to be disappointed? What did you learn from the experience? 2. When Jesus was talking about the cross with his disciples and a crowd, he asked the question, "For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?" ([Mark 8:36](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxemunwNU-2BOit1-2F8DWhoi8SAiV9gx8cU2rYkYjKobb7b-2Ftmz0AuMhsE2g6sW97HTN3nDtj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSvrsNbhOaTR3assRblkB80JCTjWXttuZWyId3-2Bo9eA0n1QTlfgwPvMbuh9ws-2BTtV0l0N4pKLiJfuFPMgxzaZiOmOPLpLzFYHj2OqsuCsDgTHpAUZ8GiQoww-2BkMMAMrJu8cBWWAQDJ5dyJ-2Fc7mLyubHo-2BesAytQbzCFK5Es9vzYBntwim-2FO0UiXp3XOKS0dPVb2XTMn1knw0mmOFdEPqN7ac-3D)). What does this mean to you? Where do you see people gaining the world and giving up their life? 3. "Modern athletes," [writes sports columnist Barry Svrluga](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0V4JfZSNd2KqR4fInwFM9jFCDn97LEdmefi7RBTvy76dF8s7t95RhpC-2FxcF4bOR8vyrttl3DSG-2BknmUh-2BanL6GinmOL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSt-2FPULy4RybMyHo79aXkNqz-2FrTYjmJmdAQCwFkhofY3cJ7n6OiTsX1bz-2B29TphCQsia9ihzAAdDhmXq2m1A9STn4fWbbFQwxMWcgctkSpVDe8bjxyE1zNhvM-2Bkp1Wa5ik0C-2FHgr0p3WoGvK6D4VEDQ5T9ijmz8yPudVrt87CY6cAWpD4rM-2FqoHYxRVp6KNMCwq4U55Iw-2BHDDAxeTnCK0XKk-3D), "are coached to put process over results. Scheffler may be the best current example of a person who has that approach embedded in his DNA. It’s not what he has learned. It’s who he is." When have you focused on process instead of results, and what happened? How is your Christian faith a process, and how does it affect your happiness and success? 4. Many people enjoy playing golf, but still have experiences of misery and frustration. The formula for golf happiness, [according to some](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMsaAM6gR2P8SRMHwhQ8YdOWO3mhylkFbU28fZh-2BJPLyKFG64mHFQpZs-2FhGZ17r65g-3D-3DE3SN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSs4VG6Uvd-2Ftsv-2BsmysHrh5DdePFlXN8rS0KkHnT-2BxfdJQImezJRnskhb3K6oItV1SPDq-2BAxffqBQbGSqTw-2FFKRysYcnCeJAgDefFm4ljk5NRQgWYfITV9mz61r8cdWX7FHKO4rA3dTj93DmYEMBovL2DLYLdIYOeCpo-2FYEcu2y7Clb55eiKU8wHi1gTFC9wQLKhCjpJxuYNRRtIlJIpIqXc-3D), is to match your expectations with your ability. When you do, you will find happiness. How is this true in other areas of life? How might you be helped by doing so? **Responding to the News** In the week to come, focus on the process of living by your Christian faith. Realize that the happiness that comes from success does not last. Find contentment by living faithfully each day. **Prayer** Help us, Lord, to find meaning in loving relationships with you and with each other. May we discover that true joy comes from serving you and walking in the way of your Son Jesus. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=zCYM6ag5D8yRcF3ZNXee-F1zuAq2y546qLQHVCwfMJxoMDAwdTAwMAr_BAT6Db3AgNPE2TpGZ96HExK97SIgYD_P_PMvezOwNUIl5GYpLQb468QT1vtSbiX-f_BWIkGY3RbIHQaCSExIbicorqreD4aoQasr6YTrNpHTjiohIax_TJ0k40F_7bOEGS4sWGAKnjX_uur5W45UIs6q4ZvBSpFjfbLfWB2B5ZTYx9INZvdHExLCGsEoHKBbEsIoVHVCoitiStgsdkNW9YvMri6ZWUHxMdPJ-wI7I0ka8SuQ2V73GP3nu5-O7E5u3T5UnWhtzKKgJXoLJmH6sBpB88js19mIQ-zkiUo2acUY2zuVeIkpWU1ELP7Epu_BmXBc9BGk28z-IY950Lysqr_vhgN4W2xeT0o0odi18AacuXLaSJ9DfDj0Km_aOYV7fhZG712ENxgxukZq3d_okJiCKLeWEBL3CepYvHwgxOCM8Gw2cahUdBazDBtGelMBCW2F5TaogB0ig-gFaE1PTSKxB1PaZWSc9PqBk7akGZ7TBFc2KCBgN_curYHJVCRjgiQaQy-f38qhZOemznM6_xUAQkhjSTbw-ds00y6TLjkdUn2RCyHLbK_6BmELFHNJ1R9llKOWL8-c6TsiR_I=) <div>Dear Class Members, American golfer Scottie Scheffler recently won the British Open in dominant fashion, after saying that golf is a joy for him, but not something that fills the deepest wants and desires of his heart. Based on Scheffler's reflections, this installment of The Wired Word will focus on accomplishments, happiness, and keeping love and faith at the center of life. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Scottie Scheffler Wins British Open, Reflects on Happiness The Wired Word for the Week of July 27, 2025 In the News Golfer Scottie Scheffler won his second major title of 2025 on Sunday, July 20, at the British Open. His skillful and steady game produced a score of 17-under-par, four shots better than fellow American Harris English. According to Fox News, "There's only one word to describe Scottie Scheffler's performance at the Open Championship over the weekend -- dominant." Having won the PGA Championship in May, Scheffler has now been victorious in half of this year's major tournaments, which include the Masters Tournament (April), the PGA Championship (May), the U.S. Open (June), and the Open [British] Championship (July). To date, Scheffler has won three of four majors, and is the first player during the modern major championship era to win his first four majors by three or more strokes. At Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, Scheffler started behind the pack but then took command on Friday, establishing a four-shot lead. He played another excellent round on Sunday, wavering only once with a double bogey on the 8th hole. He got a stroke back on the 9th hole, putting him five shots ahead of everyone else. From that point on, his victory was virtually assured. On the 18th green, Scheffler tossed his cap high in the air as he caught sight of his wife and his toddler son, Bennett, and went to pick him up. His father snapped a photo of the leaderboard, which was congratulating Scheffler on his achievement. But there would be "no Instagram posts or media tours," reported Golfweek, "because that's not what Scheffler's about." "He doesn't care to be a superstar," said fellow golfer Jordan Spieth. Scheffler's personality is different "from any other superstar that you've seen in the modern era and maybe in any sport. I don't think anybody is like him." Scheffler has the unique ability to separate his golf life from the rest of his life, according to Spieth -- family and faith come first. The New York Times reports that Scheffler said that golf "is one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not." Golf is not Scheffler's identity. According to The Washington Post, Harris English, Chris Gotterup, Wyndham Clark and Rory McIlroy made challenges along the way, but they never seriously threatened Scheffler in the Open. The Northern Ireland crowd was clearly on the side of native son McIlroy, who was the 2025 Masters champion. At the end of the event, McIlroy showed his respect for Scheffler by saying, "He is the bar we're all trying to get to. ... Incredibly impressive." Scheffler has offered a refreshing perspective on accomplishments and happiness. In a reflective moment with reporters before the Open, he said, "You win it, you celebrate, get to hug my family, my sister's there, it's such an amazing moment. Then it's like, 'Okay, what are we going to eat for dinner?' Life goes on." Sensing the fleeting nature of success, he said, "It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate winning a tournament for, like, a few minutes. It only lasts a few minutes." Arthur Brooks, a professor at Harvard Business School who teaches a course on happiness, was asked to reflect on Scheffler by The New York Times. He said, "Humans naturally set goals, and then they get all their satisfaction from making incremental progress toward the goals. But that's where a cognitive error comes in. The belief is that once you actually achieve your goal, once you get to that finish line, that's when the ultimate satisfaction will occur and that will last. It will be bliss and it'll be good forever." But satisfaction does not last. "Now, why is it that," asked Brooks, "a majority of Olympic gold medalists suffer from clinical depression in the three months after winning their gold medal? Because it doesn't satisfy. That's called the arrival fallacy." Arriving at the goal does not leave a person with permanent happiness. Brooks once thought, "'If I have a book that's No. 1 on The New York Times' bestseller list, it's going to be so freaking awesome,' and you get there and you're like, 'Yeah, but the next week, it's a book by some politician,' and you're like, 'Oh.' That's how we're wired. That's how the arrival fallacy works. In a nutshell, that's what Scottie Scheffler was talking about." "Meaning comes from human relationships," concluded Brooks, "meaning comes from love. We're built for love. The happiest people are the people who are serious about their faith or their philosophical lives, who have serious family relationships, have deep, real friendships, not just 'deal' friendships." ESPN offered this reflection on Scheffler's achievement at the Open: "Scottie Scheffler may not find his life's true fulfillment in winning, but that's not going to keep him from continuing to do it on the sport's biggest stages." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3Do5ak\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSnIg6yTpOXFPNfPBg9xPc1XGkt-2FbyX-2FocHGav6slPPKnZNVyMHHNFep4D33FVVw-2BO45lTKOWnpkhmeAIiwZBV2ggnZ8-2FiJ7bs9-2BQed5fgFRk1H5ZRa2p6Yy-2FIS0C5tZP9lbHWfa5WXwN6obPkLjONIu2D094uMFXmh5RLIr4XZpKyXBoEsoL5M0HPJjc66Dxp-2BD5nRa7nreR5zszY3TEMxg-3D">Scottie Scheffler Wins 2025 Open Championship</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3DAzX1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSpoEZDfp-2FfJ32DefF0233Y2S1z0Z8-2Bo0wVExWuNPjHNvXAaoujuDo4GsphBuTQw1PZQTrh5e0UipHbPhtICNforNMicrN3gwOM4CNANn9U5lBnPCawlvhChqUWeNq8gaWq1JOPDp0ifiiVNFncZiGZpEUcVlL9m-2BXa9MfP-2FMqOVGrUlIYYj5XWpK1etLh3jrEhQ13sp7MZ3U7s8mtOMCMiM-3D"> Wit</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3Ddyau\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSnN6TfUkmtfol5-2FqU5dGbuHhCxm786mP4VzZxPsqvkPkWajyB0nm6uQMVsRwVTKcWZ8op73VXJKjM5i6cd-2FM0SjKcQgiUhPocYscmwj5ojfl7CgvYn56VkwOuC9YZKyIuPRGHDGqoC50JwWPgEX0afivMCB-2BSFYVIIGbZCnraKPPVwibp49McyDbl7eKe6Hr7e3BdDkAsYyHwNDr5afEuP4-3D">h Dominant Final Round. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUEL5j-2BBdr-2BGYtAoR-2BjMg95z7PKSdIvFzRj6giVXjG1HGwKe59JF-2FnT0AJyDeirDXbYB8ZAlOZuU6OWll8hB1WQxujswmUudAB3D9dIOw1zOhA-3D-3Dt16H\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSuU35BessV7HyXTNNfB1GFIzL538wJNt6vl3qz1WfZONyAz83aQp-2BJCG3nmATgtXBoDMqfQy2c-2BU-2BUSQirxe5OMuw0nvAXOKKLeqGnVrBK62WbNeZwD0jyIikjyWN22A9dD4LL2FPy0xIwG-2FcFdyXHq6Br20bI-2FcnjsudUL-2BScAWt8QPC0xQ3U5ZOds453o7yXdubLBCJTtfHXeDnDt-2Fq0w-3D">Fox News</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0V4JfZSNd2KqR4fInwFM9jFCDn97LEdmefi7RBTvy76dLbZ-2B9U38Bz2HHJ6nSLuTAJ-2BsuWsCyIdRQuTRFGL6YWkFAdr\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSrB9FE38w51SE-2BptienYDs8P7crjCu9didQPoZ8ztM8IYpBDQVSi2izO-2F35J88fn-2FzeRdS6IPUm7i4FapCmjx-2BUCaPj6f1FTyOzYGmAj5YtaE9oNzOO998qTq7B9c9SimZjkuY4o96ey0OgnJbEBLUFfsUTX-2F2zrTZ5OQ6FePXBk6I8cLsUmOd62ZPpqXTGRJQx6p-2BZw9XR2Wn94vGy920M-3D">Scottie Scheffler Dominates British Open, Wins Second Major of the Year. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0V4JfZSNd2KqR4fInwFM9jFCDn97LEdmefi7RBTvy76dLbZ-2B9U38Bz2HHJ6nSLuTAJ-2BsuWsCyIdRQuTRFGL6YWkztWA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSv7OtiIxMvzBX2OOZTzbOTXT0c6pN9qDQMnkL4XN-2BoQt1aZ2z7DFVIfo1x1D9AEucM7THWZihHYW14ld6fatE9yzOB71sycqp1Me-2B40iW042xkIE075MzPfZ0krMxfEtFXdHI-2Bq-2BGdWaHho1yw0-2B38qqUnF58rZt8IqLTanf-2FQ6BSozysuqDwrwiSEdT-2BmqSUDETl-2BzHEGfo-2BQ2V-2BLfdLg8-3D">The Washington Post</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFe51vPjxE6QIwWvdYHrDXE0PN2RQBGzDHndUki5xBPdfB3A9F6uOaQWzSscD2mbTNuxLQ8dOy5HSaFVMUBl9G2tVz0X9HqFqs9-2Bw-2FtcZ7zS4yblPB1tSXgxMXbdYNPHIQR7e2BKazL0oL8DhdhJWR0uAZ-2Bthiy0x-2F6Je-2F4VHpI-2BXxLVc9Xviw4W3-2FhJhYZXOf0NARXl3ctXNIDgJecfM1g-3Dxpoe\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSrNW-2FpNORN2g50xR8gjAryo2SzajvBoDDI8cWJZCZXpUs8vDVRy1-2FUA5C1SAxMwruLzkerjaS1-2FkMq7rlwQFcnMl-2F2px5vGUjvgBCe-2F8-2FJAgAwEy-2BTPcpJDEHcn-2Bzo98410bhL-2BBH-2Bhns7tFe2pxDhIp1e1ZRWsH71BBdJ9KYeUQn-2B-2BLEycCh-2FBjOfkyEDDYeKtNjIskU-2FFxuYGMSSrg34Q-3D">Scottie Scheffler Blew Away the Field to Win British Open for His Fourth Major Championship. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPFe51vPjxE6QIwWvdYHrDXE0PN2RQBGzDHndUki5xBPdfB3A9F6uOaQWzSscD2mbTNuxLQ8dOy5HSaFVMUBl9G2tVz0X9HqFqs9-2Bw-2FtcZ7zS4yblPB1tSXgxMXbdYNPHIQR7e2BKazL0oL8DhdhJWR0uAZ-2Bthiy0x-2F6Je-2F4VHpI-2BXxLVc9Xviw4W3-2FhJhYZXOf0NARXl3ctXNIDgJecfM1g-3Dj6Fg\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSmMFC8ZkTHgOCuWzO7elUyDwC863gy-2BEMyQ9Le-2F7EaSq62WVPeptfOhDrJ5DhnE-2Bh6d0GXtHAjpB2E4k5gGQAiGxXvH9lCT-2BOOVvEo27njlTSiBQt-2FVqGrnRhEqf3e6o6QngB3b0lbMy6u0WCZvXGpf85Ku3fpoI5DlfglLFpWJAMM1JMFdTwS3L2tJIE2P-2BL1JkfZDYmWte8YaI0jo-2FuUM-3D">USA Today</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPo6RJomZMwobVngCwgLbhxIJptIdce9jBJgpIYe6BilLXwQ5QpSAOiiIOaR8m9SBCafD6uM7MZL-2BWhIOUx8evooJjZv-2B5ggiIj9gNzGybQUda67cnJoXkWELoOycANgu-2F8-3D0IRz\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSlmCwqFplCnWveloW5aXL1lSveAqmsrgPld0lxNaH1xFRiwCW-2B-2FaX7FQ4jFxOgleQJVcEU3hOxh0RM91K5XagwbGpHLpPAxDWXi49lGZJLZWA2kCVImXk0PsfFWJ1strHx6ik8WQ75Aac2zadh-2FRZA5fGfcU-2B654B9lr2SgLTHyvF-2BVGDu-2BAmHgh-2BDlggXwuOkAL6PBKtZJt91AZ4fanA5I-3D">Scottie Scheffler Raised Questions About Happiness and Fulfillment. This Professor Has Answers. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPo6RJomZMwobVngCwgLbhxIJptIdce9jBJgpIYe6BilLXwQ5QpSAOiiIOaR8m9SBCafD6uM7MZL-2BWhIOUx8evooJjZv-2B5ggiIj9gNzGybQUda67cnJoXkWELoOycANgu-2F8-3DXPwQ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSte4nLGF7tN3zuf4ae3CygEPzK34YRzWD7EvTqDPDvXNsTCAD2h9Zt4h8bT5CVIYXVHDZ3AkZHo7WHgTpl8ibMFZQMrpy9gwXa-2B1VgtDWFELn6gSgwZxbu7dGo2-2FK-2BheaiHCbxT6y4vJQOxvcF5icngLqZvqURwpWARAu-2FYcZgq5l5Ggl3HgmoYTHFRi5plRrOLNIxbjzRB18-2BCkH2sM1JM-3D">The New York Times</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMbSelXeKuP80WoHFkdI0VX4xXuZ8HjkdCwFAtsgtr4hX2IDR5o17dwt4RsZ5P4fpcl3lqeGjMRBaJPVqCgT8BO3SgzoJ8P4w2oobCLcrrWrAdoInDcZhX70tA8x7KVFGYfy94cooAETbHtT2wATNb8-3DCp9r\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSmjmNiqYJ8f7lWarznRIglqWlAynlw2nKs8yuCPfZTVVa21kg9AhS1b8vc4H-2FYTCJ-2Fqg-2FI6mD199v1ZwxNxvdn7F3JW-2F6zMPk2mAFJoaYPITsbzUE6CIkgTCh8yaNNDT-2BJ0EBrromvudyfEoIPOWpGdadXF8hM3dnexTIxUnpZ-2FZfGK3SI5KGcGScc7gNfjluHdt149-2FJj2-2ByoICR9gm4gY-3D">Scottie Scheffler Wins Open Championship for Third Leg of Career Grand Slam. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMbSelXeKuP80WoHFkdI0VX4xXuZ8HjkdCwFAtsgtr4hX2IDR5o17dwt4RsZ5P4fpcl3lqeGjMRBaJPVqCgT8BO3SgzoJ8P4w2oobCLcrrWrAdoInDcZhX70tA8x7KVFGYfy94cooAETbHtT2wATNb8-3Dah8V\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSk1CY6LYFDeHwDPM5oa-2FqOppPxKZWzpc0iYLzq2r5Pt0urUXW7Z-2BE1KQbmn3K1Jyagxom4hN40d4KwNjbAqbh1yHB3d-2BpZoAqcncwHEMXT2UoqjMdbpFYbLuwv-2FBu47Hqdlw3qmuV0GdJZ0kiqMyDoXjdnoCI5a50TPx-2F3pHhtqD6eNykt-2FaWJG7QdQm4-2FblGV6a5ph3XB8yry2R95dUTvE-3D">ESPN</a> Applying the News Story Share your personal story of accomplishments, happiness, and what you have discovered about keeping love and faith at the center of your life. The Big Questions 1. What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? How did it make you feel? How long did the emotion last? 2. Where do you find your greatest happiness? With whom do you share it, if anyone? How could the church be a more joyful place? 3. Family and faith come first for Scottie Scheffler. What difference does this make in the life of a professional golfer? In the life of any person? In your life? 4. Why is the joy of success so fleeting? What kind of effort produces lasting happiness? Be specific. 5. "Meaning comes from human relationships," says Arthur Brooks, "meaning comes from love." He says that the happiest people are serious about their faith and have "deep, real friendships, not just 'deal' friendships." Where do you find meaning in human relationships and love? What is the difference between a real friendship and a 'deal' friendship? How can the church help with this? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Joshua 24:15 Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxLCLf3FQCD-2Bou6xsGv0WLLkqvry6h3AZ4XGyjsCIEJ0VVeGfkGmJ5kNqhHGL1aKYStPLb\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSur1atQnwrKtKkkPXxjgOi0OGf00gY51cBjRB6-2FXgPPCKJ0T8Rf7e-2BIEpr8MwCZROWtqQNBCkxhZCQdGM4vvnStv2gMu1l6oDuhm6RfvcC-2F9-2B3B-2F6Z7rkLd933U6otzniTNY1ZAfSOVFehZ-2FVg7rTtS7QJg8oQIiAyzU0NRLrKbemkjzj4pqkLuESFofD423oSHSskNp7hJP-2FhK1l-2BLjWiA-3D">Joshua 24:14-18</a>.) Joshua is the first of the Old Testament “Historical Books.” Named for its main character, the book of Joshua tells of the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites. Early in the book, the people of Israel are standing on the Moab side of the Jordan River, wondering what to do. Unlike their ancestors on the edge of the Red Sea, they have no Moses to lift his hand to part the waters. The Moses generation is passing away and the Joshua generation is rising up. By the 24th chapter, the land has been conquered under the leadership of Joshua. He invites the people to renew the covenant that Moses had made with the people in Exodus 24. He reminds the people of all that God has done for them, and he invites them to "revere the LORD" and "put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt" (v. 14). Clearly, they need to make a choice between idols and the Lord. But "as for me and my household," says Joshua, "we will serve the LORD." The people make a commitment to join him, promising to "serve the LORD" (v. 18). <blockquote> Questions: What are some of the idols that people worship today -- accomplishments, money, success, political power? What difference does it make to choose to serve the Lord? How does this decision shape your experience of accomplishments and success? </blockquote> Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxsn7zFIeHXZbOdHDWA5JXi0N-2F7rAH2q-2FwJhXT8uJCTR0M58nzDroebz0Dqhnh-2FgQPJcZg\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMStD-2B7G5-2B1P5E0Q-2FL-2B9FQy9vu1A1se-2FdpyLfSLxPTB48IMvr4x4xsOAwcKm0TuQf4oSstZNKiVroq3N5IzpTQVnSkMzSHf0UxJyGmfDTecxMQS5IEzcx37aMuGe2Vj14z0a0bUkUtORvF-2FWRxxHAXAJ8cTlQ2uURAptimhJjlRuseZq3-2B3yaB7RfCwsmjA1MijnYK35HB4Xlk1MYXYy7b8-2BE-3D">Psalm 34:4-10</a>.) The Hebrew title for Psalms is Tehillim, which is translated as "praises." Together, this collection of praise songs served as the hymnbook of Israel. "It is a collection of 150 prayers and songs that give praise to God, Zion, and the king," writes professor of Old Testament Tyler Mayfield; "give thanks to God and ask God for deliverance; announce trust in God; and petition God." Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving authored by David, according to tradition, "when he feigned madness before Ahimelech" (1 Samuel 21). The psalm praises God, saying, "I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears" (v. 4). Seeking God is at the heart of this psalm, and it invites people to "Look to him, and be radiant" (v. 5). David invites people to "taste and see" the goodness of God, and to find happiness by taking refuge in God. The psalm promises that "those who seek the LORD lack no good thing" (v. 10). <blockquote> Questions: When have you sought God in a challenging time, and what have you found? How did God answer you, if at all, and deliver you from fear? How does faith in God's goodness lead to happiness? Describe this particular kind of happiness, and how it differs from other kinds of joy. </blockquote> Matthew 22:37-40 [Jesus said] "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDciZyLtp4ZdIGat-2BJKawIlbnLa1Du-2Fh2ciQaGw9-2BmiQ1ZKFu\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSuiU3cjrHnxgea0MZPVyrpBcgr-2F6j6NJLBt5pY7CH4cZp-2FR96YRjNV-2Bbi4cffGYOwFjVFuwN6QHEugrfKtLXn2EFHmiA3tMRiyj6IA5ZKWDq856Q7SJszWsyy2HUYJPgOWw6doIHGUVEflKqtltrn-2BYYtUVZTvBtssZCtKS1NLZ5bYnCUs2X4cAmmCv-2BKn3kjCSZKr4ejS8AVgHnLHWrs6M-3D">Matthew 22:34-40</a>.) In chapter 22 of the gospel of Matthew, a lawyer from among the Pharisees asks Jesus a question to test him: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" (v. 36). It is a difficult question, because if Jesus names one, he will be accused of ignoring others. If he says they are all great, he will look weak for not answering the question. But instead, Jesus gives a short response: "You shall love the Lord your God," and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On this powerful formulation, he says, "hang all the Law and the Prophets." Preaching professor David Lose says that "our Lord names his center" with this Great Commandment -- "the center of his ministry, the center of his mission, the center of the kingdom he has been sent to proclaim and build." <blockquote> Questions: How is the Great Commandment the center of Christ's mission and ministry? Where is it practiced in your church? How can you make it the center of your life? How does the commandment's focus on love and relationship lead to happiness? </blockquote> Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (No context needed.) Paul's letter to the Romans contains a compelling definition of the gospel: "it is God's saving power for everyone who believes" (1:16). He develops his thinking about the importance of faith for both Jews and Gentiles, and then summarizes his belief about the gospel in chapter 15. This section concludes with the blessing, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing." <blockquote> Questions: When do you feel "joy and peace in believing"? Where do you see a connection between happiness and faith? How can the church make this link stronger? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. "There's a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfill them in life, and you get there, you get to No. 1 in the world, and they're like, what's the point?" <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPo6RJomZMwobVngCwgLbhxIJptIdce9jBJgpIYe6BilLXwQ5QpSAOiiIOaR8m9SBCafD6uM7MZL-2BWhIOUx8evooJjZv-2B5ggiIj9gNzGybQUda67cnJoXkWELoOycANgu-2F8-3DYmAu\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSqGSeGIUFlxyYSdhiQUds69b0IJ3CgJvMYa3ItSilXvBrvs6s6Fta5X1eoWH0L5It-2BzsNMLO-2BA50lfICFTQAefgqvk6jdAWy10ctmznnOb5-2FvRrS4Vp2nWlqmS7tP1Eyq8V5s-2BjCIJcLbT6G6NylL44x52Y-2FUFq56xdTf0vKM5dpWprhL5lw-2BAQGi7bCvQyRSHVg41FrP-2Bbz6-2B1ESAiClTI-3D">Scottie Scheffler recently said</a>. When have you achieved something that you thought would fulfill you, only to be disappointed? What did you learn from the experience? 2. When Jesus was talking about the cross with his disciples and a crowd, he asked the question, "For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxemunwNU-2BOit1-2F8DWhoi8SAiV9gx8cU2rYkYjKobb7b-2Ftmz0AuMhsE2g6sW97HTN3nDtj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSvrsNbhOaTR3assRblkB80JCTjWXttuZWyId3-2Bo9eA0n1QTlfgwPvMbuh9ws-2BTtV0l0N4pKLiJfuFPMgxzaZiOmOPLpLzFYHj2OqsuCsDgTHpAUZ8GiQoww-2BkMMAMrJu8cBWWAQDJ5dyJ-2Fc7mLyubHo-2BesAytQbzCFK5Es9vzYBntwim-2FO0UiXp3XOKS0dPVb2XTMn1knw0mmOFdEPqN7ac-3D">Mark 8:36</a>). What does this mean to you? Where do you see people gaining the world and giving up their life? 3. "Modern athletes," <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOwEDRUAVktcmVsOsspgy0V4JfZSNd2KqR4fInwFM9jFCDn97LEdmefi7RBTvy76dF8s7t95RhpC-2FxcF4bOR8vyrttl3DSG-2BknmUh-2BanL6GinmOL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSt-2FPULy4RybMyHo79aXkNqz-2FrTYjmJmdAQCwFkhofY3cJ7n6OiTsX1bz-2B29TphCQsia9ihzAAdDhmXq2m1A9STn4fWbbFQwxMWcgctkSpVDe8bjxyE1zNhvM-2Bkp1Wa5ik0C-2FHgr0p3WoGvK6D4VEDQ5T9ijmz8yPudVrt87CY6cAWpD4rM-2FqoHYxRVp6KNMCwq4U55Iw-2BHDDAxeTnCK0XKk-3D">writes sports columnist Barry Svrluga</a>, "are coached to put process over results. Scheffler may be the best current example of a person who has that approach embedded in his DNA. It’s not what he has learned. It’s who he is." When have you focused on process instead of results, and what happened? How is your Christian faith a process, and how does it affect your happiness and success? 4. Many people enjoy playing golf, but still have experiences of misery and frustration. The formula for golf happiness, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMsaAM6gR2P8SRMHwhQ8YdOWO3mhylkFbU28fZh-2BJPLyKFG64mHFQpZs-2FhGZ17r65g-3D-3DE3SN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmetqXV-2FAtCGmaqK0Nl5NodyCE9-2FK1bYa5ksz6S0Vzxsjn5t4thyZmmAcxkYGzwCMSs4VG6Uvd-2Ftsv-2BsmysHrh5DdePFlXN8rS0KkHnT-2BxfdJQImezJRnskhb3K6oItV1SPDq-2BAxffqBQbGSqTw-2FFKRysYcnCeJAgDefFm4ljk5NRQgWYfITV9mz61r8cdWX7FHKO4rA3dTj93DmYEMBovL2DLYLdIYOeCpo-2FYEcu2y7Clb55eiKU8wHi1gTFC9wQLKhCjpJxuYNRRtIlJIpIqXc-3D">according to some</a>, is to match your expectations with your ability. When you do, you will find happiness. How is this true in other areas of life? How might you be helped by doing so? Responding to the News In the week to come, focus on the process of living by your Christian faith. Realize that the happiness that comes from success does not last. Find contentment by living faithfully each day. Prayer Help us, Lord, to find meaning in loving relationships with you and with each other. May we discover that true joy comes from serving you and walking in the way of your Son Jesus. Amen. 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