Thursday, March 30, 2006
Nasty Nancy
First, let me say my good friend Steve has an excellent post about what I'm writing about at http://intentionalwalk.blogspot.com/
Second,
Before I get started a blurb about last night’s Palm Bay Spring Tournament Championship Game last night. Bad news - we lost 4 to 3 in 10 innings to Melbourne. Steven got in the game as a pinch runner. The Mel-Hi pitcher tried to pick him off at first but overthrew the ball. Steven legged it out to third sliding just under the tag of the third baseman. Our next batter was our senior right-fielder. He fouled the first pitch straight back which usually means the batter has the pitcher dialed in. The infield was back, senior hitter should be swinging away, and the pitcher chose to pitch out of the wind-up instead of the stretch. You know what time it is, say it with me bloggers - “Suicide squeeze!” Steven got a great jump and was three fourths of the way home when our senior right-fielder - bunted the ball straight up in the air! The catcher caught it and was able to easily double Steven up at third. Now on to the blog:
As Steve posted on his blog today, CNN’s Nancy Grace show has been focusing in on the murder of the brother who preached near Nashville. That is, she has been focusing in on the church he preached for, a Church of Christ.
On March 27th, Grace interviewed a Baptist minister and the following transpired:
GRACE: I want to go to pastor Tom Rukala, joining us tonight, a special guest, a Baptist minister. I’ve been researching the Church of Christ. I don’t know that much about it. What can you tell me?
PASTOR TOM RUKALA, BAPTIST PASTOR: Well, the Church of Christ is a relatively new church. It was started about 150 years ago by Alexander Campbell (ph). And it’s, unfortunately, a very legalistic sect, and they tend to use methods of intimidation and pressure tactics. They claim that they are the only ones going to heaven, and all other people are condemned to hell. So in case...
GRACE: Uh-oh, I’m in trouble. But I already knew that.
(LAUGHTER)GRACE: Now, wait a minute. What more can you tell me?
RUKALA: Well, they claim that if you’re not baptized by one of their ministers, that you’re doomed to hell, even if you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, which, of course, breaks completely from the traditional Christian view that all those who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved because we’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. For the Church of Christ folks, that’s not enough. You have to be a member of their narrow sect. It’s a very exclusive group. And if you’re not a member of their sect, you’re condemned.
GRACE: You know, Pastor, you keep saying "sect." "Sect." You make it sound like a cult.
RUKALA: It kind of is a borderline cult, unfortunately. I don’t want to make it out to be some kind of Hare Krishna group, but it has cult-like characteristics and...
GRACE: In what sense?
RUKALA: Well, in the sense of the exclusivism, the attitude that they are the only ones who know the truth. The tactics that they use are sometimes just -- not only un-biblical but unethical, and they can be very ungracious, unfortunately.
I had the following reactions not necessarily in this order:
1. Why are they questioning a Baptist preacher concerning the CoC?
2. I’m glad Rubel was on yesterday's show. By the way he was treated / cut off by Grace, it’s another point of confirmation that CNN isn’t interested in the news but rather ratings.
3. Sad to say but some of what Rukala said is true about some of our churches.
4. Having grown up in a Baptist Church until my early 20’s, some of what Rukala said is true of some Baptist Churches as well, even today.
5. I thought “methods of intimidation and pressure tactics” were only used by the members on the elders? Little joke there.
6. How sad it is that CNN is practicing “yellow journalism” to blur the lines of the true story, the sad incident perpetrated on this family by one of their own family members and the resulting effects on the children.
What are some of your impressions?
Are you going to watch Nancy Grace tonight?
Second,
Before I get started a blurb about last night’s Palm Bay Spring Tournament Championship Game last night. Bad news - we lost 4 to 3 in 10 innings to Melbourne. Steven got in the game as a pinch runner. The Mel-Hi pitcher tried to pick him off at first but overthrew the ball. Steven legged it out to third sliding just under the tag of the third baseman. Our next batter was our senior right-fielder. He fouled the first pitch straight back which usually means the batter has the pitcher dialed in. The infield was back, senior hitter should be swinging away, and the pitcher chose to pitch out of the wind-up instead of the stretch. You know what time it is, say it with me bloggers - “Suicide squeeze!” Steven got a great jump and was three fourths of the way home when our senior right-fielder - bunted the ball straight up in the air! The catcher caught it and was able to easily double Steven up at third. Now on to the blog:
As Steve posted on his blog today, CNN’s Nancy Grace show has been focusing in on the murder of the brother who preached near Nashville. That is, she has been focusing in on the church he preached for, a Church of Christ.
On March 27th, Grace interviewed a Baptist minister and the following transpired:
GRACE: I want to go to pastor Tom Rukala, joining us tonight, a special guest, a Baptist minister. I’ve been researching the Church of Christ. I don’t know that much about it. What can you tell me?
PASTOR TOM RUKALA, BAPTIST PASTOR: Well, the Church of Christ is a relatively new church. It was started about 150 years ago by Alexander Campbell (ph). And it’s, unfortunately, a very legalistic sect, and they tend to use methods of intimidation and pressure tactics. They claim that they are the only ones going to heaven, and all other people are condemned to hell. So in case...
GRACE: Uh-oh, I’m in trouble. But I already knew that.
(LAUGHTER)GRACE: Now, wait a minute. What more can you tell me?
RUKALA: Well, they claim that if you’re not baptized by one of their ministers, that you’re doomed to hell, even if you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, which, of course, breaks completely from the traditional Christian view that all those who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved because we’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. For the Church of Christ folks, that’s not enough. You have to be a member of their narrow sect. It’s a very exclusive group. And if you’re not a member of their sect, you’re condemned.
GRACE: You know, Pastor, you keep saying "sect." "Sect." You make it sound like a cult.
RUKALA: It kind of is a borderline cult, unfortunately. I don’t want to make it out to be some kind of Hare Krishna group, but it has cult-like characteristics and...
GRACE: In what sense?
RUKALA: Well, in the sense of the exclusivism, the attitude that they are the only ones who know the truth. The tactics that they use are sometimes just -- not only un-biblical but unethical, and they can be very ungracious, unfortunately.
I had the following reactions not necessarily in this order:
1. Why are they questioning a Baptist preacher concerning the CoC?
2. I’m glad Rubel was on yesterday's show. By the way he was treated / cut off by Grace, it’s another point of confirmation that CNN isn’t interested in the news but rather ratings.
3. Sad to say but some of what Rukala said is true about some of our churches.
4. Having grown up in a Baptist Church until my early 20’s, some of what Rukala said is true of some Baptist Churches as well, even today.
5. I thought “methods of intimidation and pressure tactics” were only used by the members on the elders? Little joke there.
6. How sad it is that CNN is practicing “yellow journalism” to blur the lines of the true story, the sad incident perpetrated on this family by one of their own family members and the resulting effects on the children.
What are some of your impressions?
Are you going to watch Nancy Grace tonight?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Full Circle
The idea of a “prayer journal” first struck me several years ago on a visit to Greg’s in Long Beach. At the time, Greg was meeting with 2 or 3 other guys for a time of prayer. On one of my visits to Greg’s, I attended one of their meetings. The group shared with me a prayer journal they had been keeping. It was nothing short of remarkable to see how they could point to a page where they had recorded a person or concern prayed for, and then to see on another page where they were able to record God’s answer to that prayer. This post is somewhat like that journal.
Two or three months ago, I wrote a post about a dinner I had with my son and his two friends Devin and Ryan following baseball tryouts. The subject was their estimation of their chances of making the Varsity Baseball Team. At that dinner my son Steven asked Devin and Ryan if they had been praying to God concerning their desire to make the team? The end result was Steven made the team as a “swing (playing both J.V. and Varsity games) player” while Devin and Ryan were placed on the J.V. team.
Their prayers and their dreams came full circle tonight in Palm Bay. We were up 10 to 0 in the 4th when Devin, Ryan, and Steven were inserted into the hitting lineup. They had talked about this some in the guise of next year. It was neat to see these 3 friends hitting back to back to back. I wish I could post the smiles they had on their faces.
Devin led off the inning with a double! Big smile. His twin brother Ryan flew out to deep right field. Still smiling. Then Steven hit a single. Another big smile. Steven ended up being the only one of the three to play (leftfield) the field but the prayer had been answered. Thank you God for allowing me to see the prayers of some teenage boys come full circle.
BTW, we ended up beating Sebastian River 13 to 3 to advance to the tournament championship game tomorrow.
Have a good day bloggers.
Greg - I know a smile will come to your face as I tell that tomorrow will be my third straight trip to Palm Bay in as many days.
Two or three months ago, I wrote a post about a dinner I had with my son and his two friends Devin and Ryan following baseball tryouts. The subject was their estimation of their chances of making the Varsity Baseball Team. At that dinner my son Steven asked Devin and Ryan if they had been praying to God concerning their desire to make the team? The end result was Steven made the team as a “swing (playing both J.V. and Varsity games) player” while Devin and Ryan were placed on the J.V. team.
Their prayers and their dreams came full circle tonight in Palm Bay. We were up 10 to 0 in the 4th when Devin, Ryan, and Steven were inserted into the hitting lineup. They had talked about this some in the guise of next year. It was neat to see these 3 friends hitting back to back to back. I wish I could post the smiles they had on their faces.
Devin led off the inning with a double! Big smile. His twin brother Ryan flew out to deep right field. Still smiling. Then Steven hit a single. Another big smile. Steven ended up being the only one of the three to play (leftfield) the field but the prayer had been answered. Thank you God for allowing me to see the prayers of some teenage boys come full circle.
BTW, we ended up beating Sebastian River 13 to 3 to advance to the tournament championship game tomorrow.
Have a good day bloggers.
Greg - I know a smile will come to your face as I tell that tomorrow will be my third straight trip to Palm Bay in as many days.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Baseball Theology
I just got back home from a “Homerun Derby” that was part of the opening ceremonies of the Palm Bay Spring Classic Tournament. I drove Steven along with 2 of his buddies down to Palm Bay for the opening ceremonies, bbq, and the homerun derby. Each team entered 2 players each. Each player received “10 outs” to hit as many homeruns as possible with the top 2 players advancing to the final round. The top 2 players (one who has already singed with Alabama) hit 10 and 9 homeruns respectively to advance to the final round. The non-college signee ended up winning the finals 9 to 6. I was amazed by their combination of power, timing, and technique. I was even more amazed by each “pitcher.”
Each team supplied their own pitcher for their two players. Most were coaches but a few were other players. Techniques varied from coaches pitching “meat balls,” a few players throwing what amounted to curve balls because they kept most of their bodies behind the upright part of the pitching screen, and one coach who was hurling fastballs from about 40 feet. As you probably can guess it was the fastball coach who produced the worst results. I though player #2 was going to charge the screen, I mean the mound as he continued to foul off pitches and only managed to put a few balls in play, much less hit any out of the park.
Aren’t we (preachers and elders) a lot like those pitchers? We have varying degrees of approaches and speeds with which we use to feed, teach, admonish, and take our respective churches to the land beyond the outfield fence. I wonder if we realize when it’s time to serve up a theological meat-ball (basics)and when it’s time for the high heater? (new and challenging)
Who do we listen to; the guy who just whiffed on us during batting practice or the guy who is in a zone because of our pitches? Or do we stick to what we think is best for the team and the individual player, inspiring our “team / church” to rise to the occasion in an effort to better themselves?
Rick Acthley asked a question at the Pepperdine Lectures last year that still inspires and at times like the present, haunts me. He asked the elders in his class, “What is the one thing you pray for with respect to your churches as an elder?” As the word “p-e-a-c-e” formed in my brain he said, “Peace.” He followed that by saying in essence, the hope of having a “peace” is both unrealistic and paralyzing. There will always be someone unhappy with the “direction” of the church, the worship, the preacher, ect.
He encouraged us to be like those different pitchers at the homerun derby. Don’t worry about the hitter being unhappy with your pitches. They can’t hit a homerun if you never throw a pitch because you want the hitter to be at peace with you.
There you have it bloggers. My thoughts for the day as I head back to the tournament for tonight’s game.
Each team supplied their own pitcher for their two players. Most were coaches but a few were other players. Techniques varied from coaches pitching “meat balls,” a few players throwing what amounted to curve balls because they kept most of their bodies behind the upright part of the pitching screen, and one coach who was hurling fastballs from about 40 feet. As you probably can guess it was the fastball coach who produced the worst results. I though player #2 was going to charge the screen, I mean the mound as he continued to foul off pitches and only managed to put a few balls in play, much less hit any out of the park.
Aren’t we (preachers and elders) a lot like those pitchers? We have varying degrees of approaches and speeds with which we use to feed, teach, admonish, and take our respective churches to the land beyond the outfield fence. I wonder if we realize when it’s time to serve up a theological meat-ball (basics)and when it’s time for the high heater? (new and challenging)
Who do we listen to; the guy who just whiffed on us during batting practice or the guy who is in a zone because of our pitches? Or do we stick to what we think is best for the team and the individual player, inspiring our “team / church” to rise to the occasion in an effort to better themselves?
Rick Acthley asked a question at the Pepperdine Lectures last year that still inspires and at times like the present, haunts me. He asked the elders in his class, “What is the one thing you pray for with respect to your churches as an elder?” As the word “p-e-a-c-e” formed in my brain he said, “Peace.” He followed that by saying in essence, the hope of having a “peace” is both unrealistic and paralyzing. There will always be someone unhappy with the “direction” of the church, the worship, the preacher, ect.
He encouraged us to be like those different pitchers at the homerun derby. Don’t worry about the hitter being unhappy with your pitches. They can’t hit a homerun if you never throw a pitch because you want the hitter to be at peace with you.
There you have it bloggers. My thoughts for the day as I head back to the tournament for tonight’s game.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Disclaimer
(Props to the Rev. for the template change. Do you guys still love me?)
Have you ever noticed that we live in a world of disclaimers? Almost without exception every commercial for a Car Dealership flashes in 1.2 nanoseconds, a disclaimer at the bottom of the T.V. screen as it advertises it’s “can’t miss deals.”
Disclaimers for prescription medicine are most interesting. “Taking “LaCecil” (made that up myself) can cause high blood pressure, night sweats, dry throat, diarrhea, an inordinate amount of body hair, and barking at full moons during the night.”
I had to give my son a disclaimer last night. He went 3 for 3 and also bunted in our winning run last (yea!) night. At his first at-bat, he hit a rocket down the third base line that the third baseman tried to backhand. He missed the ball completely when it bounced over his glove. I announced it as an error, “An Steven Walker reaches first on the error. That will put runners at first and second for the Tigers with no outs.”
After the game, Steven walked up with the lady who was keeping the “official book.” Steven said to me, “Dad, I went 3 for 3 tonight, just ask “Ms. Amy.” I look at Amy and she said, “That was a hard hit ball so I scored it a “hit.”” My disclaimer to Steven, “Good thing I’m just a silly announcer and not the “Official Scorer,” huh?” And then there was this past Sunday.
As I walked into the auditorium just before our service started, I noticed a whole row of visitors. I walked up and introduced myself. They told me they were from “X” (name has been changed to protect the municipality) in Alabama. Now, no offense Greg but as soon as I heard the “A” word, I was a bit worried. I figured the chances were these folks were more likely than not, from a coc that doesn’t like, endorse, or tolerate folks and churches that clap and lift hands during worship.
Dilemma #1:
Do I inform them that folks at out church have permission (as if they need it) to express themselves either in the extrovert or introvert mode? In other words, yes June, some folks here at Central will clap during singing.
My Decision:
Typical elder – decision by indecision. I chose not to bring up the subject and kind of let the clapping, I mean the chips fall where they may.
Result:
First song out of the box – lots of clapping. Row full of visitors – exit stage right. They left.
My Question:
What do you think about a disclaimer for visitors in the front of the bulletin? And really, “disclaimer” isn’t the word I would use but I’m bound by the rules of the current post to make the word “disclaimer” have meaning. I was thinking along the lines of a welcome statement to visitors that would read something like:
“We’d like to welcome you to our services today. You are our honored guests. During our worship today you will see a variety of reactions to the movement of the Holy Spirit as we worship God together. Collectively, our service is an acapella (without instruments) service. It is a tradition that we love and honor. Some folks will be inspired to clap and lift their hands during worship while others will be inspired to be more reflective and less demonstrative. We feel that both reactions to the moving of the Holy Spirit to be appropriate. We invite you to join us as we worship God in Spirit and truth.”
Like to hear from you bloggers. Let me know what you think as if I need to ask you.
P.S.
Meeting went well last night. More work to be done but it was a good first step. Thanks for the prayers.
Have you ever noticed that we live in a world of disclaimers? Almost without exception every commercial for a Car Dealership flashes in 1.2 nanoseconds, a disclaimer at the bottom of the T.V. screen as it advertises it’s “can’t miss deals.”
Disclaimers for prescription medicine are most interesting. “Taking “LaCecil” (made that up myself) can cause high blood pressure, night sweats, dry throat, diarrhea, an inordinate amount of body hair, and barking at full moons during the night.”
I had to give my son a disclaimer last night. He went 3 for 3 and also bunted in our winning run last (yea!) night. At his first at-bat, he hit a rocket down the third base line that the third baseman tried to backhand. He missed the ball completely when it bounced over his glove. I announced it as an error, “An Steven Walker reaches first on the error. That will put runners at first and second for the Tigers with no outs.”
After the game, Steven walked up with the lady who was keeping the “official book.” Steven said to me, “Dad, I went 3 for 3 tonight, just ask “Ms. Amy.” I look at Amy and she said, “That was a hard hit ball so I scored it a “hit.”” My disclaimer to Steven, “Good thing I’m just a silly announcer and not the “Official Scorer,” huh?” And then there was this past Sunday.
As I walked into the auditorium just before our service started, I noticed a whole row of visitors. I walked up and introduced myself. They told me they were from “X” (name has been changed to protect the municipality) in Alabama. Now, no offense Greg but as soon as I heard the “A” word, I was a bit worried. I figured the chances were these folks were more likely than not, from a coc that doesn’t like, endorse, or tolerate folks and churches that clap and lift hands during worship.
Dilemma #1:
Do I inform them that folks at out church have permission (as if they need it) to express themselves either in the extrovert or introvert mode? In other words, yes June, some folks here at Central will clap during singing.
My Decision:
Typical elder – decision by indecision. I chose not to bring up the subject and kind of let the clapping, I mean the chips fall where they may.
Result:
First song out of the box – lots of clapping. Row full of visitors – exit stage right. They left.
My Question:
What do you think about a disclaimer for visitors in the front of the bulletin? And really, “disclaimer” isn’t the word I would use but I’m bound by the rules of the current post to make the word “disclaimer” have meaning. I was thinking along the lines of a welcome statement to visitors that would read something like:
“We’d like to welcome you to our services today. You are our honored guests. During our worship today you will see a variety of reactions to the movement of the Holy Spirit as we worship God together. Collectively, our service is an acapella (without instruments) service. It is a tradition that we love and honor. Some folks will be inspired to clap and lift their hands during worship while others will be inspired to be more reflective and less demonstrative. We feel that both reactions to the moving of the Holy Spirit to be appropriate. We invite you to join us as we worship God in Spirit and truth.”
Like to hear from you bloggers. Let me know what you think as if I need to ask you.
P.S.
Meeting went well last night. More work to be done but it was a good first step. Thanks for the prayers.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Crossroads
First of all, let me say that I hate being cryptic with you guys but nevertheless, I’m going to be somewhat cryptic with this prayer request for me and for my church.
I have a meeting tonight that could potentially affect the leadership of this church and that would include yours truly. I need your prayers.
I am at the point where I don’t know what to pray for but I’ve been praying nonetheless.
I love you guys. I wish all of you lived close enough to me to come by the ball field tonight and pray for me before I go to my meeting.
Side Bar – Steven played 2 innings in left field for the Varsity last night as we beat Cocoa (home of “I Dream of Jeannie”) Beach 9 to 1. He plays for the J.V. tonight against Eau Gallie.
I have a meeting tonight that could potentially affect the leadership of this church and that would include yours truly. I need your prayers.
I am at the point where I don’t know what to pray for but I’ve been praying nonetheless.
I love you guys. I wish all of you lived close enough to me to come by the ball field tonight and pray for me before I go to my meeting.
Side Bar – Steven played 2 innings in left field for the Varsity last night as we beat Cocoa (home of “I Dream of Jeannie”) Beach 9 to 1. He plays for the J.V. tonight against Eau Gallie.
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Week-end.
What a weekend. We had a great weekend but I told my lovely wife that due to all that we did, I felt like the weekend lasted a week.
Thursday (I know this isn’t considered part of the weekend) – Our good friends Bob, Shelby, and their son Nathen arrived. They drive down from Columbia, S.C. It was a nice treat to have them down.
Thursday Night – Steven had a varsity game. He didn’t get to play. I announced the game in which we revenged an earlier loss by beating Titusville, 16 to 6 in 10 innings.
Friday – Off to school. Bob took Nathen out to Port Canaveral to enjoy some fishing.
Friday 2:15pm – Got out of school early. Bob and I played 9 holes of golf at the Viera East Golf Course. We had a great time. First golf for both of us in months. I was satisfied with my round having played with the same ball for all nine holes.
Friday – 5pm. Bob and I met Barb, Shelby, and Nathen at our local Lowe’s to trade of vehicles and passengers. Bob and Shelby headed out to Cocoa Beach to enjoy some time together. Barb, Nathen, and I drove down to Palm Bay High for Steven’s game. He ended up going 3 for 3 with 2 singles, 1 triple (!), and a walk. He also closed out the last 2 innings as we won 8 to 7.
Friday – 8pm – Met up with Bob and Shelby at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Palm Bay. We had a great time laughing, kidding, and eating.
Saturday – 7am – Got Steven up for Saturday’s 8am hitting practice.
Saturday – 9:30am – Bob, Nathen, and I drove down to the high school field to pick up Steven and his friend Ryan. We went over to the Little League field to throw some extra batting practice and to have some fun. This might have been the highlight of the day for me. The sky was blue, temps were in the high 60’s, and the kids were laughing and having a good time. I hated to leave.
Saturday – 12 noon – Camp Meeting in Melbourne. I always enjoy hooking up with Steve (aka “the Puckster) Puckett. I call Steve a “freak of nature” having been the minister for the Melbourne Church for over 20 years. If Steve ever moved or quit doing Camp I don’t think I would continue.
Saturday – 3pm – Returned to beautiful downtown West Cocoa. Took a nap!
Saturday – 6pm – Had dinner at Florida (Remember Randy) Seafood Restaurant with Bob’s family as well as Steven’s two friends, Ryan H. and Ryan P. The food was outstanding! Can’t beat the rock shrimp!
Sunday –
1. Bob’s family left for South Carolina around 7am.
2. Off to church.
3. Worship was good.
4. I’m working on a transition in our church leadership. Appreciate your prayers.
5. 4pm – Life Group meeting. I love small groups.
6. 6pm – Meeting at the building about #4.
7. 10pm – end of weekend and end of this blog.
Thursday (I know this isn’t considered part of the weekend) – Our good friends Bob, Shelby, and their son Nathen arrived. They drive down from Columbia, S.C. It was a nice treat to have them down.
Thursday Night – Steven had a varsity game. He didn’t get to play. I announced the game in which we revenged an earlier loss by beating Titusville, 16 to 6 in 10 innings.
Friday – Off to school. Bob took Nathen out to Port Canaveral to enjoy some fishing.
Friday 2:15pm – Got out of school early. Bob and I played 9 holes of golf at the Viera East Golf Course. We had a great time. First golf for both of us in months. I was satisfied with my round having played with the same ball for all nine holes.
Friday – 5pm. Bob and I met Barb, Shelby, and Nathen at our local Lowe’s to trade of vehicles and passengers. Bob and Shelby headed out to Cocoa Beach to enjoy some time together. Barb, Nathen, and I drove down to Palm Bay High for Steven’s game. He ended up going 3 for 3 with 2 singles, 1 triple (!), and a walk. He also closed out the last 2 innings as we won 8 to 7.
Friday – 8pm – Met up with Bob and Shelby at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Palm Bay. We had a great time laughing, kidding, and eating.
Saturday – 7am – Got Steven up for Saturday’s 8am hitting practice.
Saturday – 9:30am – Bob, Nathen, and I drove down to the high school field to pick up Steven and his friend Ryan. We went over to the Little League field to throw some extra batting practice and to have some fun. This might have been the highlight of the day for me. The sky was blue, temps were in the high 60’s, and the kids were laughing and having a good time. I hated to leave.
Saturday – 12 noon – Camp Meeting in Melbourne. I always enjoy hooking up with Steve (aka “the Puckster) Puckett. I call Steve a “freak of nature” having been the minister for the Melbourne Church for over 20 years. If Steve ever moved or quit doing Camp I don’t think I would continue.
Saturday – 3pm – Returned to beautiful downtown West Cocoa. Took a nap!
Saturday – 6pm – Had dinner at Florida (Remember Randy) Seafood Restaurant with Bob’s family as well as Steven’s two friends, Ryan H. and Ryan P. The food was outstanding! Can’t beat the rock shrimp!
Sunday –
1. Bob’s family left for South Carolina around 7am.
2. Off to church.
3. Worship was good.
4. I’m working on a transition in our church leadership. Appreciate your prayers.
5. 4pm – Life Group meeting. I love small groups.
6. 6pm – Meeting at the building about #4.
7. 10pm – end of weekend and end of this blog.
Friday, March 17, 2006
In the Zone
I’ve heard and used the phrase “in the zone” mostly during sporting events. There was the night in 1992 when Michael Jordan hit six three-point shots in the first half of Game one of the NBA Finals. He was certainly in “the zone.”
My son Steven has been on hitting streaks where the baseball seems as big as a softball. He was certainly in “the zone” and he needs to get back in it tonight vs. Palm Bay.
I was in “a zone” the other day, a speed zone. Now before you go busting my chops about an elder speeding I was actually on the other end of “the zone.” I was “running” my 2 and a half mile route while Steven had practice. Part of my route takes me through the parking lot of Brevard Community College. As I was “sprinting” I came up on a security guard who was running a radar gun. I was praying, “Please Lord, don’t let the rent-a-cop embarrass me.” He did. As I passed him he yelled out, “7 miles per hour buddy. I need to give you a ticket for going too slow!” I wanted to yell back, “Why don’t you get your fat “bu-tra” out of that golf cart and join me in my run/walk/crawl.” I didn’t. I just smiled and kept on with my 7mph sprint! I was in “the zone” but it was a very slow zone.
I know there must be times when Greg, Randy, Brady, Keith, Steve, and John feel like they’re in “the zone” when they’re preaching. It must seem like every point is flowing off the PowerPoint presentation, scriptures are coming at ease, and all the sermon illustrations are relevant. I’ll bet during those times when you’re in “the zone,” time itself must seem to stand still for you guys while for the rest of us, it seems that you have forgotten what “time zone” you’re in. Sorry guys, just kidding. You know I love you.
Paul must have been in “the zone” when he wrote in Phil. 3:
3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing 36 Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,3:10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the 37 fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;3:11 in 38 order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
That’s “the zone” I want to be in, the one where everything of this world seems as useless (thanks for the word and definition Greg, see his March 14th post @ http://stoogeman.blogspot.com/) as skubala!
Have a good weekend bloggers. Enjoy being in the zone.
My son Steven has been on hitting streaks where the baseball seems as big as a softball. He was certainly in “the zone” and he needs to get back in it tonight vs. Palm Bay.
I was in “a zone” the other day, a speed zone. Now before you go busting my chops about an elder speeding I was actually on the other end of “the zone.” I was “running” my 2 and a half mile route while Steven had practice. Part of my route takes me through the parking lot of Brevard Community College. As I was “sprinting” I came up on a security guard who was running a radar gun. I was praying, “Please Lord, don’t let the rent-a-cop embarrass me.” He did. As I passed him he yelled out, “7 miles per hour buddy. I need to give you a ticket for going too slow!” I wanted to yell back, “Why don’t you get your fat “bu-tra” out of that golf cart and join me in my run/walk/crawl.” I didn’t. I just smiled and kept on with my 7mph sprint! I was in “the zone” but it was a very slow zone.
I know there must be times when Greg, Randy, Brady, Keith, Steve, and John feel like they’re in “the zone” when they’re preaching. It must seem like every point is flowing off the PowerPoint presentation, scriptures are coming at ease, and all the sermon illustrations are relevant. I’ll bet during those times when you’re in “the zone,” time itself must seem to stand still for you guys while for the rest of us, it seems that you have forgotten what “time zone” you’re in. Sorry guys, just kidding. You know I love you.
Paul must have been in “the zone” when he wrote in Phil. 3:
3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing 36 Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,3:10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the 37 fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;3:11 in 38 order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
That’s “the zone” I want to be in, the one where everything of this world seems as useless (thanks for the word and definition Greg, see his March 14th post @ http://stoogeman.blogspot.com/) as skubala!
Have a good weekend bloggers. Enjoy being in the zone.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Refreshing
I love refreshing experiences. One of the things that have always gotten me through the times when I’ve exerted myself (cutting and weed-whacking my ½ acre, helping out hurricane victims in Miami, running) is the thought that my “pain” will end with a cool drink of water. There are days the water coming out of a fountain or bottle tastes like the finest champagne not that I know what that tastes like, lately.
There was the interview with Tony Battie, a player for the Orlando Magic, who was instrumental in their overtime win against the Utah Jazz. He was asked what he thought of their 4 or 5 game home winning streak. In essence he said, “We’re professionals so we need to be playing hard every night. We owe that to the organization and the fans. So we work hard and play hard. Sometimes we’ll come out on top and sometimes it won’t be enough but the bottom line is we give it our all each night.”
Wow! Not that’s refreshing. His attitude is very much opposite to Allan Iverson’s “Practice, practice, man we’re talking about practice” statement.
Last night we had a visitor from Altamonte (Greg loves riding with me to Altamonte Springs) Springs. L (a page from Brady’s blog-book) is spending the week at Cocoa Beach with his family. His oldest son, R, became good friends with our son Steven during Teen Week at Bible Camp. L told us he decided to take some time out of their vacation to visit “this church” that our son was from. He said L couldn’t stop talking about how nice Steven was and how they grew closer to God together during Teen Week.
Steven is like any other 15 soon to be 16 year old, he can have his moments but it’s refreshing to hear someone talk about your son in a positive, spiritual light.
But as we all know, for the human soul to be truly refreshed we must drink the living water that Jesus spoke of in John 4. This world, our schedules, people, and yes, even at times “the church” can drain us and cause us to thirst. Thank you God for allowing your Son and His Spirit to refresh us in our times of thirst.
My fellow bloggers – have one on me today.
John 4:7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."4:8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.4:9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."4:11 She said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water?4:12 "You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?"4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again;4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
There was the interview with Tony Battie, a player for the Orlando Magic, who was instrumental in their overtime win against the Utah Jazz. He was asked what he thought of their 4 or 5 game home winning streak. In essence he said, “We’re professionals so we need to be playing hard every night. We owe that to the organization and the fans. So we work hard and play hard. Sometimes we’ll come out on top and sometimes it won’t be enough but the bottom line is we give it our all each night.”
Wow! Not that’s refreshing. His attitude is very much opposite to Allan Iverson’s “Practice, practice, man we’re talking about practice” statement.
Last night we had a visitor from Altamonte (Greg loves riding with me to Altamonte Springs) Springs. L (a page from Brady’s blog-book) is spending the week at Cocoa Beach with his family. His oldest son, R, became good friends with our son Steven during Teen Week at Bible Camp. L told us he decided to take some time out of their vacation to visit “this church” that our son was from. He said L couldn’t stop talking about how nice Steven was and how they grew closer to God together during Teen Week.
Steven is like any other 15 soon to be 16 year old, he can have his moments but it’s refreshing to hear someone talk about your son in a positive, spiritual light.
But as we all know, for the human soul to be truly refreshed we must drink the living water that Jesus spoke of in John 4. This world, our schedules, people, and yes, even at times “the church” can drain us and cause us to thirst. Thank you God for allowing your Son and His Spirit to refresh us in our times of thirst.
My fellow bloggers – have one on me today.
John 4:7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."4:8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.4:9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."4:11 She said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water?4:12 "You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?"4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again;4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
I've Got A (some) Name(s)
For the second time (to my knowledge) in my career I’ve been immortalized by one of my students by hanging the moniker, “a _ _ h_ _ _” on my person in print. The following was written my one of my students and intercepted by a fellow teacher:
“I’m so bored. I’m kinda scared to get my report card. I think since after that fight we had we are better friends now. It’s a good thing. I don’t like arguing wit pple. I heard what you said to _______. Do think I could take her? I do. Mr. Walker is an a _ _ h _ _ _ foshow.”
There you have it grammar fans. Her analysis of me seems to be an afterthought and she goes on to talk about going camping.
Isn’t it funny how we can be known by different names or labels? I’m just now getting use to being introduced or introducing myself as an “elder.” I’ve heard some refer to me as a shepherd. Those that really know me probably think that particular title is very appropriate due to my “hairy state.”
We went out for pizza after Steven’s game last night. Sidebar – Steven went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice bunt that brought in our only run as we lost 3 to 1. Steven played 2b and had some nice put-outs.
I’ve coached several of the boys at Cocoa Little League. They still refer to me as “Coach.”
My favorite moniker is the one my wife uses when she emails me, “My Sweet Husband.”
The name I look forward to hearing the most is the one that Jesus will use when I meet him in eternity, “Faithful servant.” There are days when I think I’ll never hear him call me by that name. Thank God that despite my pitiful performance at times, the probability of my hearing that name spoken by our Lord is 1!
“I’m so bored. I’m kinda scared to get my report card. I think since after that fight we had we are better friends now. It’s a good thing. I don’t like arguing wit pple. I heard what you said to _______. Do think I could take her? I do. Mr. Walker is an a _ _ h _ _ _ foshow.”
There you have it grammar fans. Her analysis of me seems to be an afterthought and she goes on to talk about going camping.
Isn’t it funny how we can be known by different names or labels? I’m just now getting use to being introduced or introducing myself as an “elder.” I’ve heard some refer to me as a shepherd. Those that really know me probably think that particular title is very appropriate due to my “hairy state.”
We went out for pizza after Steven’s game last night. Sidebar – Steven went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice bunt that brought in our only run as we lost 3 to 1. Steven played 2b and had some nice put-outs.
I’ve coached several of the boys at Cocoa Little League. They still refer to me as “Coach.”
My favorite moniker is the one my wife uses when she emails me, “My Sweet Husband.”
The name I look forward to hearing the most is the one that Jesus will use when I meet him in eternity, “Faithful servant.” There are days when I think I’ll never hear him call me by that name. Thank God that despite my pitiful performance at times, the probability of my hearing that name spoken by our Lord is 1!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Life in a Group
Our weekend didn’t start out too well. Steven was surprisingly told to play with the J.V. Friday. He wasn’t too happy but he was intent on making the best of the situation. He gave me a nice hug when I brought him a burger from B.K. before the game. Of course most teenage boys will hug you if you offer them food. He was leading off and starting at 2b. He ran out an infield hit on his first at bat. The next batter bunted and Steven tried to leg it out to third were he was summarily thrown out. To compound things he didn’t slide and it really ticked off the coach. He pulled him from the game. Steven was reinserted in the last inning and popped up to third. He was a down teen that night.
The next day was kind of fun as they played a 100-inning game to raise some money. Each half of the inning was counted as a full inning so it was really a 50 inning game. The coaches played and players could play were ever they wanted. A pitching machine was used to throw pitches. I managed to get in a jog of a couple of miles and still watch 40 innings!
That was fun and relaxing but I couldn’t wait to get to church Sunday. Thank goodness for our church familes. They remind us of what is really important in this life. We had a rep from Eastern European Missions speak to our combined Sunday School. The stories he told us of how teachers and educators in Russia are begging for the Bible to be taught in their schools to help replace the lost morals of their society was heart warming. I wanted to jump a plane to Moscow or Siberia to join in the effort.
We also had our first life group meetings yesterday. It was encouraging to actually sit face to face with a group of folks and discuss spiritual matters. We prayed for each other and it was nice to hear some of the women in our group pray. They bring a perspective to prayer that we miss for the most part in our assembly in Cocoa. I look forward to growing closer to the members in our group just as I have grown closer to all of you.
Have a good week fellow bloggers. Don’t have too much fun this week Greg and Randy.
The next day was kind of fun as they played a 100-inning game to raise some money. Each half of the inning was counted as a full inning so it was really a 50 inning game. The coaches played and players could play were ever they wanted. A pitching machine was used to throw pitches. I managed to get in a jog of a couple of miles and still watch 40 innings!
That was fun and relaxing but I couldn’t wait to get to church Sunday. Thank goodness for our church familes. They remind us of what is really important in this life. We had a rep from Eastern European Missions speak to our combined Sunday School. The stories he told us of how teachers and educators in Russia are begging for the Bible to be taught in their schools to help replace the lost morals of their society was heart warming. I wanted to jump a plane to Moscow or Siberia to join in the effort.
We also had our first life group meetings yesterday. It was encouraging to actually sit face to face with a group of folks and discuss spiritual matters. We prayed for each other and it was nice to hear some of the women in our group pray. They bring a perspective to prayer that we miss for the most part in our assembly in Cocoa. I look forward to growing closer to the members in our group just as I have grown closer to all of you.
Have a good week fellow bloggers. Don’t have too much fun this week Greg and Randy.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Prayer Request
We have a nice young couple (Nathan and Crystal) living in our upstairs apartment. When they first moved to Cocoa from Kansas, Crystal was suffering seizures. These seizures wouldn’t last very long but their effects were almost devastating to their young marriage. Crystal told us some of the effects of the seizures varied from running outside naked from their apartment and trying to open a car door as they were driving down a major highway. She said their cumulative effect was starting to change her personality and her feeling towards her husband.
When they arrived in Cocoa she was able to get her medication regulated and for a while the seizures stopped. Eventually she was able to go off her medication. This past week she had her first seizure in months. She has stopped driving and is now on medication once again. She said she and Nate are worried that the seizures will continue.
To top all of this off, Nate was assaulted by one of his co-workers 2 weeks ago. The co-worker punched Nathan in the mouth and broke his jaw. Nathan’s boss reluctantly fired the man but is now making Nathan work extra hours to pick up the slack from being down a worker.
Nathan and Crystal need your prayers. I thank you ahead of time for your prayers on their behalf.
Steven Add - On:
For the first time in a couple of weeks, Steven did not have to “swing” down and play with the J.V. at Merritt Island last night. The Head Coach told him he’ll play with the varsity against Bayside on Friday despite the fact that the J.V. will be playing at home in Cocoa against Bayside’s J.V. This could mean some playing time for him with the varsity on Friday. I hope so.
If it does I probably won’t be there. This coming Friday will be the J.V.’s first home game of the season. Tom Welsh and I share the announcing duties and since his son is a junior on the varsity, I’ll probably defer and announce the J.V. game at Cocoa so Tom can watch his son play down in Bayside. What a nice guy I am.
I guess I better warm up the baseball pipes:
“That’s a nice play by brothers Steven and J.D. Schills as they turn the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning for the Tigers.”
When they arrived in Cocoa she was able to get her medication regulated and for a while the seizures stopped. Eventually she was able to go off her medication. This past week she had her first seizure in months. She has stopped driving and is now on medication once again. She said she and Nate are worried that the seizures will continue.
To top all of this off, Nate was assaulted by one of his co-workers 2 weeks ago. The co-worker punched Nathan in the mouth and broke his jaw. Nathan’s boss reluctantly fired the man but is now making Nathan work extra hours to pick up the slack from being down a worker.
Nathan and Crystal need your prayers. I thank you ahead of time for your prayers on their behalf.
Steven Add - On:
For the first time in a couple of weeks, Steven did not have to “swing” down and play with the J.V. at Merritt Island last night. The Head Coach told him he’ll play with the varsity against Bayside on Friday despite the fact that the J.V. will be playing at home in Cocoa against Bayside’s J.V. This could mean some playing time for him with the varsity on Friday. I hope so.
If it does I probably won’t be there. This coming Friday will be the J.V.’s first home game of the season. Tom Welsh and I share the announcing duties and since his son is a junior on the varsity, I’ll probably defer and announce the J.V. game at Cocoa so Tom can watch his son play down in Bayside. What a nice guy I am.
I guess I better warm up the baseball pipes:
“That’s a nice play by brothers Steven and J.D. Schills as they turn the 6-4-3 double play to end the inning for the Tigers.”
Monday, March 06, 2006
Name of Post has been Changed due to Praise!
Happy Monday.
As I type we still haven’t heard news on Barb’s C.T. scan. We found out why on Friday. My sister-in-law Karen had an appointment with Barb’s doctor on Friday. She explained to Barb’s doctor that she was just a little stressed out awaiting the results. The doctor took Karen by his office and pointed to his desk. Apparently there was quite a stack of mail, scans, and what ever else a doctor is sent through the mail piled high on his desk. So keep Barb in your prayers as well as just pray for her state of mind as we await the results.
PRAISE REPORT -
I just received a call from Barbara. The scan was CLEAR!!! Let's say that again bloggers - "The scan was C-L-E-A-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praise God and thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your prayers!!!!!!!!
I love you guys.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow!!!
Last night at our church we held something that will not occur for the next 3 months – a “traditional” (as our neighboring church might say) Sunday evening service. For the next 3 months Central will enter into a new phase of it’s life – small groups. We have approximately 150 people signed up for about 11 groups. As an elder I’m just plain excited about the possibilities for personal growth and outreach for our members. I’ve been involved personally in small groups in the past. I relish the close bonds you build with folks in your group. I just pray that our groups will perform the mathematical function of multiplication as we reach out to folks in our spheres of influence using the non-threatening medium.
We’re going to stop for the summer and re-evaluate for the Fall. How about this for a blogger question –
If you’ve been involved with small groups in the past or currently, comment on a positive and, or, a negative experience or aspect for this Rookie. I look forward to your comments.
As I type we still haven’t heard news on Barb’s C.T. scan. We found out why on Friday. My sister-in-law Karen had an appointment with Barb’s doctor on Friday. She explained to Barb’s doctor that she was just a little stressed out awaiting the results. The doctor took Karen by his office and pointed to his desk. Apparently there was quite a stack of mail, scans, and what ever else a doctor is sent through the mail piled high on his desk. So keep Barb in your prayers as well as just pray for her state of mind as we await the results.
PRAISE REPORT -
I just received a call from Barbara. The scan was CLEAR!!! Let's say that again bloggers - "The scan was C-L-E-A-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praise God and thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your prayers!!!!!!!!
I love you guys.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow!!!
Last night at our church we held something that will not occur for the next 3 months – a “traditional” (as our neighboring church might say) Sunday evening service. For the next 3 months Central will enter into a new phase of it’s life – small groups. We have approximately 150 people signed up for about 11 groups. As an elder I’m just plain excited about the possibilities for personal growth and outreach for our members. I’ve been involved personally in small groups in the past. I relish the close bonds you build with folks in your group. I just pray that our groups will perform the mathematical function of multiplication as we reach out to folks in our spheres of influence using the non-threatening medium.
We’re going to stop for the summer and re-evaluate for the Fall. How about this for a blogger question –
If you’ve been involved with small groups in the past or currently, comment on a positive and, or, a negative experience or aspect for this Rookie. I look forward to your comments.
Friday, March 03, 2006
No News Yet
No news yet on Barb. The C.T. scan results are in to our doctor but he chose to take yesterday (reminds me of Greg’s blog about availability) off. Please keep Barb in your prayers. She was somewhat emotional this morning. The threat of cancer can be stressful.
Steven didn’t get to play in last night’s win against Eau Gallie, 7 to 4. Team is looking good. Steven is keeping a stiff upper lip. He told me last night that he is going to show his “stuff” in practice today.
Have a good weekend guys.
Steven didn’t get to play in last night’s win against Eau Gallie, 7 to 4. Team is looking good. Steven is keeping a stiff upper lip. He told me last night that he is going to show his “stuff” in practice today.
Have a good weekend guys.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
I Didn't Say It.
Hi Gang.
Still no word from the Radiologist concerning Barb's C.T. scan. Thank you for your continued prayers on her behalf.
Steven played in the J.V. game last night vs. (yes Steve, I'm not kidding) Satellite's J.V. team. He played 3rd and short the whole game. We won the game 6 to 5. The game did feature some fireworks and poor sportsmanship.
Satellite was threatening to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th. They had a runner on 2nd with no outs. The batter hit one to deep right field. Our RF caught the ball and threw it home. The kid on 2nd tagged up and tried to score and in this High School Baseball Announcer's opinion, he slid under the tag at home. Fortunately the incompentent homeplate umpire was incompetent in our favor as he called the Satellite runner out.
The 3rd base coach blew up. He ran up to the umpire and argued with him to no avail. As he walked back to the coaching box he yelled out the f-word. At this point our fans began yelling at the ump insisting that he eject the coach. I know you'll have a hard time believing this but I was yelling as well. I told the ump that kind of behavior had no place in high school ball. As our coach was protesting the Satellite's Coach's behavior, the coach stopped, looked at us and yelled, "I didn't say a cuss word!"
I know my hearing isn't as good as it used to be but I'm fairly sure the coach wasn't wishing the "blue" lots of "luck." The umpires furthered showed their lack of control of the game by not ejecting the coach.
In Steven's third at bat, he was hit on his left elbow by a pitch. As he was rubbing his elbow and walking towards first, the ump told him to come back because he had fouled the pitch off with his bat! It took the first base ump, our coach, and the ball mark on Steven's elbow to change the homeplate umpire's mind and they "awarded" first base to Steven.
Steven plays with the Varsity today as we travel to Eau Gallie.
How about a blog question. Have you ever been in the shoes (hopefully not the mouth) of the third base coach in which you did something that you knew was wrong but tried to deny it? Should we excuse Greg from this one? Just kidding Greg.
Have a good day bloggers.
Still no word from the Radiologist concerning Barb's C.T. scan. Thank you for your continued prayers on her behalf.
Steven played in the J.V. game last night vs. (yes Steve, I'm not kidding) Satellite's J.V. team. He played 3rd and short the whole game. We won the game 6 to 5. The game did feature some fireworks and poor sportsmanship.
Satellite was threatening to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th. They had a runner on 2nd with no outs. The batter hit one to deep right field. Our RF caught the ball and threw it home. The kid on 2nd tagged up and tried to score and in this High School Baseball Announcer's opinion, he slid under the tag at home. Fortunately the incompentent homeplate umpire was incompetent in our favor as he called the Satellite runner out.
The 3rd base coach blew up. He ran up to the umpire and argued with him to no avail. As he walked back to the coaching box he yelled out the f-word. At this point our fans began yelling at the ump insisting that he eject the coach. I know you'll have a hard time believing this but I was yelling as well. I told the ump that kind of behavior had no place in high school ball. As our coach was protesting the Satellite's Coach's behavior, the coach stopped, looked at us and yelled, "I didn't say a cuss word!"
I know my hearing isn't as good as it used to be but I'm fairly sure the coach wasn't wishing the "blue" lots of "luck." The umpires furthered showed their lack of control of the game by not ejecting the coach.
In Steven's third at bat, he was hit on his left elbow by a pitch. As he was rubbing his elbow and walking towards first, the ump told him to come back because he had fouled the pitch off with his bat! It took the first base ump, our coach, and the ball mark on Steven's elbow to change the homeplate umpire's mind and they "awarded" first base to Steven.
Steven plays with the Varsity today as we travel to Eau Gallie.
How about a blog question. Have you ever been in the shoes (hopefully not the mouth) of the third base coach in which you did something that you knew was wrong but tried to deny it? Should we excuse Greg from this one? Just kidding Greg.
Have a good day bloggers.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Inspiring Young Minds
Good morning.
Barb had her C.T. scan yesterday. It went well but we won’t know the results for 24 to 48 hours, hopefully. I appreciate all of you that are lifting Barb up in prayer.
We won our game last night with Astronaut H.S., 10 – 0. Steven didn’t see any action tonight. The coach told him that he hadn’t forgot about him but it was going to be tough to crack the lineup now that our “basketball players” had returned to the team. Steven is “swinging down” to play with the J.V. tonight at (get this Steve) Satellite (I’m not making these names up) H.S.. The coach did tell him that he wanted him to get his swings in for the week. He did bench one of the freshman starters who hasn’t hit well in the past few games and the other freshman starter went “0 for” last night as well. I told Steven to be patient and keep working hard, his chance will come.
Now to a funny school story:
We have what appears to be a building on top of our roof here at Kennedy Middle. I think it housed some scientific equipment at one time. One of the teachers told her kids that there is a pool on our roof in that building and if someone could find the lost key, they could have pool privileges.
One of my students, Joe, asked me about his pool and the missing key. I told him that not only was the key missing but it is one of those rare “left-handed keys!” He asked for the specs on this left-handed key and I gave him the following:
1. A key obviously made for your left hand.
2. Will only unlock “pool lock” if held in left hand.
Being the gullible 7th grader that he is, he bought the story until today. He came up to me in class and said, “Mr. Walker, there is no such thing as a left-handed key.” I asked him how he could be so sure of himself and he said, “I Google it last night.”
There you have it left-handed key fans; I motivated one of my students to Google an inquiry about a left-handed key! I wonder what else I can motivate them to do?
What do you think? Do you have any suggestions? Bring them on.
Barb had her C.T. scan yesterday. It went well but we won’t know the results for 24 to 48 hours, hopefully. I appreciate all of you that are lifting Barb up in prayer.
We won our game last night with Astronaut H.S., 10 – 0. Steven didn’t see any action tonight. The coach told him that he hadn’t forgot about him but it was going to be tough to crack the lineup now that our “basketball players” had returned to the team. Steven is “swinging down” to play with the J.V. tonight at (get this Steve) Satellite (I’m not making these names up) H.S.. The coach did tell him that he wanted him to get his swings in for the week. He did bench one of the freshman starters who hasn’t hit well in the past few games and the other freshman starter went “0 for” last night as well. I told Steven to be patient and keep working hard, his chance will come.
Now to a funny school story:
We have what appears to be a building on top of our roof here at Kennedy Middle. I think it housed some scientific equipment at one time. One of the teachers told her kids that there is a pool on our roof in that building and if someone could find the lost key, they could have pool privileges.
One of my students, Joe, asked me about his pool and the missing key. I told him that not only was the key missing but it is one of those rare “left-handed keys!” He asked for the specs on this left-handed key and I gave him the following:
1. A key obviously made for your left hand.
2. Will only unlock “pool lock” if held in left hand.
Being the gullible 7th grader that he is, he bought the story until today. He came up to me in class and said, “Mr. Walker, there is no such thing as a left-handed key.” I asked him how he could be so sure of himself and he said, “I Google it last night.”
There you have it left-handed key fans; I motivated one of my students to Google an inquiry about a left-handed key! I wonder what else I can motivate them to do?
What do you think? Do you have any suggestions? Bring them on.
