Rain...Rain..Stay Away

The rain delay for game three was 1:39, but it is underway now! With a 10:07 first pitch, it will be a late night, but I am up for the challenge. I may sleep through church, but I am up for the challenge!

Hooray or Booray

Last night Ray's loss was a tough one. Fortunately for me, I had already fallen asleep and learned of the meltdown this morning. I give mad props to the BoSox for not giving up. Although I was officially on the record (with my wife) stating that Boston would win Game 5.

So now the series comes back to the Trop. It will be interesting to see how the Rays respond. Hopefully they will be able to focus on the things they have done to be up 3-2.

Game 6-Staurday night. Go Rays!

The smell of a new book..."The Shape of Mercy"

We just recently got a new book that I wanted to give you a heads up on. Mandie read it first, so I asked her to tell you about it.

" I just recently got done reading a book called "The Shape of Mercy". It is about this girl who takes on this project to transcribe a really old journal from the Salem Witch trials. Mercy, is a girl from this time period who is accused of being a witch and the journal is her account of that experience.
Now if you are into history even slightly(and even if you aren't) you will love this book. This book tells two different stories in one book. You not only walk through the main character of the book but you also read through the journal of Mercy as she goes through the Salem witch trials. This author is so refreshing as she engages you in both stories. The best part of this book is that it tackles the concept of passing judgement without knowledge both in the 1600's and today. And you see that the effects while slightly different, still have the same consequences. The author also weaves the powerful theme of love through this book and how its healing powers can overcome this judgement. This book is a must read. I read it in about two days and loved every second."

So there you have it. Mandie couldn't put it down and I bet you will not be able to either. It released last month and you should be able to get it almost anywhere.




http://www.amazon.com/Shape-Mercy-Novel-Susan-Meissner/dp/1400074568/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224278263&sr=8-1

You haven't earned anything!

You ever get to the point where you think you are owed something? Like you've earned the right to behave a certain way?

Whether you realize it or not, it happens all the time. I am finding this to be so true in my everyday life. I feel like I have the right to yell at the guy who pulled out in front of me. I feel like things haven't been going my way, so I deserve to chance to make myself feel better. The list can go on and on.

It is these things where most of our struggles with the flesh take place. God calls us to deny ourselves, our selfish nature and do what pleases Him instead of what pleases me.

It is humbling to notice how little you see this in our culture. Just today, a guy at my work, lost his cool and completely went off on a co-worker. If you asked him, he probably has a laundry list of reasons that justified his action. Position, power, provocation are not acceptable answers when we have to explain to God why we behaved a particular way. After all, Jesus said he came to serve instead of be served. What a challenge for us to do the same.

I challenge you the next time you feel like you have the right to behave incorrectly...serve that person. It may not instantly gratify your desire for revenge, but in the end you please God and become more like Him...And that's totally worth it.

Playoff Payoff

I was at game two of the Tampa Bay Rays ALDS series with the Chicago White Sox Friday night. It was off the chain! The entire night was incred.

We were actually able to get through Tampa and St. Pete with enough time to see some batting practice. My year long theme of tough batting practice luck continued. A ball headed straight for me got stuck in the catwalk. I guess that's what I get for supporting a team that plays in a parking garage. Then, a lady who was walking up the stairs, not facing the field, got a batting practice ball. I was sick!

Our seats were pretty good. We were in the upper deck in left field. There was an awesome family behind us and a couple of Sox fan in front of us. It was fun to be within earshot of the opposition.

My voice was gone by the third inning, but I gave it all I had. I left it all in the stadium. Fortunately, we won the game, and I was able to go home happy.

The best part of the night was on the way out of Tropicana Field. As we made the winding trek from the third deck back to ground level. I noticed an old lady waving her hands in the air. in each hand, she held pictures of White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, wearing a baby bonnet and pacifier in mouth. JD and I had already been booing Pierzynski all night, so I motioned for him to take a gander at the lady. We started cheering for her, which sent her into a raucous dance. She was so proud of her handiwork and I was proud to know that Little old ladies like to heckle.

Sing Their Rayses

The Rays won their first ever playoff game! I didn't get to watch it but I heard it from my desk while my boss watched it.

Tomorrow is game two and I am going to be there. I am so pumped! It will be my first playoff game. Hopefully, they will keep it rolling. WE ARE ONE TEAM!