Sharon and I have a “hectic stretch” ahead of us for the next few months. It’s a reminder that when there seems to be fewer hours in the day to accomplish what we need, I need to pray more and spend more time in the Word. If I’m not careful, I will leave God out […]
Coaches Beware-It’s Contagious Coaches, teachers and parents talk about it. Players are probably sick of hearing about it. But, it is a precious possession, a key that unlocks the door to success and an incredibly valuable gift to give others. Without it, you are doomed to failure and misery. It’s not only a possession, but […]
“Never place your identity in something that can be taken away.” (Tim Elmore) As a young minor league pitcher with dreams of pitching in the Major Leagues, my entire identity was as a baseball player. Even though the life of a minor league player is far less than glamorous, I was living the dream. After […]
Joy is the kind of happiness that doesn’t Depend on what happens.” (Unknown) “Happy New Year!” This is the exaltation we hear every year on New Year’s Eve and throughout January. I like it. I like it because people are proclaiming hope for those they greet and for themselves, as well. The “New Year” always reminds me […]
“Christmas, my child is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” Dale Evans Rogers My favorite Scrooge actor is Alistair Sims. His gift of expression in portraying a man without Christ in Christmas and a man with Christ in Christmas is priceless. The Christmas Challenge Recently, our little town of Wilmore, […]
During this very special holiday, I would like to share a brief excerpt from a Thanksgiving letter recently received from my good friend, Dale Ditto: “The history of Thanksgiving shows many examples of how Americans have given thanks in the midst of hardship. In 1621, after suffering through a harsh New England winter and […]
“To us, family means putting our arms around each other and being there.” (Barbara Bush) Sharon and I had been planning all year to help lead over 150 Americans on a short term mission trip we all simply call the “November Baseball Outreach.” Depending on who is asked, this is either the 11th or 12th “Outreach” […]
During the summer of ’68, I was fortunate enough to play American Legion Baseball in Bowling Green, KY. Even though it was only 30 miles away, in those days it was a sacrifice for my parents to allow me to make this drive three or four times each week. As a 16-years old country boy, […]
“I never question the integrity of an umpire. Their eyesight, yes!” Leo Durocher Hall of Fame baseball Coach Ron Polk shares the story about an altercation he had while coaching a competitive game with his Mississippi State Bulldogs in front of a packed stadium at the University of Arkansas. Ron felt the home plate umpire […]
“Defeat should never be a source of discouragement, but rather a fresh stimulus.” Robert South Feeling discouraged? Do you have the blues? Losing streaks, slumps, bad investments, a job loss or even the weather can bring us down. Here’s an idea…do something good for someone else today; write a note to an elderly friend, thank […]