Friday, August 28, 2009

Going It Alone

Eric Bruntlett didn't plan it. You can't plan something that remarkable. He wasn't even on his best game. He was playing his position just like he had done every time before, but this time he was in the right spot at the right time. The opportunity came and Bruntlett seized it. The stage was set. It was the 9th ending. A runner was on first base and one was on 2nd base. The pitch was 2-2. Both runners were intent on stealing the next base. Jeff Francoeur hit a line drive and Eric grabbed it for his first out. Bruntlett stepped on 2nd base for the 2nd out and then tagged the player trying to steal 2nd base for his third out. Amazing!

He was shocked. It happened so fast, he didn't even realize what was happening until the event was history. Eric Bruntlett made three outs all by himself to end the Philles vs Mets game. It has only happened 15 times in MLB history and only twice that such a play ended a game.

This event reminded me of 3 things:
1. Play your position diligently. I must be faithful and conscientious to do what I've been called to do.
2. See and seize opportunities while they are still opportunities. I must constantly be aware of what is going on around me. They present opportunities that expire, so I must grab them and act on them while they are there. Opportunities to help meet a practical need, to pray for them when they are sick or to witness to them when the door opens.
3. Never loose sight of your goal. In baseball it's winning the game, plain and simple. For a believer it's building God's kingdom. It's not about being a super star or winning people's applause. All our actions should go through the sieve labeled "Does this glorify God?"

There is one more thought I had about Eric's praiseworthy accomplishment-he did it alone. But I am so thankful that God never intended for me to do it alone. He promised He would be with me. He would dwell in me and help me do everything He has called me to do. I am deeply grateful for His indwelling ability that saturates every area of my life: relationships, work, faith, my body, my mind and my life.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I love being a Grandma!


We were sitting at the table eating lunch. Brayden and Karyn were chattering back and forth when Wayne interjected. One time I went hunting. I killed a turkey and a coon and a potfor. Karyn fell for it hook line and sinker...what's a potfor (pot for)? To cook it in, silly! Karyn begin to laugh contagiously. Brayden didn't get it but he laughed. We all laughed for a long time, mostly because Karyn thought the joke was so funny. It was Brayden's turn to tell a joke and we all laughed again. It was the typical four year old type joke, but we still laughed.

I love being a grandma. I love playing "Hide and Go Seek" with them...running with them (They are still young enough I really could out run them. That's great!) Building cardboard and sheet houses over the furniture seems to be one of their favorite. Ashlynn is still young enough that she even likes my singing. She'll outgrow that really fast. The others are polite, but avoid my singing whenever possible!

But being a grandma is more than just having fun with them. It's a big responsibility. I want to leave a mark on their lives. I want to leave them a spiritual legacy. I want them to love God and love to pray. Because love is a magnet that pulls the best out of them, I want them to know they are loved unconditionally. I want them to really know God and love His presence.

Wanting this things is admirable but growing these things in a life of a child is deliberate and purposeful. I pray for them using the scripture as the foundation of my prayers. This Word based prayer builds my faith and expands my vision of what they can be through Christ. I guard my words and speak my faith vision instead of cursing them and their future with my fears. I use every opportunity to build their faith by giving them Christian music, DVDs and books. We pray together. I start them early praising the Lord. We pray together for children that no one prays for.

My greatest joy in life is my family! Oh, how I thank God for them!