Anytime a tragedy or pandemic strikes, the nation suddenly turns to God, which is a great thing to do. But I have an issue with that! Why does that happen ONLY in times of great despair? (Side note, when I say "we" "you" I am meaning society as a whole, not singling anyone out.)
During this Covid-19 pandemic, we see governors making time to pray publicly, several people posting on social media that certain people or groups are in their thoughts and prayers, and even the president of the United States mentioning God and prayer. There is nothing wrong with turning to God when times are difficult. That's what fathers are for, to comfort their children. If you are a child of God, having that assurance of protection, comfort, and love is a great feeling. Will He stop things instantly, or make it pass over you? Maybe. Maybe not. But, He will help you through it. The nation turned to God after 9/11, but how long did that last? As soon as things got back to normal, the nation slowly forgot about God again. Things went back to the way they were. Laws being made that contradicted His word, people going back to their old, evil ways, and so on. God is not a go to when times are bad, He needs to be remembered in the good times as well. When things are going well, we go about our daily lives, no cares, and sadly, no credit. Credit to who? God of course! Many don't think of God in the good times. "I trained hard for...", "I spent 6+ years in college to learn...", "I worked 60-80 hours a week to earn the money for..." When things are going well the mentality is "look what I did, look at me." But who gave you the talents and abilities you used? Please remember, ever talent you have came from God. He is the reason you can (fill in the blank). We need to talk to God and thank Him or praise Him daily, not just ask him for help when times are tough. God is a loving Father who wants to help, but he is also a Father who deserves recognition. Don't just talk to Him in the bad times, talk to him ALL the time. cmk.
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Yesterday was supposed to be Opening Day for America's Past Time. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been delayed. We are not sure when the season will start. While I am pretty bummed that the season is on hold, I completely understand. The way this virus is spreading, social distancing is the #1 way to slow it. Most states have a stay at home order in place. Even though the season didn't start, we can still discuss and share baseball memories! Let's start with the idea of Opening Day. I was lucky enough to 1 Opening Day so far (It wasn't actually opening day, but it was the opening home game for the Buccos. That's as close as I have come so far. It was in 2013 when the Pirates opened against the Cubs. As usual the Pirates didn't fare well. The pageantry behind opening day was what made it worth it. We were able to get standing room only tickets due to the price, so watching every couple innings from a different location was a lot of fun. Another fun thing about baseball games is going to an entire series! Last season we didn't get the chance, but the 2 seasons before, we went to the Dbacks series in Pittsburgh. If you are a baseball fan and have never been to an entire series, I highly recommend it! As mentioned above, different perspectives really change the dynamic of the game. Both times it was a 4 game series, and each time we say in a totally different section of the park. Seeing the same 2 teams play 3 or 4 days in a row, is a lot of fun. Interacting with the fans (both home and away) each day adds to it as well. Another thing I enjoy is the hunt for autographs before the game. I am almost always there as soon as they open the gates so that I can make a mad dash down to the field during BP in hopes of catching a few of the players. Between baseball cards and baseballs I have collected during previous BP's, I like to get as many autos as possible! In the picture above, Fernando Rodney decided to sign the picture upside down. It was the 3rd day attempting to get his auto before I succeeded. That is another joy or challenge that comes with an entire series, several tries at autographs. Most of my in person autographs have come from Dbacks players, because it is always easiest to get the away team during BP. Since they are my favorite team, I am not going to complain there. I also attended a Braves game in Atlanta and it was alumni day. Got to meet several former Braves players and collect autographs from them as well. I highly doubt I will ever sell any of the autographs. The thrill of the hunt makes them all the more worth holding on to! Well, these are just a few of the things I enjoy about baseball season. I am excited for the season to eventually start. Until it does, I would love to hear from you about your favorite baseball memories or traditions. Feel free to reply here. Hope to hear from you soon. Stay safe!
cmk. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Many athletes today are the biggest culprits of an overused misuse of Phil 4:13. You see it on their eye black, written on their shoes, hats, gloves, wrist bands, and a variety of other places. However, athletes are not the only ones guilty. We see it and hear it in many places. It is used as a source of strength, and rightly so. The verse is intended to give one strength and courage, but not to hit homeruns, gain a promotion at work, ace a test, or bench an extra 10 pounds to set a new personal record. While there is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration or a lesson out of a single verse, it is crucial to understand the context surrounding that verse. Many of the new testament books were written to a group of early Christians for a specific purpose. We need to know who is writing and who the audience is to understand the true meaning of the verse. We cannot simply twist it to mean whatever we want, it has a purpose and it is up to us to discover that purpose through study of the Word. In this particular book, Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi to a) thank them and b) encourage them to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances. In chapter 4 verse 9 we find Paul telling them to do the things they have received, learned, or seen him do. This will result in the God of peace being with them. Is there any record of Paul asking for strength to win a game or achieve a personal gain? No. Paul suffered many times for the sake of spreading the word, but kept faith in God that he would survive the situation and have a crown of life waiting for him in Heaven. The assurance of heaven was the source of strength Paul referenced in verse 13. Knowing God is on our side, we can get through any situation the world may throw at us (Romans 8:31). God may not always take the situation away, but He will help us through it. We will never be left alone in the face of adversity as long as we ask His help and rely on our fellow brothers/sisters in Christ. As Christians, we are comforted by the fact that if we live faithfully and follow His word we will have a home in heaven when the end comes. That is the source of strength we should be seeking from God. This knowledge will help us though any temptation or obstacle that may come our way. Knowing that Heaven is waiting for me, I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Side note before you read this, I have never had the urge to harm myself, but I did go through a low point in life and found the topic very easy to write about.
I wrote this in 2005 and it was published in the Fairmont State Whetstone. I shared this on an old blog I forgot about and wanted to put it out there again. Enjoy. Death is breathing down my neck It's hand traces my spine It's constantly lurking all around me It's telling me there's still time. Time to live in misery Time to be without Without anything that is good I begin to wonder what life's about. I realized I did no good Nothing ever went right Everything I ever had Never shed any light. Light that would reveal The reason for my being, Tell me why I am here Explain the darkness I'm seeing. The darkness I lived in For all of my life Is the same darkness now Why my hand grasps the knife. The knife penetrates my chest My vision begins to blur As I drop to my knees I know one thing for sure The end is drawing near I see the bright light But as I near the end It's all darkness, no white. Back to the darkness where I've spent my life It's a vicious, endless circle Because all I see is a spotlight Shining down on the knife. cmk. Social Distancing Day 1
I'm coming to you live from Casa De Kolar where we are nearing the end of the first day of isolation. My work schedule was created to allow for the first round of the NCAA tournament off. As the tourney drew close, my excitement heightened. I couldn't wait. I had my TV situation figured out well before to be able to watch as many games as possible. Then something unimaginable happened. A virus hit the United States with such force the likes of which we have never experienced. First, the NBA cancelled the season, then the NCAA shut down conference tournaments and eventually the NCAA tournament. Next, all other sports cancelled. The MLB delayed the start of the season. Next, universities started extending spring break, then went to online only classes. Public schools closed their doors for several weeks. Next, bars, restaurants, and non essential businesses shut down. Institution education (my profession) even closed down for a period of time. All of this within a week's span. America is slowly coming to a halt. At the urge of the president, we are being asked to avoid congregating in groups of 10 or more. The best course is to practice social distancing to slow the spread of this devastating virus. Due to all of these shut downs, we are being told to stay in, don't leave if you don't have to. Our first day of isolation went well. The weather was nice so we got to spend a good amount of time outside. We will be watching a whole lot of Netflix, Amazon and Hulu over the next few weeks. Our TV show list is going to grow and we will be spending a lot of quality family time together. Good thing we both can cook! One of the next few posts will give more detail about the Covid-19 pandemic. As I wrap up day 1, my thoughts and prayers are with all of those infected, the ones dealing with the infected, and those with essential jobs that can't stay at home. cmk. |
AuthorJust a God Fearing family man that loves music, sports, food, and photography. ArchivesCategories |