GAME BALL!
11 CommentsI love baseball season because for the most part I get to watch my sons play at least 1 game during the week. This week we’ve been on the road so I managed to get a play- by -play update from my wife, Lori. Josh who is 13 came in to pitch at the bottom of the 4th inning with bases loaded, no outs. They were down by 8 but he was able to help his comeback and win the game. Eli’s game was during our concert so I wasn’t able to get the minute-by-minute. His team won 15-2. I couldn’t wait to get the details so I called him as soon as I got back to the hotel. Unfortunately, he was already asleep. Bummer! A few minutes later, my phone rings. “Hey Dad, it’s Eli.” “E, what’s up? I thought you were asleep!” “I was, but Mom told me you called and I wanted to tell you about my game. I walked twice, hit a double to the fence, caught a hard line drive at 3rd and by the way, I got the game ball!” “Game ball!” Okay, I know it’s little league rec baseball. But man, when you’ve never had the opportunity to play organized sports and your son wins the game ball, you get the picture. I was ecstatic!
It’s 1:45 am and I’m still up. I’ve been reminiscing about Eli’s short career so far. I remember the significant victories and the tough defeats when we got totally annihilated. I remember his power hits and the at-bats when he struck out “looking”. I’m reliving the “Sportcenter-highlight” catches and the routine “pop flies” that he dropped. My favorite memory is when he hit his first home run! It’s pretty amusing to see an 8 year old hit one over the fence and then round the diamond with an “I just conquered the world look” while pointing to the sky. I’ll never forget it!
As you can tell, I’m a pretty proud Dad. I love my sons! There’s nothing they can do to change that. Sure they can be unruly at times and wreak havoc like nobody’s business but still, they’re my sons. I especially get frustrated when they disrespect Lori or come across ungrateful but I can’t help but love them. Whether they hit a home run and win the game or strike out and lose it, it makes no difference. I love them just the same.
Can you imagine how God must feel about us? I heard a song the other day that says “He dances over me and quiets me with His love.” The human mind cannot fathom or grasp how wide, deep and everlasting His great love is for us.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
I don’t know what you might be facing today, but God the Father loves you no matter what. You might have struck out a few times. Maybe you’ve dropped some routine “pop flies.” You’ve tripped over yourself trying to run the bases of life. You’ve been called “out” more than your share! Remember, He is mighty to save you. He is not yelling at you from the dugout. He is with you encouraging you to swing! Don’t chase the ball, wait for your pitch. Your time is coming! But today while you are standing strong at the plate, waiting for that curve, fastball or change-up, He is cheering you on waiting in love to give you the GAME BALL!
On Deck,
Joe
Happy 70th Dad – The Music, The Message, The Man
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For the past 20 years, we’ve had the privilege to share our music with so many of you. As we’ve traveled the world it has become distinctly evident to us that “The Message” in the “The Music “ is a powerful combination. We have literally seen lives changed, communities restored, brokenness healed, and so many other miracles right before our eyes. None of this would be possible had it not been for the saving grace of Jesus through the life of “The Man” who started it all.
Today we’d like to honor that Man.
Dad, as you celebrate 70 years of life, we want you to know how proud we are of you. We love telling your story wherever we go. It’s a story of redemption that has blessed thousands. Your faith in God and love for people inspires us everyday to keep pressing on. Your discipline and drive has taught us to be excellent in whatever we do. Your trust and dedication to God’s word reminds us constantly to be “doers” and not just “hearers”.
You were a good Marine. You planted a church even when you weren’t the Pastor. You witnessed to anyone that would listen and many of those people are now leaders in their churches. You helped so many young people discover their love for music. You took steps of faith time and time again. You taught us how to lead and instilled a work ethic in all of us. You taught us to be men and to never to give up. You told us that humility and fear of the Lord would keep our families and us well. You’ve been a loyal Pastor for the last 30 years. You took the little that was given to you and dedicated it back to God. You loved Mom faithfully until death. That alone has impacted us more than you can imagine. Above all, you’ve been a great Dad.
We hope that the next years of your life will bring more joy and fulfillment than you’ve ever imagined. May you continue to experience the goodness of the Lord as you live your greatest days yet!
We love you!
Your sons and daughters
