Home for the Holidays (part 2)

As I sit back and stare at my Christmas tree I am reminded of Christmas. The six foot tree in my living room leaves no secret. By the time you read this Christmas story Christmas Day may have passed, however it's worth sharing so here it is.

Rolling down the tree from top to bottom my eyes saw an assortment of colored light bulbs. Enough lights to make any imagination to go wild along with a variety of Christmas tree ornaments sparkling and reflecting a glow. A gold star on top of the tree completed the decoration.

Surrounding the tree was parked an assortment of gifts wrapped in attractive boxes. Big and small boxes in beautiful colors kept the family guessing what's inside.

Underneath the tree we saw a manger scene. Miniature angels, shepherds, three wise men, the baby Jesus lying in a manger with Mary and Joseph standing or kneeling in some hay, and some sheep reminded us all about the real meaning of Christmas.

From Corner Lots Baseball we'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Also we hope 2022 is a better year for you as we all continue to move forward with joy in our hearts.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.

Sign up today and with our compliments get an Ernie Banks quote on our Corner Lots Baseball poster. 

 

Traveling with Friends

 

Do you feel discouraged? With all the ups and downs in this world do you feel that sometimes you have so much on your plate that life appears to be a no win situation? Relax because I have good news for you.

Recently my son encountered a difficult situation with his boss on a new job. My son is an architectural manager. The company works on several projects at the same time and don't always get the necessary support from clients, i.e. information to complete the project. The boss is unreasonable and there are deadlines to meet. 

For many years I worked in healthcare. My responsibility was caring for the sick. So I lacked the necessary experience that architects and artists had.

Meanwhile, back to my story. When two personalities clash between the manager and the boss, a third person is necessary. That person is usually a person within the company with a like personality to the manager and experiencing the same frustrations.

Two people experiencing the same thing can build each other up. The trials don't always go away immediately, but hard working honest people can continue to work with integrity.

I am a devout Christ-follower. Naturally my immediate thought is what does the Bible say about this situation? The answer may surprise you. A thousand pound weight was just lifted off my shoulders.

In the gospel of Mark Jesus chose twelve men to be His disciples. He went on to make them apostles with authority and sent them out to heal the sick, cast out demons, and preach repentance for their sins. (Mark 6:7-13)

Jesus knew that they would encounter resistance. So Jesus encouraged them to go out in pairs. That way they can build each other up in the faith. Two-by-two they can encourage each other.

Traveling with friends makes a lot of sense. It gives us strength to meet the troubles of the world. Amen!

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.

Sign up today and with our compliments get an Ernie Banks quote on our Corner Lots Baseball poster.

 

Lovable Little Creatures

 

For this holiday season I thought I'd share with you my love for our furry little creatures.

During my many years of married life we had three dogs. Lady, our Airedale named after Lady and the Tramp was our first dog. She was a female so it wasn't appropriate to name her Tramp. Later we got Coco, a toy poodle, and Lucy, a fox terrier we inherited from our son. All three were lovable dogs.

Now we have Moody, an adorable dachshund. He loves people and likes to play with toys. It's amazing how strong he is with a long back and short legs. He has lots of energy that often wears us old folks out.

One day we decided to send Moody to obedience school. Little did I know that we learned more than he did.

Dogs are smart. Don't think you can ever fool them. They are smarter than you think. Use the word too many times without a reward and they'll ignore you. Don't overuse the word 'no.' And we think in setting firm limits we are training our dog correctly. Wrong!

Do you love your dog? Dogs require lots of love just like people. It shows in your attitude. They sense your love and will ignore you if you have a harsh relationship with them. 

If your dog is distracted it might be hard to get him back. The best way to help him stay focused is to get him to sit and offer him a treat. Hold a small dog biscuit in front of him before giving a command. You now have a new dog that's fun to be around. And remember to keep loving the little guy.

The pleasure of having a pet has just begun. No more frustrating moments. There is fun for the whole family. Even your friends and neighbors will be knocking at your door. Keep loving them. Love goes along way. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

Sign up today and with our compliments get an Ernie Banks quote on our Corner Lots Baseball poster.

Corner Lots Baseball

 

When we think about the board room it often stirs mixed emotions. A sophisticated membership in an exclusive club may ring a bell. An elite group of men and women. The envy of other folks whom strive to reach the top. Knowing people in high places might help you get a prestigious position.

Another interesting thought about board rooms leaves us with fear and trembling. Disciplinarian action. The Board of Education demands dealing with misconduct among peers. Perhaps a corporation's standards were broken and corrective action is necessary. 

But I'm more interested in board games. The thing that brings friends together for some fun like Monopoly or a game of Sorry. I'm sure you have a long lists of memories.

The baseball season just ended. Christmas is here and we might have a long wait before opening day for more baseball. The thought can drive a baseball fan crazy, but there is hope. It's time for Corner Lots Baseball.

With some plastic miniature baseball players, a spinner, and a game board, it's time to play ball. Use a piece of scratch paper and nine innings will go by quickly.

I was anybody I wanted to be: manager, broadcaster, or player. It was fun and I could do it all day with friends or alone.

Yep, baseball was not dead in the off season. Time will fly when your having fun and before you know it another baseball season will be here. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

Sign up today and with our compliments get an Ernie Banks quote on our Corner Lots Baseball poster.

 

Sting From a Snowblower

 

Don't take common sense for granted. We all have it, but don't always use it wisely. Is that you? I recently encountered an experience that would of been better for my own good if I used some common sense.

A few years back I purchased my first snowblower. We get a lot of snow in the winter time where I live often leaving big piles of snow in our driveway. 

For ten years I had no problem starting my snowblower. Easily the engine turned over and purred like a kitten. Then disaster struck and it wouldn't start. I must of not been living right. Punishment was at my front door. Has that ever happened to you?

For the next three years I encountered challenges that I didn't want to think about. The old engine just didn't want to start. I talked to it. Even sang some favorite tunes to it. I did everything I could think of to start it, but still no go.

I called my local handyman for some help, but no go. He was booked solid for the next two weeks. So I asked my friendly neighbor and he was more than willing to pick it up in his truck and take it over to his shop. For the moment I was riding on cloud nine.

My snowblower friend whom I previously called and was booked up said all he did was set the choke lever and pulled the chord. It got me to thinking so I decided to try it.

I never like to leave any stone unturned so I went outside and gave it a try. The red circular level on the engine said "run" while the other word said "choke."

For the past three years I never thought about putting the lever on "choke." I don't know what I was thinking. It must of been luck that started it at all. So I pulled the chord again and she started up right away and started to purr like a kitten. Where was I when the world was made? 

Immediately I called my neighbor, told him the whole story, and thanked him for his generosity.

The moral to this story was don't take common sense for granted. It might come up like a bee sting and surprise you. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

Sign up today and with our compliments get an Ernie Banks quote on our Corner Lots Baseball poster. 

 

Home for the Holidays

The snow started to fall outside our classroom window. Winter had arrived and with it that old familiar song we sang in our eighth grade class. 

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's we went...the horse knows the way to carry the slay... As we sang many thoughts started to race through our mind. A special day was about to unfold. 

Tradition brought our family together, seven people in a small apartment in the big city, Chicago. We did the best we could with what we had. A small cart table attached to the larger table with several chairs added. Our hearts were in the right place. 

On a table clothe with fancy dinner ware was a delicious turkey surrounded by lots of goodies. Our mouths watered just staring at dressing, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, and more. A variety of home made pies topped the menu. No body went hungry on Thanksgiving Day. 

Feeling stuffed after dinner with eyes bigger than our stomach's we all went into the living room and got comfortable. Small talk continued to dominate the conversation. The TV competed for some attention.

We gathered together to ask the Lord's blessing. With thankful heart's we praised God for good health, jobs, friends, family, church, and more. Life is so good and we hope you all have a happy thanksgiving.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

 
 

The Pride of a Uniform

 

The uniform is a form of expression describing whom you'd like to be. Your friends don't ask questions when they see you.

I like baseball. Whenever I go to Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch a Cub game I like to see the uniform the players wear.

Knee high trouser's, sweat shirt underneath a blue pinstripe jersey against a white background with Cub logo, large number, baseball cap, and knee high socks. Black lace shoes with spikes and a baseball glove compliments the outfit. Red white and blue combination of colors blended the uniform.

Recently my grandson graduated from Boot Camp in the United States Marine Corp. Proudly he marched with his buddies while waving an American flag in a well deserved uniform. 

My granddaughter, his sister, just graduated from Boot Camp in the Army. As her parents watched she proudly marched in her uniform with her comrades. 

God bless America and the men and women whom sacrifice their life to protect us and give us freedom to enjoy.

Hospitals remind me of nurses dressed in sparkling white uniforms, doctors in surgical scrubs, and other healthcare workers. Gawking eyes admire these dedicated workers whom respond to our every need. Thank you.

My neighbor loves her garden. In blue jeans and casual top she stays busy maintaining her precious yard. The beauty of flowers and delicious vegetables gets her lots of compliments.

Everybody dresses according to their personal preference and the sky is the limit. What about Santa Clause? Christmas would not be the same without Santa.

According to the Bible John the Baptist, forerunner to Jesus Christ, wore camel hair with a leather belt. It wasn't the latest style in his day, but he dressed like the prophet Elijah to distinguish himself from the religious leaders whom wore elaborate robes to reflect the pride in their position.

Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve back in Genesis people are required to cover themselves up. It is a part of pride, joy, and dignity, to do so. First it was leaves, now more sophisticated clothing. What are you wearing today? 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.     

Actions Supported by Plans Bring Success

Plans are useless without actions behind them. Plans need feet to make them work. How many times have you developed an idea, but never completed your intention? I have done it many times often ignoring the trial and error theory.

The lady liked to do jigsaw puzzles. It didn't take her long to lay out all the pieces on the kitchen table. The challenge just began.The ball traveled faster than the speed of light toward the plate. I swung my baseball bat viciously, but missed the monster completely several times. I was angry. I tried again, but still missed. What's wrong with me? My cousin taught me to keep my eye on the ball. From the pitcher's mound to home plate never take your eyes off the ball. Don't worry about the color of his eyes or hair. Timing is important. Swing your bat when the ball is arm's length from the plate. You'll hit some and miss a few. Practice. The end result will surprise you.Life without God is dead. That is why we are adding a new in depth dimension to our stories that you will find edifying and enjoy. Perhaps something you may like to share with your friends.The gospel of Mark is a book filled with action. Jesus had a plan and performed more miracles than He did sermons to prove His point. Now that's something to think about.If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.     

  

 

Body Building Exercise

The necessity for exercise in our life is for old people not for me. I never gave it much thought until it hit home in our family. Then exercise started to have a different meaning.

My mother-in-law now a senior citizen and widow, never did much more than sit comfortably in her living room chair. When encouraged to take periodic walks through the neighborhood she often argued that she got enough exercise going to the bathroom. Hmmm! Not a good answer.

Exercise is important to maintain a good healthy body. Isn't that why God gave us two good legs? We must learn to use them wisely.

When a patient returns to their room following surgery, depending on the type of procedure they had, they are required to walk either with a walker or staff assistance. Blood clots form if they don't get up and move around, not too mention have a bowel movement. Such is good body maintenance. 

It's not uncommon to notice other patient's walking through the halls. Reluctantly they follow a routine exercise program during their stay in the hospital. Physical Therapist execute doctor orders with lots of love.

On another note thirty-five thousand baseball fans pack into a ball park. Prior to an exciting game the celebrities hustle out on the field to exercise. Lining up on the opposite foul lines they race back and forth getting their legs into shape. Exercise along with knee bends and lifting weights helps to build muscles and get a body into shape. Yes exercise is a name of the game for any professional sport. 

Current life styles doesn't make life any easier. Most people sit behind a desk at a computer for most of the day. Riding the commuter from the suburb to the city adds to the problem. Nurses, waitresses, and construction workers are the only other people that I know of that move around a lot. Perhaps fast-foot workers also move around a lot on their job.

Do you like to feel like the living dead? Don't allow stiffness to take control of your body. Put some exercise into your regular schedule. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and share it with your friends. https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.    
 

Starting Over Is Not Bad

Our men's small group meets every Saturday morning. Ten men build each other up in the faith with small talk and a brief Bible study. Today Mark, one of our members, shared a need for tires on his car. That got the conversation buzzing.

The topic got me to thinking about the good old days when I needed tires for my own car. I recall the time I visited a shop in a Chicago suburb. Without much money in those days and credit cards weren't popular, I learned about recap tires.

Recap tires are old worn out tires that needed a new cover. They were not the best tires without a warranty like new tires had, but were a good substitute. The discount price made them well worth the investment and I had no regrets. 

So new beginnings were not bad. Starting over may be the best thing going for some people.

I am a church attender all my life. Yes you heard me correctly My first experience in church was in our church nursery. At church camp when I was twelve years old I became a Christ-follower. Change is a part of life and I never looked back. I have no regrets.

The baseball player struck out, slammed down his bat, and in anger walked back to the dugout. Relax, not all is lost. There will be another chance. Perhaps three or four times during the game. Life would be terrible if all we had was one chance in life. 

A new start is what I needed. Throughout my many days on planet earth I've started over many times, and each time my life got better. Can you identify with this experience? To live in denial may create a road block. And we wonder why so many are unsuccessful on their job, community, family, and church. Learn how to make wise decisions and don't be afraid to start over if necessary. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.   

 

Why Does Inflation Hurt?

Do you like a good joke? Writers like to use humor in their stories. People often have different ideas about jokes. Do you believe a good joke?

Yesterday I was in my doctor's office for a followup visit to a recent surgery. While there the subject came up why elder people can't have any more kids. The answer may surprise you.

At 79 years of age I'm too old to have more kids. Why? I'm too busy paying medical bills and can't afford to have kids. The morale to the story is that senior citizens can't have kids.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Everybody in the office laughed if you believe this one.

Healthcare is expensive. Insurance premiums, medicare, copays, and everything else under the sun, you name it. Do you get my gist? 

Inflation is real. I recall in my business class in college the professor warning us about inflation. He said while we struggle to maintain a budget and have a good job, please don't forget about inflation, it could ruin you. To ride the city bus in Chicago use to be a dime, now it's over a dollar. Even a hot dog at a baseball game cost ten dollars. A package of eight hot dogs at the grocery store cost 99 cents. 

Our economy is going crazy. Gasoline at the pump is skyrocketing. Food prices are at an all time high. Housing is not affordable for a hardworking family. What next?

The word cope is old and trite. We must learn and develop new mechanisms to deal with this devastating problem. Perhaps we should tell the government to stop printing and putting into circulation more money. Maybe we should slow down in purchasing goods and services. Be practical, get only what is necessary to survive, and use our coping mechanisms more wisely. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  
 

Books are Sacred

Books are sacred and deserve lots of respect. Even though they are not the same as the Bible, they open up to us the world.

Library Day was always big time to us at our local school. Every Thursday we rushed like mad dogs to clear the shelves of everything imaginable. Encyclopedias, National Geographic, and more stacks than we could possibly imagine filled the long tables enclosed by walls of book shelves. 

The local libraries scattered throughout our town also drew a lot of attention. Anything free brought large crowds with a desire to learn new things. My cousin frequented our library every week and brought home a stack of books. No take out limit in those days.

Department stores, often four stories high, had entire floors just devoted to books. And book stores like Barnes & Noble attracted large groups of people in shopping malls. 

No books have not gone out of style. Now we depend on the electrical wires to purchase books online through the internet or Amazon. Even students in the classroom use their cell phone that drives the teacher crazy. What is this world coming to?

I am a book lover. I like to read just like many of you. Do you have a favorite that you are currently reading? I have read most of Robin Cook's medical mysteries and saw Coma on the big screen. I read all of John Grisham books including Calico Joe that any baseball fan would enjoy.

Books open up a whole new world to us. Adventure, mystery, documentary, fiction, or nonfiction, the choice is yours to enjoy. So do you want to laugh or cry?

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  
 

Honesty is the Best Policy

 

Honesty is the best policy. I heard it many times as a kid. Either it was a reminder about what the Bible says or a quilt trip telling me that I did something wrong. Wow!

Keep it honest. Even a baseball game is honest unless the umpire misrepresents a called play. Then the fans will voice their disapproval even though it doesn't matter.

As a kid I was always told to speak the truth no matter what the circumstances might be. It was part of our Christian ethics along with other good character traits. To disobey deserved punishment and who wanted to live under fear and punishment?

But if you watch the news these days you hear a different scenario. A story of more bad than good echoes from evil hearts. What happened to all the good in this world?

The bottom line appears to be all lies. Lie to your neighbor. Lie on your job. Even lie in the church. Everywhere we go it appears to be that lying is the accepted way of life. What happened to the truth?

A friend of mine just moved from China back to the United States. Over there dishonesty may be a way of survival. Here, he says, the Christian culture is a wonderful way of life, and the church is the hope of the world.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.   

Life is Precious

If we have love in our heart we like life. If we don't have love in our heart we may not like life. According to 1 Corinthians 13 the greatest gift to us from God is love.

Last Sunday the authorities located a missing women in Wyoming. An autopsy confirmed it to be Gabby Petito and a homicide. Now the FBI is searching for her boyfriend whom is missing and presumed to be a person of interest. 

Love and hate don't mix. It's like trying to put apples and oranges together. Either you 'like' which is a mild term or you 'hate' which is a stronger motivator. 

I am a Christ-follower for many years and live with a heart full of love. Living with the Bible as my guide I like life and for that reason I couldn't kill a fly.

What man in his right mind could kill Gabby? Is life precious to him. He probably doesn't even value his own life. My prayers go out to Gabby's mom and dad.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.       

 

Remembering Nine-Eleven

 

Remembrance is a gift. It's the privilege to reflect on things from our past. Things that we enjoyed thinking about. Perhaps an escape from the real world or something not so pleasant. And they say variety is the spice of life.

The good times with family always gives us lots of good things to talk about. A good dinner mixed with lots of chatter, who could forget it? Life is good.

Or an exciting baseball game with spectacular plays. Two teams fighting it out for first place in their division at the end of the regular season. Munching on a hot dog and sipping soda pop, baseball fans sat on the edge of their seats spellbound. With friends nothing could be any better.

Weddings, school graduations, and more, there are so many things to think about. However, some things are not so pleasant. Last Saturday we remembered and honored the three thousand brave men, women, and children who died in a senseless act caused by terrorist.

Nine-eleven will always be remembered as a day when hard working people were cut off and separated from family and friends for no apparent reason. Denied to enjoy life like so many of us. 

Revenge is not biblical, but sometimes I wish it were. I hope the perpetrators of this crime receive a just reward for what they have done.

Meanwhile we must move on and learn how to cope. Our prayers go out to the many families whom were affected by this tragedy.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.   

Getting by on Luck

The St Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburg Pirates last night at PNC Park 13-0. Congratulations Red Birds. But it was a boring game and enough to put any baseball fan to sleep.

The Pirates are a struggling team. Plagued with injuries along with pitching and hitting, it's no surprise that they are losing ball games.

However, put the Cardinals up against a more challenging team like the Milwaukee Brewers and it may be a different story. No team wants to give a game away.

Another thing I miss in the lineup are key players. Due to injuries Paul DeJong has had an up and down year. The skills of this great shortstop along with his ability to hit the long ball are much needed. When will the Cardinals bring him back?

Another great player left out of most of the regular season lineup is Matt Carpenter. Just like people in real life, if Matt starts to produce hits and runs he could easily return to the lineup. But he has to remain healthy. Meanwhile he has to compete with Tommy Edman and Sosa.

But there is no such thing as luck. Baseball teams move up the ranks based on merit. The Pirates are in the process of rebuilding. Pirate fans are hopeful of a brighter future.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  

   

There is No Joy in Losing

The word 'joy' is often used as a biblical term. Perhaps you will find it on a greeting card. It's a time to feel happy and encounter a pleasant experience. That's the way it should be.

However, there are times that we feel just the opposite. Gloom and doom come knocking at our door. What happened that derailed us? Perhaps it was circumstances beyond our control. Baseball is that kind of a circumstance.

Baseball is my kind of a game. Nothing could keep me away from watching a game with my friends. Last night we watched the St. Louis Cardinals play the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. It was a real test playing the first place team in the division. Sorta like separating the men from the boys.

With thirty-five thousand baseball fans I felt good. The Red Birds were off to a good start. Through four innings it was 3-1 in favor of the home team. Then 3-2 in the fifth. In the ninth is was tied 3-3 before things fell apart in the tenth. Once leading 3-0 they went home losers 6-4.

There is no joy in losing. When the Cardinals play other teams that are struggling they have no problem. However, with the better teams they consistently struggle in the latter innings. 

There is no doubt about it, the Red Birds need to improve with their offense and defense. Right now they are struggling to get a play-off spot, Maybe next year will be a better year. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  

The Picker Upper

 Fuel is a good picker upper to start the day. No, I don't mean a heating fuel like coal, oil, or gas to heat your home. No, I don't mean the stuff at the gas pump to fill the tank on your car. 

My friend was on her way to church while chatting with a fellow worker on her phone. They both worked at a local church. "I feel great. I just had my second cup of coffee."

Like millions of other people I'm ready to start my day after I have my coffee. Sometimes I miss breakfast, but never my 'black gold.' There is something magic in a cup of coffee.

Did I say it makes my day? Yes! I'm mentally, physically, and spiritually, awake and ready to meet my public. Without my 'black gold' I would be good for nothing. Can't leave home without it.

It reminds me of my love for baseball. I like to hit that little white ball when it crosses the plate. It's fun to watch my friends chase that baseball all over the place. Such is baseball and it all started with my picker upper for my day.

How does your day start? Do you wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed? Is your 'black gold' burning on the stove? Turn off the burner and pour yourself a cup.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

The Cardinals Have A Problem

 

The St Louis Cardinals have a problem. The pitching team is falling apart along with scoring runs in the later innings. Why?

Tuesday night the new Cardinal pitcher John Lester, former Cub allowed the Braves to get five runs in the first inning. Eventually they won the game 6-1. 

Wednesday night the Cardinals lost 7-4 after leading in the early innings 3-0. What else could go wrong? Happ, another new Cardinal pitcher and making his debut in a Red Bird uniform got the lost. 

Last night the Cardinals lost again 8-4. What else is new? 

The solution to their problem is better and improved pitching and hitting. Did they forget about scoring runs to win ball games? Where is the pitching and hitting couch? Besides dealing with injuries the team is trying to improve however, lately they haven't done much good. 

Action requires wise decisions. Trades isn't a good solution unless the players can perform. Send the old guys back to the batting cages. Pitchers must relearn all the basics. Good luck Cardinals. Maybe next year will be a better year.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.

Baseball fans liked Ernie Banks

Baseball players are accountable for the success and failure of their team. The responsibility rest on their shoulders.

Are baseball fans entertained? Everyday thousands of fans fill a ball park with eyes glued on the game while chewing popcorn, hot dogs, and drinking soda pop. It sounds like an escape from the real world.

Perform well or move on continually haunts people all over the world and doesn't go away. Let your friends know who you are. Shine your gifts and talents.

Ernie Banks was a great shortstop for the Chicago Cubs. He gobbled up speeding fast balls on the infield grass. Initiated double-play balls. Led the team in home runs. There wasn't anything Mr. Cub couldn't do.

Another player recently cheered fans with his speed in the outfield and running the bases. He challenged his opponents with a strong throwing arm. Last week he hit his first grand slam home run and since the All-Star break has improved his hitting skills. Congratulations Harrison Bader, St. Louis Cardinal center fielder.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.

 

Practice Makes Perfect

What did you want to be where you grew up? Have you arrived or are you still searching?

When my teacher first asked me that question lots of thoughts started to race through my mind. Fireman, mailman, truck driver, nurse, you name it and it was mine. But in reality life is a lot different than I thought it would be.

I wanted to be a baseball player. Watching those guys play ball in Cub uniforms got me interested. The problem was I wasn't a good player.

When we started using a little white ball with stitches rather than a twelve inch soft ball it was hard to hit. Timing was important. Connecting with that thing required me to swing when it was an arm's length in front of home plate. I learned the hard way that practice makes perfect.

With the right tools we can do anything. So I frequently went to the batting cages. Strong arms and frustrating moments helped me to become a better player. It felt good to finally connect with the ball.

We weren't professionals, just a bunch of average kids on the block in blue jeans, sport shirt, and tennis shoes having fun on an empty lot. We challenged each other. When was the last time you had fun on an empty lot with friends???

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

Your generous gift of $5.00 will help us continue to share helpful stories for better living. Please use the donate button in the upper right corner. Thank you and have a good day.                   

 
 

A Rude Awakening

 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a 'rude awakening' is a surprising and unpleasant discovery. There are many surprises that we can identify with.

One example of a surprise is: The man thinks he can get by without doing any work, but he is in for a rude awakening. Don't we all wish we could do without having to work for it?

Baseball players is another good example: They never know where the ball is going to travel once they hit it.

Remember Ty Cobb in The Natural with Robert Redford? Toward the end of the movie he started hitting the lights on top of the ball park. Who would of guessed otherwise?

Recently the St. Louis Cardinals were playing the Colorado Rockies in Coors Field. The bases were loaded with Red Birds and two out when Harrison Bader came to bat. On one pitch he connected with the ball and the rest was history. Grand slam. 

When the ball leaves a bat no one knows for sure how it will respond. For that reason fielders have to stay alert just like all of us do in real life. 

On a more humorous note: Recently my friend had cataract surgery. Now, many years later, he knows what his wife looks like and the faces of his buddies in small group. We all laughed as a little humor goes a long way.

So how do you handle rude awakenings? They are a part of life and something we can't get away from. Preparation is the best solution.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG. 

Your generous gift of $5.00 will help us continue to share helpful stories for better living. Please use the donate button in the upper right corner. Thank you and have a good day.                                             

What Happened to the Cardinals?

 

Baseball champions are made not born. Baseball might be in their DNA, but it still requires hard work and development. 

Ever since I was a kid many years ago I always enjoyed watching a good baseball game. The wheel was already invented when I was born.

A couple of my favorite teams are the Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals. However, as the game progressed I was upset with the Red Birds.

After one inning of play the Cubs were off to a 3-0 lead. By the third inning it was 3-2 and than disaster struck.

By the 8th inning it was 10-2. After giving up seven walks and some good hits to bring them home, the final score was 10-5 Cubs. Cardinal bats needed some help.

The Cardinals were struggling and needed some practice in the batting cages. Perhaps more help from the bull pen. 

Meanwhile the Milwaukee Brewers are hot while maintaining first place in their division. But watch out because the Cincinnati Red Legs aren't too far behind. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  

 

Why is Baseball America's Favorite Pastime?

 

Today was June 21st, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Hurray! And the kids love it. Now they can go outside and play baseball. 

 

In blue jeans, sport shirt, and tennis shoes, the boys lined up to choose sides. Then they scattered on the field to warm up. Tossing the little white ball with stitches around was fun.Picking it out of a baseball glove and throwing it to a friend created lots of action. 

 

We called it the peanut gallery. Along the third and first base foul lines were seats for all the moms and other baseball fans. The parents pride and joy was on those teams and no one ever shied away from voicing their opinion.

 

"Tony should pitch...why is Larry not playing...Mike was safe at first...the ump needs glasses...and on and on it goes." Anger in the galleries swelled. Who was managing the team? More frustration for the couch on both sides.

 

But baseball is America's favorite pastime. A wholesome sport if people don't complain so much. Better than a lot of other things like stealing and getting into drugs. Would you like your son or daughter mingling with the wrong crowd? 

 

Why is baseball the national pastime? Good question. Because baseball has had a very active role in the shape of this nation. From the Civil War to Civil Rights and all people in between and beyond, the game of baseball supports and reflects many aspects of American life, from culture to economics and technological advances. Wow!

 

So next time you have a chance take your family out and enjoy a baseball game. And while your there, get yourself a hot dog and some soda pop.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  

 

  

 

 

Can You Place the Ball?

 

Can a baseball hitter place the ball wherever he desires during a game?  Left or right field corner, home run, or fool a fielder appears to be impossible. 

It would be a dull game if batter's determined every play. No excitement. What fun is that? 

Look! Up in the sky! It's a plane! It's a bird! It's a baseball and who knows where it will land. 

Last week I was watching the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Pirate hitter just hit a towering fly ball over the third base foul line. 

Arenado, Cardinal third baseman, started racing on the foul line when it appeared the ball will land just inches inside the line in fair play. Looking up with his back facing home plate he extended his arm and caught the ball. The fans went crazy. Such is life at the ball park.

I like sitting with 34,000 baseball fans watching all the play-by-play action. Eating hot dogs and drinking soda pop couldn't be any better.

When was the last time you went to a baseball game with friends and family? Perhaps this 4th of July weekend is a good time to do just that. 

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  

Did You Tell the World?

 

Let the whole world know. The world is coming to an end. Maybe. But we don't know the exact day. Is it worth telling?

What gets you excited? Something that you can't keep inside you. It's bubbling over and your about to burst. You gotta tell your friends.

When I was a kid I always looked forward to my birthday. Balloons decorated my house with lots of presents. Bulging eyes kept me guessing. 

Ice cream and birthday cake topped the occasion. The candles were lite, my friends sang happy birthday, and I couldn't wait to tell the world. I loved all the attention.

New job, car, or wedding were among other things to talk about. Lots of chatter, some good and some bad. But let the world know.

I remember the day I became a Christ follower at church camp. It changed my life completely and some how the whole church knew about it. It was the talk of the town.

Nothing surprised me more than when my cousin took me to my first baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago. A little white ball with stitches on it created all the action, baseball uniforms, and dugouts. Wow, wait till my friends hear about this. Watching the Cubs play ball was fun. 

Is life good to you? What gets you excited? Why not tell the world or are you already spreading the news? Does the world know all about you? People make the world go around.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.  

Where is Dad?

 

Next Sunday is Father's Day. It's a time of mixed feelings where folks are reminded about the good old days while some of regrets wishing that the experience never existed. 

During his weekly TV show Perry Como sat on a stool before a large curtain singing one of his favorite tunes. "Memories are made of things like this..." started to melt away many hearts. The thoughts spun in the hearts and minds of a large audience.

Remember "Father Knows Best," starting Robert Young? A household bubbled over with lots of humor mixed with some serious moments along with lots of activity. Upbeat. A great time to belong to a family. And of course father always knew best.

Fishing with dad always made the perfect relationship. MayBerry R.F.D. had it right. The show always opened with Opie walking down a path with his fishing pole and Andy Griffith. Life couldn't be any better.

Baseball is my first love. So naturally with a tattered baseball and wrinkled glove I was in my second heaven. If only dad were here life would be so much better. Wishful thinking.

In another story a boy loved to play catch with his father between farm chores. Baseball was in his blood. There wasn't anything else he'd rather do. While growing up he learned all the tricks of the trade. His dad even made him a baseball bat. 

When he left home to pursue a baseball career he was seriously injured. Somebody tried to shoot him. But in time he came back and cheered the fans when he hit the lights on top of the stadium. He was a hero.

Our story is from the movie "The Natural" staring Robert Redford. He played Roy Hobbs who became one of the best players in the league and the Knights ( New York baseball team) started to win games. This upset the judge, their owner, who wanted Hobbs to lose games, not win. An interesting story about a farm boy turned pro. 

But I miss my dad. My sister and I lost dad due to an illness when we were two years old. Dad's are precious. Growing up without a dad and listening to our friends whom had one, is like missing a link to a puzzle. 

Happy Father's Day everybody. And we hope you have a blessed time.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.     

Why be a Writer?

 

Why be a writer? It may surprise you, but God provided a way and opened a door. Can you identify with this type of an experience? 

The question has been asked many times, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" It's a profound question. What is a kid suppose to think? Their mind is about to explode. An imagination gone wild. 

There are lots of things I wanted to be. Did they ever materialize? Nope. I'm still not the president of the United States. 

What fascinates you? What sticks in your brain and lingers in your to-do list? 

One day I got inspired watching "The Waltons." John-boy was a writer and so I wanted to be a writer. But how did I know if that was God's will? I didn't until a package (gift wrapped) arrived titled God's gift and talent for you. I was anxious to learn more about my journey.

There are lots of things that reveal His will. The key is to look for them. Life is a continual learning experience.

My father was a good writer so my mother tells me. He died when I was two years old. Because my mother was an immigrant and my father was a Native American I doubted her comment, but I was wrong. Writing was in my DNA.

I liked baseball and loved to imitate the sports broadcasters. With a game broad and plastic players I was in another world.

God gave me a broad range of interest. There wasn't anything that didn't attract my attention to write and talk about. 

A family member is a commercial artist. She helped me to make camera-ready stuff. Yes the commuter age is here to stay. 

I took a writers class and along with some friends polished my writing skills. While I still have a long way to go, I always have a desire to learn new things.

I now have three baseball stories on Amazon. In addiction my blog titled "Corner Lots Baseball" offers many interesting and entertaining stories FREE for the asking for other readers to enjoy. Thank you God.

It's never too late for you to climb on board and do God's will. Don't allow your passions to lay dormant in your DNA.

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it to be helpful, we invite you to sign up for our free weekly newsletter at https://bit.ly/38jnZnG.