"Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Jesus." ~~Oswald Chambers

"How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak." ~~Francois Fénelon (French theologian, writer)

"Any area of my life for which I have no hope is under the influence of a lie." ~~Bill Johnson

A Time to Recalibrate | Men of Integrity

I must take time to check with God before I act, speak, or do anything. Great question: Have I recalibrated to true north? Is God in this activity? How easy it is to just be in the moment, doing what I think is the right thing. What does God think?

Here is a great story from David Cook.

It was during this time, while walking into a hardware store, that a friend called me. I stood just inside the automatic doors for 20 minutes while Jeff told me a story that related to my situation. Jeff, who had been an airline pilot, explained to me one of the procedures that had to take place between the ending of one flight and the beginning of the next. While the Boeing 757 sat at the gate, its navigational computer had to recalibrate for the new course. In order to do that, the plane had to sit completely still for ten minutes while it reestablished true north—otherwise its navigation would be dangerously off.

via A Time to Recalibrate | Men of Integrity.

“Anything simple always interests me.” ~~David Hockney

"You're interested in religion, I'm interested in people." ~~Zechariah the Prophet

The people of the town of Bethel sent a delegation to the priests and prophets with a question. They wanted to know if the should continue fasting annually as they had been doing on a certain day for a long time now. They had turned something from God into a ritual. God isn't interested in rituals. God isn't interested in religion.

He is interested in people and requires that we love them daily.

"You're interested in religion, I'm interested in people." ~~Zechariah 7:6

"Keep your lives simple and honest." ~~God to Zechariah

Jesus summed up what God wants us to do. It was nothing new. God is all about simplicity. God wants us to love Him and love everyone else we know. That's it. To do that, we need to be able to focus. That requires we live our lives simply.

"Keep your lives simple and honest." God to Zechariah (8:17)

"Compromise is the door through which deception enters." ~~Bill Johnson

"When right-living people bless the city, it flourishes; evil talk turns it into a ghost town in no time." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:11)

We can be a blessing to our cities, towns, states and country. When we are right in God, we can bless and God will honor what we have to say. We have God's power in us.

"When right-living people bless the city, it flourishes; evil talk turns it into a ghost town in no time." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:11)

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~~Helen Keller

"I never questioned the integrity of an umpire. Their eyesight, yes." ~~Leo Durocher

'The love of God working in me causes me to hate anything that is not in keeping with God’s holiness." ~~Owsald Chambers

via My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Atlanta Braves History: Dale Murphy - His playing career

In 1976 Murphy began his major league career with a nineteen game stint catching with the Atlanta Braves. He appeared in only eighteen games the following season. In 1978, Murphy played first base mostly. At the plate, he slumped to a .226 batting average, though he also showed hints of his future power by hitting 23 home runs.

Murphy switched to the outfield in 1980, a move that would help initiate a decade of highly productive play in the National League. Beginning in left field, he soon switched to center field, the position at which he would find his greatest success. By 1982, the most decorated year of Murphy's career, the former bench-riding catcher had transformed himself into an All-Star MVP outfielder who appeared in each of Atlanta's 162 games. His turnaround as a fielder was equally stark. In 1978, as a first baseman, Murphy had led all National League first-baggers in errors; in 1982, spending time at each of the three outfield positions, he won his first of five consecutive Gold Gloves.

Playing in the decade before the Braves began their unparalleled dominance of the National League East, Murphy also made his only postseason appearance in 1982, though the eventual World Series-champion St. Louis Cardinals eliminated the Braves in the first round of the playoffs. The league's most valuable player failed to translate his regular season preeminence into October success, hitting safely but three times and scoring only one run. Murphy rebounded from the postseason sweep with another MVP award in 1983. The period ultimately proved the high-water era of Murphy's career. Each year during the four season span from 1982 to 1986 he won a Gold Glove, appeared in the All-Star Game, and placed in the top ten in MVP voting.

In 1988, however, despite being voted to what would be his final All-Star appearance, Murphy's production began an inexorable slide downward. Never a particularly high average hitter, Murphy saw his batting average free-fall from .295 in 1987 to .226 in 1988. Only once more, in 1991, would Murphy bat above .250. Once a consistent source of power at the plate, he never again hit even 25 home runs in a season. This fall off in production accompanied increased fragility. In the nine year span beginning with his first MVP season in 1982, Murphy missed an average of only three games each year; the final five years of his career found Murphy sitting out an average of over 90 games each season.

The Braves traded Murphy after fifteen seasons to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1990. Murphy's three seasons with the Phillies were mostly uneventful, though in 1991 he did experience a return to at least reliability, if not excellence, by appearing in 154 games. In 1993, his final season, Murphy took a pay cut of over $2,000,000, down to the major league minimum, to join the Colorado Rockies for their inaugural season. During his last two years in the majors Murphy's batting average lingered well beneath that mark of batting infamy, baseball's Mendoza Line.

Why doesn't God just show up?

Some days it is just not clear where God is. He doesn't seem to be anywhere around. Don't see Him. Don't hear him. Where is He I think. Why doesn't He just show up?

Jesus challenges us to seek God. It requires a discipline to find Him some days. Jesus gives us a promise. Seek and I will find Him.

May I be disciplined and find Him. He is near.

Seek God, all you quietly disciplined people who live by God's justice. Seek God's right ways. Seek a quiet and disciplined life. Perhaps you'll be hidden on the Day of God's anger. Zephaniah 2:3

Atlanta Braves History: Dale Murphy - Some background

So a little background on Dale (Bryan) Murphy. He was born March 12, 1956 in Portland, Oregon and  is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. During an 18-year baseball career, 1976–1993, he played for three different teams, but is noted for his time with the Atlanta Braves.

Murphy won consecutive National League Most Valuable Player Awards in 1982–1983, the National League's Silver Slugger Award four straight years 1982–1985, and the National League's Gold Glove award five straight years 1982–1986.

Most important, I think, is that he was nicknamed the "Beeg Donkey" by Rico Carty.

"When you really see Jesus, I defy you to doubt Him." ~~Oswald Chambers

Does God lose His temper?

Sometimes we think of God as we think of ourselves. Big mistake. He is God but His emotions aren't like ours are. He is more powerful than we can imagine. He can do anything He wants to. His power, however, is a VERY patient power.

If we think because He is patient, we can "get away with things", we better think again. His patience is shown to us so we will change our minds about missing His goal for our lives and accept Jesus as the answer.

But God doesn't lose his temper. He's powerful, but it's a patient power. Still, no one gets by with anything. ~~Nahum 1:3

What are some good year end questions?

Here is a list of some to consider.

• Have I accepted God’s verdict on my missing His goal for me as judged on the Cross of Christ?


• Do I have even the slightest interest in the death of Jesus?


• Do I want to be identified with His death— to be completely dead to all interest in missing His goal for me, worldliness, and self?


• Do I long to be so closely identified with Jesus that I am of no value for anything except Him and His purposes?


• Will I go all out for Jesus to the neglect of my own desires?

God wants some answers. Jesus demands it of us.

How will I answer?

 

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." ~~Dr. Seuss

Jesus speaks to the Father in our defense

Jesus speaks to the Father in our defense. Now that is some very powerful good news. We know that we miss God's goal for our life. Jesus sacrificed his life so we can stand before God and be in good standing. Why, because Jesus is in right standing with His Father.

Because of this new plan, we can hit the mark and fullfill God's goals for us. Thank you Jesus.

Think about 10 years ago. Is what was average then below average now?

Think about 10 years ago. Is what was average then below average now?

Probably. What does that mean to our work and our life?

We must run for the prize. We can't sit on the side and think that is good enough. We know we are good. Are we good enough to get better?

Is the AARP in trouble with Congress?

Politico is reporting that the powerful seniors lobby is facing continued opposition by GOP Reps. Wally Herger, Dave Reichert andCharles Boustany on the House Ways and Means Committee, PI colleagues at Morning PULSE reported. "The lawmakers plan to release a letter today that they wrote to the IRS asking it again to consider an in-depth examination of the AARP and its finances," they report. So far, no word from AARP in response. The lawmakers allege they've found evidence relating to business deals with UnitedHealth and HearUSA, that calls into question whether AARP should retain its tax-exempt status

Year end question: Am I booking enough time to think?

Answer. Probably not.

"Here’s what you need to keep in mind. You have only today. This is the day the Lord has made. Live in it." ~~Max Lucado

"Here’s what you need to keep in mind. You no longer have yesterday. You do not yet have tomorrow. You have only today. This is the day the Lord has made. Live in it." ~~Max Lucado

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent." ~~E. F. Schumacker

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction." — E. F. Schumacker

"The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction; the common sense of the godly preserves them." ~~King Solomon

The most difficult thing in life to control is our tongue. What we say makes a difference. With God's Holy Spirit in us we can be wise. Otherwise we spread destruction everytime we speak.

May we speak the common sense of God and be preserved.

"The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction; the common sense of the godly preserves them." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:9)

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter." ~ Jack Benny

"The question isn’t at what age I want to retire at, it’s what income." ~ George Foreman

"It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this." ~~C. S. Lewis

"We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful speeches." ~~Oswald Chambers

"We love and reason because God loves and reasons and holds our hand while we do it." ~~C. S. Lewis

Dale Murphy - Atlanta Brave 1976 - 90 (the "beeg donkey")

Dale Murphy was born in Portland, Oregon on March 12, 1956. He played for the Atlanta Braves from 1976 to 1990. He was an outfielder, first baseman and catcher. He batted and threw as a right hander. While Rico Carty was known as the "Beeg Boy" (yes, he named himself that), he named Dale the "beeg donkey". He was the pride of the Atlanta Braves farm system in the 70's and Rico saw the great talent he would become.

Christmas table 2011

"God expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part." ~~Oswald Chambers

Will I do it today?

It is a new day. Yesterday is gone. And we have a choice to make. Will I make it today? Will I make the right choice?

Do we want to serve God? Do we want to serve something else?

It is a choice we get to make. God won't make it for us. Our family and friends can't do it either.

I choose God. I will serve Him. I do it today.

"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God." Joshua 24:15

"The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us." ~~Oswald Chambers

"First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win." ~~Gandhi

"An education is being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't." ~~Anatole France

"We need a lot more failures. Failures that don't kill us make us bolder." ~~Seth Godin

"A Southern League ground crew consists of one old man with a rake." ~~Jim Bouton (Pitcher)

"He's learning to say hello when it's time to say good-bye." ~~Frank Graham

Frank Graham noting how Yankees outfielder Bob Meusel was becoming more friendly late in his career.

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." ~~Thomas Alva Edison

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." ~~Henry Thoreau

"Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. " ~Maya Angelou

"If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it." ~~Max Lucado

"If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning… Face it, friend. He is crazy about you!" ~~Max Lucado

"You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God." ~~Oswald Chambers

"You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God, and wrestle in prayer for other people; but to wrestle with God in prayer is unscriptural." ~~Oswald Chambers

“A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life." – Winston Churchill

"A good person is saved from much trouble; a bad person runs straight into it." ~~King Solomon

We are "made good" by Jesus. He alone can do this. Because of that, we are saved from a whole bunch of trouble. Without Jesus, we run smack into to it. No avoiding that.

"A good person is saved from much trouble;  a bad person runs straight into it." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:8) 

Management Team Christmas dinner 2011

"If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." ~~Dr. Seuss

Starting to decorate the tree - 2011

 

"If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad!" ~~King Solomon

Jesus is straight with us. The way is not easy. He says it over and over. Unfortunately, many in the church want us believe otherwise. Solomon knew otherwise as well.

We need to vigilant. We need to follow the narrow way. We need to take up the way of sacrifice. We need to leave everything behind for Jesus, our Messiah.

"If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad!" ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:31)

"We trample the blood of the Son of God underfoot if we think we are forgiven because we are sorry for our sins." ~~Oswald Chambers

"The team in first place on the Fourth of July will win the pennant." ~~Unknown

I've heard this one a lot. Sometimes not true though.

If Mary and Joseph used Facebook

I love this video. This is a must see. Mary and Joseph on Facebook

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." ~~Jackie Robinson

"Yes, I have." ~Joe DiMaggio

Hall of Famer Joe Dimaggio, responding to his wife Marilyn Monroe, who had told him of the reception U. S. troops in Korea had given her. "It was so wonderful Joe. You've never heard such cheering."

"Yes, I have."

"It is a beautiful day for baseball." ~~Ernie Banks

Every day. Always. Forever.

"The trades you don't make are your best ones." ~~Branch Rickey

"A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." ~~Wayne Gretzky

Wayne nailed it with this one. To some extent, this is the essence of leadership. It is the "vision thing".

"Find the good and praise it" ~~Alex Haley

"God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." ~~Max Lucado

"You can't steal first." ~~Unknown

This one is an old baseball adage, supposedly first said by a manager who apparently wasn't fearful of Eddie Mayo's speed.

"When the wicked die, that's it—the story's over, end of hope." ~~King Solomon

We are a people of hope. We know we are living in a new world under Jesus' new agreement with God. Not so, however, for everyone else. For them, death is the end of the road.

"When the wicked die, that's it— the story's over, end of hope." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:7)

Sent to help out

I have to say that it hasn't always been obvious to me that angels are here to help me. Lately it has been more obvious.  God knows what He is doing. Not everything is as it seems in this world. God's hand is behind some activity that we cannot even fathom.

May it be more obvious to me all the time!!

Isn't it obvious that all angels are sent to help out with those lined up to receive salvation? Hebrews 1

“And yes, there’s a simplicity to writing books because you’re not a member of a team, so you make all the decisions yourself instead of deferring to a committee. “ ~~Bernard Cornwell

"Baseball is too much of a sport to be called a business and too much of a business to be called a sport." ~~Phil Wrigley

"Holiness is the balance between my nature and the law of God as expressed in Jesus Christ." ~~Oswald Chambers

"It's a great tragedy when the Bible is interpreted by those who are not in love." ~~Bill Johnson

"Give me some scratching, diving, hungry ballplayers who come to kill you." ~~Leo Durocher

"Never dare to judge until you have heard the other side." ~Euripides, 5th century B.C.

"No one can pray and worry at the same time." ~~Max Lucado

"If your faith is in experiences, anything that happens is likely to upset that faith." ~~Oswald Chambers

"A man must be able to cut a knot, for everything cannot be untied." ~~Henri Frederic Amiel

"A man must be able to cut a knot, for everything cannot be untied; he must know how to disengage what is essential from the detail in which it is enwrapped, for everything cannot be equally considered; in a word, he must be able to simplify his duties, his business and his life." — Henri Frederic Amiel

Words of the year

The Oxford English Dictionary has chosen its word of the year: Squeezed Middle. Last year’s word of the year was big society, and the word of 2009 was unfriend.

Those who spend time on Twitter might have guessed that OWS, occupy or 99% would have come out on top this year. They didn’t come out on top, but they did make the shortlist, alongside some notable tech buzzwords. Gamification, clicktivism and crowdfunding made the U.S. shortlist, while hacktivism, sodcasting (playing music on your phone’s speaker in a public place) and — not surprisingly — phone hacking made the UK list.

Here’s the full U.S. shortlist for 2011′s word of the year:

• Arab Spring


• Bunga bunga


• Clicktivism


• Crowdfunding


• Fracking


• Gamification


• Occupy


• The 99%


• Tiger mother


• Sifi

"It is a trap to presume that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do— God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself." ~~Oswald Chambers

"Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust." ~~King Solomon

Good character is important. Doing the right thing, God's thing, makes all the difference. Solomon's dad understood that following what God said is important. Solomon learned that from his Dad.

Looking for a reward in this world and the next? Get God's good character. Get it now.

Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust. ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:6)

"Do, or do not. There is no try." ~~Yoda

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose." ~~Dr. Seuss

"God is faithful even when his children are not." ~~Max Lucado

"A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think." ~~Eleanor Roosevelt

"Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it." ~~Jane Wagner

You have to appreciate this. :)