Baseball Frenzy

TEXAS RANGERS - CLAW!

Who would have guessed that Friday night high school football is taking a back seat to the sixth game of the American League Championship Series in Arlington, TX tonight. The Texas Rangers are leading the New York Yankees 5 to 1 after the top of the seventh inning. They're six outs away from going to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

The Rangers are at bat in the bottom of the 7th inning. One more run - 6 to 1 now! Starting pitcher Colby Lewis is doing an awesome job. Still in the game in the top of the 8th.

Nervous and excited...getting closer. Three outs away with the bottom of the 8th coming up. A few insurance runs would be nice, but I believe you can hang on to this win.

Top of the 9th - Yankees, don't spoil this one for us! New pitcher for the Rangers - Feliz, a first-rate closer. Struck out batter - two outs away! Grounder to second - throw to first - out! One out away...deep breath! Struck out the last batter. WIN! WORLD SERIES!!!!

Yankees, thank you for a good series, but it's the Rangers' year. And all of us sports fans in north Texas really need a winning team! Celebration time! What a difference a smart owner and a great manager make. You did it, Rangers!!

Did I mention I love baseball!

On this Sunday morning

I took a deep breath as I headed out the door this morning, anticipating the joy of a new day.  Darkness prevailed but there were hints of sunrise to the east.  Each day I trust darkness will become light as Molly and I wander our usual path before daybreak.  The fall air is fresh and crisp, much more to my liking than the heat of this past summer.

When Molly’s morning dawns, she paws the side of our bed to tell me it’s time to welcome the day.  Without opening my eyes I say, “Are you ready to go, girl?”  Her ears perk up as she anticipates our early morning walk.  In truth, it’s way too early to be that enthusiastic about the day.  I am barely moving but know I must get up.

Just thinking on this Sunday morning…

What difference would it make if I started each day as Molly does?

Not worrying about darkness

Believing in light

Full of anticipation and gratitude

Trusting someone who loves you

Being a loyal friend

Honoring good habits

Always being there

Just thinking on this Sunday morning…

It’s as if God is asking me, “Are you ready to go, girl?”

Blessings on this Sunday morning!

The Lord is my shepherd

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for his name's sake.  NRSV

I know the words so well. I said them over and over while pondering the pastoral presence of Christ this week. On Monday night, Charlie was admitted to Harris SW Hospital with gall bladder disease. For both of us, the experience was both disturbing and calming.

How come, God? What's the deal?

You know my husband doesn't need anything else to deal with. 

Listen to me.

Remember what I have taught you.

Use the gifts I have given you.

I hear you, God. Just about missed you but you stayed with me!

Whether God sends me out to be his shepherd or I catch up with him in the midst of a crisis, he is so strongly present I can't deny what he wants of me. I believe his presence is all the assurance we need to handle whatever life gives us. When life's challenges occur, we need to know God is with us in a very profound way.

There is it, God. You settled the restlessness in me.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff --

they comfort me. NRSV

God of comfort and healing, be present to all who have need. Amen

In the garden

When I was a very young girl, Grandpa Potter would take me around his backyard so I could see the flowers and vegetables he grew every summer. As he told me about his garden, he let me pick a bouquet to surprise Grandma.

As I got older, he taught me to plant seasonal flowers and bulbs and would let me help him. He instilled in me a love of gardening. I can still see him bending over at the waist, feet spread apart, maticulously tending to each plant as if it was the most beautiful one that ever existed. How loving and gentle he was, caring for every living thing!

Tonight I longed to be in the garden again. After dinner I walked over to my neighbor's patio. They have been in Colorado for a couple of months and won't be back till late October. I told Marcia that I would be glad to tend their patio garden once the weather got cooler. She knows how much I miss having a yard and flower beds. Some of the condos in the Villas on the Bluff have patios; others have an enclosed sunroom (our floor plan).

The shrubs and rose bushes are looking pretty sad. Everything needs pruning and trimming. Clippers in hand, I worked till it was too dark to see. Tomorrow I'll clean up. I came home with dirt on my hands and in my sandals, lots of pricks from rose bushes, and a few bug bits.

So happy to be back in the garden!