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There are times when our inner narrative seems stuck in neutral, but we can learn to write a more encouraging journey through life.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated May 9)
The secret of greatness is simple: do better work than any other man in your field–and keep on doing it.
Happiness doesn’t come from doing what we like to do but from liking what we have to do.
Wilferd Peterson (1900-1995) was a prolific American author. While he published nine books, his inspirational essays filled the pages of a national Sunday newspaper supplement, THIS WEEK.
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Sportscaster Joe Buck has been sidelined with the postponement of the Major League Baseball season. The legendary play-by-play announcer has been looking for opportunities to stay in the game. Let’s join Joe Buck, live on the air.
Good afternoon baseball fans! Coming from the home of Billy and Tony Bennett is today’s Backyard Home Run Derby.
This amazing duo will be challenging each other as pitcher and batter with a whiffle ball and bat. While most of the sporting world has been silent with their contests, these two brothers have definitely discovered their niche.
Billy has been assigned as the pitcher in today’s contest. His assignment will be to prevent any and all home runs. His brother, Tony . . . yes, he’s named after the famous crooner . . . will be stepping into the batter’s box to crush one of Billy’s fastballs out of the park.
Let’s set the scene. The Bennett’s backyard is a formidable challenge for both pitcher and batter. Home plate is located in the corner of the yard up next to the house. The pitcher’s mound is tucked behind Mom’s favorite rose bushes. The outfield fence is lined with a forest of Lombardy poplar trees . . . the wall looks quite reminiscent of Fenway Park’s “Green Monster.”
Billy stands ready on the mound to face Tony. Freddie, their neighbor friend, has volunteered to be both the catcher and the umpire.
Tony steps into the batter’s box. He looks all set.
From behind the roses, Billy winds up with his first pitch. “Strike One!”
Tony watches the fleeting fastball cross the plate without even taking a swing. I guess he’s sorting out the speed of Tony’s stuff.
Billy receives his sign from Freddie. The pitch is on its way.
Swing and a miss. “Strike Two!”
Tony steps out of the batter’s box. What’s this?
Defiantly, he points his bat toward the massive outfield wall. Yes folks, Tony is calling his shot just like the Babe did at Wrigley Field in the 1932 World Series between the powerful Yankees and the upset-minded Cubs.
Tony steps back into the batter’s box, digging both feet into the plush, green grass.
Billy takes the sign from Freddie. It looks like another fastball will be on its way.
Here’s comes the pitch.
[Crack of the bat crushing the ball]
Deep to center field. Is it enough? Gone!!
Easily clearing the majestic center field wall . . . a tape measure shot into the next yard . . . splashing into the Snyder’s backyard swimming pool. Mickey Mantle would be proud!
There you have it baseball fans. Tony is one up in today’s Backyard Home Run Derby.
We will pause for a commercial break while the game ball is retrieved from its watery splashdown. We’ll be right back with more of this backyard classic.
Originally published May, 2020.
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Our own positivity lights a candle of love and kindness in another soul.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated May 8)
You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing.
Unfortunately, many people do not consider fun an important item on their daily agenda.
Chuck Yeager (1923-2020) was a United States Air Force aviator. He rose to a rank of Brigadier General, but he had preciously been well recognized for his flying exploits. Besides being a flying ace, he became the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound on a level flight in 1947.
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As we sing in worship to lift up praise to our Lord, we are also interacting with His glorious Word.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated May 7)
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In walking with God, we discover that we can faithfully let go of our hunger for worldly desires.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated May 6)
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God’s way is filled with His light of truth.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated May 5)
Spring training arrives
Baseball swings away
Dreams forever fill
Grown men now at play
Life’s daily fabric
Clothed around baseball
Game’s timeless rhythm
Umpire shouts, “Play ball!”
Bambino’s shadow
“House That Ruth Built” shrine
Yankee Stadium
Writes daily headlines
Pennant race forecast
Veterans lead off
Each rookie follows
Game always shows off
Who’s in center field?
New Yorkers look out
Mick, Duke, or Willie
None better, no doubt
National pastime
Newspapers proclaim
Box scores filled with stats
Deep love for this game
Nation’s beating pulse
Another home run
Mantle, Maris chase
Ain’t this really fun?
Each autumn’s classic
Baseball measures up
World Series broadcast
Greatness bats cleanup
Memories still stand
Precious trading cards
Hall of Fame’s legends
Baseball’s honor guard
A few of the stanzas deserve some additional notes. The “Bambino” refers to baseball legend George Herman (Babe) Ruth. The center fielders are Mickey Mantle (Yankees), Duke Snider (Dodgers), and Willie Mays (Giants). All played at the same time during the 1950s. Mantle and Maris refer to Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, who played for the Yankees. In 1961, their personal home run derby propelled Maris to hit a then-record 61 home runs for a season, with Mantle close behind with 54.
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In our journey, we waste precious time when we continue to keep score.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated May 4)
Big Sky Buckeye 