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Major League Baseball looking into starting the 2020 season in May, can it happen

Embed from Getty Images ESPN and MLB insider Jeff Passan dropped a bombshell yesterday, One that has sparked a lot of debate. “NEWS: Major League Baseball and the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association) are focusing on a plan backed by federal health officials that could have players in training camps by May and games soon thereafter.” Passan wrote. Is it possible during the Covid-19 pandemic?

First we need to back up a little bit. Last week United States President Donald Trump said he wanted to get people back in their jobs around Easter. Guess what? Here we are the Holy week in upon us and now MLB is working on a plan.

Last Saturday Trump had a conference call with the heads of all sports owners, general managers, player reps. With one goal. Getting back to work. It was a four hour call that most likely came with a framework.

Back to Jeff Passan, who said the framework would be for all MLB teams to head to Arizona. The teams would use spring training complexes as well as college ballparks. There would be no fans in the stands but games would be televised.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, the main question is can extended spring training and games be played safely? The batter is close to the catcher, the catcher is close to the home plate umpire. A runner on base is close to the nearest defender.

Meeting on the mounds and pitching changes have people within inches of each other. How can MLB during a global pandemic do this in a safe manner? Listen my love for baseball knows no bounds. But this is (to use a baseball term) a pickle. Peoples lives and well being are on the line. As are their family members.

Unless, the President and health officials know some things they have not released as of yet. Then this looks like a tremendous gamble. Again, the President gave a time frame.

Millionaire owners and the current President have something in common. They are all businessmen. People who work and direct deadlines. They are also creative in how they get their business done.

With players, coach’s, umpires, trainers, field crew and others lives at stake. This will have to either be really creative or better yet, postponed to July or August when it is safer.

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Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline dies

Embed from Getty Images Known as “Mr. Tiger,” Al  Kaline was a first ballot Hall of Famer in 1980 after making 18 All-Star games and helping the Detroit Tigers win the 1968 World Series. Kaline spent all 22 playing seasons with the Detroit Tigers. He is and was a Detroit sports icon.

Al Kaline played in more games as a Tiger and hit more homers than anyone else in the history of the organization Kaline compiled a batting resume second only to another Tigers legend Ty Cobb.

Unlike Ty Cobb who was gruff and downright mean, Al  Kaline was the opposite. He was respected for his on field elegance and off field kindness by teammates as well as other players around MLB.

Al Kaline signed with the Detroit Tigers the day after he graduated from high school, Kaline would make his major league debut one week later. Al Kaline would never play in the minor leagues. He would never wear another uniform but the Detroit Tigers. Kaline was 18 years old when he played his first game for the Tigers on June 25, 1953.

Kaline played his final game in 1974, he would retire with 3,007 hits, and 399 home runs. When he received the call from the Hall of Fame the ever humble Kaline said he was in “shock.”

As good a hitter as he was Al Kaline was an equally as good defensive outfielder. As a rookie Kaline threw out three Chicago White Sox in consecutive innings.

At Comerica Park, Kaline is one of six former Detroit Tigers with a statue behind the left center field fence. Even with 3,007 career hits and those organization record 399 homers, the statue shows Kaline not with a bat in hand, but making a leaping, one-handed.

For all he accomplished on the field. Al Kaline was the same off the field. Always happy to take a picture with fans. He would stand and talk with anyone for long lengths of time.

The news of his passing was met with shock and a tremendous amount of sadness not only in Detroit and the entire state of Michigan but around all of MLB.

So goodbye # 6, no matter how hard it is, and it is hard.

 

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Worry kills joy

Embed from Getty Images Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Luke 12:22

Worrying is a sin. Did you hear that? Did you read that? Do I have your full attention? Listen, I am not a Preacher, Pastor or Priest, I am a follower of Jesus and if (and He did)  says not to worry and I/ we do it is a sin.

Have you ever thought about that?  What is exactly gained from being worried when situations come up where some anxiety take control and cause such panic and unrest in us that it rubs off on the people around us. Did you think about that?

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Now I admit this is difficult to do and easy to read. It took me years before I was able to achieve this. But the reward has been a worry free, fear free household.

The key to over come worry, doubt and or fear (which all work together in unhealthy ways) is to brace for it, read the Bible. Daily. Jesus Himself tells us if you want to be at easy, read God’s word: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

So in short it is a choice. Sometimes we get so comfortable in being uncomfortable the lines get blurred. God knows our heart. When we are ready to lay down worrying  and see what life is like peaceful as we read God’s word it allows Him to renew our minds Romans 12:2.

In my house, I came up with a saying years ago when our children were young, : “Do not let your emotions dictate your actions.” Again I had to work a long time at that to be able to apply to our family.

I would like to encourage the worry-warts out there. If you do not know Jesus and are tired of fighting your thoughts, open a Bible and begin to read. If you had no idea the words in the Bible account for everything in life, again I encourage you to open one up and examine for yourself.

In today’s age you can find a Bible app download it and put worry, stress or fear in the search bar then begin to to read the verses. Be open to what God is saying, it is better than the current way your handling worry, stress and fear.

 

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Online/streaming church services just as good as being in a church

Embed from Getty Images Man we are an excuse making machine! Social media has been bombarded with posts, Tweets, this’s and that’s about how people “just can’t into church on the t.v.” But hold up, online and streaming church services are at an all-time high. So what is Heaven’s name is the deal?

So people who have gone to church their entire life, somehow can not do church any other way. Okay cool.  My question is why not? If God’s word is important enough in person, it should be any other way you are able to receive it.

I am going to be bold for a moment. In this era of Covid-19/ social distancing, keep your cooties to yourself day, people need to get out of the norm and into a new way. Sound familiar? A man name Jesus walked the earth and and challenged people to get out of the norm and into a new way.

The battle people face is in between their ears. The mind. Then add in when we start listening to voices that tell us something is not for us, it is time to self-evaluate. The current state of the world IS NOT FROM GOD! That does not mean Christian’s should allow the devil to win and squash their joy from what the Lord has from them.

No Christian’s should be like the lady who could not stop bleeding. Fighting through just to get close and perhaps even touch Jesus. Now let me say this, a person is no less devote if they are getting the word on a screen. Let me say that again, a person is no less devote if they are getting the word on a screen.

God is still God. His word is still true. He still saves, heals, frees. Oh, did I mention if you watch on Facebook live you can leave a comment, not only that but you can be with your church family, while honoring the boarders we have been placed under.

So set you mind free! Watch and receive the word of God. I promise God will be near to you.

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Quarantine date nights ideas

Embed from Getty Images The order “Stay at Home.” Fine we all know this is the smart thing to do. But, keeping the romance ball rolling has become a bit of a challenge. Factor in kids, and it seems like mission impossible. Alas, there are things to do to keep the romance alive. You just have to be willing.

I am in no way, shape or form an art person. Unless you consider stick figures art. Last night my wife and I sat at our kitchen table and Facebook lived a water coloring class. I found it very enjoyable. To sit listen, paint and joke with my wife, make mistakes. It was worth it! Oh and our oldest plugged in headphones and played video games so it was like he was not even there.

Take long walks. Mind you we have two dog’s so this is a bit easier for us I admit. We also have a fenced in backyard so there is a choice to be made. Do I leash and walk one dog and my wife does the same with the other dog, take a long walk while holding her hand? I think yes. It is a good statement to our neighbors.

Sit down and watch a movie together. First and foremost (this is for the guys) ask her what she wants to watch. Guy’s I ask for an umbrella of mercy, we tend to be remote pigs. Let go and let her pick what you watch. It is the little things.

Share what God is showing you. Listen my wife and read through the Bible every year and have since 2007. Yet, God shows me new things every year and usually daily.

Sit with your wife while she does tasks. My wife, God bless her is making masks which are in shortage. It is nothing to go up to our loft and sit with her, encourage her and maybe sneak in a smooch.

Order flower and have them delivered. Delivery is huge right now. Take advantage of it. The person dropping items off wear masks and gloves. They walk it up to the front door ring the doorbell and drive away. Try it, order flowers when the doorbell rings tell your wife you think it is for her. When she opens the door she will be surprised and again there just maybe a smooch involved.

If you have quarantine date ideas, feel free to drop them in the comment box. Until then, look for ways to keep the romance going.

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Covid-19 showing why living by a list is not always the best

Embed from Getty Images Some of us are list makers. We map out grocery trips, school drop offs and pickups. We write a  list about things we need for vacation or things to do around the house. We leave a list for the babysitter. We jot down what we need for our hobbies or when we see a friend. It goes on and on. Then along came a global pandemic and the list makings came to a screeching stop.

Is there anything wrong with making a list? No. I say that carefully. While on the surface lists are a good idea, they can hold us in captivity. If we make a list and either have to stick to it no matter what. Or feel disappointed with ourselves at the end of the day because one or two things did not get done then our list can creep into idol worship.

It is not that I think all lists are an idol. But lists without allowing flexibility puts us in captivity. Listen there are plenty of things out there to put us in captivity. Words on paper should never be one of them.

Now let’s toss in Covid-19. A small (I kid and in no way make light of the issue at hand) global pandemic that has made mockery of nearly every list out there. As well as calendars. Perhaps, and just hear me out that is a gift from God.

Lists are null and void. Perhaps this is God saying “check with Me, I’ll help you through your day.” As Christ followers that is what we should be doing daily. This allows God’s Holy Spirit to flow through us the way He intended. Something a list puts a blocker of sorts between us and the Spirit of God.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10: 10, again a list is not a thief unless we allow it to be.

In my opinion, God is giving some rather strong clues to His church as to what He expects during this time. One is do not live by lists, live by asking Him. When we do, we may find we have more peace and happiness. That is what He wants and died for us to have.

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What has your perspective been like since and during Covid-19

Embed from Getty Images “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2

Admit it, doubt and fear have crept into your thoughts from time to time. Also thoughts of having to spend one more day cooped up in your house, apartment or condo. It is easy to start to complain. It may even seem right to be angry at God. But, now just hear me out, what if we change our perspective?

2 Corinthians 4:18 tells us “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” This is a good example of perspective change.

We all see things, stores, movie theaters, grass, trees, the list is expansive. What if during the “social distance” or “quarantine” mandates we take 2 Corinthians 4:18 and apply them?

Sitting in my house I see the four walls and t.v. mounted on the wall. But if I slow down. If I open myself up to what God is exactly doing right now on the earth, I find peace. Psalm 46:10 puts it best ” “Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

When I am still, I do not focus on what my eyes see. I see a God who is giving me protection against an enemy we can not see by allowing me to be safe in the house He provided for my family. I see a God who despite my wanting, is providing me health so I can tend to my family, friends and neighbors.

You can take this time to be angry, or to invest it or you can even waste the time God has given to slow down. I leave you with this thought, choose to be content, God is good and has given us much more than we can ever give Him.

“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Timothy 6: 6-8

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How should the Church respond to Covid-19

Embed from Getty Images “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

In the sheer panic and fear that has engripped the United States and the better part of the world. God has called His church into action. No more standing on the sidelines hoping the head coach does not call on you to enter the game. No the Church, the whole Church needs to be proactive during this time.

So what are some practical ways the Church can help during a time of “social distancing?” First and foremost, love your neighbors. Text or call them ask how they are doing, if they need anything. The same for family and friends. Always pray with each person as you check on them. This will help to lower panic and hopefully with the help of the Holy Spirit fears will become less elevated.

Next always make sure you are leaning into God for peace, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6. If you have children of any age, they and your spouse will react according to how you both present things as well as react to things. Again, bring prayer in as you tend to your house.

While people wear masks and gloves (which is absolutely fine!) it can be a starting point at stores. Tell them while P.P.E. is very good, God provides everything we need Proverbs 18:10 tells us “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”

What the Church also needs to be during the day in which we live is to be like Daniel, to stand in a cave with roaring lions (or a global pandemic) and be willing to pray and make intercessions for the world, the countries, the sick, the worried and the fearful.

It is my opinion, God is giving His Church this time to shine. This is extremely important. Do not be lukewarm, for the sake of the world!

 

 

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Star Wars: the legacy of Luke Skywalker

Embed from Getty Images When I was a kid, I wanted to be Luke Skywalker. He was the closest thing that resembled my life. So I felt there was an instant connection. Along with the battle of light side versus dark side, Star Wars is also a story about personal growth and adulthood.

Luke Skywalker started out as a farm boy and ended up a legendary Jedi. Through dealing with evil, Luke then trying to sort out his own failures he ended up soured into bitter sadness.

Luke Skywalker, once the hero of the Rebellion, built a Jedi school on Jakku. In a moment of part his own guilt and horror and part weakness and fear, he thought about killing his nephew, Ben Solo. Perhaps the evil intent in Ben’s heart hit too close to home who had dealt with a father with some evil in him as well and Luke did not want to go down this path again.

Like many of us who fail at something we want to hide. Luke was driven to Ahch-To in part by his own feelings of unworthiness as a teacher. He would self-distance himself, or in today’s terms social distance himself.

Luke needed Yoda to remind him that he is a very important part of the Jedi Order’s history.

Luke blames his own hype as a “legend” for his actions. Yoda does not deny this, but he does tell Luke to stop focusing on the past, the future, and the dreams of the horizon. Luke’s last lesson is meditative: to live in the moment.

Luke’s arc in the Original Trilogy took him from farm boy with good aim to the Jedi who threw away his weapon when he was offered the opportunity to rule the galaxy.

Luke Skywalker’s legacy is not one of wanting and gaining power, Luke’s legacy is about laying down one’s life for his friends, about being willing to say no to injustice even when there is no hope of a future without a hint of yes.

“The Last Jedi” showed how powerful Luke Skywalker was. Luke understood, his real power was not violent or aggressive.  His last act is a trick, a misdirection used to save people. No anger, no hatred, Luke simply projected and won.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13. That is Luke Skywalker’s legacy.

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Star Wars Rogue One spinoff, Cassian Andor will have little used or never seen creatures

Embed from Getty Images Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is getting a spinoff. Cassian Andor. The show will be part of Disney Plus streaming. An early report is that the show will serve as a second chance for Star Wars creatures who might have only gotten a small amount of screen time, or a place for previously unused creatures all together to finally make their way to a galaxy far, far away.

When the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker released  Neal Scanlan, the creature and special make up effects creative supervisor of the five most recent Star Wars movies. Scanlan has been making lots of headlines recently by dropping an interesting clue about Star Wars productions, when Scanlan turned his attention to the upcoming Cassian Andor Disney Plus show, which features Diego Luna reprising his role from Rogue One as a Rebel spy, Scanlan revealed some more interesting tid-bits about the series.

“We also have this backlog of characters. A lot of the characters that we built for all of the films either didn’t make it to the final cut, because that’s just the way that the film process happens, or that they are seen so momentarily that there is this wonderful second opportunity to bring back some of the characters that we’ve made and bring them to this new storyline in a more, shall we say, integrated way. I think it’s going to be tremendous. I find that it’s a second opportunity for everything that we’ve made, plus the opportunity of moving TV along, in a sense, at what will not at all be diminished as far as the level of quality, the level of things that we are going to try and achieve.” Neal Scanlan told reporters.

With many aliens and creatures at his finger tips, this is good news for Star Wars junkies (of which I am one.) It will be fun to check out the finished product when Cassian Andor hits Disney Plus streaming 2021.