Thoughts About Baseball at the All-Star Break

Winning your division in baseball is significant, but doesn't guarantee post-season success. With the Atlanta Braves just a handful of games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and currently in solid control of the wild card spot in the National League, getting into the playoffs is the main goal.

The Pittsburgh Pirates having a winning record at the break and within striking distance of the lead in the National League Central division is a great thing for baseball. I hope their solid play continues and this is not simply a first-half "feel good" story.

The Tampa Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles annually deal with the largest competitive discrepancy in all of professional sports. They simply can't keep up with the big-market New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for the long run. Sometimes David does defeat Goliath. It can happen, but more often than not, paying big money for the best players means more wins.

If Major League Baseball goes forward with realignment as is being discussed, I hope it adjusts the divisions (East, Central, West) to each include 5 teams. The current division structure in both the American and National leagues with 6 teams in the Central division and 4 teams in the West division is something that should be fixed.

Thank You for Reading The Point

This blog post is intended for the sole purpose of saying thank you.

Sometime earlier today the view counter for this blog crossed over 5000 views. In the vastness of the blogosphere, that's a very minor number. But considering that I was hesitant to ever start blogging, and only did so after significant encouragement from my wife (thank you Tonya), I continue to be amazed that people take the time to read the thoughts I post.

So, if you are one of the people who checks this blog from time to time, THANK YOU. That you take your time to read these posts is much appreciated.

Big Guy Weekend 3

Last Friday and Saturday, in what has become an annual tradition, I took Parker on a fun-filled trip we call Big Guy Weekend. This summer we went to Atlanta for a tour of Turner Field and a Braves game against the Baltimore Orioles.

These weekends are a great opportunity for father-son time. We get to spend time talking about things we both enjoy and I get to hear Parker's heart, the things that are important to him. Next year, Turner will begin to have his own Big Guy Weekend as well.

I would suggest every Dad of a son have a Big Guy Weekend. A friend of mine has what he calls Dude Days with his son. If you have a daughter, maybe you have a Princess Weekend. Whatever you call it, spending quality time with your child is time well spent.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, just turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind has led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are some more:

Turner: "I need a drank" (with an a).
Me: "Say drink" (with an i).
Turner: "I can say toilet. That's an easy word."

After building an impressive Thomas the Tank Engine train track with the help of his 7 year old brother Parker: "This is huge-mongous!!"

I recently was reading Turner a Thomas the Tank Engine book and read a line that stated, "Thomas' wheels sputtered at an oily spot on the track".
This is the conversation that followed:
Turner: "Daddy, don't say oily".
Me: "Okay. What should I say then"?
Turner: "Say I like your windmill".
The sentence then read "Thomas' wheels sputtered at an I like your windmill spot on the track"....... and Turner was good with that.

To a new Dad with a 2-month old son: "Your baby is not a toy".

Great Quote Thursday

Are you listening or are you just waiting for your turn to talk?- Robert Montgomery

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 7:1-3

Here are some of my teaching notes from our Me? series last Sunday. The text is Nehemiah 7:1-3:

v. 1- Details Are Important
Not only was the wall rebuilt but the detail work (doors, gatekeepers, singers, priests) had to be in place.

In a marriage, details matter. Ask any wife. Her husband may be a great husband 90% of the time but the other 10% (the things, or the details, he overlooks) is what often stands out and gets remembered.

In the workplace, details matter. If your supervisor gives you a solid review but points out a couple of areas needing improvement (areas where you need to pay attention to detail), all you remember is the areas(s) needing attention.

v. 2- Follow Godly Leadership
Nehemiah chose Hanani to be a leader in Jerusalem because he found him to be "a man of integrity" and a man who "feared God more than most men do". That type of individual is one to be followed, not simply someone who is popular or someone who is leading the current movement or fad.

v. 3- Take Nothing For Granted
The city gates were not to be opened until "the sun is hot", meaning that the gates were safely kept closed until the citizens were awake and prepared. Too often we make a move or decision without thinking through all the consequences of our actions. Think. Prepare. Be ready.

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 5:14-19

Here are some teaching notes from our Me? series. The text is Nehemiah 5:14-19:

v. 14, 15- Lead By Example
Nehemiah knew that the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was difficult for the people and he did not want to increase the burden.

v. 16, 17- Lead Through a Life of Service, Not Opportunism
While focusing on the work at hand, Nehemiah expressed his leadership by giving to others.

v. 18,19- Just Because You Have an Advantage, Don't Take Advantage
Being governor brought privileges. Nehemiah refused the extra benefits and, as a result, it strengthened his leadership among the people.