I always enjoy a baseball game. We watch the sad Rangers once in a while at home and wonder why they’re so bad. We cheered for the Cards last fall of course. I believe the Yankees are the Philistines of baseball and to watch them lose is always a treat… however, they, like Philistines, never seem to go away.

When I was a boy growing up in Quincy, Illinois our church family would, on occasion, play softball after church potluck dinners in the field out behind our building. Terry Rush (see blog roll) was a member of that church and had an unfailing way of bringing joy and comedy to those games.  

For bases, we used some discarded cushions from my parent’s kitchen chairs. During one game, Terry was on first base and moved to second on a pop fly. The next batter came to the plate and hit a sharp grounder between first and second. Terry picked up second base, tucked it under his arm and took off for third laughing and shouting, “I’m stealing second!” I don’t know who won the game, but I know who won the day. I like that stealing is legal in baseball.  

I think God likes that you can steal in baseball too. He is gracious by nature. He provided the cities of refuge and the year of Jubilee! He forgives our sins and launches them into nothingness. He provided a way for us to live without the guilt that is rightfully ours. He designed a redemption that, like the moon when traveling at night, follows us wherever our failures occur. Paul wrote, ”In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)   

Everyone knows that stealing is wrong, but stealing second is always a joy. It’s exciting to watch the runner make a break for it. We love to see the young gun behind the plate fire his best shot to pick the runner off. I love it when anyone steals second, (except those Yankees!) I guess I just wanted to say that for each of us there comes a time to stand at the plate and face whatever is coming. Sometimes it’s low and outside – “but watch out for in your ear.” And when you’re safely on first, don’t be afraid to look down the line, tuck your guiltless joy up under your arm and take off laughing and shouting, “I’m stealing second!”

telemicus out

Last November, I went on a self-imposed exile from the News, Talk Radio and News television programs that involve people screaming at one another. I thought it would last for 30 days. My family said I would never make it - I was too “hooked”. It’s now been seven months. 

I’ve focused on music and good reading material. Through this, I tore down some of my own prejudice and explored new ideas. I’m more at peace, less angry and frustrated and happier. This week I realized again why this is a good thing. 

I saw clips on Letterman, Leno, Ferguson or Kimmel – (I surf!) of that Rosie person screaming at some other woman. (I know they aren’t on a news show, but it feeds off the same thing.) This is the reason for my exile. Constant conflict is not good for the soul. I love a good debate of facts and ideas. However, when the debate is not about the facts or ideas, but rather who can scream or verbally beat down the opponent, this is no longer good. 

In a song called Belief – John Mayer says,  

Is there anyone who really recalls - Ever breaking rank at all

For something someone yelled real loud one time 

Belief is a beautiful armor - But makes for the heaviest sword

Like punching under water - You never can hit who you’re trying for 

I’m not good at compromise when it comes to beliefs. But I’m trying to stop using my beliefs as a weapon against people. Don’t hear more than I’m saying – there is a time to stand and fight for what we believe in. But with people, love and share and teach with gentleness and kindness.  

Godly wisdom said, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). You may join me in the exile from toxic people and angry fights. The world could use a break from the sword of beliefs. Lennon was wrong about that “all you need is love” thing. It’s not all you need, but its certainly that right place to start.

telemicus out

Yesterday after work, I strapped on my running shoes, powered up my I-pod Shuffle, and went for a nice slow jog. I recently allowed I-tunes to fill the Shuffle with random music. So I have no idea what song will play next. The Shuffle holds over 16 hours of music (pure greatness!!)   

As I was slowly making my way down the sidewalk, I could feel that it was an exceptional day. The weather was perfect, the pace was good, and the legs were feeling light. Then a song came on that I’ve not heard since  High School. They used to play the 8-Track in the locker room before our football practices . The song is by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. They are sort of a southern-rock group that had a few hits in the 70’s.   

It wasn’t just nostalgia, but the message of the song and the reflections in my brain joined in a tag team assault on my heart. I was near tears – they were good tears though. It’s a song that proclaims the goodness of peace, contentment, life and God. I need more of all those things in my life. If it were legal to share it with you, I would. But go to I-tunes and get it if you like.   

The end of the song has these lines…   

I’ve been standin’ on a hillside in the night

And I’ve been singin’ ‘bout the good things and the light 

There’s a new star on the horizon and it nearly fills the sky

Thank you Lord – you made it right

You made it right.  

Can I encourage you to, as my friend Jim says, “Think noble things of God.” Would you look over your life and give thanks for the “good things and the light?” I know life is hard and we struggle with many difficult things, but now and then, I just really enjoy it when folks don’t hold the nature of the world against the Maker.  Yes man has fouled a lot of things up, but “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31).

 He made it right!   

 telemicus out

I thought there was something about her the day she was born. (All parents say that I think, but I mean something more!) We gave her the name Aubrey Hope Misheal. Aubrey was from a song, Hope is from the biblical idea of expecting good things and Misheal (pronounced Michelle) after me. Here are a few lines from the song she is named after, Aubrey. 

And Aubrey was her name

A not so very ordinary girl or name…

And Id go million times around the world just to say

She had been mine for a day.

When she was a little girl, she wore a white lacey dress, it seemed like all the time – she wore it until the lace was ragged and the buttons would no longer reach the holes. It is to this day, the “white swing around” dress. Early in her life, we thought she might be a vet because she loved animals so much. In the 5^th grade (I think) she tried her foot at soccer, (apparently they have some rule about hands). . . did drill team in the 9^th grade. She’s been working and earning her own money for several years now. 

The teen years brought the real Hope to light. She developed a personality that is completely her own. She had that “duct tape” phase. She likes what she likes in terms of décor, music, clothes, friends etc. and if anyone feels otherwise - they can deal with it because she knows who she is. I could write about Hope for weeks and never tell all the good things about her. 

I’m proud of her for many things. I love her morality. Her over the top laughter, silliness, burping, and commitment to the black T-shirt industry is remarkable. It’s very “Jesus” that she cares for the underdog, but she is not in your face with religion. I’m impressed with her loyalty to her friends. She will work hard for what she wants. She will do what she promises. She will say she’s sorry if she screws up. She is honest with how she feels. 

Today Aubrey Hope is turning 18. She will graduate High School in a few weeks. I’ve known a lot of teenagers and the best ones are those who love God and know who they are as individuals. Many years ago, someone (RS) called her Hopalicious and that name stuck. Our Hopalicious is a great kid that we love with all the craziness she deserves.  

And Aubrey Hope is her name – a  not so very ordinary girl or name. 

telemicus out