There are three days next year that I am looking very forward to. February 25th, March 31st and October 1st.
February 25th is the Matchbox 20 concert in Kansas City.
October 1st will be the start of the Major League Baseball playoffs and hopefully another step towards the 11th World Series championship for my redbirds.
When I was 19 years old I was sitting in my uncle’s driveway at a family gathering of some sorts. My Uncle Bryce and I were discussing the upcoming baseball season and wondering how our beloved Cardinals would fare. He told me that, as always, he was going to Opening Day and asked if I was going. I had not really thought about it. When I realized that I was off work that Monday I decided to go. I bought a ticket from a dirty scalper and the rest as they say………..
On that Monday not only did I see what Uncle Bryce was telling me about, but I fell in love.
You see for a true baseball fan the last game of the World Series has two parts. First you crown a new champion and then the “next year”, that Cub fans have been talking about since May, begins.
It begins like a snowball; teams can start talking to their free agents. Then they can talking to other team’s free agents. Some players sign with new teams (i.e. Edgar Renteria and Torii Hunter). Others sign with their same club (i.e. Jorge Posada) and some players say they will not sign with their old team then realize no one else will pay them $27.5 million per year for ten years and end up signing with their old team (i.e. Alex Rodriguez). Some big trades are talked and talked and talked about (i.e. Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera). Then there are the GM winter meetings where big deals can get done everyday of the week. Free agent signings, trades, and looking for prospects continues for months until all 30 teams feel as if they have the best team to put on the field.
Soon February begins and it’s time for spring training. While wins and loses in the spring may not mean a whole lot, there is plenty to play for. This is when players get there timing down, see how they are improving after last year’s injuries, and for some it is a time used to prove they are worthy of playing in “the show”. A couple weeks into spring training and every fan’s snowball of anticipation is growing to be about the same size as their lofty hopes that the new season has brought.
As a fan my season starts when Jason and I camp, often in the snow, in a Schnucks parking lot all night to get a ticket for the experience that is Opening Day. (I could tell you which Schnucks we camp at, but then I’d have to kill you.)
Opening Day is the one day a year when nothing else matters. A concert will come and go. The October baseball you hope and pray will come has no guarantee. But Opening Day comes every year and on that day time stands still. It doesn’t matter who the president is, what a barrel of oil cost, or who will win American Idol. Baseball is all that matters on that day.
All of the sudden a ball of snow that has been building for five long months melts away in the springtime sun with the simple words…………..Play Ball!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Doing The Mostest Goodest
The Mission Statement of the Salvation Army USA
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
This is the mission statement for the Salvation Army. I believe that the Salvation Army is a good organization that helps lots of people in need. I do not question them when they say they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ or that they meet human needs in His name.
The problem I have had with the Salvation Army for over a year is in their slogan. I have had the pleasure of volunteering with many human needs organizations over the years. Anything you do to improve this world, in my opinion, is doing good. No matter if it is building homes in third world countries, engaging in conversations, digging fresh water wells, or feeding the homeless, it is all good. Doing good is doing good in my book. If you give of your time and resources to people in need you are doing something good. There is no such thing as doing more good than someone else. I would think that this way of thinking would be very prevalent in any human needs organization especially one being called a “Christian” human needs organization. This is why the Salvation Army’s slogan “Doing The Most Good” bothers me. Is it not important to just do what is good? Do we need to compare how much good is being done between people doing good?
I give thanks to the Salvation Army for doing good. I just don’t give them more thanks than I do Living Water, Homes for the Homeless, Sunshine Ministries, or any other human needs organization.
Hebrew 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
This is the mission statement for the Salvation Army. I believe that the Salvation Army is a good organization that helps lots of people in need. I do not question them when they say they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ or that they meet human needs in His name.
The problem I have had with the Salvation Army for over a year is in their slogan. I have had the pleasure of volunteering with many human needs organizations over the years. Anything you do to improve this world, in my opinion, is doing good. No matter if it is building homes in third world countries, engaging in conversations, digging fresh water wells, or feeding the homeless, it is all good. Doing good is doing good in my book. If you give of your time and resources to people in need you are doing something good. There is no such thing as doing more good than someone else. I would think that this way of thinking would be very prevalent in any human needs organization especially one being called a “Christian” human needs organization. This is why the Salvation Army’s slogan “Doing The Most Good” bothers me. Is it not important to just do what is good? Do we need to compare how much good is being done between people doing good?
I give thanks to the Salvation Army for doing good. I just don’t give them more thanks than I do Living Water, Homes for the Homeless, Sunshine Ministries, or any other human needs organization.Hebrew 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Life and the pursuit...
As I was thinking about life and the pursuit of happiness this is the trail I went down…
Matthew 6
…"Therefore I tell you, DO NOT WORRY about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? LOOK AT THE BIRDS IN THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP OR STORE AWAY IN BARNS, AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY?...
Casey 1
I know from this that God will provide for me. The time I spend worrying about being provided for is wasted time. God even provides for birds, but am I really more valuable than a bird in God’s eyes?
Genesis 1
…And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so…. And God saw that it was good….
… So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them…. God saw all that He had made, and it was VERY good….
Casey 2
Does God care about birds? Yes, He created them. Does God think of me as more valuable than a bird? Yes, I was made in the image of God and told to rule over the birds in the sky. (Genesis 1:26) God said birds are good, but that I was VERY good.
Birds are provided for. Barring an incident with a windshield, they will live a good life. They live a good life without a steady income and a 401k. If God thinks more of me than He does a bird why do I waste so much time thinking and worrying about money and things?
Philippians 4
… Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus…
Matthew 6
…"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?…
…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own….
Casey 3
Instead of worrying, I should pray? Instead of worrying about retirement and a house, I should live in Christ and seek first His kingdom? All too much I feel like Peter seeing Gods miracles, knowing He can be trusted, but remain one “of little faith.”
When I worry endlessly about the big picture of life I think God says to me the same thing Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 8:26. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
After all of this, this is what I have come up with.
When I worry about life, remember what I am living for.
When I worry about the pursuit; remember what I am pursuing.
Know that I Am (Yahweh) is who He said He was and know that I am (Casey) who He said I was.
Matthew 6
…"Therefore I tell you, DO NOT WORRY about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? LOOK AT THE BIRDS IN THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP OR STORE AWAY IN BARNS, AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY?...
Casey 1
I know from this that God will provide for me. The time I spend worrying about being provided for is wasted time. God even provides for birds, but am I really more valuable than a bird in God’s eyes?
Genesis 1
…And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so…. And God saw that it was good….
… So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them…. God saw all that He had made, and it was VERY good….
Casey 2
Does God care about birds? Yes, He created them. Does God think of me as more valuable than a bird? Yes, I was made in the image of God and told to rule over the birds in the sky. (Genesis 1:26) God said birds are good, but that I was VERY good.
Birds are provided for. Barring an incident with a windshield, they will live a good life. They live a good life without a steady income and a 401k. If God thinks more of me than He does a bird why do I waste so much time thinking and worrying about money and things?
Philippians 4
… Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus…
Matthew 6
…"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?…
…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own….
Casey 3
Instead of worrying, I should pray? Instead of worrying about retirement and a house, I should live in Christ and seek first His kingdom? All too much I feel like Peter seeing Gods miracles, knowing He can be trusted, but remain one “of little faith.”
When I worry endlessly about the big picture of life I think God says to me the same thing Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 8:26. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
After all of this, this is what I have come up with.
When I worry about life, remember what I am living for.
When I worry about the pursuit; remember what I am pursuing.
Know that I Am (Yahweh) is who He said He was and know that I am (Casey) who He said I was.
Monday, November 26, 2007
"W" Songs
I found, while scrolling through my ipod, the other day that songs starting with the letter “W” are very good. I’m not saying that W has the best song overall, but overall average song quality is unmatched by any other letter! See if it is the same on your ipod, I bet it is. Here’s my list:
Wait a Minute- pussycat doll (they get better I promise)
Waiting on the World to Change- John Mayer
Wake Up Call- Maroon 5
Walk the Line- Johnny Cash
Walk This Way- Areosmith
Wasted- Brandi Carlile
We Are the Champions- Queen
We Will Rock You- Queen
Welcome to the Jungle- Guns ‘n Roses
What Goes Around- Justin Timberlake
What Would You Say- Dave Matthews Band
Wheel in the Sky- Journey
When the Heartache Ends- Rob Thomas
Why Georgia- John Mayer
With a Little Help From My Friends- Beatles
Won’t Go Home Without You- Maroon 5
Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
Wouldn’t It Be Nice- The Beach Boys
Wait a Minute- pussycat doll (they get better I promise)
Waiting on the World to Change- John Mayer
Wake Up Call- Maroon 5
Walk the Line- Johnny Cash
Walk This Way- Areosmith
Wasted- Brandi Carlile
We Are the Champions- Queen
We Will Rock You- Queen
Welcome to the Jungle- Guns ‘n Roses
What Goes Around- Justin Timberlake
What Would You Say- Dave Matthews Band
Wheel in the Sky- Journey
When the Heartache Ends- Rob Thomas
Why Georgia- John Mayer
With a Little Help From My Friends- Beatles
Won’t Go Home Without You- Maroon 5
Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton
Wouldn’t It Be Nice- The Beach Boys
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Resume
Dear Mr. Bill Dewitt Jr.,
The purpose of the letters is to officially announce to you, and whoever it may concern, that I would like to be considered for your recently vacated general manager position. The Cardinals have a very rich history that I am well informed of. Something you may not be informed of is my rich history. I would hope that you would be able to overlook what some people would call “a lack of baseball experience.” To the people that would say that I say this; maybe I haven’t be on staff of a professional baseball franchise, maybe I haven’t played very much or any organized baseball, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be the best fit as general manager. I know that before hiring me you would like to know more about me and my back round. I also know that your time is very valuable so I have cut straight to the point for you. (You’re welcome)
Education and Professional:
High School: Graduated with a four year degree from The Wentzville Holt high school.
College: I don’t like to brag, but I do have some community college under my belt. I also graduated from the School of Awesome People with a master’s degree in General Awesomeness.
Jobs: I have pretty much done everything from changing oil, to selling cell phones, to literally sucking crap out of people basements.
Personal:I love the Cardinals and the game of baseball more than I could ever love a human baby. With that said here are some facts that may help you in you decision making. Some of them may seem unbelievable, but remember “unbelievable” is my middle name.
1. I attend on average 42.3 major league baseball games a year. 99.7% of those being St. Louis’ games.
2. I am a slightly above average softball player. I feel that this would help me in relating to my players.
3. The first baseball game the I attended was in Busch Memorial Stadium at a Cards/Cubs game.
4. I can run a mile in under 9.5 minutes.
5. My St. Louis Cardinal licenses plates read “H8DCBS”. You can figure it out on your own.
6. Lots of people think I am the funniest person ever.
7. I have a three foot by two foot box filled with baseball cards.
8. At least four people have voted for me for the president of the United States.
I have now informed you of what I bring to the table. Here is what I am expecting you and the cardinals to bring.
1. I would like to be refunded the near $1200 I spent on playoff/World Series tickets last year.I hope that we can meet in the middle on these terms.
In closing I would like to say that I feel that I would be a tremendous asset to the Cardinal family, bring a renewed since of passion and a winning attitude.
Favorite quote:“While it may be difficult, it is a fact that a 162 win season is not impossible!” Casey Eldridge
Yours truly,
Casey A. Eldridge
The purpose of the letters is to officially announce to you, and whoever it may concern, that I would like to be considered for your recently vacated general manager position. The Cardinals have a very rich history that I am well informed of. Something you may not be informed of is my rich history. I would hope that you would be able to overlook what some people would call “a lack of baseball experience.” To the people that would say that I say this; maybe I haven’t be on staff of a professional baseball franchise, maybe I haven’t played very much or any organized baseball, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be the best fit as general manager. I know that before hiring me you would like to know more about me and my back round. I also know that your time is very valuable so I have cut straight to the point for you. (You’re welcome)
Education and Professional:
High School: Graduated with a four year degree from The Wentzville Holt high school.
College: I don’t like to brag, but I do have some community college under my belt. I also graduated from the School of Awesome People with a master’s degree in General Awesomeness.
Jobs: I have pretty much done everything from changing oil, to selling cell phones, to literally sucking crap out of people basements.
Personal:I love the Cardinals and the game of baseball more than I could ever love a human baby. With that said here are some facts that may help you in you decision making. Some of them may seem unbelievable, but remember “unbelievable” is my middle name.
1. I attend on average 42.3 major league baseball games a year. 99.7% of those being St. Louis’ games.
2. I am a slightly above average softball player. I feel that this would help me in relating to my players.
3. The first baseball game the I attended was in Busch Memorial Stadium at a Cards/Cubs game.
4. I can run a mile in under 9.5 minutes.
5. My St. Louis Cardinal licenses plates read “H8DCBS”. You can figure it out on your own.
6. Lots of people think I am the funniest person ever.
7. I have a three foot by two foot box filled with baseball cards.
8. At least four people have voted for me for the president of the United States.
I have now informed you of what I bring to the table. Here is what I am expecting you and the cardinals to bring.
1. I would like to be refunded the near $1200 I spent on playoff/World Series tickets last year.I hope that we can meet in the middle on these terms.
In closing I would like to say that I feel that I would be a tremendous asset to the Cardinal family, bring a renewed since of passion and a winning attitude.
Favorite quote:“While it may be difficult, it is a fact that a 162 win season is not impossible!” Casey Eldridge
Yours truly,
Casey A. Eldridge
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)