They Did It!

Just like the last time that they won the World Series against the Yankees, the Sox have come back from a 3-1 deficit and beat the Indians. For me, it could have ended with either team winning, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the Cleveland Indians, or any underdog, or anyone 'cept the Yankees.

Pastor P

Imagine This!

Here is the photo that Pastor Ben wanted you to imagine- the best Quarterback in the NFL- Tom Brady and the UNdefeatable New England Patriots.

Pastor P

Talking Trash and other Discipleship Tools

Pictures can be good on a blog, but sometimes the website won't cooperate and let you put one in. So please close your eyes and imagine a picture of a football player here then continue reading the rest of the post. PB


Sometimes we think of evangelism (telling others the Good News of forgiveness and salvation) and discipleship (helping them grow in their relationship and commitment to God) as overwhelming tasks that should be left up to "professionals". I learned something a long time ago and that is that though knowledge of God's word is vital, our relationships with people are also as important. If you want to be effective for the Kingdom, take time to make connections.

It can be as simple as sticking around after church to talk for a while or finding an area of common interest and spending time with someone.

One of the most enjoyable connectors for me, with several of our teens and leaders, has been our Fantasy Sports Leagues. We are in our second year of football and have also had leagues in baseball, basketball and hockey.

Every week there are a dozen of us who email, post comments, talk in person, text and spend time together. A group of guys brought together by football, but involved in each others lives and building relationships.

I know some of you are asking, "How can this make a difference?" It's just a computer game. That's the beauty of it, God can use anything to help us change our world and build up each other. See, it's not about the "what", it's about the "who" and every week I get the chance to interact with 11 of our guys and I love it.

I guess I should add that I am tied for first with a 5-1 record so that makes it more fun and a lot easier to talk trash. But even if I was in last I wouldn't trade the opportunities to connect with those guys for anything in the world.
PB

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

That famous quote by legendary football coach Vince Lombardi was first introduced to me in high school and has often spurred me on. Today is one of those days.

I have had some things brought to my attention that could be depressing and frustrating, but I learned a long time ago that my eyes need to be on Christ and my faith is in His word.

Jesus was the ultimate winner and far from a quitter. That doesn't mean he didn't have challenging days. Even on the eve of fulfilling His reason for living (to Die on the Cross) he struggled and asked God the Father "...if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42

He realized that He must press on and fulfill the mission of His life. I know my mission and nothing can stop me from serving God with all I have. There will be difficulties and disappointments, but I know God is true to His word.

Remember that as you live out your relationship with Jesus and serve in Ministry keep your eyes on Him and don't let the things of this world or the actions of people affect your service to the King.

I know I'm not!

PB

Euthanized, Vaporized, Memorialized

Well, the Indians finally put the Yankees out of their misery. As I said in my last post, my favorite team is the Red Sox and any other team that will beat the Yankees- so now my two favorite teams will face off.

Now, of course I am only having fun at Pastor Ben's expense. He is so loyal to his yankees that he is probably holding a memorial service for them today while he is home on his day off. I, on the other hand, have no loyalties at all to people who are so grossly over paid for what they do and who only a few years ago shut down baseball because of their greed. Well- the crowds have returned and so has the money.

Speaking of money- this series proves, as we all should be reminded, that money does not solve all problems and it does not guarantee success. Check out the link that I have in this blog, it shows the Yankees payroll at almost double their nearest competitor. And then also look at the payrolls for the two National League teams in their competition, they are almost on the bottom. You just can't buy success! http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/salaries?team=nyy

Well... another week or two and I can start picking my favorite NFL team, right now- it looks like I am going to lean towards the Patriots or the Colts. Hey, they are both still undefeated.

One last thing- Pray for Pastor Ben, all that he has now are the Dallas Cowboys- Pastor P

They Made It

The BOSOX are in for another round. And the yankees should be out tonight.

Seeing the Indians and the Sox in the competition reminds me of when I was just knee high to a grasshopper and I would oftentimes sleep out on my parent's backporch and listen to the games on a little transistor radio powered by a 9 volt battery. I was proud of the Red Sox because I was a Massachusetts native and yet I also liked the Indians- because they were always the underdog. It was exciting whenever a team like Cleveland would win a game. And look at where these two teams are today. For now I will continue to cheer for Cleveland. Pastor P

Red Sox make it

Well... It is time to crow!

The Red Sox have won their division staying ahead of their arch rival/enemies, the yankees. All the way to the end. The Sox are definitely improved ever since breaking the curse of the Bambino. Could there be another World Series Championship waiting for the team from Bean town?

And you know- even if they don't, I am okay with that because my favorite team is the Red Sox and any other team that will crush the yankees.

Pastor P

The Weary Traveller Inn

Everyone is getting ready to enjoy a Turkey dinner at the Weary Traveller Inn during this past weekend's FCF Trace in Virginia

The Inn Keeper will pray for our meal and say "Grace"