TIGERS CONTINUE DOWNWARD SPIRAL

The Tigers have been struggling to put W's up, since the All-star break. Consistency has been lacking in the area of starting pitching and hitting, and the bullpen has struggled the most. Yesterday, that lack of consistency resulted in another game ending up in the loss column.

Nate Robertson seemed to thrive on this hot, humid afternoon game, and pitched 8 2/3 great shutout innings. All the Tigers needed was one stinking run but they couldn't scratch one out, and in the process left 10 runners stranded on the bases during the game. Zumaya came in to relieve Robertson and proceeded to give up the winning runs. It seems Mr. Zumaya has lost his zoom-zoom, as he could "only" register a top speed of 96 mph on the radar gun.

Despite the loss, it was great to enjoy a game with my dad, son, and son-in-law. The cat was definitely out of the cradle on Thursday! We had great seats, a nice hot summer day, and perfect view of the game. I love baseball!

On the way home we experienced a large thunderstorm moving through Lansing, and a "piercing the darkness" moment. Check out the picture of the sky taken from my position behind the steering wheel on I-96.

DOWN WITH THE OLD MAN AND UP WITH THE NEW

This past Sunday evening 32 people were baptized in the pond at Central. It was a great evening! A few days later an anonymous note describing the evenings baptisms, showed up in the office.
Here is is:

I SAW...

I saw my brothers and sisters sitting on the grass, understanding showing in their eyes.
I saw young, strong bodies enter the water, full of promise and life.
I saw tired, aching bodies enter the water, broken and hurting from age and affliction.
I saw happy, laughing souls enter the water, barely able to contain their joy.
I saw damaged and lonely souls enter the water, souls exhausted and finally finding an answer.
I saw feelings of gladness and radiant energy enter the water, spirits soaring high.
I saw feelings of humbleness and humility enter the water, spirits amazed that despite living a past full of mistakes and sin, they too claim Christ.

I saw old lives go under,
I saw new lives come up.

I envisioned angels dancing,
I envisioned God smiling,
I envisioned Jesus laughing and clapping His hands.

I saw the Kingdom of God take a big step forward!

CATS IN THE CRADLE

My son has been having fun singing this song to me and with me. We've made up some of our own lyrics that better fit the two of us and that helps to personalize it, but the original lyrics are full of meaning and challenge. Here ya go:


A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."

My son turned ten just the other day.
He said, "Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play.
Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today,
I got a lot to do." He said, "That's ok."
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,
Said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah.
You know I'm gonna be like him."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."

Well, he came from college just the other day,
So much like a man I just had to say,
"Son, I'm proud of you. Can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head, and he said with a smile,
"What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys.
See you later. Can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then, dad.
You know we'll have a good time then."

I've long since retired and my son's moved away.
I called him up just the other day.
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind."
He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time.
You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kid's got the flu,
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad.
It's been sure nice talking to you."
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,
He'd grown up just like me.
My boy was just like me.

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then, dad.
You know we'll have a good time then."

REMEMBER

Someone passed this on to me recently:

Ten Things God Wants You to Remember

1. God is for you.
2. God loves you.
3. God believes in you.
4. God will not fail you.
5. God will be with you.
6. God will bless you.
7. God will give you rest.
8. God will strengthen you.
9. God will answer you.
10. God will provide for you.

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BACK IN THE POCKET

There are times when I return from vacation, tired and desiring a vacation to rest up. This is not the case after a vacation at "the cottage" on beautiful Lake Pew in Northern Michigan. This is the same lake that Al Capone vacationed on many years ago. I'm not sure what the connection is, but it's an interesting tidbit.

The week at the cottage met everyone's expectations and everyone wanted to stay still one more week, as we drove away early Saturday morning.

The Deur guys bagged two wins in the annual Lake Pew Classic Scramble and evened our record against the Blacquiere boys. We enjoyed a big steak at Boone's Long Lake Inn and a couple dips of ice cream at Moomers.

Back to work!