Looking Up

Our friends Stephen and Brooksyne Weber posted the following article on their Daily Encouragement site today.  It bears repeating.  Check out their web site here.  You will be blessed.

LOOKING UP...

"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto Thee will I pray. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:1-3).  KJV

Due to the nature of our chaplain visitation we need to get a very early start several days a week. We often travel across the county straight into a beautiful sunrise. Psalm 5 comes to mind: "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto Thee will I pray. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:1-3). Many years ago as young Christians Brooksyne and I memorized this portion of Scripture assisted by the melody of a song popular in Christian circles at that time.

Today I want to focus on just this phrase in our daily text: "O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."  Most specifically, "I… will look up."

This speaks of a necessary, willful, upward outlook in life. Upon awakening each day we do well to make this our intentional focus. It's easy to get lost and disoriented in the course of the day's activities, planned or otherwise. There are many unknowns. There are scores of voices beckoning us. There are looming questions about what's around the next bend.

As we look up and focus on God, may we hear His voice clearly direct, "This is the way, walk in it."

In one version of the Psalm 5 song a stanza has been added that I do not recall from the original song written some thirty years ago:
 

Look up, hold your head high,
Look up, hold your head high,
Come before the throne with confidence,
You can hold your head up high,
Come with boldness, come with confidence,
Your head held high, your heart bowed down
Come with confidence to worship the Lord,
For He is worthy, He is worthy!

Yes, indeed we hold our head high because we approach the throne of grace with confidence. But we also bow our heart in humility as we recognize our position as humble servants of Almighty God!

Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Kawartha Komets...Changing Lives

Kawartha Komets hockey program having life-changing impact on special needs children and their parents

By MIKE DAVIES Examiner Sports Director

Imagine going to school each day and none of the other children want to play with you at recess.

Imagine being on a sports team and your teammates don’t accept you socially.

Imagine your child has special needs so significant you can’t leave him with a babysitter or grandparent for a rare night out.

Imagine after experiencing years of loneliness, frustration, worry as either the child or parent, you find a group which accepts you unconditionally and identifies with all your struggles.

Meet the Kawartha Komets.

Many in the community may have heard of the special needs hockey team but may not realize it’s much more than a sports team. The hockey is secondary to the life-changing impact its had for children and parents.

The Komets opened a new world for nine-year-old Kaeden Ball who previously had no friends to interact with in school or out of school, says his mother Lisa Mills.

“These are kids who are shunned by mainstream society,” said Mills, whose son is ADHD, has oppositional defiance disorder and mild intellectual and anger challenges. The players have a variety of intellectual, emotional to physical challenges.

By the end of his first night with the Komets Kaeden had friends, boys he could call to talk to, he had teammates.

“It's like a family,” Mills said. “We all care about each other. We're all there to support each other through good times and bad.”

Kaeden’s 11-year-old sister Brianna, who volunteers with the team, says it’s helped her brother open up at school, too.

“I have seen a lot of difference since Kaeden joined the team,” she said. “He started making more friends and talking to his friend Jonathan a lot. It’s been a big change.”

David and Carol Fisher founded the Komets after their son Matthew, 16, played one year of special needs hockey with a team in Don Mills. Instead of travelling each weekend, they created a local team. Their son Nathan, 15, also plays.

Sheryl Over’s adopted son Quinten, 15, who has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, struggled in minor hockey.

“We tried to put him in the house league and on the ice there wasn't much difference between him and the other kids, his skills are quite good, but it fell apart in the change room. There was no opportunities for him socially because he can't keep up with the other kids developmentally,” she said.

“He can’t process the hitting quick enough so bodychecking is very dangerous for him. He doesn’t see the hits coming and we were afraid he was going to get hurt.”

The Komets changed that, instantly.

“It’s helped him to find peers who have common interests and abilities,” she said. “We so often want our kids integrated and accepted but sometimes they still feel isolated.”

It's also a better environment for the parents, Over said.

“The parents are really accepting, too, because all of our kids have challenges. I don't feel like I have to make excuses for him while he's playing which is really nice,” Over said.

Before the Komets, there were few things special needs children could enjoy together.

“This fills a void that was in the community,” she said.

Lynn Black calls the Komets a support group for parents, too. She and her husband Jeff registered their son Liam, 8, with the Komets last season.

“We always thought ‘Nobody gets it. Nobody really understands what we go through as parents,’” said Lynn.

“We have so many challenges with each of our kids but you go to the arena with the Komets and you’re just another parent. Everybody gets it. You can talk about how rough your week has been and everyone gets it. It’s totally a support group for the parents. As thankful as we are the team is here for the kids, it’s also here for us.”

“You don’t see judgment in the locker room if a child has a meltdown,” Carol Fisher said. “The parents can share and trade resources and information and support one another.”

It’s also a stress reliever for the children.

“They know there isn’t anyone there who is going to bully them or tease them,” Fisher said. “They can relax. There is no pressure to perform.”

Lorne and Wanda Hoehn are thrilled with the benefits their son Will has experienced.

“He had something more to talk to kids about at school,” Lorne said. “He wears his Komets hat to school every day. It’s a big source of pride for him. It’s helped with his self-confidence which is really important for kids who have these challenges.”

Liam became Will’s best friend and the highlight to their year was scoring their first goals within five minutes of each other.

“You couldn’t smack the smile off his face if you tried,” Lorne said.

Carol Fisher said a dedicated group of volunteers, about 10 a year – some with no connection to the players, coach the team.

“We have a wonderful group of very dedicated and committed volunteers,” said Carol. “They have also become like family.”

There were 12 Komets in year one, 22 in year two and 45 in year three including the first two girls.

“It just added another dimension to our team to have the girls and their families involved,” said David Fisher.

Next season they will ice three teams with players of similar ability placed together.

“To see this family grow has been so rewarding,” he said.

mike.davies@sunmedia.ca  

Kawartha Komets in need of sponsors to overcome financial challenges

Program aims to keep fees low for already burdened parents of special needs children

By MIKE DAVIES Examiner Sports Director

It's been an exhausting experience for David and Carol Fisher to pound the pavement each year raising funds to keep the special needs hockey team on the ice and in equipment. They’re about $2,600 short of covering their 2011-12 costs.

Since starting the team three years ago, the Fishers have tried to hold the line on registration costs for the now 45 team members.

David Fisher says their fees are half of normal minor hockey registration in recognition that many families of special needs children have extra expenses for alternative medicine, therapy or schooling, or only one parent earning a paycheque as the other is home caring for their child.
 

“We wanted to be inclusive,” Fisher said. “Anybody with any challenge can come and join the Komets.”

“We’re really hoping to find a corporate sponsor,” said Carol Fisher. “There are so many wonderful service organizations in Peterborough who do such great work and they fundraise like crazy.

“For us, we have to go out to speak to 10 to 15 of these groups each year and that's a lot for us to do and also run the team. If we had a corporate sponsor it would really free us up to do other things. We would really like to grow this team. We know there are people out there who want to play but we somehow have to alleviate some of the work we do with the fundraising.”

She says $10,000 would solve their problems.
 

“We've done that through places which have discounted equipment severely or through donations or garage sales. We're almost out of equipment.”

Fisher thinks it would be a great opportunity for a local business to get exposure with their name on the Komets jersey.

“We are often in the news,” she said.

Anyone interested in sponsorship, donating equipment or coaching can contact the Fishers at 705-750-0655

Open Invitation

No matter how many times I reject His gracious invitation and go the other way...the Lord's invitation to "come unto me" always remains OPEN.  

He stands with arms open W I D E and bids us COME.  All too often we disregard His tender plea.

Today I will heed!

Grace Flowing

As a lifelong collector of good, meaningful quotes, I was pleased to come across this one today:

"Grace is like water...it flows downhill...and pools in the lowest places." - Source unknown

I'm so grateful that God's grace is available in abundance for those who are disadvantaged, marginalized, left out, homeless, forgotten, passed by and generally cast out by society in general.

Wherever you find yourself today, God's amazing grace is available without reserve.  The One who created you stands ready to help you and give you more than you could ever imagine.

He had given you a written guarantee that says..."My grace is sufficient for YOU.  For My strength is made perfect in your weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (paraphrased)

Spitfire Disciple

Dallas and the Spitfire:  An Old Car, an Ex-Con, and an Unlikely Friendship

by Dallas Jahncke and Ted Kluck

At first glance one would scratch his/her head and wonder what this book is all about.  After skimming through the introduction we discover that this is an account of a life-changing friendship between two young men with backgrounds that are poles apart.

Ted Kluck, a freelance writer from Lansing, Michigan, befriends a young ex-con and cocaine addict, Dallas Jahncke.  Kluck is a thirty-four year old husband and father with a Reformed theological position who loves boxing and rock music.  After meeting Dallas, who found help at a rescue mission in Lansing, Ted begins to forge a friendship that willl be at the same time challenging, gut-wrenching and rewarding.

This book journals a new style of discipleship, not your typical "12 Steps to Mentoring a Man for Christ" format, but one where two guys decide to get down and dirty and restore an old Triumph Spitfire.  They meet regularly in Ted's garage where the frustrations of rebuilding a British import and a broken man combine to cause the more mature believer to wonder if he's making any headway.

Dallas enrolls in a fundamentalist Bible college and finds that some of his "not-acceptable", old habits put him in hot water.  The freedom he has discovered in Christ and the legalism he encounters  at the college cause him to begin a roller coaster Christian ride...filled with ups and downs.

Throughout the process Ted sees enough progress in Dallas that he continues on in spite of the constant battles with booze, babes and bad decisions.

I found it hard to put the book down and realized that fixing up an old car between sips of coffee and loud music is a form of discipleship that really works. 

If the church employed more of this mode of disciple making I'm sure we'd see a greater influx of new believers who begin the lifelong journey of "being conformed to the image of Christ."

An engaging read!  Pick up a copy!

David W. Fisher

This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House Publishers". http://www.grafmartin.com/

Beware...Icebergs

My friend, Greg Asimakoupoulos, has penned another great poem...this time recalling the tragic sinking of the Titanic...100 years ago.

Beware of Icebergs

A tragedy of Titanic proportions...

They called her a vessel that God couldn't sink,
a cruise ship that dwarfed all the rest.
A thousand feet tall and 900 feet long.
It was the White Star's very best.

Titanic they named her. A titan at sea.
More than 2,200 set sail
for the trip of a lifetime (in more ways than one).
A maiden voyage destined for Hell.

An iceberg in-waiting tore open her hull,
a tempter the ship didn't see.
Too proud to be cautious, she paid pride's full price
and sank to the depths of the sea.

And so the Titanic provides us the means
to ponder the pride in our lives.
Are we blind to temptations that could take us down?
Do we render such icebergs a guise?

Or do we acknowledge we're likely to sink
unless we draw nearer to God?
Our choice is not destined. We aren't ships of fate.
We can choose to steer clear of sin's fog.

The Kid

The Kid and Heaven

Reflections on the passing of Gary Carter, Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, who went home to heaven on February 16th, 2012 after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer.  The Kid would have celebrated his 58th birthday on April 8th.


The Kid has caught his final game
His plaque adorns the Hall of Fame
Almighty God has called his name
And welcomed him to heaven.
  
The Kid had always giv'n his best
And when he'd passed the final test
A loving God said, "Time to rest"
And called him home to heaven. 

The Kid had trusted Christ as Lord
And loved to pray and read His Word
Was not content 'til others heard
How they could get to heaven.
  
His family of course are sad
They miss their husband, grandpa, dad
And brother...but they can be glad
They'll meet again in heaven.
  
- David W. Fisher, April 8th, 2012

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Risen Indeed

Today I went fishing in my Pilgrim Scribblings archive pool for an Easter post from several years ago.  

Here it is:

One of the fondest memories of my years on staff at The Peoples Church in Toronto was the thrill of singing our founder's hymns.  

Oswald J. Smith had gone on to heaven before I joined the church but his sermons, books and hymns live on.

On Easter Sunday we would often, if not always, sing his glorious hymn, "He Rose Triumphantly". 

Many times I will sit at my piano and play this song, rejoicing in the truth that He is alive for evermore. 

Let me share the third stanza and chorus of this majestic hymn of the faith.

"The stone was rolled away,
For Christ was raised that day,And now He lives above
To manifest His love.

He rose triumphantly,
In pow'r and majesty,
The Saviour rose no more to die;
O let us now proclaim
The glory of His name,
And tell to all
He lives today."

(Oswald J. Smith)

Let's tell "our" world that Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Two Words

Quite some time ago I determined to use 2-word titles for all of my Pilgrim Scribblings blog posts.  Sometimes it was a real challenge to limit these titles but the discipline was good.

Today I'm wondering what two words you would use to characterize your life or what two words you find the most important in your life.

Please let me know what your Two Words are.

THANK YOU!  Come to think of it...those are two excellent words.

Travel Guide

PLACES I'VE BEEN...

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots.  Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, and I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.

But, best of all, I’m now “in Christ” thanks to His death, burial and resurrection and the faith I have placed in Him.  Of all the places I’ve been this is the best and an added bonus is that I’ll be in Heaven when He comes to take His own.

Where have you been, where are you now and...where are you going?

Worship Wars

Recently my friend Paul Wilkinson posted the following article on his Thinking Out Loud blog.  I thought it should be re-posted here.  Thanks, Paul!

"When I looked to my right, there was Brett. 

He looked angry. The worship leader had chosen a classic hymn, “A Shelter in the Time of Storm.” Brett doesn’t care for the hymns. Even though he’s the standby guitarist for three of the four worship teams, when a hymn comes along he doesn’t sing. Even the revamped versions of “When I Survey” and “Amazing Grace” don’t work for him. He just stands there with his lips pursed together.

When I looked to my left, there was Daniel. 

He looked distressed. We’d moved on to a different song now, introducing the new modern worship Chris Tomlin song, “White Flag.”  Daniel is a retired school teacher. He gave up his NASB for a more modern translation, but he’s not giving in an inch when it comes to all the new songs we’ve been learning lately. So he stands stone-faced, silent, with his lips pursed together.

When I looked up, there was God.

I think he delights in the worship of this church, because I think beyond the songs, beyond the way the guy at the back mixes the band and the singers, beyond the misspellings in the projected lyrics; this is a congregation that really wants to give back to Him something in worship. And I think he appreciates that those in leadership do their best to find vehicles that allow people of different generations to express the heart overflow of their love for Him.

But He would really like to see everyone joining in.

He’s looking for a people who will corporately join in the song.

Who want to join in the song.

Who will raise the white flag of surrender to Him and extol His sovereignty as “a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.”

He wants you to join in the song."

Chesterton's Quote

While surfing the web tonight I came across the following quote which I had read several times in the past but it struck a chord tonight and I wanted to post it. 

It's thought provoking!

According to G. K. Chesterton,

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried."

What do you think?

Worthy Cause

Our good friend, Andrew D'Agostini of the Peterborough Petes, has become good friends with the young brother of one of our Kawartha Komets players. Anthony Romanelli is the 6-year-old brother of James Cole and lives with Cystic Fibrosis, a lung disease which has no cure.

Andrew is looking for sponsors to help him raise money to support efforts to cure cystic fibrosis. He will be running in the Great Strides Walk on May 27th at the Nicholls Oval in Peterborough.

Please consider helping out in this worthy cause. Check this link for details.

Thank you, Andrew, for befriending Anthony and for taking steps to help cure CF.

February 29th

Our new place in Peterborough

The day we've anticipated with bittersweet emotions has finally arrived.  Today is the closing date for the sale of the house we bought  3 1/2 years ago.  

Buying that home wasn't bittersweet.  At the time it was mostly painful as we had downsized...moving from our "dream home" in Cavan.  

It took us a couple of years to really feell at home in Douro-Dummer township but Carol really fixed our home up nicely and by the time we sold it...a couple of months ago...we hated the prospect of leaving it.

Today begins another chapter in our lives.  We have moved into Peterborough  after enjoying rural life for close to 18 years.  Our expenses will be reduced significantly.  Our boys will be able to get around town easier.  There's bus service just down the street.  With gas prices being what they are, we will save a lot just in fuel costs.

So, as we close out the month of February in this Leap Year, we take a leap of faith trusting that God will provide providentially as He has so faithfully done in the past.

As we march into March (or stumble in) we do so wondering what God has in store for us in the days ahead.

We value your prayers as we step into the unknown with the One who holds the future...holding us in His everlasting arms.

THANK YOU!

Gracious Living

Moving day has come and gone for the "pilgrim" and his family.  With it came a drastic lifestyle adjustment.  Last week we sold our beautiful solid oak dining room suite.  We were sad to say "goodbye" to a beautiful piece(s) of furniture but we don't have room it at our new home.

For the past several days we used a molded plastic folding table and some folding chairs.  As I sat down to a delicious meal provided by friends from our church I noticed that brand name of the table...molded into the plastic..."GRACIOUS LIVING".  With an inaudible chuckle I thought "Gracious Living"?  We just sold a dining room suite that more closely resembled "gracious living" than this cheap table does.

We forgot to bring our fancy table with us yesterday (we still have a few small things to move).  So...this morning we didn't have any table so we used the piano bench.

I got to wondering..."What did the children of Isreal use when they ate the manna that God provided every day"?  Did they have tables or did they sit on the ground?

Gracious living?  As believers in Jesus Christ we are the recipients of God's amazing grace.  By appropriating His grace we are able to rise above the daily frustrations that accompany a move like we just made.

But we must appropriate...and that's where I struggle.

Note:  The accompanying photos are not the actual tables which we have used in the past week.

Pilgrim's Progress

The moving on day has finally come.  Even though we've been moving the smaller things, boxes, etc., today is the BIG day.

Today is when the moving van backs up to the house and takes everything away.

We could look at this as the end of an era but I'll choose to think of it as a brand new start.

The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. We are much better off than they were.

THANK YOU for your prayers today!

Sorry...gotta run!  The movers just backed in.

More on our progress tomorrow!

Daytona/Oscars

Two HUGE events were on the calendar for today, Sunday, February 26th, 2012.  The Daytona 500, NASCAR racing's showcase, and the Academy Awards.

Unfortunately rain postponed the Daytona 500 but the Academy Awards should proceed without a hitch tonight.

Back here in Peterborough we've been packing and moving boxes getting ready for the moving van to come tomorrow morning.

So far Carol and I are still speaking to one another.  Moving has to be right at the top of the Stress List.

Anyhow, we are thankful that we will have a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs...strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Hopefully the rain that cancelled Daytona won't pour out it's wrath on us tomorrow.

Which film will be voted Best Picture?

Who cares?

Pilgrim Ploddings

Today's post from the pilgrim is a plea for prayer as we pack and prepare to move to our new place.  Did you notice the seven (7) P's in that opening sentence?  

I'll add five (5) more...PLEASE PRAY for patience, persistence and perseverance.

THANK YOU!

Silent/Loud

Today's Pilgrim Scribblings post is written by my friend Greg Asimakoupoulos. I haven't seen the movie "The Artist" but I certainly share Greg's sentiments regarding the power of our actions. Greg writes:

"The Artist" is a silent film
with hopes for Oscar gold.*
It is a brand new movie
even tho it seems quite old.

There's music, but no dialog.
The actions are the key
to making sense of what goes on
as we can plainly see.

The same applies if we feel called
to share what we believe.
To preach and quote the Bible
just might make our listeners leave.

Our actions matter more than talk.
Our doing trumps our words.
The former is received with joy.
The latter's least preferred.

I'd rather see a sermon
that just hear one any day.**
The artist who can act out love
won't need that much to say.

* "The Artist" is nominated for several Academy Awards this year. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655442/

** This phrase was borrowed from a line in a poem by Edgar Guest.

Yesterday/Today

I'm not going to let yesterday's setbacks hold me back today.

This (today) is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Have a great day, friends!

Moving On

Today's post is an original, not a re-post, although the sentiments expressed have been penned many times before.

Today we take possession of our new (to us) home.  We have a week to transition into our place before we give up our present home so the "move" doesn't have to be made in one day.  We're certainly grateful for that!

I've never met anyone yet who enjoys the stress (and pain) of moving all personal possessions from one home to another and if anyone told me they liked the process I'd tell them they were crazy.

So...words that are meaningful during this stressful time are:

STILL

QUIET

RELAX

BREATH DEEPLY

Easier said than done.

The psalmist's word are welcomed today as we busy ourselves with the move.

"Be still and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Everlasting Arms

Today's re-post was originally penned by Moses many centuries ago.

This verse has sustained me over the years and I consider it to be one of my favourites.

It's as true today as it was the day it was written.

Receive strength and hope today as you meditate on this truth on this, the 21st day of February.

Moses wrote:

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

True Sanctuary

Here's another re-post from my Pilgrim Song site on this, the 20th day of February.

Sanctuary of the Heart

We worship in cathedrals
Tow’ring steeples, organs grand,
Or as the desert mystics
On the wastelands swept with sand.
We hear His voice in forests
As leaves rustle in the breeze
Or pray in tiny closets
In the darkness…on our knees.
We stand beside the ocean
As the mighty billows roll,
Or stand in awe as sunset
Brings deep pleasure to our soul.
We listen to the preacher
As God’s Word he does impart,
But the source of all true worship…
The sanctuary of the heart!

- David W. Fisher, July 2005

"Above all guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Growing Old(er)

 This is a re-post of a poem written over 6 years ago when
I was a very young man.  How things have changed! Ha! Ha!

North Side of 60

My body's growing older

My hair is fading fast;

There's much less of a future

So much of life has passed.

---

Yet life is so exciting

So much still left to do;

God's strength, I know, will aid me

I love Him so! Don't you?

---

He'll take this aging body

With all its aches and pains;

And use it for His glory

Some losses mixed with gains.

---

So as I journey homeward

With His hand clasped 'round mine;

I'll trust the Mighty Shepherd

And His great plan divine.

---

So join me weary pilgrim

And lean upon His word;

Let's share the old, old story

The greatest ever heard.

---

There is no greater pastime

Than walking with the Lord;

So leave your "things" behind you

He is your Great Reward! 

~ David W. Fisher, August 2007

---

Written during a particularly difficult time when things spiritual, physical, emotional and financial were on a collision course. In the midst of the trial, God's mighty hand was revealed in all His glory! Hallelujah!

Jagged Rocks

Re-post # 18 on this the 18th day of February.
 
UPDATE ON GOD'S ACTIVITY TODAY...

HE IS ALIVE AND IN CONTROL!!!

The rocky black and white

Stark against the clouds

Can leave me cold and damp

While it the brightness shrouds

But far above the jagged rocks

God is enthroned and hears the knocks

When I am overcome with fear

And long to sense Him close and near

He answers with a powerful word

And I'm at peace...

Thus saith the Lord.

~ David Fisher - September 24th, 2007

Hero's Homecall

Gary Carter

One Hero Has Gone "Home"

Yesterday one of my heroes (of whom I wrote in many previous posts) went "home" to be with Jesus.  The Hall of Famer, Gary Carter, who for many years guarded home plate for the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets succumbed to brain cancer and received the ultimate reward...meeting his Savior, Jesus Christ.

I will be posting a tribute to this wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, ballplayer and human being this weekend.

Please pray for Gary's beloved wife Sandy, his children and his grandchildren.

Thanks for your friendship, Gary!  You are "safely home".  We will see you again!

Here's a previous post:

In the corner of my office sit two baseball bats. Both have special stories behind them. Both belonged to heroes of mine whose lives are presently going in opposite directions.

Gary Carter, Hall of Fame catcher, gave me one of his bats during the 1976 season while playing for the Montreal Expos. As a result of the special friendship forged with Carter an outreach to professional athletes, Epistle Sports Ministries, was born.

Now, over 35 years later Gary Carter is battling for his life with stage 4 brain cancer taking its toll on this fine man. Our prayers go up on behalf of Gary, his wife Sandy and his incredible family.

The other bat belonged to Mike Matheny, one of the finest men I had the pleasure of meeting in the game of baseball. Matheny only spent one season with the Toronto Blue Jays (1999) but we became good friends. One Sunday following the chapel service Mike presented me with a beautiful black Louisville Slugger bat with a very personal inscription written with a silver Sharpie. There’s a story behind that bat but I’ll leave that for another time.


Earlier this week Mike Matheny was named manager of the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals taking over from Tony LaRussa who retired after leading the Cards to their World Series victory. As one headline stated, “Matheny is short on managing experience but long on character”. He is a fine, godly man. So is Gary Carter.

Mike Matheny

Two bats, two godly men, two divergent courses of life. One wonders why God allows such a special husband, father, grandfather, friend as Gary Carter to go through this horrendous struggle for his life. “Why Gary?”, I mumbled last night. “Why him?” Meanwhile Mike Matheny is realizing his dream. Managing the Cardinals for whom he played and coached.

God has His reasons for allowing these circumstances to intersect with the lives of His people. Somehow, through it all, God will receive glory and lives will be impacted for eternity.

The two bats are a constant reminder of the blessing that these two men have brought to my life. Please pray for both of them. They both are facing challenges that seem immense but “with God all things are possible.”