Shivonne's Birthday

I worked from home Wednesday afternoon knowing we’d be driving downtown to celebrate Shivonne’s birthday. Took an 1:15 to get there through rush hour traffic.

Had no idea there would be a full house: Will & MC, Shivonne & Millie, Anna & Caleb, MC’s parents, Matthew, MC’s brother Thomas, and his wife Holly.

Will cooked chili, then we had cake and ice cream. Was after 945 when we got home. I was exhausted, and went to bed.

After a week at Disney World, Shivvy had a Disney birthday. Princess cake. Disney dresses. Fashionable jeans.

Jewelry. Album from the trip with her pictures with the princesses – and their autographs.

Slept late this AM and missed the gym. Couldn’t run this afternoon because of Halloween. Didn’t feel like wearing anything fun for Halloween (except my bright blue Sonic the hedgehog socks). Super busy at work today. I am about to scream.

Dodgers win the World Series. Lots of looting and violence in LA, including at the Nike store. What a wonderful world we live in. Just a warmup until after the election results come in.

JACKIE ROBINSON  [SABR Bio] was the first black player elected to the Hall of Fame: HOF 1962. His middle name is an homage to a political leader. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born 31-Jan-1919. President Theodore Roosevelt had passed away 06-Jan-1919. He made the U.S. Olympic team in the broad jump (long jump) but did not participate in the International Olympic Games. Robinson qualified in the broad jump after winning the NCAA finals. However, the games of 1940 were canceled due to the outbreak of WWII.

Caitlin Clark is receiving golf lessons from Nelly Korda, in advance of her appearance at Annika’s upcoming tournament.

Bob Uecker’s interview with CBS Sunday Morning. Ninety year old Uecke was heartbroken when his Brewers fell just short of the playoffs. Will he return to the broadcast booth next year? You bet.

DENISON:  Neiman Marcus removes “Christmas” from their gift catalog. ME: that’s it. I’m never shopping at Neiman Marcus again. Sure there are allegedly 14 “holidays” taking place in November and December and everyone doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but Denison has a point in his article that’s worth a read. No, there's not a war on Christmas. There’s a war on Christianity. You’re either on one side or the other.

LANG: the seminal American poet Antwan Patton once said, “I heard it’s not where you’re from it’s where you pay rent.” Which is a lyrical way of noting that your background isn’t necessarily as important as wherever you are in the present.

A Chinese student faces criminal charges for voting in Michigan – but the ballot will apparently count. Who said non-US citizens can’t vote? In Pennsylvania voters in line to vote are being told to leave by Democrats posing as election officials. All this evidence of election interference every day, yet so many are turning a blind eye. Then when someone doesn’t accept the election results, people wonder why.

Article: how the US weaponized the weather in the Vietnam War.

One Man Wrecking Crew

Freddie Freeman set a new record last night, homering in his 6th straight World Series game. He's a lock for Series MVP. After Ohtani was hurt Saturday night, all the World Series ads on Fox Sunday during football games had been changed from Ohtani to Freddie.

Between innings everyone in the ballpark silently held up cards with the name of a loved one they had lost to cancer. Freddie wrote "MY MOM" on his card. As the camera showed Freeman on the Jumbotron (and to the national TV audience) a Yankees fan could be heard yelling "Freeman you suck!"

LA RF Mookie Betts reached near the stands in the right field foul territory to catch a popup. Two season ticket holders each grabbed one of Mookie's arms. One fan pried the ball out of Betts' glove. The guys were kicked out of the stadium, and were originally told they could return for tonight's game five until MLB said otherwise. Interviewed afterward, the guys were unrepentant, still proud of what they had done. 

This past Saturday, Colts second-year QB Anthony Richardson walked off the field in the middle of a key drive, and told his coach that he was "tired". Last year Richardson was Indy's number one draft choice, but spent most of the 2023 season hurt. This coming Sunday the Colts will start backup QB Joe Flacco. No work when (or if) Richardson will be able to recover his starting position.

Monday: worked through lunch then until 545 pm. Wanted to run but the soccer complex was too crowded. Just went home. Pot stickers for supper.

Tuesday: up early to go to the gym. Just hard to make any progress at work. Lunch in downtown Norcross. I had a grilled chicken sandwich with a pleasantly large side salad. Chicken breast was big but flat. Supper: grilled chicken, roasted potato wedges, and kale.

Wednesday: after my annual physical I stopped by RaceTrac, came home to do a little work, went to my eye doctor appointment, got my oil changed at the car wash, and donated some items to Goodwill. Went back home, fixed quesadillas for lunch, and tried to catch up on work.

Climate change science is proven to be wrong (again): plants absorb 31% more carbon dioxide than scientists had originally thought.

Cal Ripken, Jr. and MIKE TROUT [B-R Bio] have both won an American League MVP and been elected All-Star Game MVP more than once. Trout's MVPs = 2014, 2016, 2019. ASG MVPs = 2014, 2015. Ripken's MVPs = 1983, 1991. ASG MVPs = 1991, 2001. Trout has the highest career WAR for any player currently in the majors: 86.2. Trout was the first to compile a season with 30 HR, 45 SB, 125 R. In 2012, Trout had 30 HR, 49 SB & 129 runs scored. Since then Ronald Acuna and Shohei Ohtani have joined him.

Trump called Christians 'the most important people'. President Biden called half the country "garbage". Lots of accusations these days about various people being a fascist. What exactly does that mean? Based on the definition, who is the most fascist?

Article: Don't Demonize Our Foes (is that what I am doing?). The Wicked Spirits Possessing Them Have Already Seen to That. God says to love your enemies. He didn't say to love HIS enemies.

Article: Tim Walz had a fling with the daughter of the top Chinese Communist official during teaching stint in China. Also: China buying up millions of acres of American farmland. China buying American companies. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of young Chinese men illegally crossing the Mexican border into America. China is making alliances with Russia and Iran. The current US administration does nothing. No need to worry, right?

Article: the New York Times is working with the left-wing organization Media Matters to demonetize conservative media outlets ahead of Election Day. Jimmy Kimmel's 19 minute anti-Trump rant backfired.

DENISON: Five reasons Americans are so stressed about the election

Didn't really mean for this last "election" section to be so big. It just happened that way. Am I unreadable yet?

Sermon Notes: How to Vote

When I attend worship I take notes by pecking them out on my phone. I try to type out as much as I can, so I’m usually typing the entire time. Still there is much that I miss. That’s tough when the topic is a sensitive issue, like this one. I pray that I didn’t miss a key point, or misinterpret what Johnson Ferry's senior pastor was trying to communicate.

Clay Smith JFBC

“This Is What We Long For”

CITIZEN sermon series

Matthew 5:3-6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

What comes to mind when you think about the word politics? The root word means how we function together as a society. We have a dual citizenship with both heaven and earth. How does our earthly citizenship apply in our life on earth?

We often fall into one of two ditches…

1. Political indifference. There are 200 million people “of faith” in the US, and 49% say they aren't voting, mostly because they don't care.

2. Political idolatry. Winning becomes everything, even if we have to act like the world. Neither party represents Christianity well. The church can neither be too close or too distant to the political process...the tension between our heavenly and earthly citizenships. 

While voting is not commanded in Scripture, it's good stewardship to vote, even more so in local elections than national. There's always the tension being a Christian. In Jesus' time the people were being taxes, etc. Jesus said that his followers should be different.

V 6...for they will be satisfied. The Beattitudes aren't random, they're built on each other.

What does righteousness mean? Holy people are happy people. If you hope to be righteous then you will be happy. So many seek to be happy. If I can just get this thing then I will be happy. Instead we need to seek to be righteous.

How does my personal righteousness impact my public persona?

1. A Right Relationship with God, not others. 2 Cor 5:21  one day we will be with God in heaven. God declares us righteous.

V 20 our righteousness should exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. All the matters is our right relationship with God.

2. Having the Right Priorities. When we are under pressure is when our true priorities are revealed. Matt 6:33 seek first his kingdom and righteousness. J M Darby said “Hunger isn't enough. We need to be starving for God.”

3. Right Conduct. Give fast pray so my Father who sees me in secret will be pleased. We've lost our desire to be personally holy. There's little distinction between us and the world. We are called to be different. In our country today, when voting how does our hunger for righteousness fit in?

Romans 13 says the government is a good, necessary thing. We're living in a fallen world. There are no perfect candidates or solutions. All our forefathers weren't perfect Christians. Some are cultural Christians. Clay's approach: the Bible is a collection of different stories and covenants about God. The New Testament is written to us, the Old toward Israel. What's helped Clay the idea of triage. Some things must be prioritized, that God had detailed in Scripture.

Humbly, Clay encourages Christians to prioritize the following when voting…

1. For candidates who best prioritize the promotion of Scripture to the ends of the earth (very few candidates do this). Ask God to give us the government that will best help us further God's word. Usually not on the ballot.

2. For candidates with priorities based on Bible commands, with Biblical applications for all believers. Three current issues are non-negotiable in Scripture: Life, Gender, and Marriage. Remember, we are citizens of heaven 

3. Priorities based on biblical commands with multiple interpretations and applications, like illegal immigration, keeping and securing borders, healthcare etc. While we are called to give comfort to the traveler, Scripture also respects the boundaries of nations.

Clay hopes we are praying for our nation and its leaders, that all will vote...and that we will give our brothers in Christ grace during this election season. To listen visit www.johnsonferry.org/sermons

Additional resources…

Article: is Christianity Today encouraging Christians to not vote? More election improprieties emerge in several counties in Pennsylvania, similar to what happened in Michigan in 2020.

Article: Don’t Demonize Our Foes. The Wicked Spirits Possessing Them Have Already Seen to That. God says to love your enemies. He didn’t say to love HIS enemies.

One Out of 3 Ain't Good

When I arrived at Candler Park Saturday morning at 710 am, it was still dark. The professor’s Tesla was in the parking lot, but he was nowhere to be found. Finally in the distance I saw a lighted golf ball rolling on the first green. He must’ve teed off before 7 am! As I got ready to play, I saw the flight of his tee shot on the second hole. I played alone, hitting three shots each time. Sadly, for the most part only one of the 3 would be decent.

1. Good hybrid off the tee. So so 7 iron left of green. Two decent chips out of four. Good lag putt.

2. I underclubbed, so my tee shots were far short. One good chip out of four.  

3. Hit the green on one of my 3 tee shots. “Par”.

4. Hit the green again on one of my 3 tee shots. “Par”.

5. Hit the green again on one of my tee shots. Third straight “par”.

6. Good hybrid off the tee. Then I hit a tremendous 6 iron just left of the green. Furthest I think I’ve ever hit a six. Shot of the day. One decent chip out of several. Two putt for “bogey”.

7. No tee shot was good. Did hit an okay 5 iron. Hit four approach shots in the vicinity of the green. Three putted from off the green. “Double”.

8. Hit two good tee shots with my driver. Then four poor chips. Took 2 more chips to get on the green, playing my worst ball. Two putt for another “double”.

9. Couldn’t find either tee shot, then I lost a third ball with a terrible chip. But the other chip was great. Two putt for a closing “bogey”.

Stopped by RaceTrac, Dollar Tree, and a thrift store on the way home. Was expecting a long line at the voting place at 945 am, but there wasn’t. After running into Noelle and Reid, when I got in line there was only one person in front of me. Civic duty accomplished. Except I have yet to post a picture of my "I VOTED" sticker.

Quesadillas for an early lunch. Watched Tech. Too many dropped passes. True freshman QB Philo looked good in his debut. Watched bits of other games, and took a nap. Also laundry and other housework. Drove C to Whole Foods and Publix. Meatloaf for sup.

Sunday school and worship. Ceil had an afternoon wedding shower. I fixed me quesadillas for lunch and later for supper (we had lots of leftover rice and meat). Watched the Falcons and napped. Later I raked the front yard, and mowed the side and back. Took Ceil’s car to get gas.

Up early to lift weights at the gym. Stressed about work. Takes weeks to get material ordered, answering the same questions over and over. Hope I don’t run out. Friday the boss said I could take off early. Didn’t he remember how much work I have to do? Then today he asked why something a month old hadn’t been done yet. I am NEVER caught up. Would be nice to use one of my vacation days, but I am so far behind.

Article: a top surgeon warns of ‘Extremely Aggressive’ cancers are mutating among those who have taken the covid vaccine.

Ceil had the doors in the foyer painted to match the new built in. And had the bannister painted.

BOB FELLER [SABR Bio] was the first pitcher to strike out 18 batters in a 9-inning game. On 02-Oct-1938(1), Feller, a month shy of his 20th birthday, fanned 18 Detroit Tigers, but lost 4-1 in a game lasting just over 2 hours. After he retired from baseball Feller incorporated as Ro-Fel, Inc., in order to reduce his tax burden. He was the first American League pitcher going by his given name to start an All-Star game. Feller was the starting pitcher in 1941. All the others, from 1933-1940 were called either “Lefty” or “Red”.

Denison: an emerging nuclear axis against the West. 

I don’t use the word “bro” enough.

Falcons Beat Bucs

 Falcons held off a late surge to beat the Bucs today, securing first place in the NFC South division. TE Kyle Pitts had a big day, scoring two TDs on #NationalTightEndsDay.

The Bucs unveiled their classic creamsicle uniforms for the first time in years. Hundreds pointed out that the Falcons should've worn their throwbacks as well, Would've been a great time for both teams to wear dark jerseys. QB Kirk Cousins became the first player in NFL history to throw 8 TD passes against one team in the same calendar month. So there.

On his second TD reception, Pitts eased up in the last five yards before crossing the goal line, starting to celebrate early, holding the ball out behind him. Just then a Tampa defender caught up and knocked the ball out of Pitts' hand.

Did the ball cross the plane of the goal line before the fumble? The ruling on the field was a touchdown, and replays were incomclusive. Pitts got lucky, and hopefully learned a lesson in the process. 

Today while hiking on Blood Mountain, Anna & Caleb ran into Mary-Clayton's parents.

Goose must've taken the picture, before running off.

Saturday night: meatloaf, steamed broccoli, and homemade mashed potatoes. Comfort food. Spent the rest of the weekend making leftovers into quesadilias.

After work on Friday I ran intervals on the track next to our plant. Had some serious leg cramps on Saturday.

Stumbled across an old photo of young Caleb.

I've never known someone to get an error on an iPhone calculator.

Freddie Freeman Makes History

Last night Freddie Freeman became the first player to hit a walk off grand slam, and in extra innings to boot. He may not play for the Braves any more, but you still got to root for the big guy. Despite having to care for a critically ill son, and missing NLCS games due to injury, Freddie was able to make history. The slam only solidifies his status as a first ballot hall of famer.

My beef: Christian “leaders” who have never worked in industry, who see a crowded north Georgia town square and decree that the nation’s economy is robust - while restaurants and other businesses (that he may not frequent) are closing down and laying off their workers. He needs to see my company’s declining sales figures and inventory levels, and hear about how our customers are laying off workers and decreasing work hours for those who remain.

Christian “leaders” who belittle other Christians for voting for a particular candidate while his candidate mocks Christianity. Christian “leaders” who openly attack anyone who dares voice a dissenting opinion on his “look how smart and spiritual I am” social media posts. Guess he’s never heard of the Pharisees. Some people need to wake up before the church buildings are closed and we have to worship secretly, in basements. Like Ukraine. Like China. So glad I know Godly pastors like Clay how would never publicly choose sides, and belittle those who don't agree with him.

Gas may be “low” ($2.919 in East Cobb) but Halloween candy sure ain’t. Used to get ten “fun size” candy bars for a buck. Now you’re lucky to find 5 for $1.25. So the cost has more than doubled in just a few years. That’s a Trick, not a Treat. And don’t be fooled – the price of gas always goes down after Labor Day, when the summer additives aren’t needed any more. Sure some have the discretionary income to make luxurious purchases and drive gas guzzling SUVs, completely forgetting about the millions living paycheck to paycheck. Let them eat cake. 

The Bonefish Grill up in Alpharetta went out of business. My coworker said the service hadn’t been that great. The last K-Mart in the US just closed last weekend. But since our leaders say the economy is booming, don’t let those laid off workers tell you otherwise.

Young Sheldon’s twin sister Missy will be making a guest appearance on an upcoming episode of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.

Tuesday night what the speaker said about taking social security early was that it isn’t the worst thing in the world, and the circumstances are different for everyone. Guess I learned a few nuggets. He did say that currently the money in social security would run out in like 2035, but that Congress is supposedly to act to extend it…though they may raise the age of eligibility.

I don’t like to stay so super busy. That’s why I wasn’t looking forward to the week, even though everything on the calendar are good things. My temperament is such that I need to recharge after being on the go. Some people can go go go. People are not all the same. Guys I know can serve serve serve.  Busy busy busy. Also there are service opportunities almost every weekend with our Sunday School class. We have so much to do around the house, plus I have so much work work to do. When will it all end?

Man so much to do at work. The emails keep piling up. Most need a deep dive and much time to resolve. Was down to 15 emails, but then back up to 40. It never ends. Finished Wednesday with 27 after working like a dog all day.

Moved five of my stocking caps to the car, to have for the coming cold weather. Left several more at the house.

HOYT WILHELM [SABR Bio] pitched the first no-hitter for the Orioles after they had moved from St. Louis. Wilhelm no-hit the Yankees 1-0 on 20-Sep-1958. He was the first to pitch in 1000 games. He pitched in 1070, currently sixth on the career G list. In spite of a Hall of Fame career, he pitched for nine different major league teams. No Hall of Famer has pitched for more. 

1. 20-Nov-1947: Drafted by NYG from BSN in the 1947 minor league draft.

2. 26-Feb-1957: Traded by NYG to STL for Whitey Lockman.

3. 21-Sep-1957: Selected off waivers by CLE from STL.

4. 23-Aug-1958: Selected off waivers by BAL from CLE.

5. 14-Jan-1963: Traded by BAL w/Ron Hansen, Dave Nicholson & Pete Ward CHW for Luis Aparicio & Al Smith.

6. 15-Oct-1968: Drafted by KCR from CHW as the 49^th pick in the 1968 expansion draft.

7. 12-Dec-1968: Traded by KCR to CAL for Ed Kirkpatrick & Dennis Paepke.

8. 08-Sep-1969: Traded by CAL w/Bob Priddy to ATL for Clint Compton & Mickey Rivers.

9. 21-Sep-1970: Selected off waivers by CHC from ATL.

10. 30-Nov-1970: Traded by CHC to ATL for Hal Breeden.

11. 29-Jun-1971: Released by ATL.

12. 10-Jul-1971: Signed as a Free Agent with LAD.

13. 21-Jul-1972: Released by LAD.