Tours

My friend Lee enjoyed going on a tour of my plant. Not sure if any are free: Truist Park. Kia. Sweetwater Brewing. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. The NASCAR Speedway down south of town. Chickfila's headquarters. 

A good small group Wednesday night on Genesis 36 & 37. Getting into the story of Joseph. Right or wrong, Joseph's father Jacob made his love for Joseph well known. His brothers hated him, plotted to kill him, and sold him off to a passing caravan. All part of God's plan. By the end of the story his brothers feared that Joseph would have them killed. But in Gen 50:19 Joseph instead responded in love. A story that I can identify with.

At the gym I have been upping the incline on the treadmill, so I am walking up steeper and steeper hills. Burns more calories. Gotta clean up to get ready for all of Ceil's relatives: Teresa and daughter Victoria, and Kelly with daughters Jordan and Katherine.       

Rain started Thursday morning just in time to keep me from playing golf. Friday morning the rain won't stop in time for me to play. But I should be able to play Saturday morning and once or twice next week. To me golf is like a long walk or hike. I so enjoy playing, especially early in the morning. I just can't follow the flight of my ball, so using lightup balls in the twilight helps me see where my ball goes. With no one behind me, I can take my time and hit 2 or 3 balls. I can get in 9 holes and be home by 9 am, with the entire day ahead of me.

"To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." — George Washington 

A pastor responds to CNN's documentary on ‘Christian nationalism’. He called it intentionally dishonest.

DENISON: I genuinely grieve to see the depth of rancor and bitterness that exists in our country toward fellow Americans with whom we happen to disagree politically. And I genuinely question whether our democratic experiment can be sustained while we sustain such animosity toward one another. In 1774, John Wesley advised those who would be voting in an upcoming election: 

1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy

2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and

3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side."

BILL MAZEROSKI [SABR Bio] was involved in 1706 double plays, the most in history - well ahead of Nellie Fox’s 2nd-place 1,619. Maz once said, “Over 17 years, saving thousands of runs is like driving in thousands of runs.” Mazeroski was the premier defensive second baseman of his era. With great hands, quick feet, a sure arm & great range, he turned the double play into an art form. He played in all 163 games on the Pirates’ 1967 schedule, a record he held alone until Bobby Bonilla tied it in 1989. Mazeroski’s 20th birthday was 05-Sep-1956. The first 2 of his 138 career home run came on   16-Aug-1956 (off Robin Roberts) and 19-Aug-1956(1). The Ford Frick award-winning, long-time Pirates broadcaster Bob Prince coined the apt nickname for Maz: "The MGlove". NYYs’ 2nd baseman Bobby Richardson had 11 hits, 8 runs, & 12 RBI in the 1960 WS. He was selected as The Sporting News 1960 World Series MVP, the only player to win that honor playing on a losing team. Mazeroski was honored with the Babe Ruth Award. Mazeroski was the Pirates’ team captain from 1963 until his retirement after the 1972 season. Formidable slugger Willie Stargell was then named team captain & served in that honored role from 1973 through 1982. Bill Virdon (1962 GG winner), marveled at Maz, ”Nobody ever played second base like he did, and I've been in the game 50 years. The impressive thing about Maz was that he did everything perfectly. I backed him up for 10 years and never got a ball.” Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter Jim Murray observed in a 1966 column, “A half-century ago, a second base combination made something like nine double plays in a season and a poet (Franklin P. Adams) immortalized them with a poem ‘Tinker to Evers to Chance’… Mazeroski makes 161 and they abbreviate his name in the box score.” On 13-Oct-1960, Mazeroski hit the only walk-off home run in a World Series Game Seven, when he smacked his epic bottom-of-the-ninth homer to decide the 1960 World Series. Attendance was 36,683.

If a person uses these phrases, they are manipulating you.

1. You are too sensitive. Designed to make you question your own feelings. If you react, then they say that you are the problem. It's not about you, it's about them avoiding accountability.

2. I never said that. Yes, you did. Now they're trying to rewrite history, to gaslight you.

3. You're not the only one who has a problem with this. Translation: everyone else tolerates my behaviour, so you should too. They're trying to make you feel like the issue is you, not them. Other people have the same problem with them.

4. After everything I've done for you. The guilt trip. 

5. You made me do this. No. No one makes someone act a certain way. They made a choice. Blame shifting.

6. If you really loved me, you would... Manipulation dressed up as a test of love. Real love doesn't come with conditions or ultimatums. They're not interested in love, they are interested in control.

Ranking the Powder Blues

 
Royals: powder blue goes great with royal blue. The jerseys with the block KANSAS CITY weren't the best, but later they switched to the script Royals, which were perhaps the best powder blue unis ever. A.

Blue Jays: powder blue unis are made for the Blue Jays. White and royal trim and lettering looks great. Love the unique font, but was never a fan of the logo in the lower center of the jersey. A minus.

Twins: the large script Twins looks good in red, as do the unique sleeve stripes. The red white & navy stripes on the collars, sleeves, belts, and pants were common in that era, and don't come off as too much - until you pair it all with the white front paneled batting helmets. B. 

Cubs: a different powder blue look, with white pinstripes. B.

Expos: powder blue seemed made for the Expos. Classic Expos cap and number font. Not a fan of the shoulder stripes. B.

Cardinals: the classic Cardinals uni with powder blue - what's not to like? A.

Braves. Royal blue lettering and trim make for a great look. Only thing better would be to have the script Braves instead of Atlanta. A minus.

Mariners: simple and nice. Nice caps as well. A minus.

Rangers: not crazy about the thick stripes on the pants. And the size of the Texas on the jersey looked more like TeXaS to me. D.

Brewers: simple, with the trim in yellow. The Milwaukee on front is a little long, but better than BREWERS in block letters. Not a fan of the yellow front panel cap. B plus.

Phillies: hate to say it, but the hated Phillies did the powder blue road uniforms up right. White trim around the numbers. Zipper front. Classic Phillies details. Vertically arched lettering on the backs of the jerseys. Belts instead of the beltless waists. A.

Not so much people my age, but whenever I wonder about someone I hadn't heard from in a while, you can always try to look them up on social media. Lots of old SPdL people on there, even if they don't use social media as much as they used to.

Remember Lynn Greenleaf? What were her parents' names - Bill and Joyce? Lynn was never on social media. Married one of my younger GT BSU friends, Richard Brown. Looks like Lynn has had quite the nursing career, and is now an associate professor at Auburn. She has published nine papers in medical journals, and made some 25 presentations in the past decade. Not sure what Richard is up to.    

2015 graduated from Samford with a Doctor in Nursing

2007 Master of Science in Nursing, University of Alabama

2004-2015 UAB Hospital surgical units

Humana Hospital Huntsville AL

UT Medical Center Knoxville TN

Crawford Long Hospital Atlanta 

1987 graduated from Georgia Southwestern

HAL CHASE  [SABR Bio] was the first New York Highlander to triple three times in one game. On 30-Aug-1906(2), tripled 3 times against WSH pitching. He fell short of a cycle by not hitting a home run, but he did have 3 singles in the 1st game that day. New York swept the twin bill. Despite being the best fielding first baseman of his era, he LED three separate major leagues in errors. Chase led in errors..

For the AL –         For the NL –      Federal League

1905 NYY w/31; 1917 CIN w/28  1915 BUF w/19

1909 NYY w/36

1911 NYY w/38

1912 NYY w/27                

“No other player in baseball history was so richly praised for his defensive skill—no one.  Chase’s brilliance with the glove is easier to document than Ty Cobb’s temper, Hack Wilson’s drinking or Walter Johnson’s fastball. It is all over the literature of the sport.” ~ Author Bill James. Chase had 101 hits in 75 games in 1914 playing for the Buffalo Blues.

Maximizing your mind's resilience. Some of it sounds new agey, but it doesn't have to be if you don't let it. 

1. Journal your thoughts, goals, gratitude, and intentions. Keeps you focused. Captures moments that otherwise get lost in the chaos.

2. Brainwash yourself with positivity. The content you consume shapes your reality, so feed your mind what fuels your growth.

3. Try to make a little progress every day.  Achieving small milestones keeps you focused and motivated.

4. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Who are these people? Do they lift you up and challenge you? Or do they drain your energy? Seek out and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

5. View every setback as an opportunity for growth. Focus on what you can control, and let yourself go. When something goes wrong, find the good in it. Thank God for it.

6. Never quit learning. Stay curious.

7. Articulate your expectations clearly, otherwise expect misunderstandings, resentment, and discord.

Sneakers

Finally found a pair of Hokas that I like. Wanted a black pair, but the grey pair looked better. Usually I'm not a fan of grey sneakers. They don't stand out like white or black. Don't want too much padding, or too little padding. The grey pair seemed just right. Lots of people at the gym are wearing the Bondi 9 below.

Sunday after church we ate at Pappasitos. Had a gift card to use up. Turned out there was only $5 left on the gift card. The fajitas at Pappasitos are so good. Only bad thing was that it was so crowded. The servers do as good a job as they can, but they have so much going on. 

Got home and did the dishes, then walked Winnie. It was 4 pm before I finally plopped down on the couch. Watched the final few holes of the Genesis Open. 

Back to the gym Monday morning. Lifted weights, hopped in the sauna, then cooled down on the treadmill. Mailed a package on the way home - I sold an old Braves shirt that I had for sale. 

Monday afternoon Ceil's brother called. He was in town for business, so we met him at Superica at the Avalon for supper. Went to the gym Tuesday morning. Treadmill, sauna, treadmill. This afternoon we're going to start moving stuff back in to our refurbished bedroom and closet. Still a little work to be done in the master bath.   

Danny Downing just returned from a JFBC mission trip to the winter Olympics. Everytime there is an Olympics (every other year), Danny leads a mission trip to wherever the Olympics is. The team witnesses to people out in the streets. I might have to get in on this deal next time. But I won't go if I have to wear that huge cowboy hat that Danny was wearing the entire time, that's for sure. 

LOU BOUDREAU [SABR Bio] is the most recent player to collect 100 RBI while striking out fewer than ten times. In 1948, Boudreau’s MVP season, he had 106 RBI & struck out 9 times. He is the only 20th century American Leaguer with 5 extra base hits in one game: four doubles and a HR. Six ALers have done it in the 21st century. Only 3 NL players did it in the 20th century. hornton Township HS in Harvey, Illinois, is where he led the "Flying Clouds" to 3 consecutive Illinois high school basketball championship games, winning in 1933 and finishing as runner up in 1934 & 1935. Boudreau attended the University of Illinois. During the 1936-37 basketball & baseball seasons, he led both to a Big Ten Conference title & was named a NCAA Men's Basketball All-American.

The Idiot's Guide to Being Old: Chapter Two. My thoughts: are older generations wrong to be personable and engage with other people? Are younger generations wrong to want to stick to themselves? Are younger generations wrong to be freaked out by older people speaking to them? Just doesn't seem like it's completely the older people's fault. Maybe younger people need to look out from their shell. I know, spoken like a true older person. 

Social rules you should know.

1. Nice people adjust themselves to keep others comfortable. Respected people stand firm, even if it creates discomfort.

2. You don't have to explain yourself.

3. A calm, short "no" shows people where you stand.

4. Don't fix other people's discomfort. Not your responsibility.

5. Clear values build trust and respect.

6. Correct disrespect quickly and calmly, so it doesn't become a pattern.

7. You don't have to be available all the time.

8. Silence is okay. You don't have to fill in every gap.

9. Choose self respect over approval.

10. Don't agree just to avoid conflict. 

11. Stop over smiling and over nodding. Neutral reactions signal confidence.

12. Keep your personal problems private. 

13. Mean what you say. Empty words train people to not take you seriously. 

14. Don't chase explanations from people. 

15. Hold eye contact when you speak. 

16. Save apologies for real mistakes.

17. Not everyone deserves your time, energy, or trust.

18. You don't have to make sure everyone understands you. 

"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help him. I ended up by asking him to do his work through me." — Hudson Taylor 

Greatest First Basemen?

Someone ranked the top ten first basemen, so I decided to compare their stats. Someone said Eddie Murray needed to be ranked higher. Not so sure. Along the way I decided to add Frank Thomas and Freddie Freeman to the list. 

Lots more than OPS to consider: HR, hits, MVPs. Pujols and Cabrera and others should rank ahead of Bagwell. 

OPS AVG  HR hits years 

1.080 340 493 2721 17 Lou Gehrig (1)

1.038 325 534 2646 20 Jimmie Foxx (2)

1.017 313 331 1628 13 Hank Greenberg (4)

0.974 301 521 2468 19 Frank Thomas (NR)

0.959 312 359 2011 15 Johnny Mize (10)

0.948 297 449 2314 15 Jeff Bagwell (6)

0.918 296 703 3384 22 Albert Pujols (3)

0.901 306 511 3174 21 Miguel Cabrera (7)

0.897 300 367 2431 16 Freddie Freeman (NR) 

0.847 340 102 2812 15 George Sisler (8)

0.841 334 097 3435 27 Cap Anson (5)

0.836 287 504 3255 21 Eddie Murray (9)

BILL TERRY  [SABR Bio] hit the 50th home run in World Series history. On 04-Oct-1924, in his rookie season, Terry hit a Walter Johnson fastball over the left field wall in the 1st game of the World Series. Terry was the batter that Johnson said he least liked to face. Terry played for NYG for 14 seasons & managed them for 10. For five seasons, 1932-1936, he did both. Terry was the first with 600 at bats but zero stolen bases. In 1934 he was caught attempting a stolen base with Dizzy Dean pitching. That was the only time that year he even tried. 50+ major leaguers have matched it since.

"You change your life by changing your heart." —Max Lucado 

Things to know:

1. Pause before responding. Makes you appear calmer, more authoritative, smarter. Gives you time to respond logically, not emotionally.

2. Speak slowly. people will listen closer. Don't rush your words.

3. Let others fill the silence. 

4. Read the room before responding. 

5. Mirror other's tone and posture - but be subtle about it. Don't be obvious. Mirror energy, not actions.

6. Your beliefs, habits, and standards are shaped by what you see the most - so watch what you consume.

7. Using a person's name activates emotional engagement. Do so strategically: using a name during affirmation increases trust. Using a name during correction increases compliance.

8. Praise in public. Correct in private.

9. Let others win. Let them feel right, and valued. Many battles aren't worth fighting, much less winning. 

10. Master emotional neutrality. Be stable, not emotional.

11. Respond to insults with calm curiosity. Ask "Why do you feel that way?" Turns aggression into embarrassment. 

12. When you ask a question, say why you are asking. It increases compliance.

13. Control your micro-expressions: smirks, eyebrow raises, lip tightening. Prevents others from reading your thoughts.

14. If a room is dull, enter energized. If tense, enter calmly. Control the energy and you control the environment.

2026 SEC QB Power Rankings?

680 posted Chuck Oliver's 2026 SEC QB power rankings. Not so fast. Usually the King of College Football is spot on, but this time he has several kinda shakey picks. We'll see who is on top come December. Here's the rankings, but with last year's QBR.

1. 86.0 Trinidad Chambliss Ole Miss. A Mississippi judge recently granted him a 6th year of eligibility, but it very well could be overturned by a NCAA protest.

2. 65.2 Sam Leavitt LSU transfer from Arizona State. Every year the LSU comes into the season highly touted, and more often than not, they fade away.

3. 70.6 Arch Manning Texas. In 2026 Arch's QBR will be top ten. Ya heard it here first.

4. 85.8 Gunner Stockton UGA. I expect no letup from Gunner.

5. 61.5 LaNorris Sellers SC was supposed to be a Heisman candidate last year, then struggled. He won't be in the top five come November. 

6. 65.6 John Mateer Oklahoma struggled with injuries last year.

7. Byrum Brown Auburn

8. Marcel Reed Texas A&M struggled against tough competition

9. Austin Simmons Missouri

10. Austin Mack Alabama will be a first year starter

11. Aaron Philo Florida transfer from GT. Might surprise some people. 

12. Kemario Taylor Miss State

13. Jared Curtis Vanderbilt. True freshman. May not even start.

14. Kenny Minchey Kentucky

15. KJ Jackson Arkansas

16. George MacIntyre Tennessee. The Vols' fifth starting QB in 5 years. 

Speaking of Gunner, he and Herschel were on hand to greet the president when he stepped off Air Force One in Rome this past Thursday. Social media going crazy. 

Sportscaster Al Michaels has done so many great things in his long career. The miracle on ice in 1980. Super Bowls. World Series. The 1989 San Francisco earthquake. But perhaps best of all: Al Michaels has never eaten a vegetable.  

The Idiot's Guide to Being Alone: Chapter One: How to Exist in Public Without Triggering an Alarm. Old guy things...

1. You explain things no one asked about.

2. You think your experience is relevant. It's not. No one cares.

3. You linger. Regular people finish the transaction and leave.

4. You mistake proximity for permission to chat. Standing near someone doesn't mean they want your commentary.

5. You make eye contact, and expect it back. 

6. You evaluate people out loud. "You look tired!" or "That's a lot of groceries!" This is not charming, not desired in any way, and quickly becomes creepy. leave other people alone.

GROVER CLEVELAND ALEXANDER [SABR Bio] is the only pitcher to lead the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA in three straight seasons. 

1915 – Led NL in W (31), K (214) & ERA (1.22)

1916 – Led NL in W (33), K (241) & ERA (1.55)

1917 – Led NL in W (30), K (167) & ERA (1.83)

He won 91 games for the Phillies, 83 for the Cubs, and 34 for the Cardinals. In 6 seasons, his CG total was more than 30. Only Christy Mathewson did this 7 times.

Benefits of Working Together

What's the Point?
Lee Taylor JFBC (Heather Swilley's husband)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 two is better than one.

Last week: The lonely rich guy. Solomon: it's all vanity.

Lee grew up in Stuart Florida near West Palm Beach, taking long floats on kayaks. Loved the show Alone, a reality series. Totally isolated. One guy didn't last 5 minutes. Others lasted 60 days. They drop out because they can't handle the isolation. What Solomon is talking about. So much was good when God created the world, but it was not good for man to be alone, even in paradise.
 
What's the point? God designed us for relationships, because it is better than being alone. Anxiety skyrocketed after everyone got a smartphone.

Benefits of working together…

1. v 9 More reward. Just by being together. Jesus could've done it by himself, Matt 4:19 - he instead invited 12 to do ministry with him. He sent them out 2 by 2.

What are you working toward? Who is doing it with you? God has commissioned us to go and make disciples.

2. More safety. v 10. Exodus 17 after they come through the Red Sea, they encounter another battle. Moses takes his staff and raises it, and it helped them in battle. Aaron helped prop up Moses arms with his staff uplifted.

You will continue to encounter broken people and various difficulties. Did Aaron think Moses was the one doing all these great things? But God directed Aaron to check up on Moses. Good days and bad

Who is going to help me when I'm having a bad day? Who can I ask for help? Who can I help?

3. v 11 More warmth. Not just physically. Coals stay warm when together, but grow cold when separated.

Hebrews 10:24-25 let us consider how to stir one another up, toward good deeds and love. Sometimes it takes awkward conversations. Part of the abundant life that God wants for us. Living the Christian life is a team sport.

John 13:35

What is the proximity of the people in your life? Are you alone, or are you building relationships?

4. More offense and defense. v 12 Ephesians 6 our struggle is not against flesh and blood…

The thief comes to steal kill and destroy. That's what satan is thinking about. We desperately need God on our side.

Do you have a fight club? Because you're in a fight. Who's on your side? Are you? in a group who intentionally and relationally help each other grow closer to God?

The three fold cord is not easily broken. Is Jesus woven into the fabric of your life and relationships? Look for this in your relationships.

Since Clay wasn't preaching, he volunteered to help out in one of the preschool classes.

38 in Sunday School. My friend Lee was pictured on the back of the bulletin.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Had a couple of crazy days with the girls. Thursday we took them to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Walked almost 3 miles. Wore them out. Turtles, geese, ducks, a possum, a snake, two owls, fish. Shivonne only brought boots, and eventually took them off. So Millie had to take her sneakers off. 

Cost us $65.00 to get in. Cheaper to go see the Braves. Came home and had nap time after lunch. Matthew came over and ate supper with us. Spaghetti. Winnie and I slept downstairs on the couch. 

Friday morning they've had me read Green Eggs and Ham several times. I showed them the video of Jesse Jackson reading the book, but they didn't appreciate it as much as I did. 

We all spent time outside in the sunshine. We're going to have to clean up the backyard playhouse for the girls.  

We all went to Target. They were amazed at  all the Disney stuff there. Friday evening we went to a Sunday School gathering up at the church. My friend Gee cooked: wings, dumplings, Doritos, cookies, cheesecakes, fresh fruits. His wife made me take home a to go plate. Sixteen in attendance.  

Stumbled across a hole in the wall wings place down on MLK not too far from W&MC's. The Bando. On Thursday and Friday they have an Aunt & Uncle Special for people 35 & older: 13 wings & fries for $7.99. They double batter & double fry the wings. They also serve loaded hot dogs with chili, bacon, cheese, and lettuce. Lots of good reviews. 

Missed out on three nice mornings to play golf. Rained Saturday, and it's going to be too cold next week. We'll see. 

Watched Best Medicine on Wednesday night. After the first few episodes being very good, hopefully they're not lowering their standards and resorting to sex and other violence, as Radar O'Reilley used to say.  

In the famous "Merkle's Boner" game, as replayed at the end of the season, Christy Mathewson was the losing pitcher. The winning pitcher was MORDECAI BROWN [SABR Bio] on 08-Oct-1908. Click here for details. Ironically, he was the losing pitcher in Mathewson's final career victory, on 04-Sep-1916. Click for full story. A switch-hitter, Brown racked up 206 hits. He played for the Chicago Cubs 1904-1912 and 1914. He played 33 games for the Federal League's Chicago Whales, where he had a record of 17-8 with a 2.09 ERA. He went back to the Cubs in 1916 where he pitched on the final 12 games of his Hall of Fame career.

They laid the new floors in the bedroom. The carpet upstairs was like 20 years old, and in bad shape. 

Went to the gym Wednesday morning, then mailed a letter on the way home. Ceil ate dinner with one group of friends Tuesday night, and for lunch Wednesday with Myra and Mary Hurt. Mary Hubert was sick. Tuesday night I fixed myself quesadillas with leftover chicken salad. For lunch Wednesday I ate the oatmeal that Ceil had leftover. Ceil volunteered to cook dinner for a lady at church whose husband died, but I was the one delivering it to Kennesaw on Wednesday afternoon. C skipped small group tonight. Her group is behind the curriculum. My group is on track, and with a couple of group members out of town, we took the scheduled week off for winter break.

Bought myself a ticket for the first game in Chattanooga's new baseball stadium on April 14. We'll see how that conflicts with the arrival of Anna's baby, due April 12.   

On Tuesday was down with the girls. I lifted weights this morning. Saw Nancy and the Navy vet David, and some of the regulars in the sauna. Then I cooled down on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Stopped by Wendys for free large fries with purchase. Had to wait 4 minutes / 240 seconds. Fries were hot but the burger lacked ketchup and mustard. 

Denison: It is unusual when a book about science and faith draws endorsements from leading scientists, but that's the case with God, the Science, the Evidence: The Dawn of a Revolution. A Nobel laureate and professors at Oxford, Cambridge, and Princeton have all applauded its remarkable "panorama of current knowledge regarding the existence or non-existence of a creator God." The authors collaborated with 20 "high-level international specialists and scientists" over 4 years of research. It deals with arguments against God's existence from across history, demonstrating that the universe is better understood as the product of a mind-like cause than by blind process. The writers conclude: Until recently, believing in God seemed incompatible with science. Now, science has become God's ally.