Doubt Part 2

Where is God when all I hear is silence? Psalms 42 bounces all over the place
Clay Smith JFBC
Drought in Europe is the worst in history hundreds of years
Psalms talks about spiritual drought . Depicts human emotion. 42 and 43 used to be the same psalm. A mascal is a teaching psalm. From why is my soul in despair to my soul pants for you. Usually the deer finds water but when it doesn’t it pants for more. Some accept Jesus but sometime later can’t feel him. But we don’t stand on what we feel, but who we know.

A. Reasons for spiritual doubt…why
Justification is the moment of conversation. Sanctification is living out our faith
1. Sin. Trusting yourself more than God is one sin. Isaiah 59:2 creates a barrier between us and God.
2. Being in a rut. Habits and disciplines can help but sometimes those habits are so predictable that we’re not living by faith and depending on God
3. Unrealistic expectations. Mission trips can be great but coming back down from the mountaintop can bring tribulation. The Christian life is more about the daily living.
4. Suffering can bring drought or joy.

B. Results of spiritual doubt
1. Isolation. V 4 in Psalm 42 multitudes celebrate but this psalmist is alone. In dry times we drift apart from community. Covid has been a test. Can’t do Christian community through a screen.
2. Opposition. V3 and 10 others ask where is your God? When in drought the critics grow louder. Complainers hurt worse when in drought. Satan is a slanderer. Eph 6 in drought hard to pick up the shield. Pray that God’s voice be the loudest
3. Exhaustion. We go go go. Our bodies can live at a pace that our souls can’t keep up with. Spurgeon suffered from depression. Every day I need to have unhurried time with Jesus while not doing other things at the same time

C. Remedies
1. Be honest with God v 5 and 6, v 9 don’t hide from God. Confess to God what’s going on.
2. Look back, remember the good times with God, what God has done in your life. His faithfulness. That’s the clearest place to see what God has done, including unanswered prayers.
3. Interrupt ourselves with the gospel v 5 and 11 wait for God. Remind ourselves that we know God and how He’s worked in my life, and not just how I feel right now. There’s nothing I can do to fix things, but God can. Remember this. John Stott quote: the great …of depression is…

Clay also said mentioned all the complaints he gets, people voicing their opinions. He said “Hey, I have opinions too!” He said in a previous church a lady kept complaining and complaining about so many things, saying “they say you should do this and that.” Finally he told the lady he wanted to meet with her. He told the lady she had to tell him who all these “they people” were. “Do I have to?” she asked. Yes, he demanded. Well, uh, there’s my husband, and uh, my daughter, and uh…” Turned out there were like three people not satisfied with things.

Saturday morning eggy boy.

Interesting what Denison said about how if Liz Cheney ran as an independent because she disliked Trump, that might get him elected by pulling votes away from Biden. I don’t keep up with it all that closely. Man being President would be tough, especially in this day and age. Everyone out to get you. Back in the day Republicans and Democrats would work together in Congress to get a bill passed. Now Republicans are fighting amongst themselves. Democrats too. Being president of the Braves would be more fun, but a tough job as well.

GEORGE KELL  [SABR Bio] struck out the fewest times while leading the majors in hitting. In 1949, Kell hit .343, best in either league. He had 613 plate appearances that season and only struck out 13 times. He thwarted Ted Williams’ fifth batting crown and third Triple Crown by a miniscule margin: .34291 to .34276. Williams admired the effort. Kell came in 8th in league MVP voting and was only third in WAR on his own team. Williams was the AL MVP in ‘49. Detroit pitchers Trucks and Newhouser had WAR ratings of 6.3 & 5.7, besting Kell’s very respectable 4.8. Kell became a Hall of Famer 13-Jul-1983 with fellow Arkansan Brooks Robinson as well as Juan Marichal & Dodger manager Walt Alston.

A good follow, though I really don't have the time to read each one to figure out the reference.

Dawgs Dine on Ducks

The Dawgs' win was more impressive than Bama's, or Ohio State's, or any other game I saw. More impressive than South Carolina or UNC or Michigan or Pitt. Louisville lost. Expect UGA to be ranked #1 in the next poll. 

Tight end Darnell Washington was a beast, running over one defender and hurdling another - on the same play.

 

Anna and Caleb were at the game. Will was there as well.

Young Marty Miller in the office was talking about the X-15, the experimental rocket plane from the early 1960’s. Dropped from underneath a larger plane high up in the atmosphere and then the rocket was lit. Whoosh. For a boy growing up in the 60’s, the X-15 was the coolest thing on earth. Or over the earth. I had a plastic model X-15 that I glued together as a kid on Wimbush Road. Back then NASA and the Air Force were trying to determine whether the best way to get to outer space was a rocket with a Mercury capsule, or a rocket plane like the X-15. The capsules won out.

I’ve been to Lucky’s exactly one time, several years ago with Matthew. Drive by there all the time. The place is usually crowded. Dogs are welcome, I believe.

Man for a good burger you gotta try Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. Can order a burger with anything you want, or try one of their signature burgers. The BBQ burger I had there was to die for, probably literally. There’s a Bad Daddy’s up Peachtree in northern Brookhaven / south Chamblee.

We have child gates set up at the house to keep Winnie away from the cat. I always move the gate to pass, but M and C step over it. Yesterday Ceil was carrying some glass bottles while stepping over the gate. She caught her foot and fell, breaking the bottles and cutting her hand.

During rush hour, eastbound traffic on Spaulding backs up at Peachtree Parkway (why I don’t go that way). One recent afternoon I was headed home (west). An eastbound car had sped down the left turn lane and at the last second slipped right to go straight, ahead of the long line of cars it had just passed. So did a police car, who gave the scofflaw a ticket. I hope you don't drive like that.

I wonder if employees who don’t want to come in to the office are “testing positive for covid”. At least one person in our building currently has covid.

DENISON: our nation’s founders were convinced that personal virtue is indispensable to political unity. George Washington observed, "Human rights can only be assured among a virtuous people." Benjamin Franklin added, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom." John Adams was insistent: "Public virtue is the only foundation of republics." Samuel Adams was adamant: "the wisest laws will not secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. A new poll asked about changes in the US political climate: 66% believe political divisions have gotten worse since the beginning of 2021. 62% expect political divisions to get even worse. 66% say political violence has increased since the start of 2021. 60% expect violence to increase in the next few years. 43% believe a civil war is at least somewhat likely in the next decade. Only 35% say it is not likely.

https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/how-likely-is-civil-war-in-america/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How+likely+is+civil+war+in+America%3F&utm_campaign=09-01-22+How+likely+is+civil+war+in+America%3F

RICH GOSSAGE  [SABR Bio] holds the record for most career pitching wins without any of them being a shutout, with 124 wins. He played for Oakland from 1992-93. He had exactly 1 save for them. He earned his 308th career save by completing Nolan Ryan's 308th. career victory. His solitary save with Texas. Gossage represented four different teams in All-Star competition: the White Sox in 19975-76; Pittsburgh in 1977; the Yankees in 1978, 80, 81, 82 and Padres in 1984.

Didn’t really feel it until I was on the way to the gym Thursday morning, but somehow I pulled a muscle below my right shoulder blade. I figured I would proceed with my weightlifting, though some exercises were harder than others. Then I left early to head to work, but a wreck backed up traffic crossing the river. It’s always something.

Saturday morning sunrise.

Braves Beat

The Braves won their second straight game on Thursday night (& the third straight on Friday). Rookie of the year candidate Spencer Strider broke the Braves single game strikeout record, passing John Smoltz. Braves are three back from the Mets. Both have won six of their last ten despite Atlanta’s horrific three game losing streak. Plenty of time to pass New York.

Like many teams, the Braves employ the shift on some hitters, depending on the count. They keep Swanson on the left side of the infield, since he has more range. Riley goes over and plays in short right field. But then sometimes deep in the count, Riley will have to trot back over to third base before the pitch. Shoot they have stats for what a batter does all the way through the count. Many cut down on their swing with two strikes to make contact, and be more likely to go the opposite way. Not sure if they are eliminating the overshifts next year, as part of the collective bargaining agreement.

This weekend the Mets retired the number of a player who played less than two seasons with the team. Batted .238 with 14 HR and 44 RBI. Wore number 24. Willie Mays.

From a thoughtful article about booing players: “Last month several Mets players began giving a thumbs-down sign after getting a big hit or winning a game. When questioned about it, they said the thumbs-down was their way of booing the fans back after the fans had booed them. Javier Báez said, “It feels bad when I strike out and I get booed. It doesn’t really get to me, but I want to let them know that when we have success, we’re going to do the same thing, to let [fans] know how it feels.” ”

https://paullukas.bulletin.com/some-thoughts-about-booing-at-the-ballpark

Wednesday’s month end wasn’t a knock down killer thanks to all the help from Rodney and Angie. Lunch with them at Medlock Tavern helped the day go by faster. Wednesday was month end, so it felt like Friday. So Thursday felt like Friday. Also Friday felt like Friday. Had left work by 5:30. Ceil cooked a spicy chicken meatball and pasta dish, with fresh green beans. Slow evening.

Worked until 5:30 on Thursday. Ceil grilled chicken and beef kabobs, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli.

Friday: My shoulder blade muscle still hurts, so I skipped the gym and got a little extra sleep. Tried to catch up, since it was slower than usual. Also caught up on my scrapbook calendar, which I haven’t been able to update in a long time. Ceil had Matthew make up a pizza for our supper.

No big plans for the weekend. Golf if it doesn’t rain. Working around the house. This Sunday the JFBC sermon title is “Where is God in our Environmental Crisis?” My take: like with everything else, God is in control.

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Rob Schneider isn’t a big fan of the show any more.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/01/entertainment/rob-schneider-kate-mckinnon-hillary-clinton-saturday-night-live-snl/index.html__;!!AE29DT8V!UdZlKDwNL--KkAPzW-BjdvO4W_CQfySD2pmvpR7Rr2OzQvwPqrQNrpWM6bjfmUy6WJEzbeRyJDHeLj3uDhE$ 

In response to Biden’s Thursday night speech, Jim Denison quoted Georgie Washington: "Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion”.

https://www.denisonforum.org/daily-article/president-bidens-speech-from-independence-hall-and-the-soul-of-america/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Biden+s+speech+and+the+%22soul%22+of+America&utm_campaign=09-02-22+President+Biden+s+speech+from+Independence+Hall+and+the+%22soul%22+of+America

Martin Short: “Regrets? I have a few. I regret my Kim & Pete 4-Ever tattoo. Who saw that coming?”

GORMAN THOMAS [SABR Bio] was the first player to hit a double and a home run in the same inning twice during his career, on 19-Sep-1982, 8^th inning and 03-Sep-1983, 9^th inning. He is the only Brewer ever to lead the majors in home runs in a season. He tied Reggie Jackson to lead MLB with 39 in 1982. He was signed to a major league contract by the same scout who also signed Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, Vada Pinson, Rusty Staub, Darrell Porter, Don Baylor, Tommy Harper, Bobby Grich, and Dave Stieb.

Non-Hall of Famers who hit at least four career home runs off Hall of Famer Jim Palmer.

Player       HR   WAR   Best HOF vote

Brown........4...... 9.7.....0.2%  in 1981

Freehan.....4.....44.8.....0.5%  in 1982

Horton.......5.....26.5.....0.9%  in 1986

Nettles.......9.....68.0.....8.3%  in 1994

Petrocelli...4.....39.1.....0.7%  in 1982

Scott..........4.....36.6.....0.2%  in 1985

Spencer.....4.....  2.7.....0.0%  in 1988

Thomas.....5......19.8.... 0.0% in 1992

How to sell your used car for the most money.

https://www.rocketauto.com/research/selling-a-car/where-can-i-sell-my-car-for-the-most-money??qlsource=zingemailcontent2&qls=PUB_houseeml.articlelnk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=202208publishhouse&partner=rocketmortgage&utm_content=wheretosell

How to sell your junk car for the most money.

https://www.rocketauto.com/research/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-a-junk-car

JFBC Base Camp is September 15. Topic: "Limited By Design." If God made you with certain limits, how does He want us to respond within those limits? Guest speaker Kelly Kapic, a professor of theology at Covenant College. 7:00 - 9:00 pm. You can register here for Base Camp. I might skip this one, though the BBQ and fellowship are good. Not sure what limits me and the limits he’s talking about are the same, though perhaps they’ll be applicable. 

UGA scored touchdowns on their first seven possessions today against #11 Oregon, converting on every third down conversion in the process. Stetson had a monster first half, and gave way to Carson Beck late in the third quarter. The defense intercepted Duck QB Bo Nix on two of his first three possessions. 

Bought two pairs of sneakers yesterday, but passed on this beauty.

Schedules: UGA GT Clemson

I’m giving up predicting a full season of wins and losses. Year after year I would predict UGA and Clemson to win all their games, and for Tech to lose all theirs. That said, this fall the Dawgs should win all their regular season games. What matters will be the SEC Championship and playoff game(s). 

09.03 330 #11 Oregon @ UGA Mercedes Benz

09.10 400 Sambord @ UGA

09.17 UGA at SC noon

09.24 Kent State @ UGA noon

10.01 UGA @ Missouri

10.08 Auburn @ UGA

10.15 Vanderbilt @ UGA

10.22 bye

10.29 330 UGA @ Florida in Jacksonville

11.05 Tennessee @ UGA

11.12 UGA @ Mississippi State

11.19 UGA @ #20 Kentucky

11.26 Georgia Tech @ UGA

12.03 SEC Championship Game in Atlanta

12.31 Playoff Atlanta GA

12.31 Playoff Scottsdale AZ

01.09 Championship Los Angeles CA

Can the Jackets win a game this year? Game two is the key. Western Carolina went 4-7 last year, and looks ripe for the picking. That means Ole Miss will come into Grant Field and put a beatdown on Tech. Beating UCF and  / or FSU on the road will be tough. Duke and Virginia look to be the only winnable games. Gonna be another long season.

Writers at the GT website rumbleseat.com mostly predict the Jackets will win four games this fall. A couple predicted four wins. A few fans adding comments were more optimistic, hoping for five wins. I saw predictions of wins over Clemson and UNC. I don’t see it. Before last year Coach Collins said it was time to put up or shut up. True to his word, so far this year Collins has remained quiet. My fear is that Tech will stumble in one of the few winnable games. It will be tough to beat UNC or Virginia Tech, but they can’t sleepwalk against Duke, Virginia, or even Western Carolina.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/georgia-tech-football/2022/8/31/23327448/georgia-tech-season-predictions-most-likely-record__;!!AE29DT8V!T3mKKmKt0iED_Ln1zmsYDkykA7vaCRsNy1913pHm5yrhTECPVpzoo76eT-AQDEMwuR-7IH8MXH3JyMc2SN0$ 

09.05 800 #4 Clemson @ GT in Mercedes Benz

09.10 700 Western Carolina @ GT

09.17 330 #21 Ole Miss @ GT

09.24 GT @ Central Florida

10.01 GT @ #17 Pitt

10.08 Duke @ GT

10.15 bye

10.20 730 Virginia @ GT

10.29 GT @ Florida State

11.05 GT @ Virginia Tech

11.12 #16 Miami @ GT

11.19 GT @ North Carolina

11.26 GT @ #3 Georgia

With returning starter DJ Ukulele under center (#5, below), the 2023 Clemson season should be an adventure. Not sure if DJ still has his national Dr Pepper or regional Bojangles NIL deals. He’s shed some weight and is “in the best shape of his life”.

BREAKING: according to his offensive coordinator, Clemson true freshman QB Klubnik (#2) has earned playing time in the season opener Monday night against Georgia Tech.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://theclemsoninsider.com/2022/08/31/streeter-klubnik-has-earned-playing-time/__;!!AE29DT8V!WM1dMH5clfoSu5wV6gqLde3qYr7ywUAMq2Y1OB41fRkkvNPc_E9gyHWQnLQeWXsRdUQKqDHt9Xi9CiM3A7w$

Fortunately the Tiger defense is also lean and mean. Hopefully they’ll carry Clemson to the ACC Championship Game, though the last two regular season games against Miami and South Carolina could be dogfights. Clemson could be facing a one-loss Notre Dame team in South Bend. The media will build up ath game as a playoff preview, especially since QB DJ had a monster game in his 2020 coming out party. Can DJ repeat? Let’s hope the Irish are embarrassed again.

09.05 800 Clemson @ Georgia Tech in Mercedes Benz

09.10 330 Furman @ Clemson

09.17 800 Louisiana Tech @ Clemson

09.24 Clemson @ #22 Wake Forest

10.01 #13 NC State @ Clemson

10.08 Clemson @ Boston College

10.15 Clemson @ Florida State

10.22 Syracuse @ Clemson

10.29 bye

11.05 700 Clemson @ #5 Notre Dame

11.12 Louisville @ Clemson

11.19 #16 Miami @ Clemson

11.26 South Carolina @ Clemson

12.03 800 ACC Championship Game in Charlotte

Didn’t realize West Virginia and former UGA QB JT Daniels were playing last night. Desmond Howard’s playoff pick Pitt was lucky to win, with the game winning pick six coming on a Daniels’ pass that should’ve been caught by his receiver.

Should both UGA and Clemson run the table, they could meet in Scottsdale on New Years Eve. Or in Atlanta. Think of the money they’d save – neither team would have to fry. But with the college football playoff, money seems to be no object.

NFL players voted on their top 100 players. This year’s number one player had been voted #1 three previous times in the past ten years. The QB of a team who fell just a few points short of a second straight Super Bowl appearance. A 45 year old who led the league in passing yards, TDs, first downs, and wins. Was sacked the fewest times.

In the past 20 years Tiger Woods has won nine major championships, more than all but two golfers in history. Guess that's not enough to compare to Brady, Serena, and LeBron.

A new season of Eli’s Places is out on ESPN+. He visits Brady Quinn and Rick Myrer at Knute Rockne’s house in South Bend, pancakes with Orlando Pace at Ohio State, jump passes with Tim Tebow at Florida, and tackling drills with Willie McGinnest at USC. Also his formers Giants head coach Tom Coughlin at Syracuse. Didn’t realize Coughlin had blocked for Floyd Little in college.

September Bobbleheads

September & October bobblehead and other interesting MLB & MiLB SGA’s and special ticket deals. What did I miss?

Everyone will be clambering for the Acuna bat flip bobblehead. Hopefully it won’t break as easily as the real thing. Unlike past Septembers, there’s plenty of quality bobbleheads still to be had. With school back in session and football on weekends, perhaps the crowds will be down a bit.

The Braves have really stepped up to the plate this year, with more SGA’s and special ticket deals than ever before. Nice that Gwinnett and Rome have SGA’s with unique packaging and markings to distinguish them from the big clubs’.

Thanks for checking out my list each month. It’s fun to look up which team has what giveaways. Please come back for my analysis of the pennant race, college and pro football news, and photos of my beautiful granddaughter.

9.01 THU Gwinnett replica rings 1500

9.01 THU Huntsville glass giveaway

9.01 THU CWS Los White Sox t-shirts 10000

9.01 THU Montgomery movie tee 1000

9.02 FRI ATL Ronald Acuna bat flip BH 15000

9.02 FRI Richmond Nutsy salt & pepper shakers 1000

9.03 SAT Rounds Rock Drew Brees BH 2500

9.03 SAT SF Portuguese heritage tee spec ticket

9.03 SAT Charlotte black panther BH 1500

9.03 SAT SF Alaskan Airlines 2 for 1 voucher 40000

9.03 SAT Augusta throwback shersey 1000

9.03 SAT Chatt used car giveaway 1

9.03 SAT CWS green Irish SOX jersey 10000

9.03 SAT Nashville Mookie Betts shersey 1000

9.04 SUN Nashville Turkey Stearnes shersey 1000

9.04 SUN CWS Los White Sox soccer jersey 20000

9.04 SUN Huntsville camo t-shirt giveaway

9.04 SUN Charlotte giveaway 1500

9.04 SUN SF C3PO funko pop spec ticket

9.05 MON STL patriotic bucket hat 25000

9.06 TUE SD Korean Heritage cap special ticket

9.07 WED SD Pacific Islander Heritage cap special ticket

9.07 WED SD Fernando Tatis silver slugger BH 35000 cancelled

9.07 WED SD Juan Soto city connect shersey

9.08 THU Montgomery recycling tee 1000

9.09 FRI SD thundersticks 35000

9.09 FRI SD Native American heritage cap special ticket

9.10 SAT SD healthcare appreciation bag special ticket

9.10 SAT Lake County hot pepper BH

9.10 SAT Charlotte stadium replica 1000

9.11 SUN Charlotte giveaway 1500

9.11 SUN MIL Giannis BH 35000

9.11 SUN Hello Kitty BH special ticket

9.12 MON

9.13 TUE Richmond retro flying squirrel BH 1000

9.13 TUE SF Filipino heritage tee spec ticket

9.13 TUE Seattle Hello Kitty BH

9.13 TUE STL decals 25000

9.14 WED CWS long sleeve shirts 10000

9.15 THU Gwinnett beer stein & dog $21 spec tix

9.15 THU NYM The Bronx borough cap special ticket

9.15 THU STL St Pats flannel shirt special ticket

9.16 FRI STL hockey sweater 25000

9.16 FRI STL Blues/Cards jacket special ticket

9.16 FRI Angels Mike Trout City Connect surfing BH

8.16 FRI Richmond t-shirts 1000

9.16 FRI Pensacola Bubba Watson & pup BH 2000

9.16 FRI ATL Los Bravos Ronald Acuna BH special ticket

9.16 FRI Altoona free shirt Friday 1000

9.16 FRI SF Will Clark cap spec ticket

9.17 SAT STL soccer jersey 25000

9.17 SAT STL soccer scarf special ticket

9.17 SAT Chatt used car giveaway 1

9.17 SAT Akron Rockford Peaches Tracy Reiner BH 1000

9.17 SAT Gwinnett Max Fried bobblehead 2500

9.18 SUN ATL Blooper World Series BH 3000 kids

9.19 MON

9.20 TUE ATL Ron Washington windmill BH

9.21 WED SD alzheimer’s awareness cap special ticket

9.22 THU LAD Dustin May BH

9.23 FRI

9.24 SAT LAD giveaway

9.24 SAT CWS windbreakers 15000

9.25 SUN

9.26 MON Gwinnett replica rings 755

9.27 TUE Gwinnett replica rings 755

9.27 TUE SF Hello Kitty bucket hat spec ticket

9.28 WED

9.29 THU SF Peanuts giveaway spec ticket

9.29 THU SD Dominican heritage cap special ticket

9.30 FRI SD Hispanic Heritage weekend cap special ticket cap

9.30 FRI ATL Ozzie Albies Funko Pop! 15000

9.30 FRI LAD Elton John BH

9.30 FRI STL BH 25000

10.01 SAT STL Jamie Jarrin giveaway

10.01 SAT SF teachers cap spec ticket

10.01 SAT STL BH 25000

10.02 SUN STL canvas print 25000

10.03 MON NYM Staten Island borough cap special ticket

10.03 MON LAD Mookie Betts BH

Tomorrow: a preview and analysis of this fall’s schedules for UGA, Georgia Tech, and Clemson.