"Because He Bends Down To Listen . . . "

This is one of my favorite pictures depicting Jesus Christ. There are so many details that I love about this picture, for instance, Jesus's smile. It frames his face as approachable, friendly, open, transparent, attentive, and loyal. Then you have his closeness, his desire to be with us, to listen to us, to support us, to help us, to comfort us, to teach us, to provide us whatever strength and peace we need at that moment. And I also appreciate the action portrayed in this picture, the feeling of motion, of moving with us, not pulling us back, but accompanying us into the future, Jesus alongside us, together facing whatever challenge that lies ahead. Finally, this picture always reminds me of Psalm 116:2, "Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" (NLT) 

I recognize the difficulty in appreciating this verse but I urge you to read it again, slowly. To let it sink in that God, Creator God, All-Powerful and All-Knowing God, leans down to hear us when we pray to Him is a truth that the enemy and this world desperately work to hide from our minds and hearts. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who was so interested in you that they leaned in, eyes focused, giving you their undivided attention, totally immersed in the moment?

That is what this verse is proclaiming, that Jesus awaits our overture, longing for us to desire the intimacy with Him that He died to achieve. God never rejects a sincere, humble heart that is seeking Him with all their resources. And yes, that is also a truth from scripture. (James 4:8) 

So rest in the assurance that you are loved, that God is so interested in you that He will drop everything at the sound of your voice. That your prayers, your concerns, your joys, and your struggles are all equally welcomed by Jesus Christ. 

I pray that this picture tugs at your heart and draws you closer to God. 

Manager of the Year

He began as a minor-league player. He became a minor-league manager. He worked for Bobby Cox and Fredi Gonzalez as a third-base coach. If you’ve followed the Atlanta Braves, you’ve become familiar with Brian Gerald Snitker, manager of the 2021 World Champion team.

Before this week, the list of managers to take the Atlanta-era Braves to the Fall Classic numbered one. (Bobby Cox) But now this unassuming, baseball lifer just achieved what seemed impossible less than 30 days ago.

Which is the reason for this discussion regarding the announcement of  the 2021 MLB awards this week, awards such as Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, etc. No Atlanta Brave player or manager won or was even in serious consideration for in any of the awards given out this year despite the team winning the World Series. Which begs the question, why did Brian Snitker not warrant more consideration for NL Manager of the Year?

39 Days Until Christmas!

 39 Days Until Christmas! 

Atlanta Braves Memories - Part II

Here are some of my favorite Atlanta Braves players, in no particular order: 

Phil Niekro, Andruw Jones, Eddie Matthew, Warren Spahn, David Justice, Javy Lopez, Ron Gant, Rafael, Furcal, Rico Carty, Ryan Klesko, Mike Stanton, Max Fried, Al Hrabosky, Darrell Evans, Johnny Sain, Glen Hubbard, John Smoltz, Steve Avery, Greg Maddux, Jeff Blauser, Mark Lemke, Sid Bream, Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, Ralph Garr, Bob Horner, Terry Pendleton, Joe Torre, John Rocker, Brian Hunter, Eddie Rosario, Rafael Belliard, Dan Uggla, Kent Mercker, Mark Wohlers, Alejandro Pena, Otis Nixon, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, Orlando Cepeda, Charlie Leibrandt, Greg Olsen, Ronald Acuna, Fred McGriff, Chipper Jones, Freddie Freeman, Jorge Soler, Tom Glavine, Bobby Cox, Deion Sanders, Marvin Freeman, Brian Snitker.