Life of a Baseball Mom

We all wear different hats. Here are a few of mine ... Wife, mother, daughter, teacher, VP. Yes, it's true. Writer, wannabe blogger, drama queen, oops ... I mean drama director, taxi cab driver for my children, cook, etc ... I'm sure you wear just as many. One of my biggest hats─baseball mom. If you know me at all, you know how much I love baseball.

We've spent many years on the field. Almost 20.

My oldest son, Tyler, started playing ball as soon as he was old enough. I enjoyed those years of watching him play all the way through high school. And I thought if my middle baby boy, Zachary, doesn't love it, I just might get depressed. But he did. And I easily forgot about the stress of the game. And the ugly torment that sometimes comes anyway. It could be from one game to the next, or even a whole season.

My husband uses this phrase for baseball, "you're only as good as the last thing you do" (in other's eyes). Thank goodness, Jesus doesn't look at us that way. And maybe people don't either. Maybe it's just something we worry endlessly about for no reason.

But we do.

It sometimes feels like being on a roller coaster with this thing that takes a huge part of our family's time. Is it worth it? I think so. Our family has made some wonderful memories through it all.

I don't like to brag.

But I'm going to today.

Because my baby was in the local paper Wednesday morning.

We've been homeschooling for 7 years and this is his first year at a public high school.

Am I happy about this?

I'm not sure.

I have to put him in God's hands and trust that he will allow the Holy Spirit to guide him in ALL the choices he makes.

And there's a lot of praying. And a lot of worrying. But I keep telling myself fear is not from the Lord.

The butterflies flitting around in my stomach all day Wednesday were a testament to the nerves that threatened to overtake me leading up to this game. I found out last week, he would be starting ... "The First Conference Game".

Do I have faith in his pitching?

Yes.

Has he done this before? Plenty of times

He played in the Varsity Home School World Series the last two years, and this past year, Zach received All American, for best games pitched.

Did this help my nerves?

Not really.

Friends, family, kids he's played ball with for years are at the games now, where before, we were always out of town.

But at the same time, I'm glad to be back with friends and seeing some of the same faces on the ball field again.

Zach has never liked being in front of people for school plays, church musicals, and I had a very hard time convincing him to participate. But when he takes the mound, even from the very beginning, at the age of 7 or 8, I can't remember exactly, I'm shocked at the confidence shining through him. And ya'll, I can't help it, it makes me proud, every single time. That's my baby standing up there.

And he was good at it even from the very beginning.

 "His picture in the RM Telegram. This is the face of a boy putting everything he's got into it. And I love it!!"

I have to share this story with you. I'm really going to try not to be long winded, but this may be my longest post yet.

At a company picnic, 4 years ago, when Zach was 11 ... There was a dunking booth. It cost 5 dollars for 3 balls and all the money was put in a pot for a drawing. Your name went into the drawing every time you hit the bulls eye. The winner would win the money.

Y'all it was not easy.

I tried it. And so did Rocky.

Out of 9 balls, Zach hit the bulls eye 5 times. And the president of the company was sitting in the booth. :)

At the end of the picnic, they drew the winner. Zach won.

A total of $500.00, y'all.

He took us to Olive Garden for dinner. :)

I want him to do well. I want him to succeed. But most of all, I pray that whatever he does, he'll do it as if he's doing it for Jesus.

I am one proud mama, today. Thank you for letting me share all of this with you. And don't be surprised if you find a dose of baseball in my fiction. 

I'm so happy you joined me today. 

Have a wonderful Friday,

Cindy

Praying for Yourself and Your Man ... on Saturday

Are you praying for your husband every day, your wife, yourself? Why not start now? There's no better time to start praying for each other than today.

It's Saturday. Our last day together on this week long journey of praying the Word for each other.

I have enjoyed sharing these scriptures with you so much that I am already thinking about searching for new scripture that we can replace these with for next year. 

How awesome it is to have the Word of God hidden in our hearts.

 Saturday

Praying for Yourself

Servant

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Philippians 2:5-8

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:               

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God

                                something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a

                                servant, being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a human being,

                                he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death--even death on a cross!

 Matthew 25:21

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

Praying for Your Husband

Spiritual Leader

1 Timothy 3:1-3

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Thank you so much for being here with me today.

Have a splendid Saturday,

Cindy

Praying for Yourself & Your Man ... on Friday

Here we are at the end of the week, with only one day left. I have enjoyed being here every day with you.

This couldn't have come at a better time.

Our pastor is starting Connecting Points this Sunday night. In a relaxed atmosphere, we will delve into the matters of the heart concerning marriage. Not only will this have a tremendous impact on  newlyweds, but those who've been married for over 40 years. Me and my man are somewhere in between. :)

I'm really excited about it and praying for all the couples who will participate.

Now let's get to our scripture and prayer so we can get a good start to our day.

Friday

Praying for Yourself

Trust/Faith

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 21:1

In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

Praying for Your Husband

Faithful

Proverbs 5:15, 18-19

Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer--may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.

Matthew 25:23

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Luke 16:10

The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and people are forcing their way into it.

Psalm 101

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise.

I will be careful to lead a blameless life--when will you come to me?

I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.

I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.

Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; those whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord.

Thank y'all so much for joining me today.

Have a Fantastic Friday,

Cindy

Praying for Yourself & Your Man ... on Thursday

I'm excited about today's scripture, especially for when we're praying for our men. When they get their wisdom from God's word, and really seek His face, then they can be the leader God called them to be. And I don't mean they have to be a church leader or deacon, but the head of our households. And since we're praying for ourselves today about submission :} ... when our men are living for the Lord, that's what God calls us to do. But only then!

Thursday

Praying for Yourself

Submission

Ephesians 5:20-21

...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 Timothy 2:11

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.

Colossians 3:18

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Praying for Your Husband

Truth/Word

Colossians 2:2-3

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 4:5

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Romans 10:17

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (NIV)

Psalm 119:9-16

How can those who are young keep their way pure? By living according to your word.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Have a terrific Tuesday,

Cindy

Praying the Word for Yourself & Your Man ... on Wednesday

Good morning, friends.

I can't believe we're already half way through the week. The scripture we've covered so far ... Loving the Lord, Humility, Resisting the Proud, Gratefulness, God's Sovereignty, Pure Thoughts, Moral Purity (mind), Contentment and Trust/Faith.

Today, our scripture is covering ... Peace/slow to anger for ourselves, and wisdom for our husbands.  I hope you're enjoying this as much as I am.

All scripture comes from (TNIV) Today's New International Version.

Praying for Yourself

Wednesday

Peace--slow to anger

Proverbs 16:32

Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Ephesians 4:26-32

In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and you r minds in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Praying for Your Husband

Wednesday

Wisdom

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Proverbs 9:1,9-12

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,

Cindy

Praying for Yourself & Your Man ... on Tuesday

I'm so glad you decided to join me this morning. It doesn't even matter that I feel like I'm talking to myself. Sometimes talking to yourself is the best way to work through something.

(Mailee: Mama, who are you talking to?)

It is definitely better than jumping to conclusions, or speaking without thinking it through. I guarantee you'll say something you'll regret.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

But every time I feel that urge to fall into sin, no matter what it may be, I have a Father who is waiting for me to come to Him. He is the Father of all understanding and wants me to cast my burdens at his feet.

 Praying for Yourself

Tuesday

Contentment

Philippians 4:11-12

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and to know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

                "Never will I leave you:

                                never will I forsake you."

Praying for Your Husband

Tuesday

Trust/Faith

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly see him.

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Have a terrific Tuesday,

Cindy

On Monday ... Praying for Yourself & Your Man!

Good morning!!

So excited to be with you on this day that promises sunshine and warmer weather.

Thank you for joining me. I hope you're enjoying these posts as much as I am. 

I wanted to let you know I  had the honor this week of being interviewed by a Domestic Violence Advocate. Read on to find out how you could be entered for a free ebook of my newly released novel, "Broken Butterfly".

And now, I'm ready to jump right into God's word. How about you?

Praying for Yourself

Scripture From Today's New International Version

Monday

Pure thoughts

Philippians 4:7-8

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent, or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 23:7

...for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Praying for your Husband

Monday

Moral Purity (mind)

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent, or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Romans 8:6

...yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

Please join me at Katelin Maloney, Domestic Violence Advocate's, blog today where I had the honor of being interviewed. When you stop by and leave a comment, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for a free ebook of "Broken Butterfly" through Lifeway. I look forward to chatting with you there :) http://www.katelinmaloney.com/blog

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you'll hide these words from God in your heart.

Have a magnificent Monday,

Cindy

Praying for Yourself & Your Man (or Wife :) on... Sunday

Welcome Back!!

I'm so excited to share these verses with you this week. One of my most favorite things about my life is my marriage. I thank God everyday for bringing Rocky and I together. I love my man. I really do. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to grow my relationship with God and my husband. And in this way, praying for myself and my husband every day, I'm doing both at the same time.

So I'm not repeating what version of the Bible I'm using, all scripture comes from a Today's New International Version.

Praying for Yourself

Sunday

A grateful spirit shows in joyfulness.

Philippians 4:6

Do not become anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

1 Thessonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:20

...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Praying for Your Husband

Sunday

God's Sovereignty

1 Timothy 6:14-15

...to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts human beings plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

See you tomorrow. Have a blessed week,

Cindy