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Lessons from the Ballpark – Part II

As a booster, whether working as an usher, greeter, program salesperson or in some other capacity, our job is to create “WOW” moments for all those who enter the ballpark gates. The goal is to treat fans to such exceptional service that we leave them speechless! Though easier said than done at times, we strive to make that happen.

Rising to the Challenge

As supervisor of the ushers, I got an up close and personal look at a variety of situations encountered by our ushers, presenting them with an opportunity to create that WOW moment. It was gratifying to witness the different ways our boosters stepped up and met the challenge.

Sun vs. Shade

I won’t bore you with the many different scenarios that crop up over the course of the season, but I will share one with you. Weather makes ALL the difference at the ballpark. A seat in the sun is the preferred location some days. But on other days, that same seat causes misery. The same is true of the seats in the shade. Obviously, the weather is beyond our control; however, depending on the size of the crowd, we are sometimes able to relocate fans to a more desirable seat. No matter the situation, some ushers are more lenient than others regarding people not sitting in their ticketed seat. That’s just an observation, not condemnation or approval of the practice. I’ve been on both sides of that scenario and there really is no “one size fits all” approach.

Lesson II

My next revelation formulated during Spring Training applies to that situation and every other one that presented itself throughout the season. Here’s what I decided:
If we all treated others the way that we’d want to be treated, a lot of problems could be avoided.
I believe Jesus told us as much! In what is referred to as the Golden Rule, Jesus had this to say:
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
As I write this, I can almost hear Pastor Dave saying, “It’s simple, but it ain’t easy.” How true! Have you noticed that it’s easier to receive grace than extend it? Me too.
No matter our role, this should be our goal. Jesus set the bar high. Let’s reach for the sky!
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Lessons from the Ballpark – Part I

Training Underway

In anticipation of leading the charge when our current president steps down, I spent considerable time shadowing him and learning the ropes these past two seasons. I developed a few catch phrases from my experience that have inspired this blog post and another one to follow at a later date. One thing I stated numerous times during Spring Training was, “With people, the truth often lies somewhere in the middle.”

Through the Eyes of the Beholder

I’m sure you’ve experienced it too because we’re all human. Have you ever heard different descriptions of the same situation and wonder where the truth lies? Probably somewhere in the middle! I chalk it up to perspective. We all bring a different one to the table, shaped by our own personal experience.

Better 1, Better 2, Better Without?

If you’ve ever had an eye exam, you understand that different lenses produce different views of the same thing. It is the job of the optometrist to find the lens that produces the clearest picture. I am no optometrist, but if you are looking for Truth, I have just the right lens for you—His name is Jesus.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
 John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus = Truth

Truth is a person! Yes, I know that is a hard one to wrap your mind around. I remember wrestling with that concept with some ladies in my small group for that very reason. Regardless, it’s true! Jesus said so Himself.
If you find yourself searching for truth, look no further than Jesus. In His person you will find the full embodiment of absolute moral and spiritual truth.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
‭‭ John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Rest in this good news today, friends.
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Easter Blessings

Enjoy celebrating the Good News with those you love today!

I have some new posts swirling around in my head but just haven’t gotten the time to write. Hopefully, you’ll hear from me again soon, but I couldn’t allow this day to pass without a word. Jesus is indeed the Ultimate Gift!

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True Confessions

I have your attention already, don’t I?

Confession #1: I don’t really like to read.

It’s true. I’d much rather solve a puzzle than read a book. If I do read a book, I’m good for about one chapter a day…if the chapters are short. Perhaps that’s why I chose to become a math teacher. Have you ever really read a math textbook? Me either.

A Difficult Read

I say this to lead you to Confession #2. I grew up in the church and faithfully attended Sunday School and VBS, but I can’t say that I ever spent any time reading God’s word unless it was required in one of those settings. Imagine how daunting reading the Bible is for someone who doesn’t like to read in the first place. It seemed like it was written in a different language.

The Book of Jonah

My pastor led us through the book of Jonah to kick off 2026. That stirred up memories of what may very well be the most embarrassing moment of my life. I have never told a single soul, but it’s been haunting me during this whole study of Jonah. Maybe by sharing it, I can start laughing about it. If nothing else, you’ll get a good chuckle.

Confession #2: I thought the whale’s name was Jonah.

There, I said it. Go ahead—that’s your cue to LOL. I have no idea where I got the notion that the whale had a name and the guy inside its belly had none, but that’s how I remembered the story. I apparently wasn’t paying much attention the day that story was taught. What’s worse—that’s what I thought to be true until I was 30-something, married, and a mother of two. I learned the truth when I was volunteering at VBS when the kids were of age to participate. Apparently, the theme of the week was “Jonah AND the Whale” not “Jonah, the Whale!” Good thing they only asked me to play the piano!!

A Read with Impact

I am happy to say that I’ve come a LONG way in my spiritual journey since that embarrassing moment. But guess what? That progress was fueled by plenty of reading, like it or not! The Bible is the inspired, written Word of God and one of the main ways He speaks to His children today.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Reading the Directions

I often think of the Bible as God’s instruction manual for living. When you make a purchase that comes with instructions, do you sit down and read the manual first? While I’m making confessions, I’ll admit that I usually save reading the directions as a last resort. I try to figure it out myself first and then consult the manual if/when I fail. Would it be wise to read the manual first? Yep!

Speaking my Language

Though I knew about and believed in God growing up, Jesus didn’t become real to me until much later. I can’t provide a date on the calendar or even tell you a great story about that moment, but I can tell you this—it was AFTER I realized Jonah was a prophet, not a whale! I learned that, and so much more, when I started digging into His Word. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the words on those pages of the Bible started speaking to me like never before.

A Must-Read

If you came to my house for a visit, you would find a bookcase, but my books only take up one shelf. They all pertain to Christian living and have impacted me enough that they are worthy of keeping. But one stands apart from the rest, just like the One who inspired it—the Bible, a book of eternal significance. If you dig into it, it will dig into you. Try it and find out!