Hello Family

 The cherry on top of a near-perfect road trip is happening today.  First, I'm on the courts again at 8 AM for a private lesson with the pro and then another hour-and-a-half of advanced drills with the top players in the area.  I told the pro I wanted to get as much court time as possible before my family arrives for a weekend visit.  

Last night was one of my most memorable tennis moments ever.  I teamed up with Arnel, the tennis pro who is helping me re-invent my game.  We played another pro who partnered with Tom, a seventeen year old senior who made it to the quarter finals of the state tournament.  The "kid" was beyond shocked when my partner revealed I'm 60 years old.  The first set was rough and we lost 6-1 before raising our play.  My partner helped me with some advanced court positioning usually reserved for players much younger and the eye formation was especially intimidating.  The other pro had to stop play in order to give a lesson before the set ended.  We were very happy with the outcome even though we lost 5-3.  One my age might wonder if there is anything more exciting and there is.  It's family time.  Today is a blessing right out of Heaven.  Thank you, Jesus, for all the blessings in my life and for the opportunity to share my life here on this blog.  Have a great day.

Playing with the Pros Tonight

 If all goes well, I'm playing doubles with the pros tonight after my day job shift ends.  This may be one of the greatest blessings in my life. As each day passes while I'm on assignment, I see God actively moving mountains while sending me his people to lift me up for God's glory.

There is absolutely no better script I could write about what's happening around me other than to say everything is according to God's plan. I'm getting giddy now. There's another surprise tomorrow.  I will share more about the cherry on top.  Stay tuned. Have a great day.

Second Early Morning in a Row

Holy smokes.  I'm back on the courts this morning at 6:30 am for an hour of cardio tennis before I head to my day job.  That's two early morning wake-ups in a row.  I may be one of the only people in America who stayed away from TV during the election.  I squeezed in a 45 minute private lesson with the local pro last night after dinner.  My body is trying to rebel with the intermittent fasting but I'm not giving in.  Yes, these are crazy times.  Have a great day.

Early Morning Wakeup

 My alarm is sounding at 3:30 AM this morning.  By the time this story publishes, I will be well into my day job shift today.  If all goes well, I'll be back on the tennis courts late this afternoon.  I normally write the first thing in the morning but this story is being written just as the polls are closing.  My most important priority is sleep.  My body functions best with about eight hours of sleep.  I will have more updates for you once my schedule levels out.  Have a great day.

Jesus is Looking for Essential Workers

 Imagine if Jesus were running for public office today.  Would you be an essential worker on his campaign?  Before you answer, consider the cost.  Early followers gave up everything.  Persecution and death were probable options.  

The dark side knows exactly what Jesus is all about.  Distortion, confusion and fear mongering are the tools used to discredit everything Jesus stands for.  Would you vote for someone who asks you to love your enemies?  Well, that's the platform.  Forgiveness is at the heart of the ticket.  Are you buying what Jesus is selling?

I'm only certain about one thing.  At the end of the day, half the country will be very happy and the other half sad. Jesus is my candidate.  I vote for him no matter how high the price I must pay.  Have a great day.

Divine Teamwork

I got an opportunity to worship yesterday in the town I'm visiting for three weeks while on assignment.  It was one of the most moving experiences ever.  The pastor and his congregation were in some kind of Divine alignment.  Even the organist who was next to the altar playing a pipe organ.  It reminded me how important it is to serve even during those times when we don't feel adequate.  

The pastor started out with an opening prayer that seemed different, even though I've heard it thousands of times.  His speech impediment made it unique, just as each of us our uniquely created in His image.  The congregation paused in unison every time the pastor got stuck.  The organist played in perfect harmony, as if she knew when a pause was coming.  It was really special to see the congregation come together like that.  All I can say is it was Divine Teamwork.  I'm thankful for what I witnessed yesterday.  Have a great day. 

Outdoor Worship Today

 I did a stupid thing this morning as I was preparing for my morning worship in a new town.  I was moving fast when I pulled the laundry out of the hotel washing machine and moved it to what I thought was the dryer.  It turns out they have a top load washer next to a side load washer that looks like a dryer.  Well, it's not that way.  So, I'm now behind and the next service is supposed to be outside.  It happens to be cold out and I'm not sure how this service will go.  It's an interesting day.  I'm embracing it because it's also a day off and I'm hoping to get in some more tennis.  I'll check in with more updates tomorrow.  Time to fold some clothes and get this day going.  Have a great day.

Editor's note:  Outdoor worship was moved indoors due to freezing rain and cold temps.