April Showers Bring...Cardinals Baseball!

It’s no secret that one of my favorite things is baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals (who by the way had a crazy 6^th inning offensive outburst last night in the win over the Astros!). One of the questions people ask when you tell them you’re a fan of a certain team is “why”? Growing up I spent a lot of time at my Grandma and Grandpa Greene’s house. One of my most vivid memories with them is sitting in the living room listening to Mike Shannon broadcast the Cardinals’ games over the radio. It’s funny to think they preferred the radio over the television broadcast, but nevertheless we listened to the games every time they played. When I was in middle school, my dad would get Cardinals tickets through work. He only got 2 at a time, so he alternated taking me and my brother each time. My brother Michael and I are only 15 months apart and growing up I wanted to do everything he did, including going to the games. I’m not really sure why, but the Cardinals lost their appeal to me in junior high and high school. I still listened to the games with my grandparents from time to time, but I didn’t spend as much time with them as before so the games were fewer and farther between. After my grandparents passed away during my last 2 years of high school, I couldn’t even tell you who was playing the game anymore.

It’s funny how memories find a way to resurface and bring about emotional connections to certain people and times in your life. It’s been 7 years since my grandparents passed away, but I still think of them every time I hear Mike Shannon’s pregame interviews and comments during the broadcast. It’s official…I’m addicted to the redbirds! I love watching the games and getting into the action. I love the stories behind the players. I love remembering the afternoons spent at my grandparents listening to the radio broadcasts. I love remembering the many trips I took with my dad to good ole’ Busch Stadium. I love being a part of America's greatest pasttime!

I took my dad to the Cardinals vs. Nationals game on April 21 as a father/daughter date. We had an awesome day watching Kyle Lohse and the redbirds shut out the Nationals! I love spending time with my dad. We don’t have to say much to each other to have an understanding. He’s the number one man in my life and I’m proud to be his daughter! I have been so blessed! That Thursday afternoon at Busch Stadium has become one of my favorite days. Thanks dad!

You can find pictures from the game here: Cardinals Game!

Always on Replay...

Do you ever have one of those days where you can't get a song out of your head? No matter what you do, it’s there. You find yourself thinking about it, singing it in your head. The next thing you know you’re humming it, maybe mumbling a few words. Then…bam! You’re singing it out loud. It seems like I always have some type of song replaying in my head most days. God has been doing a mighty work in my life these past few weeks. He’s put certain songs on my heart at certain times throughout the week. Some have been when I’m walking outside in the rain. Others have been while sitting at my desk at work. Each day He finds a way to remind me of his grace and love.

Sunday was Easter. My family and I celebrated the resurrection of Christ with the church family at First Baptist Church Harvester in St. Charles where my brother-in-law serves as the Community Pastor. It takes a little over 2 hours to get there. My parents and I drove up Sunday morning, early. I was so exhausted but still managed to get us there! On the way, I was struggling to find a radio station to listen to. That morning I woke up singing “Christ is Risen” by Matt Maher. It was on repeat in my head and on my heart all morning. I was singing it to myself during the drive until we got to Eureka. I turned to yet another radio station and this song immediately started playing! I didn’t hesitate to start singing out loud:

"'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:55-56.

Because of Christ's sacrifice, hell was defeated so that those who trust in Christ may have eternal life. Praise be to God!!!