This is truly amazing [compliments of MudPuppy]. It’s a geographical map of baseball teams and their fan base. Enjoy. The pic can be found here.

I love baseball and Barry Bonds makes me sick. There is so much in baseball that is dishonest and has nothing to do with the game. Barry has brought shame to the game, but he’s not the only one.  He’s just the only one relishing in a glory that is not his. But how many of us do this - relish in glory that’s not ours?

Last week, when I was speaking to a group of youth at a camp about evangelism I asked, “how many of you here have saved someone.” Most raised their hands. Then I quickly retorted, “Christ is the only one that saves, not us.” We don’t save people. We can’t. We’re called to share the good news and be a ready instrument of God, but we will never saved anyone. We never will.

Knowing that Christ is the Savior and not us is a humbling thought. How often do we relish in an event when kids are saved or the Lord really moves, as if we had something to do with it? I used to be concerned with numbers when I was a youth pastor and worked for a church that worshiped numbers. Then I began to realize that it doesn’t matter. Nothing in this world will stand. The only thing that lasting is Christ’s work within us. Is what Barry has done an accomplishment? Not really. He hit the home run, then marched around the bases and then when he stepped on home plate he pointed to heaven as if to thank God [for giving him BALCO]. It’s just amazing how we celebrate nothingness in name of God.

John the Baptist (and yes I believe he was a dirty baptist) said it best, “he [Christ] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  So where in our lives do we need to decrease so God can do his lasting work? I’m just amazed, excited and humbled that in light of this that He still takes me along for the ride.

I love baseball. Each spring I wait for this. And this spring I really, really love baseball - because my team is winning! That’s what it’s all about - the hope of next season.

All last year watching the Atlanta Braves I was waiting for the season to end (it was awful!) hoping for a fresh start. We’ve had such a fresh start so far. The Braves are 8 and 3 and sitting in first place. I know it’s early, but back off! Let me savor it for as long at it lasts.

Watching games is such a family event around here. Sure we’ll watch other sports, but baseball is a journey that we can’t wait to start each April. We watched the game today and then James and I practiced hitting this afternoon in the yard. Spring comes and so does baseball. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Anyone else excited baseball is back?

[And no, I can't bring myself to become a Seattle Mariners fan. I'm a southern boy at heart and I don't believe in the American League. It's just plain wrong. The DH is a sin! Once you've gone to a World Series game with your team - they're your team for life!]