What did you think about the game?

That is the question all over Houston. Like there was, only one game played on Thursday, June 28, 2007. If you are in Houston or an Astros fan, you may feel like there was only one game played – and what a game. Craig Biggio hits 5 hits in one game to join the 3,000 club – only the 27th player ever (and that is since baseball began in the 1800s) to hit 3,000 or more hits in their career. It is amazing. Look at the list of players that have accomplished this – they are the baseball legends. And, Biggio is there! And, I was there to see it happen!

It was a great evening for baseball. Biggio needed 3 hits to make 3,000 at the start of the game. When he got the 3,000th hit, the place erupted – it was almost like a World Series cheers but with emotion for one man. It was magic. To see him with his team members and family but when he brought (dragged) Jeff Bagwell from the dugout – the feeling in the ballpark changed – it was more emotional, more personal, and more magical. I felt tears sting my eyes and noticed the woman next to me wipe tears away. Later I learned a man I work with had tears in his eyes at this time.

As the game progressed, and the fans began to leave the ballpark, and the game went into extra innings. You could not have scripted at better ending for this game. Two outs, down by one in the eleventh inning. Biggio comes to bat, the remaining fans standing, and hits his fifth hit for the evening. Pence hit the shortest double I have ever seen. Berkman is hit by a pitch. The bases are loaded for Carlos Lee who hits a grand slam homerun. The ballpark goes berserk.

Later, it was reported Carlos Lee said most times when you hit a game winning grand slam you are named the game’s most valuable player, but for this game he understood and appreciated the honor going to Craig Biggio. This game was different - it was magical. Thanks Biggio for making it so.

Elaine H.

Birthday Got You Down?

What is it about birthdays that can turn a person upside down? When we are young, we look forward to our birthdays – opportunity for gifts and maybe a party with family and friends. I can remember birthdays during my teenage years as looking forward to the next year when I could drive, wear make up, go to high school, later curfew, etc.

However, as we age there seems to be a birthday that just does us in, emotionally. For me turning 31 was rough. On my 31st birthday, I was very upset about finding a white hair that morning as I brushed my hair. It really upset me, so I turned to God. As I opened my Bible, it fell open to Isaiah 46:4. Here is the text of that verse:

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV

Now God does have a sense of humor, there in the first few words of the verse He talks about my old age and gray hairs – exactly what I was upset about that day. Then when you finish reading the verse you see a promise from God – He made you, will carry you, will sustain you, and will rescue you. What a promise! It was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits on a very upsetting birthday.

So every day (not just those special birthdays), when I get upset about how old, how white headed, or whatever complaint I have about myself, I am reminded God made me, He will carry me, He will sustain me, and He will rescue me. Just the thought I need to put on a smile (and maybe a hat) and face the day!
ElaineH.