Comments on: Last Day in My Forties http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties Sniffing out the work of God in the world... Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:42:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Kathryn Bush http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13512 Kathryn Bush Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:38:51 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13512 Happy Birthday, Mike. I especially appreciated the goal about reaching your sixties with so many appreciative days in between. I'm three quarters there, and I judge that to be a good goal. Isn't it funny how the difference between 50 and 57 seems so much smaller than the difference between 10 and 17? May you and yours have many happy returns of the day. Love, Aunt K. Happy Birthday, Mike. I especially appreciated the goal about reaching your sixties with so many appreciative days in between. I’m three quarters there, and I judge that to be a good goal. Isn’t it funny how the difference between 50 and 57 seems so much smaller than the difference between 10 and 17? May you and yours have many happy returns of the day. Love, Aunt K.

]]> By: Frankie http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13454 Frankie Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:07:16 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13454 Hey, Mike! Happy Birthday from the Montgomery's. We'll never forget that cramped room in the old part of Highland (I still miss those mysterious hallways some, even though they probably weren't all that safe) and the surprise you got on your 40th. And as we approach our middle 40's it seems that 50 is so YOUNG. Hey, Mike! Happy Birthday from the Montgomery’s. We’ll never forget that cramped room in the old part of Highland (I still miss those mysterious hallways some, even though they probably weren’t all that safe) and the surprise you got on your 40th. And as we approach our middle 40’s it seems that 50 is so YOUNG.

]]> By: Adam http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13440 Adam Tue, 25 Jul 2006 03:53:06 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13440 Happy Birthday, Mike. Donna and I wish we could have been there to root for you. Congratulations on an amazing journey to state, we know there was alot sacrificed to get there. See you when you return! Happy Birthday, Mike. Donna and I wish we could have been there to root for you. Congratulations on an amazing journey to state, we know there was alot sacrificed to get there. See you when you return!

]]> By: Kelley http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13439 Kelley Tue, 25 Jul 2006 01:09:51 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13439 I'm so sorry for the loss. But what an accomplishment just to get there! Congrads and I hope the agony of defeat isn't too tough on the guys. I’m so sorry for the loss. But what an accomplishment just to get there! Congrads and I hope the agony of defeat isn’t too tough on the guys.

]]> By: Mike http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13438 Mike Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:42:36 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13438 Update: We lost tonight, 8-3. Chris started and pitched the first 5 innings. We were ahead 2-1 when he came out after 5. (The one point came AFTER the 3rd out on a dropped strike three.) The guys played much more like a team tonight. Update: We lost tonight, 8-3. Chris started and pitched the first 5 innings. We were ahead 2-1 when he came out after 5. (The one point came AFTER the 3rd out on a dropped strike three.) The guys played much more like a team tonight.

]]> By: janabeck http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13437 janabeck Mon, 24 Jul 2006 23:55:43 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13437 Happiest Birthday to our PreacherMike! We send you love from far away in Erie, PA. We have thought of you so many times on our trip. How dare you have such a special day while we are gone. We love you so! Just remember-----50 is the new 40! Right? Happiest Birthday to our PreacherMike! We send you love from far away in Erie, PA. We have thought of you so many times on our trip. How dare you have such a special day while we are gone. We love you so!

Just remember—–50 is the new 40! Right?

]]> By: Dee Andrews http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13435 Dee Andrews Mon, 24 Jul 2006 21:02:58 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13435 Mike - I don't think that ANY of your "50's" goals are lofty at all. I think they are very practical and most doable. It's been my experience that with age comes much peace and understanding of life in ways not capable of being understood without some age behind us. The 50's were very difficult for me in many ways, but while difficult physically, proved to be the most productive spiritually. It all depends on your perspective, I think. On whether we look at it from our American culture "focus on youth" perspective, which we will never live up to, or from God's eternal perspective, that we ever, throughout our life, grow into, if we are really seeking and searching His ways. You'll find your 50's most satisfying, I would submit - and hope. In every way in your life. In the meantime - hope you and Chris and your team will win the big one this evening. Win or lost the game, however, you've already succeeded and have by far surpassed your goals as God's children, father and son and coach. Happy 50th birthday tomorrow. I don't even remember mine. 40 seemed awful at the time, but looking back I see that it was just because I did not know all the good that would come ahead and so 50 was just (as many of your commenters have already said) another day. As far as the game - you and Chris are winners already and don't even know it. Mike -

I don’t think that ANY of your “50’s” goals are lofty at all. I think they are very practical and most doable.

It’s been my experience that with age comes much peace and understanding of life in ways not capable of being understood without some age behind us.

The 50’s were very difficult for me in many ways, but while difficult physically, proved to be the most productive spiritually. It all depends on your perspective, I think. On whether we look at it from our American culture “focus on youth” perspective, which we will never live up to, or from God’s eternal perspective, that we ever, throughout our life, grow into, if we are really seeking and searching His ways.

You’ll find your 50’s most satisfying, I would submit - and hope. In every way in your life.

In the meantime - hope you and Chris and your team will win the big one this evening. Win or lost the game, however, you’ve already succeeded and have by far surpassed your goals as God’s children, father and son and coach.

Happy 50th birthday tomorrow. I don’t even remember mine. 40 seemed awful at the time, but looking back I see that it was just because I did not know all the good that would come ahead and so 50 was just (as many of your commenters have already said) another day.

As far as the game - you and Chris are winners already and don’t even know it.

]]> By: Jeff http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13433 Jeff Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:02:38 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13433 As my Dad told me when he turned 50, long ago, "It's hard to believe that my life is nearly 1/3 of the way over..." I trust that the Lord has much for you to do in your many years left amongst us. To see the way you continue to devote yourself to personal growth and learning is an inspiration to me and I hope that will be as ready to do so when I am 50 (still far away). As my Dad told me when he turned 50, long ago, “It’s hard to believe that my life is nearly 1/3 of the way over…”

I trust that the Lord has much for you to do in your many years left amongst us. To see the way you continue to devote yourself to personal growth and learning is an inspiration to me and I hope that will be as ready to do so when I am 50 (still far away).

]]> By: Kathy http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13432 Kathy Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:06:47 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13432 Another one for ya', Mike. Happy early Birthday. May your early birthday present be a win tonight. As far as I'm concerned, your guys have already won the greatest prize - playing the great game of baseball and arriving to this level of playoffs. Congratulations to all of them and to you and your coaches. What a terrific job you've done. Could there be any better way to close out your LL coaching career? I think not. As Chris to give you a special birthday hug. (((((((((MIKE, COACHES AND ESPECIALLY, DA' TEAM!!)))))))) Another one for ya’, Mike.

Happy early Birthday. May your early birthday present be a win tonight. As far as I’m concerned, your guys have already won the greatest prize - playing the great game of baseball and arriving to this level of playoffs. Congratulations to all of them and to you and your coaches. What a terrific job you’ve done. Could there be any better way to close out your LL coaching career? I think not. As Chris to give you a special birthday hug.

(((((((((MIKE, COACHES AND ESPECIALLY, DA’ TEAM!!))))))))

]]> By: Alan Lewis http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13430 Alan Lewis Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:47:52 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13430 Happy birthday. 50 is in my rearview mirror and dropping further behind. Haven't had too much time lately to look back as 60 is coming at me. My main goal now is to be the best grandpa to two of the best grandchildren in the world. If God gives me more...all the better. Happy birthday. 50 is in my rearview mirror and dropping further behind. Haven’t had too much time lately to look back as 60 is coming at me. My main goal now is to be the best grandpa to two of the best grandchildren in the world. If God gives me more…all the better.

]]> By: Chris Field http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13429 Chris Field Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:29:05 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13429 Happy early b-day, Mike. No matter what happens in the game today, I know your trip to Waco and special time with Chris will be something that neither of you will ever forget. Here's to the next 50 years... Happy early b-day, Mike. No matter what happens in the game today, I know your trip to Waco and special time with Chris will be something that neither of you will ever forget. Here’s to the next 50 years…

]]> By: Beaner http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13427 Beaner Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:15:56 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13427 That clip has not failed to break me down into a sobbing pile of goo EVERY time I see it. It eclipses any major TV event as far as it's visual impact on me. Maybe because the other visual impacts (twin towers collapsing, Challenger exploding, Columbine coverage) have all been negative. I can't really put my finger on WHY that one affects me so much, but it does. Happy early Birthday! That clip has not failed to break me down into a sobbing pile of goo EVERY time I see it. It eclipses any major TV event as far as it’s visual impact on me. Maybe because the other visual impacts (twin towers collapsing, Challenger exploding, Columbine coverage) have all been negative. I can’t really put my finger on WHY that one affects me so much, but it does. Happy early Birthday!

]]> By: Mike http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13424 Mike Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:35:13 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13424 We're sitting in our hotel room, getting ready to leave and go take some batting practice. Chris and I have been watching -- of course -- SportsCenter. And here's my conclusion: I will never get tired of watching the clip of J-Mac, the young man with autism who entered a game with four minutes left and made six of ten 3-point shots. We’re sitting in our hotel room, getting ready to leave and go take some batting practice. Chris and I have been watching — of course — SportsCenter. And here’s my conclusion: I will never get tired of watching the clip of J-Mac, the young man with autism who entered a game with four minutes left and made six of ten 3-point shots.

]]> By: Mike http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13423 Mike Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:33:46 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13423 Here's the beginning of an insightful article on homelessness written by Jimmy Dorrell. For more of it, go to the Church Under the Bridge website. Understanding the Honeless by Jimmy Dorrell The night lasted forever. Traffic zoomed by amid occasional sirens, honks and backfires. The rocks underneath the sleeping bag seemed to grow larger through the evening. In and out of sleep, rolling over and over in an attempt at a short-term comfortable position. The hours of darkness dripped away so slowly. Finally morning. The annual "sleep out under the bridge" is a harsh reminder of just a few hours in the life of the homeless. It is a night when those of us who normally sleep in comfort are profoundly reminded of those in our own city, state and nation who have no place to call home. . . . Here’s the beginning of an insightful article on homelessness written by Jimmy Dorrell. For more of it, go to the Church Under the Bridge website.

Understanding the Honeless
by Jimmy Dorrell

The night lasted forever. Traffic zoomed by amid occasional sirens, honks and backfires. The rocks underneath the sleeping bag seemed to grow larger through the evening. In and out of sleep, rolling over and over in an attempt at a short-term comfortable position. The hours of darkness dripped away so slowly. Finally morning.

The annual “sleep out under the bridge” is a harsh reminder of just a few hours in the life of the homeless. It is a night when those of us who normally sleep in comfort are profoundly reminded of those in our own city, state and nation who have no place to call home. . . .

]]> By: Mike http://preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13422 Mike Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:26:43 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/07/24/last-day-in-my-forties#comment-13422 Thanks, Carrie. That wasn't my first impression of Waco. All of us know that if you've been out in 98 degree weather, with 90% humidity working yourself silly, that snap point comes a bit earlier! Our limited experience in Waco (including the kind folks at the America's Best Value Inn at I-35 and University Park) has been very positive. Love Baylor. Love the warehouse area a few blocks away that have been turned into restaurants. Love THE TREES! Thanks, Carrie. That wasn’t my first impression of Waco. All of us know that if you’ve been out in 98 degree weather, with 90% humidity working yourself silly, that snap point comes a bit earlier!

Our limited experience in Waco (including the kind folks at the America’s Best Value Inn at I-35 and University Park) has been very positive. Love Baylor. Love the warehouse area a few blocks away that have been turned into restaurants. Love THE TREES!

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