Let Your Loveliness Shine

'Let your loveliness shine on us, and bless the work that we do, bless the work of our hands.’ Ps 90:17

Our family is in our 27th Professional Baseball season.  For us the he baseball season brings on many stresses and organizational challenges; setting up housing, organizing travel, juggling the schedule of baseball and the family.  No matter your profession you have your own set of stressors.

As this 27th season began my husband and I sat down and discussed what the season ahead looks like.  We know that we will once again spend a lot of time away from each other, we know that the ups and downs of wins and losses will happen, we know that these are all constants in this baseball life.  This year we also want to remember to focus on what God has called us to do every day, to glorify Him in all that we do, no matter your profession.  As my hubby and I talked, we know we truly want to focus on God and where He has us not just this season but always.  As we prayed together we asked God to present to us times that we can serve Him and others for Him, we asked Him to help us be obedient to His calling when these moments arise, and we asked that He bless these moments of serving others.  Our platform of baseball has opened doors to make an impact however, any contact with others gives you the opportunity to make an impact for God.    

Have you taken time to focus on what can you can do each day so that God can be glorified?  Take this time to find things to do for others, to make an impact in their lives and yours.  Commit to letting His light shine through you, commit to giving your lives away, commit to following Jesus’ leadership in being a servant, commit to loving the world the way Jesus did.

Let’s commit this season to the Lord and being His servant throughout our life.  Join with us…“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”

Ps 34: 3

Prayer:  Lord I thank you for another season of baseball where we can use the platform you have given us to glorify you.  Thank you for each and every person and the platform you have given them.  Help guide us and lead us to be obedient to your calling.  Lord let your loveliness shine on us and shine through us.  Bless the work of our hands and our hearts.

Suggested Reading:  Psalm 145

Ice Bucket Challenge

On Sunday August 10th my hubby and I took the Ice Bucket Challenge on Root Sports Pittsburgh to raise awareness and funds for ALS.  It was an honor to do so!  Like so many we have friends that have been diagnosed with this disease and raising awareness and funds is close to our hearts.  Pete Frates is the man that this challenge started for is Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player.  Our family has a great relationship with that baseball program and many of their players and coaches, alumni and current.

Remember with this challenge there is also a donation.  If you accept the challenge you donate $25 and if you decline $100.  Along with the donation is bringing awareness.  Talk about it.  Read about it.  Learn more about it.  Keep this challenge going to bring more focus on the disease.

Let's STRIKE OUT ALS!!!!!  Praying for all of the ALS patients, their families and friends and all the scientist and medical personnel working to bring an end to ALS.

Please take some time and look at the following two websites for more information.
Pete's website http://petefrates.com/

The following description is to help you understand the disease a little more.  It was taken from ALS-TDI http://www.als.net/About-ALS-TDI/What-is-ALS/ 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Charcot's disease, and motor neuron disease (MND), attacks certain cells in the brain and spinal cord needed to keep our muscles moving. Early signs and symptoms of ALS include:

• muscle cramps and muscle twitching
• weakness in hands, legs, feet or ankles
• difficulty speaking or swallowing

The senses, including hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch, are not affected by ALS. In most cases, people with ALS do not experience difficulties in bowel, bladder or sexual function.

There is no single diagnostic test for ALS. However, experts in the disease, usually neurologists specializing in neuromuscular diseases, are very capable of diagnosing ALS. In some cases, they might order additional tests if the diagnosis is not clear. These include:

• electromyography and nerve conduction
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• genetic tests
• muscle biopsy
• spinal tap
• blood and urine tests

Most people with ALS live 2-5 years after their first signs of disease. About 10% of people with ALS survive at least 10 years. This variable rate of disease progression makes prognosis difficult to predict and therapies challenging to develop.