Saturday, November 4, 2017

2017 World Series Champions - Houston Astros



For the first time in its 56-year franchise, the Houston Astros are the 2017 World Series Champions!  They have earned history.  The past weeks have been exciting ones as baseball teams have competed for the privilege of representing their division in the World Series.  Since the Astros are the American League champions, I have been more interested than usual in the outcome of the games.  The Houston Astros are the only team to win both a National League and American League pennant. 

Observations:
* Having our home team in the playoffs and World Series was a welcomed gift for the people in Houston
* The playoffs offered a welcomed distraction to the rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey
* Every game is a new beginning.
* Any team can win on any given day
* It takes a season of winning to go to the World Series
* A common goal helps keep things in perspective
* Baseball is not a one man show
* For the best results, all players need to play their position well
* Players listened and took instruction from coaches
* Important to keep your eye on the ball
* Even when hot and tired, show up and play
* Pitchers who pitched more innings than usual to give their all for the team
* Players encouraging fellow players after a disappointing play or at bat
* Baseball players expressed their love of game with teammates, family, friends, and fans
* Players were a team and became family in the process
* Not satisfied with the league pennant, wanted more
* What others predict or comment about your team does not determine the outcome of a game or series
* Players willing to sacrifice for their team and fans, even if it means slamming into a wall to catch the ball
* Didn’t let being tall, average, or short determine whether they could play the game
* Willing to set aside celebrations and extras to be at their best for the next game
* It takes work, discipline, concentration, and sacrifice to make dreams and goals a reality
* The game is not over until the last out
* Never give up
* It’s encouraging to have fans cheering you on, coming to support you, and wanting you to succeed
* Because the players and coaches did their job well, others in our city were encouraged, had renewed energy, and common focus
* The Astros win offers hope that the people of Houston can also come together to rebuild and make a comeback
* Wonderful time to encourage and rejoice with those who rejoice
* Goals were set
* Hard work, discipline, and teamwork were priorities
* Mission accomplished.

What wonderful ways we can also be winners in the game of life.  Batter up!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
I Corinthians 9:24

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:1-4

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 15:5-6

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