Missing Pujols

Yes I miss Albert. I was doing better until I read these stats about him on the Major League Baseball web site. Since coming to the Majors in 2001, the nine-time All-Star and winner of two World Series rings leads all of baseball in batting average (.328), homers (445) and RBIs (1,329).

He ranks second in slugging (.617) and intentional walks (251). He is third in on-base percentage (.420) and hits (2,073). In Major League history, no player has ever hit more home runs through his first 11 seasons (Eddie Matthews is second with 399).

I did not realize Albert's record was this stunning. I wish him well in California. Go Cardinals!! Maybe we'll face him in the World Series. Wouldn't that bring a lot of drama to baseball?

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Washington's 3 birthdays

Washington is the only person I know of that has three birth dates celebrated in his honor. We now officially use Presidents Day for the observance, but I grew up honoring only February 22, which I still feel an emotional attachment to. That's two dates. What's number three?

The family Bible says he was born February 11, a date many of his admirers celebrated throughout his life. Where did this third date come from? Washington was born under the Julian Calendar. When he was an adult, the British and their colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar, which delayed the observance by 11 days, thus February 22.

It is no surprise Washington's birthday would be an enigma. He was always a bit distant and hard to know real well. A mystique enveloped his person. Thus it is appropriate that even his birthdate would mystify us.

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Ruth's New Knee

We have much cause for rejoicing with regard to Ruth's second new cobalt chrome knee. We are glad the doctor moved the surgery up two weeks. That helped.

We are happy at the new pain medicine regimen being used this time. Her pain is much less than last time. We are rejoicing that Ruth will come home this weekend.

We are happy to serve a praying church. By the way, Ruth also says she's happy she was born with only two knees.

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Grieving Men

I think Jonathan Fann's new book, "Grieve Like A Man", is a must-read for Pastors and others who try to minister to men who are grieving. Men and women do not grieve alike, and this difference has brought about the demise of many a marriage.

Jonathan and his wife Heather are members at Second. I have walked the road of grief with them. Theirs is an example worth following.

If you know of a man going through the grieving process, find a way to get Jonathan's book in their hands. They will be blessed by it.

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Presidents' Birthdays

My wife and two children share Presidents' birthdays. Ruth was born on Lincoln's birthday. Tomorrow I celebrate the birthday of my number one lady and my number two President (Washington remains number one in my books).

My son John shares John Kennedy's birthday. I was only eight years old when JFK ran for President, but I vividly remember the absolute furor that raged through many Baptist preachers at the prospect of electing a Roman Catholic. I also remember the assassination with deep sadness.

My daughter Rebekah shares Ronald Reagan's birthday. We all four remember him, and hold him in high esteem. We know he was not perfect, but he did restore for us pride in our country. He made it okay to be patriotic again. I liked that about him.

I share a birthday with no President. In fact, as far as I know, nothing of huge significance has ever happened on December 22. Sad.

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Washington's Credit Card Debt

President George Washington may not have had a plastic card in his wallet, but he did maintain an open line of credit with merchants in London which kept him in financial straits for much of his adult life. He was not extravagant in his tastes, but he did live at the high level expected of Virginia gentry in the 1700s.

What struck me about his debt is that he blamed the merchants for the first few years. He complained about their being too strict in bill collection, their shipping inferior goods, their taking too much time to send items ordered, etc.

However, as maturity took over, he finally began to realize the debt was his own fault, driven by his and Martha's desires to live at a high level. In his later years he strongly counseled against the use of excessive debt. Moderation became his theme. Dave Ramsey would have been proud of our #1 citizen.

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