If I Could Go Back in Time...

Have you ever thought, "If I could go back in time - I would have done something else, or done that differently?" The other day while driving to work a scary thing happened...I started to think. (Insert laughter here.) I started to think...Wouldn't it be neat to go back in time and see events that took place in my father's life? Things I would have loved to have seen...

• I would love to see various scenes of him growing up as a kid. To see what shaped him.


• To see the era he grew up in.


• I would have loved to have seen when he surrendered to the ministry.


• I would have loved to heard his first sermon.


• To see Mom and Dad's Wedding.

Those were just some of the things I thought of as I was driving to work. Not sure what triggered me to have those thoughts, but I enjoyed them to tell the truth. None of us can go back in time to do things differently. But, I guess we can daydream a little and wonder how things took place.

Now...Back to the future.

Times Like I Have Never Seen...

I have always been a news junkie. I feel like it is always best to be informed on what is going on in the world around you. But, I am almost to the point that I want to take a break from watching the news. One word...Depressing!!!

Today, the news is filled with people losing their jobs, their homes, families falling apart, etc. I received an email from a friend named Jessie. He has just been told that his job was being eliminated. He has been with his company for 12 years! I cannot imagine!

Please keep the Winters family in your prayers! My prayer is that God will open a door quicker than the one that closed!

God Heal our Land!

2 Chronicles 7:14

Time Flies...

Where has the time went? Time truly does fly! Just wanted to post a few things that has happened in my absence...

Morgan's t-ball team the Cheetah Girls came in second place this year. They finished up with an epic battle with the Razorbacks. The game went into extra innings before ending in a tie...20-20! Congratulations to the Cheetah Girls and Morgan!

We just got back from visiting Destin again. Kelley's parents and sister went with us this year. The first two days were murder heat-wise...as was the case for most of the South during that same stretch. But, the water was unbelievable! I have never seen it so clear! What was surprising is how cool the water was. When you first got in there the water made you stand up, but then it felt great once you got used to it! We all had a great time!

I also would like for you to keep a friend of mine in your prayers. His name is Jeb Baldwin. He has been deployed and will be away from his family for some time. Keep him and all of our Armed Service Members in your prayers daily!

I will try to be a better blogger in the days ahead. Peace...out!

Another Thought on T-Ball...

Yes, patience is a virtue. Coaching t-ball reminded me of a scripture in the Bible...

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

James 1:19

This may come in handy when I think the umpire blows a call!

Things I have learned while coaching t-ball...

I have come to realize a few things while coaching t-ball this year...

• Each player is in their own little world.


• You get to see things that make you happy, smile, and make you laugh.


• The coaches are more into it than the players.


• A Homerun does not have to go that far.


• Most of the time 5 runs is easier to get than 3 outs.


• Players like to kick dirt.


• Players like to give you "five."


• Patience is a virtue.


• Sometimes everything seems like it is in slow motion.


• This is not the Major Leagues...even though we (coaches) treat it that way sometime.

But, no matter what...you want to always make them (the players) feel like they won!

It's More than just about winning...

Last night at Morgan's t-ball game, I had one of those "proud to be a father" moments...really the entire game.

Morgan is on an all-girl team, the Cheetah Girls. Last night they played an all boy team called the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks came out hitting and put 5 quick runs on the board. It looked like it was going to be a long night. I think I heard a few people say, "We are not in the same league."

But, after that, the Cheetah Girls gave the Razorbacks a run for their money. They played hard the whole night before finally losing 14-12. I was really proud of every girl's effort even in losing.

Now, the "proud to be a father part." Morgan came up to bat...brought the bat back and forth eyeing the ball. Then, she took her swing and hit it toward third base. The pitcher picked up the ball and fired to first. Morgan would have beat the throw anyway, but the ball got away from the first baseman. I was coaching first base, and once the throw got away, I said..."Go, go, go, go, go!" It was like it was all in slow motion at that moment. As Morgan was heading toward second base, I saw her looking back at me. She reached second with me yelling..."Go on! Go on! Go on! Morgan rounded second and headed to third. The Razorbacks threw the ball to their third baseman...it got away...With a slight delay Morgan then headed toward home! In a foot race she was safe! Safe at the plate! She rounded the bases. A "t-ball" Homerun! Holy Cow! How big did my head swell?

Angel Ciesla told my wife that I would be able to live off of that for a long time! You know, she is right! I was proud of Morgan, but I was also proud for every girl on that team last night. Last night every girl played their hearts out against probably a more superior team.

Sure they did not win the game, but it's more than just about winning.

My Visit to St. Louis...

My brother and I left Northwest Arkansas at 6 a.m. Saturday and made our way to St. Louis to see the Cardinals. Mark ran into someone at the gas station that sold us some tickets for the Saturday game...padded seats mind you. We already had tickets for Sunday's game thanks to the generosity of my wife Kelley, but we wanted to take in another game while we were there.

The first game the Cardinals blanked the Royals 5 to 0. The second game...not so lucky. I believe the Royals won 3-2. I tend to forget the score when the Cardinals lose. We had good seats for both games.

We met an interesting character attending the Sunday game. Mr. Six with Six Flags was there. He has a very interesting dance and entertained the fans.