A friend had offered this ticket a month ago. My body was tired, but a surprise family visit boosted my energy. Several family moments had already made for a marvelous weekend. God knows I couldn’t hike a trail or visit a National Park. BUT this hometown park is still a win! Memories of the game two weeks ago still marinated. I was “good to go.” Talk about a miracle in the making!
Fans left as early as the 7th inning; we were down by 8 (11-3). By the 9th inning, both teams had scored, and it was still an 8-run deficit (14-6). “C’mon Los Cardinales! You can do this! We only need 9 to win it, boys!”
The remaining fan base was small but mighty. The sun continued to beam as the energy grew. A walk. Then another walk. And then another one. AND AGAIN. A run scored. A double and two more runs. A stolen base. Another walk and a run. An RBI and two runs. Things were happening fast-I could hardly keep up! Is your head spinning? Another run! Wait, another! The miracle was transforming before my eyes. Laughter, cheers, and energy could have propelled a rocket! We won! The final score was 15-14. Our group started high-fiving and laughing. Can you imagine? Keep this in mind—8 of the 9 runs were scored with TWO OUTS…in the LAST INNING. Talk about “one for the books!”
Haven’t we all felt this way at one time: Just when you think, with two outs in the last inning, you’ve lost, miracles still happen.
There have been many times, particularly in the last 10 years, when I didn’t want to participate in the game. It wasn’t because I didn’t have wonderful teammates or fans. The competition was fierce and I felt weak. Finding my position wasn’t easy. Cheering for others in the stands was much easier than being on a coaching team. As a coach, you’re judged for everything. When in the game, I need positive players around me. Yes, there are times when positivity will strike out. In my experience, it’s the attitude that wins. My game plan has changed so much. Like I’ve written before, I’m listening to my ULTIMATE favorite and amazing Coach. Others, out of fear, may wish you not to participate (so you don’t get hurt). Injuries will happen, though. Through these shifts and new lessons, I’ve held on to the possibility of miracles. Wins or losses I still have lessons. Through a team effort, miracles have happened to me. I think of the 4 players who “walked”. They scored without ever having to strike a ball with their bat. It happens. But I doubt these guys will be allowed to stop practicing their swing!
Whether you’re a player or a spectator, do you believe in miracles? Do you feel you have what it takes to win? You might think you’re in the last inning, with two outs, without hope and a prayer. May you find victory—whether big or small. As for me, I believe.
Fast fact: The Springfield Cardinals is a Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals (we compete in the Texas League North Division).
Have faith 💚
Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓
Last Monday I received news about a miracle—being a surgical candidate. I want to thank my friends and family for their prayers and patience. Preparing for this takes prayer, healthy habits, and also, like I hope we all try to do, participation in that which you love. My focus has to remain on my children and grandchildren. When I know more about specifics, I’ll be sure to inform you!
I’m not on social media and I don’t wish for my website/blog to become like F.B.; however, this is the best way for me to communicate. This place is intended for me to grow and practice my writing, follow other writers, and hopefully, achieve goals (including trying to publish again). I’ve created a healthy schedule for myself during the week which is going to limit the calls and texts to which I can respond. Thank you for your understanding.
We all must establish healthy routines that are good for the plans that God has for us. I hope you are! Our game plans may not always match, but you must follow the plan God has for YOU. Honor it, respect it, and follow it. Undoubtedly, you will be blessed. I’m going to keep my “head in the game” and my heart and soul in good communion with Christ. I will use this area to update my “team”. As you pray for me, I will for you. I’m excited to see how the miracles will unfold. It’s in the really SMALL things, too. May you see them at work in your life. With love, Karla
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Wow! What a game! This is why I never leave a game early just because we’re behind! Come on!
Oh, Cindy! I accidentally published this AGAIN when I was trying to link it to my NEW post. LOL. But yes, an example of why I shouldn’t leave early (I did leave a St. Louis Cardinals early ONCE–and they won, lol). Isn’t God amazing?
I’m still learning Cindy. In every way. Each day. I’m trusting and loving God through it all. It’s a miracle to be here.
Finn and I send our love to you and Henry. My apologies for this “repost” and I do hope you read my newest one if you have time!
Many blessings!!
Hi Karla, I’m glad you did repost it! It was a great story. God bless you today, my friend (and Finn, too!)🙏 🐾 💕
Thank you so much, my friend. That’s so kind to say! It was such a blessed day, Cindy. For Finn too (I think!). I hope you and Henry are being blessed too! ❤️💕 🐾 🙏🏻
What a great game to catch live!
Kinda like life. Life is a great game to catch live, too. It is pretty cool beans to watch you catching life live every chance you get, Karla. Thanks for the winning attitude and the team playing you demonstrate for us all.
Your wrote, “Last Monday I received news about a miracle—being a surgical candidate.” Sounds interesting. Looking forward to the backstory to the newsy miracle!
God bless you both today. Still praying. Still trusting. Still thinking coffee.
Rascal and the other rascal.
Tim, Hello dear friend! I must get to your place and read! I’m behind!
This post “reposted”—oh boy! I’m always learning my friend! I was trying to link it to my post I wrote today. I just LOVE LEARNING (did I say that already?).
My miracle happened last November–BUT Miracles are still taking place, Tim.
Your “One Pursuit” friendship has encouraged and sharpened me. Have your ears burned? I’ve been talking of you! ALL GOOD!
I miss you and Rascal and look forward to a time to catch up soon.
God bless you both today. I’m still thinking (and drinking) coffee too. Always praying and trusting!
God bless your socks off (as you’d say to me) and Rascal too (he doesn’t wear socks does he?). Awww.
No worries. It was a good post to re-read! Rascal has two socks, one on each front paw. They a bit mismatched, but socks nonetheless. One is like a white athletic sock and the other like a white footie. Kinda cute.
Yes, miracles still happen every day. Not the least of these is the over-the-top love of our God for us. How can we not love Him in return when He is so abundant to overflowing in loving us?
Yes, to catch up soon would be good!
God bless you richly and well. And the former quadruped, too!
Thank you, Tim! How cute~Rascal’s mismatched socks! Aww! I can see them!
I will let you know when I have some time and we can ZOOM or talk! I love our Godly chats about the amazing lives God has given us! He’s so good! I can’t stop sharing about his goodness!
His over-the-top love is overflowing and flowing out of me! That’s the saturation of the Spirit!
God bless you both!
See! Miracles can even happen in a ball park. You are that miracle that shines like a beacon wherever you go. Love you, my rock star💕
Aww, I don’t know why this reposted, but thank you MAMA K!! I love you!! I was trying to link my newest post to this one–and I guess I “unpublished?” BUT miracles are STILL happening, Mama k!! I love you!! ❣️💕❣️
Hmm, great lessons to unpack from this. Especially the part where you mentioned that many people out of concern for you will encourage you to not participate. And well they mean well. 😁 But then, if one knows “I really need to do this” or maybe it’s a nudge from God for one to do so, then making the decision to step out is important. Faith and works. 😊
Hello, sweet Herry. So many lessons–and I’ve learned a BIG one today from this reposting and new post.
God is always nudging–I listen. Well, better than yesterday. One step at a time. Faith works!
God bless you my friend. Love and blessings. 💕❣️🙏
♥️😊
Glad that you do. 🙂
And yes – a step at a time. It’s a process, and we keep getting better by His help. 😊🙌🏼
Amen. And you too, sis. 🥰🫂
❤️❤️❤️🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Karla, what a fabulous ending to an otherwise hopeless game, or that was what all the folks who left thought! What seems hopeless in our hearts, is never hopeless to God. He works in the impossible!! Love and prayers always, my friend ❤️🙏🏻🌸🤗🎶🙏🏻❤️
I love you so much, Pam! I’ve missed talking with you~but I see you and enjoy your posts (I’m still trying to comment tee hee).
You and Butch have given me such support~I’m so grateful. “What seems hopeless in our hearts, is never hopeless to God. He works in the impossible!” Amen, Pam! You KNOW!
I pray for all of you as you do for me. I love you all! 🎶💕❤️🙏🏻🥰💚☕️
We always did love our minor league baseball in Scranton too. It was fun and way more reasonable than the majors. Thanks for sharing this amazing ending and lesson on perseverance!
Thank you for stopping by and encouraging me! It’s my blessing to be here and I’m happy you enjoyed it! Your team sounds amazing too!
Karla, you deserve every miracle that comes your way. You are a surgical candidate! That can only be good news for the outcome. You have grit and Faith to spare, and your surgical team hasn’t let you down yet. Maybe this will be with a new surgical team….they won’t let you down either.
You must be both elated and scared silly. You go with your heart dear friend. It has taken good care of you so far, I don’t think it’s going to disappoint you now.
Two posts in one day! You are on a roll! I am not a sports fan at all, yet I got caught up in your enthusiasm. Impossible not to. Very impressive ball game to say the least.
It’s funny, isn’t it, how a miracle can show up unannounced and unexpected. Leaves ya kinda breathless. All of us on Team Karla will continue to route for you. There’s nothing I would love better than to see you reach your goal.
I send you and your family and Sweet Miss Finley and your amazing medical team my prayers as always. May every day be a day in the right direction. May you find your rainbow with a pot of gold at the end of it…the gold being cured, or at least nearly cured, and all you’ve been through will be reduced to a memory.
Another uplifting post for us to enjoy. Thank you.
Ginger🦋💞
Sent from my iPad
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Sweet Ginger, I’m sorry to share I made a mistake and re-posted this piece by accident. I had tried to link this to my newest post~it went to drafts and then publish again! Nothing like double posting in a day!
Miracles are STILL happening though, Ginger. Each day is a gift to me. I’m finding the gold in everything! Hope lives!
I’m so thrilled you feel uplifted~that’s my goal💕
You’re such an encouragement to Finn and I. Thank you for being such a supportive friend and cheerleader! Many many hugs and blessings.
Love, Finn and I 💕❤️🙏🏻💚
Oh my, this is one of those post that sends chills down my spine and makes me believe in miracles. You’re in the last inning, two outs, down 8 runs! Almost everyone has gone home. And then…Wow, just wow. Those of you who stayed got to see the win as it unfolded. Not unlike all of us following you Karla, and watching the win unfold. I’m here, I’m praying, and I’m staying until I witness the miracle! You’ve got this. Hugs, C
Thank you precious friend. I made a mistake and reposted this piece on accident ~yet, linked it to my newest one since my life is all about miracles.
You humble me, big sis. I hope you, and others, see the miracles that God has worked in my oh, so insignificant life!
I’m seeing wins daily, C. From the minute I open my eyes. I can’t stop sharing~I’ll never stop believing!
I love you and appreciate you. ❤️💕🙏🏻
I was at a Dodgers/Padres game where something very similar happened. Most people left in the bottom of the 8th. Then the Padres pulled out 3 runs in the 9th. It was great and we moved down to better seats when people started leaving. Baseball 💕is a beautiful metaphor for life with human beings. We all have something. I had centerfield.
That’s beautiful, MAK. 💕What a game! Better seats? The best!
I once left a St. Louis game too early. I’m always learning!
Many times when I’m on the bench; ok, most times, I’ll read something you wrote. Time to get on deck lol! 😂 and here you don’t wanna teach! Too bad, you’re doing it 🤭🥰
“We all have something. I had centerfield.”
You’ve coached me since I’ve known you. 🥰
Finn and I are so happy to be on your team. Much love and hugs from us. 💕👏🏻🏔️🐾🐾🐾🐩🐕🥾💚
I loved that game. 🙂 ⚾️ And I’m NOT teaching.
❤️💕💚🥰💚💕❤️
What a fun experience. Also a great life application Karla.
Thank you, Gary! 🙏🏻
I appreciate you so much~so happy we’re on the same team.
I can watch a winner every day Karla. Even this repeat…but maybe it has a purpose, to remind us all of those miracles that happen each and every day 🤣
And to wake up each morning knowing that He has given me something so beautifully profound, even in its rough places even more so. And that He is in fact within it building a love untold within us my friend ❤️🙏
Big hugs, big cheers…and go the Cardinals 🤗🥰🤣❤️🙏
Amen, Mark! A repeat miracle! Thank you so much, dear friend.
Go, Cardinals! And the whales, dolphins, and elephants! 🤭😂💕
I’m happy to be a witness~I’m happy to be the vessel in which miracles happen ~I’m just happy, Mark. It’s so good to have peace. 💚
🙏🏻💕❤️
You go dear lady, it is a beautiful day, even the elephants are waving profusely to you 🤣 Have to check the whales, they can’t be too far away on their migration run back up the coast, and the dolphins are all grouping out the back of the beach. I think the mullet run is on and they are pigging out on them and ignoring us lake dwellers 😂 But they will all be back, as will we Karla. Big hugs, lots of prayers and I hope all goes well. Hang in there kind lady, both of you 🤗🥰😀❤️🙏
I see the waves-from the water and the water animals! Yay! MMM, mullets! “Pigging out”….lol. They can have their fish, my friend. I know what YOU would “pig out” on! Everything is well—“tricky” glucose situations—we all have THINGS to deal with—all of us! I’m happy to be here and hanging in there. I’m glad you are too! Big hugs and prayers! 💛🙏🐋
Karla I’m not a big baseball fan – mostly because nothing happens most of the time. This game however would have been a thriller I’d have enjoyed!! Good to see that you are up to going tp the ball game! <3 <3 <3
My sweet friend, thank you so much. This was last summer and I accidentally reposted (I had “unpublished” for some reason? Trying to link it to my new post) but what a game! Either way, I do FEEL like going to the games and I love a good comeback—isn’t God in the business of comebacks? HE loves it! I’m so thankful for you—I thought of your prayer warriors meeting last night—all of you—thank you for all you do. Love you, Val. ❤️
What a perfect analogy! And encouraging, as always. Continued prayers. 🙏😊❤️
Thank you, dear friend. I appreciate your friendship, prayers, and support! It means so much to me.🙏🏻💕💚🤗
I am so happy for you beautiful Karla! Thank you for the uplifting message. Attitude is everything. 💖
Thank you, sweet Michelle ❤️❤️❤️
Welcome, kind Karla. 😊 ❤️ 🌹
Loved this Karla! Always so look forward to reading your posts! 👏👏💗🙏🙏
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I miss you so much, Judy 😭❤️🙏🏻💕💚 thank you for ALL you’ve done~and still do! Thank you! I love you! 💕
I love this story! Yes, there are miracles, and you were there!!! 😍
Thank you, dear Jennie! I’m a miracle! ❤️💚💕
Yes, you most certainly are! ❤️
Aww ❤️💕🥰
Yes! Divine miracles are around us all the time. It astounds me how often I don’t see th
Amen, sweet Sue! I miss them at times too! I’m
Constantly looking!
This just felt connected and close to read, Relatable!
Thank you so much!! ❤️
What an insane baseball game. One you’ll never forget!
Thanks for the story,
Reid
Thank you, Reid! I appreciate you!
Karla, this was just as rich and good reading it now as when originally published! To see a miracle––look in the mirror you are one.
Manette, I have happy tears reading this. Oh my friend. Thank you. ❣️❤️🙏🥲
LOVE this post! 🥰 You are a miracle, sweet friend!! Love you! 🩷💛🩷🙏🙏
Thank you, C! I LOVE you! YOU are a miracle too (as we go around singing about it ☺️🤭🥰🎶). Thank you for being you!💚🙏🏻💚
🥰💛🧡💛