Our crushing Class AA Cardinals’ affiliate, Springfield Cardinals, set a franchise record in consecutive wins. Much like the nail-biting game I wrote about last year, the bats swung (a word for Martha) with come-back conviction. A blow-your-mind come-back-from-behind win! 9-0—a record!
My record? 2-0! Nearly two years are behind me, and I’m happy to set a 100%-win record in my series with cancer.
Loss WILL happen.
There’s freedom in losing count of strikeouts, injuries, side-line struggles, and group gossip.
Let’s stop keeping scores based on politics, positions, and postures. Let’s lose count of the times we’ve been hurt, handled, or harmed.
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.”
Philippians 3:7
Are you keeping the score of the runs or the ridicule? Can you lose count of the consecutive contempt and concentrate on the countenance of Christ?
“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21
In a world that counts runs or assumes religion is all about righteousness, let’s talk about a winning plan. What shapes your convictions? We’re all in the game together. It’s not about keeping scores based on doctrine or following the law. Discipline, hard work, humility…God wants to restore us on our paths to wholeness and holiness. So why keep count and score? Why compare injuries or losses?
“and become one with him. I no longer count on my righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.”
Philippians 3:9
Love. A league of its own. It’s an affiliate of the Almighty; not a rally of personal righteousness.❣️
Let’s cheer each other on and lose count of the team uniform and coaches—we’re in the same league.
Do you know how loved you are? If you don’t, feel free to email me at finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. If I don’t return it immediately, I might be sidelined for a day or two. I’m happy to share my game experience—and most importantly, love.
Have faith 💛
FYI–I’m off to an appointment soon–thank you for your kindness and patience. Friends, I thank you for your unwavering support and prayers. Recently, I learned of two friends that are battling cancer. May we all continue lifting one another–for truly we are on the same team. 💕
Have you heard of NET, Yet?🦓
I’m maintaining and moving more-I’m in the game. A new monthly injection/treatment seems to be less painful; yet has some sidelining side effects. It’s tricky. How do you decide on a game plan? Do you watch, wait, and pray on the bench? Or do you grab a bat and swing? Do I sit in the stands with others, cheering, and resting?
For those who aren’t familiar with NET, this cancer is rare. It’s a marathon. Like all of you, some days are better than others. The goal is to keep it out of the liver again. To keep my organs running smooth, my bones from aching so they can heal, and to keep my heart on what matters most.
God always has a plan. I’m listening. With solid support and my daily faith workouts, I’m keeping my head and heart in the game. I told John, my blogging friend with cancer, I’d rather have 75% of a month where I’m in the game than 0%. We’re all battling game injuries. I’m simply happy to be on your team. While here I won’t keep score. I’ll lose count and just take one day at a time.
In the next two weeks to two months, I’ll have appointments, another treatment, and hopefully, a visit to Texas and north Missouri to see my most important people (I have two amazing sons and daughter-in-loves, and 3 precious grands). Here, in my Springfield stands, I have a solid support team member and my fabulous family and friends (all of you included). Each Wednesday I huddle with an incredible team of other cancer thrivers. Without them, my skills would be lessened. Their lives and stories inspire me-the learning motivates me. If I’m “hit and miss” at your place, please know I will meet you there as soon as possible.
Unexpectedly, I had several appointments in the last two weeks (or 3? I’ve lost count 😉). One was scary, hairy, and a bit frustrating. “Don’t keep score, Karla. It’s a loss; lead with love.” This Godly game plan worked for HIS purpose. Leaving there, I waved at this precious lady and her fuzzy huge, adorable cat. She rolled down the window and waved me over. “Here,” she said. “I want to give you this kindness rock I painted.” Tears streamed down my face. “Thank you. This means so much to me.” In that instant, not just names were shared. Hope. Kindness. Love. Everything diseased inside of me felt gone. Cancer? I lost count.
Cathy, thank you for my kindness rock–and your sweet spirit and smile.
Flannel with Faith 
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