Friday, February 29, 2008

Honouring Mickey Renaud

Last night the Windsor Spitfires hockey team paid tribute to their captain Mickey Renaud who died suddenly two weeks ago.

Renaud, drafted by the Calgary Flames, collapsed and died at his home. The cause of death is still being investigated.

Before last night's game each Windsor Spitfire player came onto the ice wearing a replica of Renaud's #18 jersey with the captain's "C" emblazoned on the front.

It was an emotional prelude to the Spitfire's first game since this tragic death.

This morning Ben Davey, one of the Breakfast Club co-hosts on Life 100.3, commented on last night's tribute. He suggested that Renaud's parents must have looked on with mixed emotions as Mickey's teammates came onto the ice decked out like him. In effect the Renauds had 20 plus sons out there.

Similarly, Davey commented, God must look down on His children and see many reflections of His Son Jesus Christ. How are we reflecting the One whom we claim to serve? Are we decked out like Him or would it be difficult for others to recognize our allegiance?

We mourn the loss of a talented hockey player and pray for his family as they grieve this terrible loss. Last night's tribute was one hockey team's effective method of honouring one of their own.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

David, the Letter Man

Carol picked up this book (pictured) at a thrift store recently. The title caught my attention. FAMOUS LETTERS, Messages and Thoughts That Shaped Our World.

Being involved in a letter-writing ministry I thought of the thousands of letters I have written and wondered if any of them would be considered "famous". Hopefully some of them have "shaped" the world of the athletes to whom they were written.

Our ministry, EPISTLE SPORTS MINISTRIES, has sought to "Encounter Professionals In Sports Through Letters of Encouragement" for over 30 years.

The apostle Paul's letters (epistles) to the early church certainly shaped and impacted the believers in the first century. They were so significant (breathed by the Holy Spirit) that they have been preserved until today. They continue to instruct us in the way we should live. I praise God that "holy men of God spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (1 Peter 1:21)

We can have such a positive impact on others when we write letters of encouragement. How often has a struggling pilgrim been uplifted and challenged to "carry on" by a timely word written by another pilgrim!

Why not drop a letter in the mail today. Encourage a fellow believer. It may not be a "famous letter" in the eyes of the world but in God's economy and in the eyes of the recipient it might be historically life-changing.

WRITE TODAY!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Scattered Scribblings

As a veteran of over 30 years in sports ministry I've been strangely silent on the steroids situation (notice the 4 s's?) Friends who I've met have been implicated. Time (or maybe just eternity) will reveal the truth, the facts.

Here are some scattered scribblings concerning sports:


My interactions with Roger Clemens (pictured) over the years were always positive. I may be proven wrong but I believe him when he says he wasn't injected with HGH (human growth hormones). I'm praying for you, Roger!


The bloody incident in Buffalo involving Richard Zednik was scary. Thank You, Father, for sparing this hockey player. May his recovery be quick and complete.


The Senators' trade with the Hurricanes was a good one in my estimation - at least for this season. Cory Stillman is a native of Peterborough (like me) and will add some secondary scoring to the Sens' lineup.


My friend Mike Sweeney has signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. It sure will seem strange not seeing him when the Kansas City Royals come to Toronto. I wish you God's best, Mike!

It's good to see Jordan Staal putting the puck in the net more often. I knew he would come around.

Remember the Patriots? They finally lost a game...the Big One.


If you listen closely you'll soon be able to hear the crack of the bat in Florida and Arizona.

It's exciting watching Zach Bogosian of the Peterborough Petes as he hones his skills awaiting the NHL draft in June. This could very well be his last season here. It's bittersweet to see a fine, young man in his teens go off to the NHL.


Does anyone not think Mike Fisher is the consumate pro?


I'm one of a handful of fans who like Andrew Raycroft! Give the guy a break!


Keep your eye on David Booth of the Florida Panthers. He's a keeper! A fine Christian too!

I might be biased but Bud Fisher is one of the finest young athletes (and men) you will ever meet. Check out the Quinnipiac Bobcats link on the Pilgrim Scribblings blog.


That's all for now, folks!