The game was closer than the score would indicate

That's a venerable old sports cliche and one that we Cub fans are used to reciting almost by rote. But it's true of today's 8 to 2 loss to Reds.

This team never game up. They scored their only two runs in the bottom of the 7th when the game was already out of reach. The offense took each at bat seriously. Their hearts were still in it.

Yes, we're in last place. But it's still only April. The heart I'm seeing from this team makes me hopeful that this season won't be as bad as last year.

The Easter Story and The Walking Dead

My minister gave a memorable sermon this morning. One of his best. And it wasn't the one he intended to give.

Word came to him last week about an interesting exchange in the pre-school Sunday School class. The teacher gave the 4 year olds a high-level explanation of the upcoming holidays. First Passover, when the Hebrews gained their freedom, and then Easter, when Jesus was killed and rose from the dead.

"So," one of the kids asked, "Jesus was a zombie?" The question caused quite a stir because the little boy who asked that question last weekend was Martin, who happens to be our minister's son.

Our reverend and his wife were surprised to learn how much their young son knew about zombies and how fascinated he was by the concept of "the walking dead." Mom and Dad vowed to redouble their efforts to monitor their son's pop culture influences, and this week's sermon was born.

He warned us not to be spiritual zombies, not to let cynicism or the complexities of today's life turn us into "the walking dead." With Jesus as our guide, our hearts can continue to be filled with love and enthusiasm.

So when I feel the joy slipping away from my life, when I start to get angry over things I can't change or re-litigate old battles, I'll remember young Martin's question: "Jesus was a zombie?" No, He wasn't. And neither am I. I need to be alive and present and in love with my life.

Happy Easter!

Sunday Stealing

The Easter Meme
 
What are your Easter traditions? I don't really have any anymore, beyond sending cards to my niece and nephew.

Do you hard boil and decorate eggs? No.

How do you decorate your home for Easter? I don't.

Do you make/buy special outfits for yourself and your kids on Easter? No. I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound like such a bummer but I don't have kids and I just wore a sweater and jeans to church.

What is your favorite Easter dish? Ham.

When did you learn the truth about the Easter Bunny? I don't think I ever really believed in the Bunny. I had too many questions. What's the connection between a rabbit and eggs? Does he have a workshop filled with chickens like Santa and his elves? And what was his delivery system, a la Santa's sleigh?

Do you spend Easter at home, on vacation, or with family? I go to church, and that's it. I feel like I'm a tremendous disappointment to Sunday Stealing memedom today.

First one up on Easter morning? Me.

Go to mass or church? Yes. It was a lovely service.

What are your favorite Easter hymns and/or choir arrangements? This morning at church we all sang this. It was inspiring. And I always feel like a rockstar when I can sing without the hymnal.



How many Easter egg hunts does your family usually participate in? That would be none. I'm sorry, Kwiz.

Do you make deviled eggs out of leftover Easter eggs? I did, years ago, when my family celebrated together. But with my mom gone, my niece living out of state and my nephew a teenager …

Are you tired of eggs by the end of the Easter Season? No.

Are Peeps good or gross? One day a year I can stand them.

What company makes the best chocolate for Easter time? Fannie Mae.

Lots of candy or not? Haven't had much this year.

What is your favorite Easter candy? Hollow chocolate bunny.

Do you find plastic Easter grass hidden in places for months after Easter is over? Again, I'm sorry but there's never been an Easter egg hunt in this condo since I've lived here.

What’s your favorite color for fake grass? Atomic green.


Really, I like Easter. Church was lovely this morning! I love redemption and renewal. I'm not in a bad mood at all. It's just I'm not into the Bunny.

Ow, ow, ow!

It's a sunny Easter morning and I had so many spring cleaning plans for today! So imagine my surprise and distress when I woke up with a bitch of a backache.

I don't know what caused it. I didn't really do anything on Saturday but take it easy.

Oh well, I swallowed some Advil and maybe a shower will help. After church I still want to get something meaningful accomplished today!

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