Calico Joe

This is my first book review.  This is pretty exciting - so I hope you are excited as well.

Calico Joe is about a man named Paul Tracey, who is the son of Warren Tracey (a hypothetically famous baseball player).  I know that you are probably thinking... oh baseball! goodness. of course Abby would pick a baseball book.

Yes I admit, I chose the book because it was a baseball fiction, but on the other hand - it was a great read!

I actually didn't read it.  I bought it on audiobook for my drive to Little Rock last weekend.

The book is about how his father was not only a terrible man and father, but a ruthless baseball player.    He ended up doing something to end his career ( I can't spoil it) and as a father, Warren was upset when his son was infatuated and enamored with Joe Castle from Calico Creek, Arkansas.

The way that John Grisham depicted the drive from West Memphis up to Izard County and to Calico Creek and the way that small town people interact with each other was on point.  It was really cool to read/hear about an Arkansas town and especially about Baseball.

Grisham paints a picture of a distraught boy that has a hero in the sport who happens to not be his dad.  The portrayal of his dilemma and his love for the sport and the people involved in the sport.  I am not a son and I don't have this relationship with my dad, but I can feel for Paul.  I feel for the relationship that he WANTS with his dad and the heroism that he WANTS his dad to exhibit and isn't.

In the final chapters when Paul figures out the dilemma and makes a critical change of course in his life - he is able to see the reason for all of it.  The reason in life and the importance the relationships that he made.

This is a terrible run down of the book and very vague - but it's such a good book!! Go read it!

On Fire!

What are you on fire for?

I can tell you first and foremost I am on fire for what my God is doing in lives here on Baylor's campus.  My job allows me to get to know some pretty incredible athletes.  Most people see them on the court, but I get to know them more everyday.  It's unbelievable the type of people they are.  They don't just have talent on the court and field, they have hearts so big and so full.  Each and everyday when they come in my office, appointment or just dropping by, they make me smile!  Some days are tough - I sit in my office just waiting for the clock to strike 5... but when these players come in, and there is no exception - they all do it, they brighten my day.  Every single athlete.  God is moving in these athlete's hearts.  And that is special to me.  This morning I listened to our Sports Chaplain speak about Baylor Athletics and in a couple of weeks a large number (I thin something like 50) athletes are headed to Kenya.  WOW!  Most athletes get the stereotype of arrogant, selfish, and tuned out.  But not these bears.  Wes talked about the humility that is on our campus and how these guys are just here to play and play hard - and they don't play hard without loving and appreciating the support staff and coaches that surround them on a daily basis.  There is not a single day where I don't feel appreciated or loved for the minuscule part I play in the Baylor Athletic Department.  So Sic Em Bears!  The year isn't over yet.  And if you aren't a Baylor Fan - become one.  Bleed the Green and Gold!

Keep checking my site and I am getting ready to have a Baylor Give Away for some Baylor Gear!  So you too can be a Green and Gold Fan!  

I am reminded daily that I am so small and my God is so Big!  This is my computer screen and it really helps me remember I am NOT the Savior - I am just here to tell people about God's mercy and grace.  I am reminded about setting the WORLD on fire for God in this song... And it has really encouraged me today.  So I hope it encourages you:

Set the World On Fire:

Britt Nicole

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father's hands

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings

Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my loveLord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There's nothing I can't do
Nothing I can't do

I'm gonna set the world on fire
Set the world on fire

 This is sweet Baylor and the Great Dane that lives next door Zeus.  We were playing the other day and they are adorable playing together, but we wanted to show you the size difference in 2 dogs!!  How crazy is that!  But even thought Zeus could demolish Baylor... He doesn't - because I know that he secretly loves the little guy!

This picture just makes me happy!  Also if you have or know where I can get these shoes... i need them (like yesterday) hahaHave a charmed day full of bliss from the LORD!!! He is our Risen Savior! - Abby