CRH/BSPM/BSPOPP AND CoyRH/SEATC Clerical 2024 Fall Holy Days NewsletterMAIN STUDY–AT THE END OF THE TRAILShalom alechem from the Hub City (or as I’ve recently grown to call it–my new Rome!!)!!! Here’s trusting that you and yours are found blessed, well, and whole in EVERY area of your life today as the seasons both outside as well as in our lives once again change and our thoughts once again turns homebound bound towards His holy throne and eternal Kingdom that shall never end and that will be the future home of those who truly love and trust Him.I still gawk in disbelief that it’s already been around six months already since I took the leap of faith by my chinny-chin-chin to formally move from the Malta of two years that I lived at south of Floydada to Lubbock to serve as my new official home city and international headquarters. It hasn’t been easy by any means–and there’s still plenty of struggles I face that are still present as challenges that must be overcome (marginal homelessness and transportation challenges and problems being among them). But considering where I was at this same time last year, I now overall find myself in a similar position to another spiritual traveler that the physician Luke describes this way in the last 20 or so verses of the Book of Acts:Paul Arrives at Rome11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”21 They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. 22 But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”23 So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,26 ‘Go and say to this people:When you hear what I say, you will not understand.When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’[h]28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”[i]30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.It had been definitely a long journey for the Apostle Paul/Rav Shaul to finally get to the city gates of Rome–and not just in miles neither from his initial starting point in Jerusalem. Of course, his whole life up to that point from when he got struck blind on the road to Damascus and even the years right before that had basically been preparation for what now lied ahead for him in this new city. All you have to do is check out what he himself wrote to the church at Phillippi:Philippians 3:1-10 New Living TranslationThe Priceless Value of Knowing Christ 3 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God[b] are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,…and also to the Believers at Corinth in his second epistle to them to get the full effect of how Paul/Shaul generally approached life up to that point in time…2 Corinthians 11 New Living TranslationPaul’s Many Trials 16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. 19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! 20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. 21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.[c] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 31 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying. 32 When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. 33 I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.NOW this rockstar rabbi who was a disciple of the great Jewish sage Gamaliel and who would eventually become his Meshiach’s personal emissary to the Gentiles–THIS rabbi who went through so much as he approaches the Rome city limit sign finds THIS sight awaiting him at the city outskirts:Acts 28:11-15 New Living TranslationPaul Arrives at Rome 11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.ESPECIALLY make sure that you note verse here:Acts 28:11-15 New Living Translation Paul Arrives at Rome 15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.Those of us who have been on long journeys away from home usually find a sense of excitement, relief, and pleasure in either getting to the final destination we planned to go to and/or seeing the most familiar landmarks of our hometown after being gone from home for a long time. Paul by the longings of the Holy Spirit/Ruach Ha’Kodesh had been anticipating getting to Rome. Now here he was to a place he had never been before. How now would his thoughts and reactions be after so long a journey? And what does that have to do with this year’s Fall Biblical Festivals?If there’s one thing that’s self-evident about this time of years, it is what this same Apostle wrote to the church at Thessalonica:1 Thessalonians 4 New Living TranslationAgain, the Apostle admonished us–The Hope of the Resurrection 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.Again, the Apostle admonished us–18 So encourage each other with these words. BUT WHAT, pray tell, MIGHT THOSE WORDS BE? And how might he after getting this far to the end of this particular trail be thinking and wanting to write about to the rest of his brethren throughout the known world at that time? In my humble opinion and analysis, here’s a quick short list of things he probably had on his mind upon seeing the city lights of Rome for himself for the first time in his life:(1.) He probably didn’t have it too far from his mind about what all it took just to get here in the first place. All those times he had to constantly run for his life and leave trusted friends and brethren behind suddenly without notice…Oh–he sure didn’t forget those people who whipped his back real good with a cat-of-nine-tails those 40 lashes save one. Times in prison, times he went cold and hungry; persecuted constantly by just about everyone and everything he knew because he dared to believe that Jesus/Y’shua was the Messiah and unashamedly proclaimed Him without compromise to the entire world. I’m sure those things were still pretty fresh on his mind as he looked out in the distance to the dominating Rome city water tower and skyline ahead of him.(2.) He remembered all the people and places he had encountered along the way. You probably wouldn’t blame him if he were still a bit steamed and soreheaded and desperata\ely desiring to give certain people a piece of his mind. BUTINSTEAD you’d probably be just as amazed to find out how easily he probably forgave all of those people who in the past did him wrong, left the judgment and results to his God, and hopefully entreated his God to open their eyes to these wrongs, come to repentance, and be reconciled to God.(3.) But even as he thought about those who did him wrong, his thoughts also probably turned towards all the saints and believers he met and got to know in all the places he was blessed to travel to through the years. He probably thought of brethren he remembered such as that Lydia in Thyrtira who took him into her home and graciously spent times of sweet fellowship with him and his traveling colleagues or those Berean brethren who received what he preached, took the time to give him a fair hearing, and examine the Scriptures themselves to see if the things Paul/Shaul told them were truly so.He also most likely thought of his compatriots such as Apollos and maybe even Peter himself that were also doing the exact same things he was doing (and whom Paul even dared to call on the carpet a time or two when Peter got a little offbase theologically on something). He kept in mind other standup folks he knew such as Priscilla and Aquila and also thst guy Epiphroditus who bent over backwards for him to see that Paul while he was in prison got all that he needed thanks in part to the supplies the Believers in Phillippi arranged to send him. Coming to the end of this particular trail was probably for Paul/Shaul not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of his most valued friends and partners who make the necessary sacrifices to help Paul get to his eventual destination. (4.) He would probably remind us of a similar time coming down the road for all of us that he wrote the Thessalonians about13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.He might also like to remind us that this life is not all there is. Just like Paul finally getting to Rome, he’ll probably tell you that there will be a time where we’ll also soon be going to a place that we all have never been before–but that will very much also feel like our final true home and destination. And when we finally get to THAT place, we’ll never have the desire ever again to leave, stray, or wander away …because at that time for us, there will NEVER truly be ANY place like THAT Home.(5.) Then Paul/Shaul would recommend that in the meantime while we wait for that opportunity to go to that final place, we first consider the advice he would have given to these same believers in Rome that he wrote to before he got here:Romans 12 New Living TranslationA Living Sacrifice to God 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.3 Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,”[g] says the Lord.20 Instead,“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”[h]21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.And then with a wistful smile and twinkle in his eye, he’d probably tell us–”And if you do these things, you will do well in pleasing the Master and in doing all the things He said and commanded us to do before He left us.”(6.) It would be at this juncture that Paul’s traveling companion and official physician Luke might jump in and remind us of something interesting about the way he specifically ended his account of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. “Have you noticed something about the way the Lord had me to END that book?” He’d especially try to point out with his finger the LAST two verses of Chapter 28:0 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.We’d then clearly see for ourselves one big thing about the particular story about Paul/Shaul and the other Apostles. The book of Acts is written in such a way where there is NO CLEAR-CUT DEFINITIVE ENDING! IN FACT–the story STILL continues WITH ALL OF US…i.e.--the story hasn’t quite finished for us yet. After all of this, I think Paul/Shaul once he met the Roman brethren and entered the city gates for himself wouldn’t say that it was actually the END of his current journey–but only the BEGINNING! Then he’d probably turn around and say to us as he now officially starts his “contending in Rome” era–”Thank you, Lord, that You FINALLY got me here to this place. It’s definitely been worth every mile of the trip. Now, it’s showtime–time for me to get busy and get down to business and to work!”Just like it wasn’t the end of Paul’s story getting to Rome, so it is with our story pertaining to us. While we all await His final Glorious Appearing, let’s all remember during this Fall Feast season that His final overall redemption story for all mankind wil not for now en WITHOUT US involved in some way within it. Let us do our part while we still have time and opportunity to do so to make His Name famous in everything we do. That way, we’ll have no regrets when He finally lets us arrive in that place we’ve never been before…but that will serve as our final Ultimate Home and destination for the most ultimate of wedding suppertimes.Then as Paul gives us one last look before we part ways with him for now so that he can finally get settled here in Rome, he’d one more time reemphasize the following final reminder from our state department of highways:The Hope of the Resurrection13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.May THAT day AND place come speedily–even in our own days…Wishing you all the best to you and yours during this special Fall Festival season in THAT Matchless Name of Him who is now helping me contend in my new Rome….Coy RHSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1.) I’d especially like to ask those led to do so to join me in appropriate intercession and prayer not only for Israel and its people in its current state of war against both Hamas and Hesbollah, but also in particular those in East TN/western NC affected by the foods that were the result of Hurricane Helena. One of my cousins just happens to live in the Asheville area in a town that’s about seven miles north of Asheville proper. When I texted him immediately upon hearing about those floods, he told me that he himself was fine personally save for losing some of the back treeline around his property–but that there were a number of his neighbors and people trapped in their homes and still waiting for water, power, and cell service to come back on. He told me that overall the scene out that way was sheer devastation. I urge people that wish to help in the disaster relief efforts due to road closures still prevalent right now to consider monetary contributions to such organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, and Kenneth copeland Ministries who are usually very active in various relief efforts as these as you might be led to do so.(2,) Here's a friendly reminder from your state department of highways that you can still get your copies of all four of our current releases available through BSPOPP such as “Walking From Lockney to Jerusalem”, “A Message from Siberia”, “sowing In Tears”, and “A’Wise and A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land”. Keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds of the sales of all BSPOPP books after basic expenses are paid goes to help various restorative justice ministries stay financially strong and prepared for futrure ministry. You can get more detailed information on all of our current BSPOP releases at https://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking and also access our Amazon pages through our good friends at texashighplainswriters.com through their “member Books page tab. On the member books page, just simply click on to the picture there of “Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem” to jump immediately to all of our BSPOP book Amazon pages. (And please don’t dforget to consider patronizing some of our distinguished West Texas author colleagues while you’re there on the Texas High Plains Writers site…)(3.) We leave for you two different special Sukkot gifts this time…the first is actually a new song the Lord just happened to get me to write just now about our featured topic of today’s MAIN STUDY. The second is our latest photo just for you courtesy of the good folks at Circle J photography here in lubbock who we happened to recently encounter at the West Texas Small Business Summit that was held here in Lubbock just a few weeks ago. Enjoy and have a great Fall Holy Day season!!!AT THE END OF THE TRAIL Lyrics(Music:) Think Southern Gospel–along the lines of the the style of Jason Crabb and the Crabb Family) (Start the song a cappella on the first verse, then add instrumentation as you go along…)(Verse 1:) It’s been a long hard journey From Jerusalem to here I can’t believe I finally made it After all these many years The Lord so many years ago Said to me loud and clear This was the place I needed to go to To finish my race of years…(Chorus 1:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome Is now where I find myself No longer wanting to roam As the city lights are calling me And summon me towards His throne To a place that I’ve never been But they say is just like home…(Verse 2:) To all the ones who caused me trouble And persecutions galore I say, “Father, please forgive them– They know not what they’ve done…” And for all my friends and partners Who helped me along the way It’s for their sake I got here And by his grace one thing seems clear…(Chorus 2:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome The trials and tests I suffered Are now just memories It’s only by His grace that I survived And by His love He saw me through As I come closer finally Towards a place I might call home…(Bridge:) The city limits sign And the city lights all beckon me I throw down all my burdens And hug my loved ones so dear…(Chorus 3:) At the end of the trail In a place I’ve never been The shooting wars all are over I’m finally safely in His den It’s a feeling I’ve never had Since I don’t know when Here at the end of my trail In a place I now call home.{Final Ending:] It’s here I will finish my course And at this point I’ll stay At what is now the end of my trail At this place I now call home.(Repeat last two lines–then end by singing lines–”Lord, I’m home…I’m finally home…I’m home….I’m finally home…”)© October 3, 2024; music and lyrics originally written by Coy Reece Holley and property of Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing and Productions. All rights reserved.
BASEBALL GAME SUMMARY OF GOSHEN GOLDEN CALVES VS, EGYPTIAN GOLDEN MUMMIES
In the midst of the Passover Seder as we go through the Four Cups of Redemption, there’s a pretty striking portion that we may miss a deeper meaning on if we aren’t watching and reading Scripture in its proper context. The problem, though, with reading what amounts to be the entirety of the first 12 or so chapters of Exodus (especially when it goes through the 10 Plagues that befell Egypt) is that most would think of the material as being a lot to read and understand. So let’s say I’ve been thinking about taking a unique take on the story of Pesach/Passover/Exodus (taking a lot of dramatic license to do it, of course--so please bear with me on this) in a little better way to translate into our modern-day venacular...Here’s the best I could come up with for now. Imagine if you will hearing THIS broadcast on your radio or watching this on your TV and see what you might think:
“...And welcome to AmeriTrade Park in Memphis, Egypt with tonight’s broadcast of our game between Pharoah’s Golden Mummies of Egypt and the Goshen Golden Calves. Hello, everybody--I’m Cory Van Doozy with your play-by-play call joined tonight by color analyst Mark Waffleberg. A lot’s on the line for both teams tonight--with the members of the Golden Mummies not only playing for national pride, but for cheap labor and the threat of a death penalty from Pharoah himself if they lose. As for the Golden Calves, if they win tonight’s game, they not only win their freedom from slavery from Egypt, but also centuries worth of back wages to boot. Let’s go right to the field for the playing of the National Anthems of both teams--first the Israeli national anthem of “Hatikvah”...”
(After the anthem plays--) The Golden Mummies, meanwhile, have opted NOT to play a national anthem at all--for they feel that Pharoah is his OWN national anthem all by himself. Instead, we’ll go straight to the game’s first pitch brought to you by First Incompetence Bank where “...we don’t know where your money is--and furthermore, we don’t care anyway!” The pitch to the catcher from Pharoah himself is wide and high to the outside--but nonetheless it’s a pitch. The head umpire shouts, “PLAY BALL!” as both teams head to their respective dugouts to start the game. The Golden Mummies will be the home team in tonight’s contest while the Golden Calves will bat first for Mo and Aaron and the children of Israel...
The Golden Calves and the children of Israel come at a slight disadvantage to the heavy-handed bats and pitching arms of the Golden Mummies--so it may literally take more than a few miracles to win tonight’s game and, ergo, their freedom. Pharoah himself, meanwhile, is well-known here in the majors for his irascible temper and impatience for anyone who might stand in their way. We’re expecting a sellout crowd here in Ameritrade (as socially distanced as is possible, of course) to see what could either be a massacre and slaughter OR in contrast a very well-fought and played game that truly is one of extremely high stakes on both sides. Tonight’s pre-game show is brought to you by Mo and Aaron’s Divine Pest Control--”...We deliver Divine results.” It’s the Golden Calves of Goshen vs. the Golden Mummies of Egypt coming up here at AmeriTrade. We’ll start tonight’s action with the lineups and the keys to the game after these messages. You’re listening to the BSPOP E-Newsletter Radio Network…”
(NOW--ALLOW US TO JUMP TO THE POST-GAME SUMMARY...I PROMISE YOU...THIS WILL BE FUN….)
“...Thank you for staying with us for what was a very surprising and dramatic baseball game indeed that will go into the annals of baseball history indeed as the Golden Calves of Goshen pull out a win in extra innings over the Golden Mummies of Egypt and win their freedom and back wages. To say that we’re still in shock over what happened would be a massive understatement. Here’s Mark for the post-game recap summary…”
“...Cory, it truly was a game for the recordbooks indeed--and one that I don’t think will ever happen again. Now, it didn’t exactly start that way for the Golden Calves--but lots of Divine intervention was truly THE major key above all else in the Golden Calves’ triumph over the Golden Mummies. The first two innings were pretty much a dud for the Golden Calves as--despite Mo and Aaron’s best offensive attempts at Pharoah in first turning their rod into a snake in the first inning, then in the second blood--Pharoah’s magicians (also known as their infielders) met Mo and Aaron’s efforts toe to toe in the first two frames and shut down the Rams’ offense ice-cold with two back-to-back three-up, three-down innings. Pharoah’s bats were also able to pick away at the Rams’ defense with one run in the first and another in the second to make the score after the end of two Golden Mummies 2, Golden Calves 0.
The Calves tried a change of tactics in the top of the third--this time by introducing frogs to their offense. They almost succeeded in getting additional men to the bases--but with a cry of “Tomorrow!” Pharoah once again shuts down the Golden Calves’ bats and leaves them holding the bag with a two-run Golden Mummies lead after two and a half. (As for the frogs, no confirmed word yet as to whether or not Pharoah will have to sleep in the bed at home tonight with said frogs….) In the bottom of the inning, though, Mo and Aaron manage to throw a curveball or two into the proceedings through the introduction of a plague of gnats to Egypt that quickly earns the respect of even the Egyptian magicians’ bats. But Pharoah still remains unimpressed and his bats do still manage somehow with two outs to add two more runs to his total now making the score Golden Mummies 4, Golden Calves 1.
In the top of the 4th, though, we do see some things finally begin to change for the Calves. The Calves’ bats come alive after Mo and Aaron on their God’s behalf threaten Pharoah with unexpected major fly infestation all throughout Egypt. The split screens tell the story here--TONS of fly balls (literally--I actually mean this...ACTUAL baseballs with FLIES covering all over them) not only throughout the whole ballpark, but also throughout Egypt as well. But in Goshen--it’s quieter than a church mouse there.
Mo and Aaron’s squad take advantage of the sudden fly ball opportunities to send baserunners to the corners and steal bases any chance they might get. This unusual strategy does help the Golden Calves tie up the score at 4 as a result of three stolen bases coming from the Calves’ baserunners as the Golden Mummies’ infielders were distracted by the fly infestation that couldn’t be otherwise taken care of by flyswatters or insect spray. We finally get to see a kink in Pharoah’s armor when we suggests that Israel do their sacrifices in the land of Egypt. But after Mo and Aaron point out cultural differences and the need to get out of town, Pharoah finally relents a bit enough to ask Mo and Aaron to perform fly ball removal. But even after the flies are gone, Pharoah still holds the line defensively and keeps the game tied at four going into the 5th.
The fifth frame at first starts in similar fashion to the 4th, but with livestock disease instead of fly balls being the plague d’jour of the game. The texts on the cell phones of the managers (even Pharoah’s as well) were popping up all over the place from ranchers and the USDA complaining of sudden outbreaks of mad-cow disease, colic, and other potentially fatal devastating livestock conditions all over Egypt. But in Goshen, once again the land there goes scot-free. Despite this setback, Pharoah and the Golden Mummies still manage to hold the line defensively through the bottom of the inning to maintain the 4-4 tie.
Then the call from the Lord comes to Mo and Aaron in the dugout in the 6th inning to take soot from the ballpark heating system and toss it in the air. As the two obey the Lord’s command, a sudden rash of injuries amongst Pharoah’s outfielders caused by boils downs them for the rest of the game. Both centerfield and rightfield will require substitutions as the EMTs rush on the field to assess their injuries. They’re immediately followed by the magicians in the infield who can’t do diddly-squat either. At least two or more of Pharoah’s star players are sidelined for the rest of the game. Mo and Aaron take advantage of yet another sudden turn of events via single-shot homers--one by the DH to rightfield and by the catcher to center. (Replay track--”...And it’s going towards the wall in center--ADIOS, BASEBALL, GOODBYE!!”) The Golden Calves break the tie and take the lead at 6-4 with six innings in the books.
Mo and Aaron tell Pharoah at the start of the 7th of all the hail and thunderstorms coming his way if he continues his insane hardheartedness and refusal of the Almighty’s demands. Some of Pharoah’s own officials at the sound of this start heading for the hills. But Pharoah stubbornly decides to keep playing on. In the middle of the batter’s count with two outs at the top of the 7th, massive hail and thunderstorms spread all throughout the ballpark and also Egypt. At the sight of these storms and sound of hail while the pitcher pitches low and inside for a full count, the umpires call time and stop play for a rain delay. After a delay that lasted for about an hour, the Golden Calves’ relief pitcher sends a blazing fastball to strike the batter out as the players head to the dugout for the seventh-inning stretch with the 6-4 lead still in the Calves’ hands. But in the bottom of the 7th, Pharoah hardens his heart again and responds with a two-run RBI with bases loaded to send the score back to a 6-6 tie. This game summary at the seventh-inning stretch is brought to you by Shoot Yourself In The Foot Orthopedic Clinic. If your seventh-inning stretch isn’t what it ought to be, then go check out the friendly folks at Shoot Yourself In The Foot to scope out what’s wrong and get you back on your feet again…
After all the firepower displayed by the bats on both sides in the 7th, it was up to each team’s relief pitchers to snuff out the fires and keep their respective teams in the hunt for the win. With locusts coming from all sides from the pitcher’s mound, the relief pitchers were finally successful in producing three-up, three-down innings with pitches that surprized batters on both sides and subsequently continuing that 6-6 tie into the 9th.
As the final frame of regulation starts, the DH for Mo and Aaron accidentally hits a foul ball into the grandstands which knocks out a crucial transformer device that not only blacks out power throughout Ameritrade, but also throughout the rest of Egypt as well. After electric company technicians spend an hour’s game delay trying to restore power, Pharoah’s team shows signs of tiredness as Pharoah starts to give an offer for a face-saving Golden Mummies game forfeit. But Mo and Aaron respond to Pharoah--”NO DICE--not a hoof shall be left behind!” The stalemate continues as we now go into extra innings still tied at 6…
Pharoah’s firstborn son takes the mound in relief for the Golden Mummies at the top of the 10th against the Golden Calves and immediately walks his first three batters--all with full counts. You can see the strain truly showing on Pharoah’s son as both Pharoah and the Golden Mummies catcher both approach Pharoah’s son for a quick conference on the mound. Meanwhile, Mo and Aaron decide after a call from the Lord to send a pitchhitter named the Angel of Death to the plate. Here’s how that final at bat went...play the tape!!!
(Replay:) “...The Angel of Death had a superb hitting record in the minors, but this is his first ever appearance in the big leagues...so anything can happen here…
“...The conference on the mound breaks up--and Pharoah’s son sets up for his first pitch to the Angel--a strike down the middle, 0-1...The Angel sets up for a bunt, but bunts it foul for an 0-2 count. Pharoah’s son delivers a wide and outside pitch to make it 1-2. Pharoah’s son steadies himself as the Angel sets up to bat again. Another fastball left and inside, but misses--2 and 2. Time’s running out for the Angel….He finds a ball he likes, but hits it behind the screen--the count still remains at 2-2...Pharoah’s son walks around the mound and spits, then goes to the rubber for the next pitch as the Angel hits a fly ball that drifts into rightfield and goes foul.….still 2-2...Pharoah's son seems to be missing some firepower to his stuff...curveball goes low and in dirt...catcher hangs on to it, but now faces a full count...
And now, the set, the pitch--Angel gets a good one to sail the distance to centerfield as the base runners start running....the ball sails into the warning track....As the centerfielder jumps high to the fence, the ball stays up….IT’S GOING, GOING---ADIOS, BASEBALL, BYE-BYE...IT’S GONE AND IT’S HISTORY!! AND WHAT’S THIS???? Pharoah’s son himself as he watches the ball clear the fence suddenly collapses on the mound as the Angel of Death hits a four-RBI grand-slam, bases-clearing, walk-off home run in his very first major-league appearance to win the game in extra innings for Mo and Aaron and the children of Israel!!!
But the celebration on the Golden Mummies side of the field is much more subdued as Pharoah tends to his collapsed son on the field. You can see him literally mouthing the words, “YOU KILLED MY BOY!”, towards the Golden Calves dugout and especially towards Mo and Aaron. This has GOT to hurt Pharoah now regardless of what you might otherwise think!!! The EMTs are heading towards the pitcher’s mound right now....We’re getting something from our reporter in the Golden Calves’ dugout...Tom, what are you seeing?”
“Cory,--we just got an unconfirmed report that Pharoah’s son may have just instantly died of unexpected cardiac arrest. Details are still a little sketchy right now--but you can clearly see at a closeup angle that Pharoah is now truly upset and distraught about something...and it’s NOT just the fact that the Golden Mummies just lost a tough game in extra innings. We’re going to try to confirm that report for you...Back to you, Cory, in the booth…”
“Thanks, Tom….UNBELIEVABLE, isn’t it? In what was his FIRST major league at bat, the Angel of Death, as a PITCHHITTER, no less...not only hits a grand-slam base-clearing home run with bases loaded in extra innings, but also winning the game, freedom from slavery, and over 400 years of back wages due to the Israelites with a long-sailing shot to centerfield....WOW--I’ve never seen anything like this in my whole life…” (End replay)
As the EMTs continue to tend to Pharoah and his son with all quiet on the field, we’ll take an extended break for station ID and messages from our sponsors as we pull together the totals and stats to what was truly the most remarkable baseball game I’ve every seen in my life...The final score from here at Ameritrade Ballpark in Memphis, Egypt: the Goshen Golden Calves--10; the Golden Mummies of Egypt--6 in 10 innings!! What a game...what a game indeed!! That’s your tale of the tape for tonight’s game...stay tuned for the post-game show brought to you by Mo and Aaron’s Divine Pest Control--”We deliver Divine results…’--coming to you after this extended break for station ID and messages right here on the BSPOP E-Newsletter Radio Network!!!”
(END DRAMATIC PRESENTATION!)
PART I can be found here at http://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking/2020-fall-newsletter-part-i ...
PART II at http://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking/2020-fall-newsletter-part-2
Collage Message-- http://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking/men-s-walk-103-collage-message ...
Game Summary-- http://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/golden-calves-golden-mummies-game-s ...