At Bat by BJ Bassett

 

Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.

Psalm 32:1 MSG

Nate was at bat. The pitcher was like the giant Goliath. Strike one. Strike two. Strike three.

“You’re out.”

Shoulders slumped, Nate returned to the dugout. His coach patted him on the back,

encouraging him. “Shake it off. You’ll have another chance.”

The next time it was his turn, he watched the umpire wipe home plate clean. Then Nate

approached, and pushed his cleats into the dirt, finding the best place to stand. He took a couple

of practice swings. The fastball zoomed toward him. Strike one. Strike two. Then he smacked the

ball over the fence. A home run! He ran the bases to the cheers of the crowd.

God gives us a fresh start when we strike out, as Nate did. Our Coach is the Lord God

Himself. He’s our Encourager, giving us a fresh start. Let’s not be hard on ourselves for past

mistakes. Our Coach died for our sins.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Coach and giving me a fresh start. I long to hit a home

run for You, giving You all the glory. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

A Women’s Devotional

BJ Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.