NFL, MLB, basketball, etc.

Hello. First of all, an article about LPGA golfer Lorena Ochoa, a Christian, winning the 2007 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year Award: http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3164961&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Here's an article about Broncos kicker Jason Elam co-writing a Christian fiction book, Monday Night Jihad, along with his pastor Steve Yohn. He's used what he's learned while studying about the world's major religions through Liberty University to write the book about a Christian in espionage overseas. Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=321194.

Next, an article about Colts tight end Dallas Clark, a Christian, and how important he's been to the team's success since the start of last year's playoffs: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/colts/2007-12-21-sw-dallas-clark_N.htm?csp=34.

Here's an article about ESPN's Stuart Scott, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy after cancer was found during an emergency appendectomy. The cancer was removed, but he's having chemo as a precaution. He's continuing to work some on NBA shows. Here's a quote from him about it:

"Talk about a shocker," Scott said. "But I feel good, am in great hands medically and the doctors are confident they got all the bad stuff. I'm not the type of guy to let this eat up my life. I've got strong faith and family and friends who are tackling this with me. I can't find the words to express how much I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. I probably won't be able to get back to you all; but know it means a ton."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3163058&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines.

Also, an article about former Mariners community relations staff member Kristen Bushnell, who left the team to work for the Christian organization Children of the Nations. The Mariners are working with her and the organization, including their front office and some of the players. Here's a quote about outfielder Raul Ibanez and pitcher J.J. Putz:

Ibanez and Putz are among the most give-back-to-the-community-minded players on the team, giving their time and significant amount of money to charity. Both are financial contributors to the Children of the Nations, and Putz said he and his wife, Kelsey, plan to get even more involved next year.

The organization works with orphans or underprivileged kids in Africa, Malawi, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, the article doesn't mention that it's a Christian organization. I checked it out on their website (http://www.cotni.org/), and this is what their mission says:

To provide responsible care to orphaned and destitute children by the equipping of nationals, giving children every possible advantage available to grow in a stable, Christ-centered environment, empowering them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071221&content_id=2335850&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about the IU men's basketball team helping out a family in the area who recently lost their home to a fire (including video of the news segment): http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/14908711/detail.html?rss=ind&psp=news.

Next, an article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, a Christian, being traded to the Rangers last week before his second major-league season. It sounds like he's just what the Rangers were wanting and that he'll get a lot more playing time there. However, I'm kind of sad because we get over half of the Reds games on TV here in Indiana, but hardly any of the Rangers. He became one of my favorite players last season and it was nice to watch him last season. I'll just have to start following the Rangers now, I guess! Here's a couple of quotes from him:

... Hamilton missed 3 1/2 years from 2002-2006 because of his drug problems while going in and out of rehabilitation eight different times. He said he has been clean for over two years and his arrival in the Major Leagues last season appeared to be in the end of a long, hard road.

"I've never met anybody who hasn't made a mistake in the past or wrestled with demons," Hamilton said. "The main thing is you learn from it and you don't repeat it. I've taken some steps in my life to put God and my family first. I have a good support system in place and I'm very comfortable in saying that the past is in the past and the future is brighter.

"Now I really want to show these guys what I can do." ...

"Last year was a dream come true," Hamilton said. "I took a very different road to the Majors than most players, and that made it even sweeter. Before I was taking things for granted and going through the motions. When I finally got back, everything I did made me realize how fortunate and blessed I was."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071221&content_id=2336081&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson, a Christian, having his number retired by the Spurs, the team that he had the most success with as a player: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/12/23/spurs.avery.ap/index.html?eref=si_topstories.

Also, an article about Cardinals outfielder So Taguchi, a Christian, signing with the Phillies as a free agent today: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071223&content_id=2336269&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp.

Lastly, Sports Spectrum has put on their website the Christian athletes that are in their January/February issue: Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson, Hurricanes Dave Tanabe, Senators Dean McAmmond, Rangers Ben Walter, Boise State safety Marty Tadman, and Michigan State basketball player Allyssa DeHaan, among others. Here's their website: http://www.sportsspectrum.com/. Matter in fact, I'm watching Boise State play East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl right now, and when they're on defense all I hear is Marty Tadman this and Tadman that. He's pretty good!

Sunday Post #2: football, basketball, MLB, etc.

Hello, again. Here's the second post from tonight. I'm trying to divide up all the articles and stuff that I have to post so that it won't be so overwhelming for everyone. First of all, a great Christian article about the Lions and how last season God used starting quarterback Jon Kitna, then back-up quarterback Josh McCown (now with the Raiders), and wide receiver Mike Furrey to bring the team together and win souls off the field, even as they struggled to win on the field. Now the team is having an amazing season this year, today's loss to the Cardinals not withstanding. Here's the article, including a couple of vidoes with Kitna and Furrey: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=D5C73473-97BD-484A-8AEBFDC539C2150E&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Baylor track star Nichole Jones: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=AC8A85E2-99A5-4CD7-8062DA0C4C47EB87&method=display.

Next, a Christian article about Delaware State men's basketball head coach Greg Jackson, and how the death of his wife made his faith in God stronger: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=BEB647A3-407E-48A6-8AE09717BA277706&method=display.

Here's a Christian article about Boise State soccer player Nicole Tadman, who is also the wife of Boise State football player Marty Tadman: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=EC581394-7932-4589-9AA9AA8E67695936&method=display.

Also, a first-person Christian article by Columbus Crew defender Jed Zayner, who I just have to point out went to college at IU: http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=5099C84F-29A1-4C62-B49A90591BBF6D65&method=display.

Sticking with IU, here's a blog post by IU runningback Bryan Payton, a Christian, and an excellent essay that he posted about late IU football head coach Terry Hoeppner, a Christian. Hoeppner died last June from complications from brain cancer, and the essay is about Hoeppner and his effect on Payton and the team. Here's the end of the essay:

God works in mysterious ways. I’m not sure why God took Coach Hep from us but I do know that there was a purpose for it. Hep feels no more pain, no more suffering; he has no worries, no sickness. Knowing that was, and still is, very comforting. I believe that God placed Coach Lynch as Hep’s assistant head coach for a reason. Coach Hep had full faith in him and so do the players.

Terry Hoeppner was an extraordinary man. He had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives and he will never be forgotten. We miss him dearly and this season is dedicated to him.

Here's the article: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/11/coach-hep-remembered.html.

Next, an article about NC State women's basketball head coach Kay Yow, a Christian, and how her fight with cancer has inspired others. Here's a couple of quotes from her about inspiring others:

"When they say that, it really gives me a lift because it's at that time I know for sure that I'm not going through it for nothing," Yow said. "That means a lot to me. I have to go through it. I accept that, and I'm not panicked about it because the Lord is in control. But it just would be so saddening if I had to go through it and I couldn't help people.

"But then I see I'm helping others in a greater way than I ever have," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "That's the amazing thing, you know?" ...

"If you start to dwell on the wrong things, it'll take you down fast," Yow said. "Every morning, I wake up and the first thing I think of is I'm thankful. I'm thankful for another day."

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AsoIwk4Tl7lw3eIgNSVvsU5.T4h4?slug=ap-ncstate-yowsfight&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's a Christian article from the Saved in Sports Blog about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/11/02/kurt-warner-the-first-thing/.

Also, a Christian article about former Yankees player and current broadcaster Bobby Murcer, and his battle with brain cancer: http://www.guidepostsmag.com/WEEKLY_FEATURE.ASP?DATE=11/19/2007.

Lastly, an article about Bills safety Donte Whitner, who hosts a contest for single mothers to win a day at a spa. He does it to honor his single mother and grandmother that raise him. Here's the article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071102/SPT02/711020346/tbd/.

That's all for tonight. I'll add some more later this week.

MLB, football, and Petty

Sorry that I haven't been able to write for a few days. It's been kind of a hectic week. So here's a kind of long list of articles. First, an article about some of the Phillies meeting with President Bush at the Oval Office on September 21st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070921&content_id=2221689&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, a Christian, and how having more patience while hitting has helped him to improve his batting average this season: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2223910&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Next, an article about Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, a Christian, getting his 200th hit of the season on September 21st: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070921&content_id=2221688&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Here's a good Christian article about Christianity's place in sports, especially focusing on Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian. Here's a quote about Tebow:

In a post-game interview after the Florida-Tennessee game last week, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow calmly assessed the Gators' performance, thanking fans and his teammates for their support.

Then, as he does after almost every game, he thanked, "My Lord and savior Jesus Christ for everything he's done for me."

Here's the article: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070922/NEWS/709220327 (originally found at: http://www.aia.com/news.aspx?newsitem=250).

Also, a good article about Dustin Eglseder, who won the Cubs Ultimate 7th Inning Stretch Competition. The contest was kind of like American Idol, in that fans tried out to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and the winners were voted on by fans. Eglseder, who just recently finished chemotherapy treatments for a rare form of bone cancer, won the contest and sang the song during the 7th Inning Stretch in the Cubs game last Saturday. It was just a nice story for him to win after going through the cancer treatments this year. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070922&content_id=2224019&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Last Thursday night I watched part of the Southern Mississippi/Boise State game on ESPN. During the game, the broadcasters spent a few minutes talking about Boise State senior safety Marty Tadman. They showed on the screen somethings about his life, how he had some troubled high school years, but at 18 had a religious experience and became a Christian minister. They also mentioned how he hoped to continue his career in the NFL, but if not he would continue solely with his ministry instead. I thought that was really cool, so I googled him and came up with an article from his local newspaper in Orange County, California, from a couple of years ago. I couldn't find anything more recent though, but it's a really good biographical article that tells about how after being involved with drinking and drugs in high school, he hit rock bottom, where God found him. After that he became a Christian and his life did a complete 180. He's now a part-time Southern Baptist preacher and speaks around the Boise State campus and elsewhere in Idaho and Utah. Here's the article: http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/sports/sports/article_653386.php.

Next, a Christian blog post on the Saved in Sports blog about NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and how he and his wife Patty (both Christians) turned the heartache after their son Adam's death in a race practice at age 19 seven years ago into good by starting Victory Junction Gang Camp for terminally/severely ill children. Today Petty races from God and his son Adam. Here's the blog post: http://savedinsports.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/kyle-petty-racing-for-the-son/. Here's an article from the blog with more about the Petty's: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/302700/nascar_star_kyle_petty_races_for_his.html.

Here's an article about Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian, and how his defense has improved since the Braves caught a depth-perception problem that he had before last season. Also helping his defense has been increased playing time the last couple of months this season. Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/22/bravesnot_0923.html.

Also, an article about Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife Kim. Kim Hudson is a licensed attorney who was prepared to be the main breadwinner for the family in case the whole baseball thing fell through. She worked until Tim solidified his place in the Majors and she also plans to go back to working after he retires. Now she spends time as her husbands lawyer and helping to raise money for the two organizations that they are mainly involved with, the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Atlanta and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Here are a couple of quotes from both Kim and Tim Hudson:

In his rookie year, the Hudsons had given little thought to the impact a major-league salary and image could bring to the world beyond their own. Then, on a community outreach caravan with the A's, the couple met a terminally ill girl.

She told them that her final wish was to "go to Disneyland, but that was probably too expensive, so she would probably just go to a Sacramento Kings game," Kim recalls. "She was 9, bald, with railroad staples across her head from brain cancer. She was not complaining. My first instinct was to grab a checkbook and make that Disney trip happen.

"For weeks after that we talked about her and what we wanted to do. God puts things in your path and you either act or you don't. Children are put there to guide us in the direction we should go." ...

"You realize how lucky and blessed you are to have healthy kids," Tim says. "I play a kid's game, and I can use that platform to help kids."

Here's the article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/09/22/kimhudson_0923.html.

Here's an AWESOME Christian article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, a Christian, and how he's lead a Christian revival with the Lions since he came there as a free agent before last season. The article talks about how their Christian beliefs has helped to bring together a fractured team and how important their beliefs are to their success on the field. The article also mentions other Christians on the team, including wide receiver Mike Furrey, linebacker Boss Bailey, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and kicker Jason Hansen. Here's a quote:

Maybe it's the dozens of coaches and players who pack hotel conference rooms for chapel on Saturday night, or the players and families who cram into a basement for Bible study on Mondays, or the ever-expanding circle of prayer after practice on Wednesdays. And Thursdays. And Fridays.

Or maybe it's Jon Kitna, the starting quarterback, who overcame a concussion last Sunday to lead the Lions to victory and then called his return a miracle, who decorated his locker with drawings of the cross and prints of scripture, who is absolutely convinced that his presence in Detroit is not a happenstance.

But a mission.

From God.

"(Kitna) has a way of touching people," said his coach, Rod Marinelli. "You can feel it all over the field."

A lot of his teammates can, too.

There is a spiritual movement bubbling in Allen Park. The quarterback is the conduit.

"I'm not naive enough to think that my life is about football," Kitna explained this week. "God uses football to shape me. But he also uses it to give me a platform to speak, to proclaim the gospel."

Here's the article: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/SPORTS01/709230629 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, another good Christian article, this one about Titans center Kevin Mawae and how he became a Christian after his older brother was killed in a car accident several years ago: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/SPORTS01/709230414/1027 (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5671).

Here's an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, who isn't complaining about not being the starter (yet), even though he's played better than the starter Matt Leinart. Here's a quote from Warner about it:

"I still feel like I can play at a very high level," Warner said. "I think there's a lot of teams out there I could start for. You know your window is only so big — you want to play as much as you can. I've thought about it; I would love to be out there playing. But, right now, this is where it's at.

"I love being a Cardinal. I love working with Matt."

Here's the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2007-09-23-Cardinals-Warner_N.htm?csp=34.

Also, a couple of articles from an incident during last Sunday's Colts/Texans game when Texans special teams player Cedric Killings injured his neck while tackling during a kickoff. Killings will be okay (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10378013/rss). Here's some quotes from Colts lineman Dwight Freeney and head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, about it:

"The ref was pushing me away," Freeney said. "I wanted to go tell him, 'Hang in there. We're praying for you.' Something like that...." ...

"After the Everett incident I think we're all sensitive to that," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "Everyone is hopeful and prayerful that he's going to be OK."

Here's that article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/SPORTS03/709240373.

Here's a quote from Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, also a Christian, in the second article:

"You don't have the luxury of choosing when to lay up or hit a guy hard," linebacker Gary Brackett said. "Obviously, you want to wish him and his family well and you pray for him and you want to make sure he's all right. But you've still got to play the game."

Here's the second article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=An_qFH3f3KNP23ueinxS1rh.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dangerousgame&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Here's an article about Colts punter Hunter Smith, a Christian, and the tackle he made on a punt return during that Colts/Titans game last Sunday: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/SPORTS03/709240369.

Lastly, a good Christian article about Twins outfielder Lew Ford and how his faith has helped him out through all of the ups and downs of his baseball career: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5670.

sports misc.

First of all, an article about the North Carolina-Pembroke head football coach Pete Shinnick, and his emphasis on family. He and his other coaches have their kids with them in their football offices, and he also makes sure that he and the coaches frequently have their evenings free to spend with their families. Here's the article: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=269624 (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's an article about Focus on the Family joining with the NFL to fight a pro-gambling bill in Congress: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20253076/ (originally found at: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5651).

Next, an article about Major League Lacrosse's Denver Outlaws Matt Hanna and what he does to help others, both with lacrosse and in the community as a whole: http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/news/index.html?article_id=780.

Here's an article about Bluffton University (a Christian college) baseball head coach James Grandey attending a Braves game, sitting in the owner's box at Turner Field. It was Grandey's first return to Atlanta after the Bluffton team's fatal bus crash there on the way to a tournament in Florida last March. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10295438/rss.

Also, another article about Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton's (a Christian) return to the Reds lat Sunday after an injury. Here's another quote from him about the significance of his return being just in time for the Reds Faith Day on Sunday:

... He was just happy Sunday that he was able to return to Cincinnati in time for the Reds' Faith Day at Great American Ball Park where Hamilton and his wife, Katie, Reds video coordinator Johnny Narron and NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz addressed the several thousand fans that stayed after the game with the Padres to listen to them speak and then a post-game concert by a Christian rock band [MercyMe].

"Compared to what I've been through in my life, it wasn't much," Hamilton said of the injuries. "It's all part of God's plan for me. He obviously had a plan for me to get out there and be able to talk today."

Here's the article: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/SPT05/708140325/1035/SPT.

Here's a couple more articles about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, being named by President Bush to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AjUkZ3zHdwzVRsUvG0k9cJ1.T4h4?slug=ap-colts-dungy&prov=ap&type=lgns and http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6931632.

Next, a couple of articles about Braves manager Bobby Cox's record-breaking ejection last Tuesday. Cox argued a called third strike against Braves 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, after Jones argued the call. By arguing Cox was able to draw attention away from Jones and keep him in the game. That became huge when Jones later knocked in the winning run in the 9th inning. So no matter what anyone may think about Cox's huge number of ejections, he has a reason for it. Here's a quote about it from Braves outfielder Matt Diaz, a Christian:

... "He went out and had Chipper's back. That's why we love playing for him. I've never seen him get ejected just to get ejected. There's always a reason."

Here's that article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/08/14/cox_0815.html.

Here's a quote from MLB umpire Dale Scott about Cox's ejections:

Cox's intentions weren't to spark his team. Instead, he was simply once again protecting one of his players -- something that has drawn respect from many of the umpires who have played a role in the setting of this record.

"One thing about Bobby is he protects his players," veteran umpire Dale Scott said after Cox was ejected on May 26. "He goes out there and makes sure his players don't get run. He does his job. It's not because umpires are looking to get him, it's because he steps up and gets his guys' backs. Some managers kind of let the guys go. He doesn't. I think that's why he has a lot of ejections. That's a good attribute for him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070814&content_id=2148876&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's an article about IU football team's jersey patch and helmet decal to honor their late coach Terry Hoeppner, who died from complications from brain cancer in June: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/SPORTS0601/708150436/1069/SPORTS0601.

Also, an article about Heat rookie guard Daequan Cook surprised kids by helping to teach them swimming safety, along with a surprise visit from Dwayne Wade: http://www.nba.com/heat/news/cook_wade_lts.html?rss=true.

Lastly, I've been watching the Little League World Series a lot since it started yesterday afternoon. One of last night's games was between Lake Oswego, Oregon and Warner Robins, Georgia, and one of the players on the Oregon team is Mitch Lomax, son of former Cardinals quarterback Neil Lomax, a Christian. During last night's game, Neil Lomax was interviewed during the game on ESPN, and he was asked about all four of his kids. He replied with something like (sorry, I didn't remember the exact words) "God has really blessed us with four healthy kids." Also, Lomax's oldest son is a quarterback at Boise State, who is currently trying to win the starting job there. Here's the website for the Little League World Series: http://www.littleleague.org/worldseries_2007/index.html.

MLB misc., Glenn, etc.

First, an article about Diamondback's shortstop Stephen Drew, a Christian, and the positive attitude that he's had this year even though his struggled hitting some: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/0721dbside0722.html (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070723&content_id=2103790&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Here's an article about Mariners pitcher Miguel Batista helping the Native Americans on reservations in Arizona, which he started in two stints with the Diamondbacks: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070724&content_id=2105872&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp.

Next, an article about Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio announcing last week that he's retiring at the end of the year, after playing his entire 20 year Hall-of-Fame caliber career with the Astros. One of his reasons for retiring was to spend more time with his wife and three kids. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070724&content_id=2106471&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Here's an article about Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, a Christian, and his mentoring of younger pitchers in the Yankees bullpen: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070724&content_id=2106595&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy.

Also, an article about Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, a Christian, and how important a letter he received from fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong was to him while he was going through cancer treatments last fall. I think it shows how much something as seemingly small as an letter of encouragement can mean to someone who is going through a difficult time. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2947987.

Here are some articles about the retirement of Colts left tackle Tarik Glenn, a Christian, last week. The first aritcle is on how difficult the decision to retire was for Glenn to make: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=9cf97d9a-8daf-4ef4-8305-9dd4da13140f.

The next article is on how difficult and emotional Glenn's decision was for Colts owner Jim Irsay: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=dd6019d1-6b0c-4dfe-9abb-f63d8afaff11.

Here's the letter that Glenn read at his press conference to announce his retirement. The thing to note is how important God and prayer were in his making his decision: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=008bd66d-4a01-4123-8172-07a2d0b0ed78.

Another article about Glenn's retirement is a column from the Indianapolis Star sports columnist: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070725/COLUMNISTS01/707250456/1247/SPORTS.

The last article about Glenn is a reflection on him and his retirement from Colts rookie offensive lineman and possible replacement Tony Ugoh, offensive line coah Howard Mudd, and head coach Tony Dungy (a Christian): http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=d38f95ae-b1b8-4baf-8e76-1bdae219500a.

Next, an article about the trade of Scott Linebrink, a Christian, from the Padres to the Brewers last week. What complicated things for him and his family is that his wife is due any day with their first child. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070727&content_id=2113006&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about Boise State wide receiver Ian Johnson and his girlfriend's wedding. He proposed to her after scoring the winning touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl last January. Because Johnson's black and his new wife is white, he unfortunately got threatening racist letters and phone calls before the wedding. Here's a quote from the article about the wedding:

Before Boise State running back Ian Johnson married the girl he proposed to on national television, the couple prayed to end prejudice.

Johnson and Chrissy Popadics, the cheerleader he proposed to after scoring the winning points in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, were married Saturday in a traditional ceremony at Cathedral of the Rockies First United Methodist Church.

Here's the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-boisestate-johnson&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Also, an article about former MLB player and current Mobile BayBear (Diamondbacks Double-A) manager Brett Butler, a Christian, having had a mild stroke on Friday night. He's doiong okay, but could use some prayers. Here's the article: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070729&content_id=281729&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp.

Another note: 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg, a Christian, was designated for assignment by the Astros today, and they're trying to trade him. This is after they got Ty Wigginton from the Devil Rays on Saturday. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070729&content_id=2116718&vkey=trade2007&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Lastly, a website for a new biography about the late former college and NBA star Pete Maravich, a Chrsitian: http://maravichbook.com/.