Random & Reflection #9

So it has been long time, too long.  If you blog or do web design on a particular computer and have to switch all of your files to a difference computer it might take awhile to get back into blogging and updating your website.  Most people it might take a day or 2.  For me, it apparently it takes 9 1/2 months.  I just uploaded 15 new cards to "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog".  I am getting use to new picture editing software, so hopefully the updates won't be too far between.  But now it a little time for some R&R.

The Random:
1992 Leaf #255 George Brett (. After inc.)

The only cool thing about collecting Donruss/Leaf cards in the late 80s and early 90s was that there were several variations of these cards.  Most of the cards could not decide whether there should be a "." at the end of INC.  Others could not decide how to denote...Denote.  I even talked about them in a previous blog: Wednesday Top Ten - Variation Cards.

The Reflection:
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

I once had a preacher explain to me that if we are a true believer in Christ, death is like a water balloon, but death to an unbeliever was like a nuclear bomb.  As Christians we should not fear death. That does not give us free reign to be reckless, but gives us freedom to live for Christ, knowing that we are covered.  But that also does not mean that our lives will be easy.  With Easter just behind us, I am reminded of I Peter, which we are to see Jesus as our example on how to live, especially through suffering.  We are told not to be surprised by it and that it is temporary in terms of eternity.   Which is better, a temporary suffering, which is meant to draw us closer to Him, which will turn into an eternity in His presence and surrounded by His glory or seeking glory for yourself temporarily and living an eternity in Hell?  I chose the first.  I pray that the time that God grants me on earth, however long it may be, that it is fruitful for His kingdom.  Then when God chooses for my last breath to happen, death will be like a cool wet water balloon on a hot day.  You might be a little concerned as you see it flying towards you, but when it hits there is a refreshing feeling.  But for now it is getting late and this guy is ready for bed and a good night's rest.  God Bless

Top Ten George Brett Cards That Symbolize America

As promised from earlier today, it is time for another top ten list.  Being that it is The 4th of July it is only fitting that this holiday is the inspiration for my top ten list.  Every card on this list screams Americana to me in some way.  Whether it is the design or it's name, each has it's own patriotic flare.  There will be no 1975 Canadian O-pee-Chee card on this list.  My top ten lists, unless otherwise stated, are limited to cards that I currently own.  The lists are strictly base on my opinion.  Cards might be listed because they have some memorable back story, cool design, or something that simply sticks out, too me, about them.  Feel free to comment, I love talking to other collectors.  To check out the front and back of all of these cards and over 1000 other George Brett cards click here at "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog" and check out my website.

Top Ten George Brett Cards That Symbolize America

10. 1983 Perma-Graphic All-stars #1

You can't get any more patriotic then the Red, White, & Blue with Stars, Right? Some day I am going to do a top ten card brand list and the Perma-graphics are definitely in my top 5, maybe even my top 2.  I am going to have to give it some serious thought, though.  Nice design, but with most of Brett's posed cards, not the best picture,









9. 1988 Play Ball America

Some might argue that Football has become America's sport, and there is probably a lot of truth to it.  Baseball, though, is still considered "The American Pastime".  I chose this card mainly for the name of the card.  These late 80s Broder cards are fun to collect and I have a couple complete sets of them.









8. 1999 Hasbro Starting Lineup #1


Again, whats more American that Old Glory, the Stars & Stripes, and the Red, White, and Blue.  All names for the flag that stands higher than all other flags, well at least here in America.  I wish that they would have just put the entire flag in this card, but I wasn't the designer.








7. 1990 All American Baseball Team #1

Again this one was mainly because of the title, but it still has a very American feel to the card.  It makes me laugh how they could put the team name on the card, but could not have the teams logo's anywhere on the picture.  If you look at most of the oddball cards from this era, you will see many examples of this.









6. 1976 Hostess #114

What's more American than Twinkies! I say nothing.  Since 1930 it was one of the most request kid's snack. In 2012, when America saw the last package of Twinkies sold, because of bankruptcy, Americans stepped up an demanded their Twinkies be returned.  What American's want, Americans get.  Sometimes I wish they would get that passionate and organized about things other than snack foods.  








5. 1993 American Holding Company 6 Card Set

There is nothing terribly American about this set except the fact that it has the name American in the title.  I can not find much information about the American Holding Company, besides the fact that they did a couple of these six card player sets.  This is one of my favorite sets of George Brett cards and I don't get to feature it very often.  I like it way better than the Star sets.  To see all of the cards in  this set, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.







4. 2015 Panini Prizm #16 Fireworks Prizm & #165 Red/White/Blue Mojo Prizm

Finally something recent, and a 2 for 1!  With a brand name like Panini, you know it screams "I'm American!"  But what's more traditional on the 4th of July than watching Fireworks, whether they be legal or illegal, with a red, white, and blue backdrop.  I am doing both of these cards because they are the same year, same brand, and have similar designs.  Honestly when I decided to do this list I thought that they were a variation of the same card at first.  I do like the prizm design and fact that there is a prizm on top of the prizm.  Very hard to tell in the pictures.


















3. 2002 Topps American Pie American Sluggers #19



I will admit that this was a tough top ten list, but I just didn't want to choose a color...don't make me do it.  I love this set.  One of the reasons I love it is because I have the complete set of 4.  Though, I can swear it looks like Topps airbrushed out his puffy chaw cheek.

2. 1990 Score McDonalds #19

I am not sure if there is a brand that is more recognizable to kids in America.  You can not miss the golden arches while you are driving down the interstate.  Whether it be on a billboard or the restaurant itself. I can remember as a kid when I saw them asking (or maybe "telling" is a better word) my mom and dad that I wanted to go to McDonald's.  Granted it was way cooler when I was a kid and they actually had characters other than a creepy clown.  Who remembers Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese?  All forgotten by today's kids, but loved by my generation.  It has been over a year since I did my overall top ten list and I did not own this card at that time, but it would definitely be on it if I redid it today.

1. 1991 Topps Dessert Shield #2 & #540

What makes America great?  Its the people that gave their live for us to make sure that we are free.  Those freedoms include to celebrate on this day and tell how great our nation is.  They also gave us the freedom to spout hateful things about our nation.  Things that in many nations would be deemed treasonous and worthy of death.  That's how great our nation is, and I think that most people forget that freedom, because once it's gone, this country will cease to be that "shining city upon a hill."  We can say what we want, but only because of brave men and women who sacrificed themselves for this country.  These cards were distributed to men and women that were fighting overseas during Operation Dessert Shield.  I feel it an honor to have them in my collection.  

Thanks for checking out my top ten.  Check back regularly for my semi-regular blog called "Random and Reflections."  Also, again, don't forget to check out my website, "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog".

Random & Reflection #8

It is July 4th and it’s a day to bar-b-que, hang out with friends, and watch both legal and illegal explosions in the air, but it also a day to reflect on what we have and who we are as a country.  We as Americans like to whine and complain about things going on, and I will say that it is on all sides on the political spectrum, but we do not realize that is one of our greatest freedoms that we have.  To say what is on our mind.  Most countries do not share in this freedom, which is what makes America great, even if I disagree with most of what people are saying.  Anyway, it has been a week and a half since I blogged and I think it is time for a little R&R.

The Random

2016 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini #317 Short Print

I use a random generator to select which card I am going to write about.  The number spread I have is 1 to 1017, because that is how many different Brett cards I currently have.  To my surprise the randomly generated number was 1017.  I have grown too really like the Gypsy Queen cards.  I collected a large amount of them in 2015.  I will say I do like the dark green border on the 2015s way better than the light border on the 2016s.

The Reflection

Psalm 33:12

Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh— the people He has chosen to be His own possession!

Not a surprise that Bible gateway put a verse up today with possible symbolism for the holiday. ;-) This is an awesome chapter of Psalm. The chapter starts off with rejoicing in the Lord, praising the Lord, and skillfully sings new songs to the Lord.  We do this because the word of the Lord is right and trustworthy.    This verse also states that God made the Earth and all that dwells on it and has control over all of it too.  Do we trust that this is a true statement?  In our world it feels like things our totally out of control.  Not just in America, but globally.  Whether it is people not happy with particular candidates, uncertainty with the EU, terrorism in the name of a deity, it appears to be a scary place and no one seems to have any answers.  In verse 10 it states that the Lord frustrates the counsel of nations, meaning the groups that are in charge of the people.  That feels like an understatement right now.  Then it states that He thwarts the plans of people, meaning that nothing political is going to stand for a very long time.  There is a constant ebb and flow of political decisions, one group in power is going to change this policy and the next group in power will change it again.  But God counsel will stand forever and His plans will remain forever.  That is why it states that “happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh.” Because they have chosen to put their faith in God, who doesn’t change and won’t let them down over a faith is a political structure.  Christians need to stop thinking that putting the right person in political power is going to save us.  Only God, through Jesus Christ can do that.

Have a great, blessed day.  Check back later tonight for a Top Ten List with a patriotic twist.   

http://georgebrettcards.weebly.com/

Random & Reflection #7

My wife and kids are out of town for the weekend.  For some men this is a time to party, hang out with the guys, or cross off some items from the honey-do list.  I choose to do some R&R.

The Random

 2013 Topps Chasing History Holofoil #CH23

It took me a little while to understand the difference between this card and the standard card.  From afar they are very similar, to see the difference you have to hold them closely to your eyes and tilt the card from side to side.  Then you can see the holofoil.

The Reflection

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.

It’s amazing how many of the passages that I have been reflecting on have been about how God’s strength is far greater than mine and how I need to stop trusting in my own abilities and trust only in God’s.  I could blame biblegateway.com, because that is where I am getting the verses, but I am sure it is God gently nudging or slapping me in the back of the head to try and get my attention.   I have no chance against the power of Satan on my own.  He knows my weaknesses, better than I do.  If we trust and follow God, He is faithful to us.  This passage says that He will strengthen and guard us.  What it doesn’t say is that the evil one will go away.  If God just sent the evil one away, why would we need Him to strengthen and guard us?  God does not want a once and forget it relationship with us, He wants us to put our lives in His hands, trusting that he will be faithful and lead us to wherever  He has set before us.

Have a great, blessed day.    

Check out my website at http://georgebrettcards.weebly.com/

Random & Reflection #6

How many people can say the can remember what they were doing 13 years ago today.  I can!  I woke up next to my wife and told her “I love you.”  You see, it was the first morning of our marriage.  That first morning our marriage was new, exciting, and full of anticipation.  13 years later, my wife and I have laughed together, cried together, argued together, had 2 beautiful kids together, and lived life together.  After 13 years the words “I love you” does not mean the same as they did that first morning.  Those 3 little words mean way more now, because I choose to love my wife through thick and thin, and every little thing that she does that get under skin, and I am so blessed that she does the same for me.  I would like to say a very happy anniversary to my very beautiful wife.  13 for most people is an unlucky number, but to me it’s a reminder how God has blessed me by bringing us together.  She puts up with me, way more than I have to put up with her.  Now that I am done with all of the sappiness and this very long intro, how about some R&R

The Random

1987 SportFlics Exclusive Collector’s Offer

 

To some this might not be technically a card.  The cards stock is quite a bit thinner than normal cards and this was meant to be mailed off to get a special card.  Reading the back it appears that there were 2 cards that were shipped out as part of this offer.  The 4.5” Superstar card, which I have, and a Cooperstown card, which I cannot find any info on.  I see in 1989 they made a set of Cooperstown card, but…oh well, Sportsflics is still one of my favorite brands of cards.   

The Reflection

Psalms 121:7-8 (HCSB)

The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

Do you remember in "Finding Nemo" after Marlin said “I promised that I would never let anything happen to Nemo,” Dory says, “Hmm…That’s a funny thing to promise.”  Marlin meant that he would never let anything bad happen, but because of that he never let Nemo do anything.  We as parents do the same thing.  We can’t make this promise to our Children because we have limited control over certain aspect of their life, and really no control with the life circumstances and other people that surround them.  So the question is if we as parent cannot protect our children, and I will also say ourselves, from all harm, can God?

If we read these 2 verses by themselves and do not put any context with it we are too believe God will protect us from everything that can and will harm us.  We can go where ever we please and we will have this little protection bubble that surrounds us.  I don’t know about you, but I see or feel no bubble.  This chapter of Psalms starts with “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  These verses are a call for people to seek God and understand that He is their help, Stop relying on anything else to protect you, especially yourself.  Reading this chapter I see 3 great reasons why God is a better protector than I would ever be.  First, he made the world and understands what truly going on…he sees the big picture and we usually only see a small sliver of what’s really going.  Second, God does not need to rest.  I get tired easily.  I love naps.  In fact I hope to take one later today.  God doesn’t need a nap, He is always watching where His children are going and there is no hiding from Him.  Third, He desires that we trust Him with His protection.  We have free will to choose where we go and how we will get there, but if we are truly walking with the Lord, it will really be the Lord leading and us following.  We need to trust where God is leading us will be the best for us.

Will harm come to us if with are following the Lord and being protected by Him?  Not in the same way as if we were running through life without Him.  Our understanding of it will be different.  It won’t be a self-centered, poor-is-me; it’s the end of the world as we know it attitude, but the attitude of Christ, knowing that there is a greater-than-now time coming.  Hebrews  12:2 says “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.” Our attitude needs to be that of Christ, understanding that if we are following God and allowing His protection, we won’t be focused on today’s trouble. It will pale in comparison to that one day, when we will be in the presence of God.

It’s a little bit longer that a normal R&R, but thanks for sticking it out.  Have a great, blessed day.  

  

Check out my website at http://georgebrettcards.weebly.com/

Top Ten George Brett Cards Produced Since Becoming a Dad

On an early Thursday morning in the middle of February in 2005, my 9+ month pregnant wife and I went in for a non-stress test and a ultra-sound to get an idea when we should hope to see the new addition to our family.  We were told that we would be there for around an hour and be sent home.  I took the morning off from work fully intending to go in the afternoon, but plans changed and the nurse told us that we, well at least my wife, weren't going home without our son.  Around 30 hours later my wife and I became parents of a literally bouncing baby boy.  Three years later his sister came along.  Children change outlook on life.  You are now responsible for someone else's life and well being. It has been over 2 months since I last did a top ten, so I thought it would be cool to do a top ten George Brett cards that have been produced since I became a dad in 2005, in honor of Fathers Day.  I will say that this era of cards do not hold as dear of a place in my heart as ones from his playing days, starting 3 decades earlier, but there are a few gems.  My top ten lists, unless otherwise stated, are limited to cards that I currently own.  The lists are strictly base on my opinion.  Cards might be listed because they have some memorable back story, cool design, or something that simply sticks out, too me, about them.  Feel free to comment, I love talking to other collectors.  To check out the front and back of all of these cards and over 1000 other George Brett cards click here at "The Unofficial George Brett Card Catalog" and check out my website. Top Ten George Brett Cards Produced Since Becoming a Dad 10. 2013 Panini Father's Day Museum Collection #MC1 It's hard not to pick a card that came out on Father's Day.  Nice design and I like the colors, but I would have liked the border to be a bit narrower. 9. 2005 Bazooka Fun Facts Relics #GB (Game Used Bat Piece) This was the first memorabilia card I ever bought.  It was fairly cheap and "Fun Fact" it's fun to look at. 8. 2014 Stadium Club Legends Die-Cuts #LDC-6 I like die-cut cards.  They go against the norm of solid 4-sided rectangle.  What's not to like. 7. 2015 Topps Museum Collection - Canvas Collection Reprints #CCR-28  I also really like drawn cards.  To me they bring out youthful feelings, because I use to love to draw when I was a kid.  I drew a pretty mean Alf if I do say so myself. 6. 2008 Topps Triple Threads Sepia #53 (s/n 294/525) I have recently started enjoying buying serial numbered cards.  When you think about how many thousands and thousands of standard cards a series like Topps makes and these particular cards have a very limited run, it give you a special feeling,  Now saying that, I don't think I will have the special honor of having a 1 of 1 card any time soon. 5. 2013 Hometown Heroes Homegrown Heroes #11 George Brett I really don't have a good explanation why this card is so high on the list.  It's a cool design and I just like it. 4. 2012 Topps Archives Cloth Stickers #GB  All of these cards produced in this time frame that I have chosen to highlight are from well after Brett retired.  So many of the brands like to showcase past successes.  One of my top ten George Brett cards is the 1977 Topps Cloth Sticker card.  It's also probably the card I have the most of.  When I saw this card come on the market it had to be mine.  Unfortunately, I was way to eager to get this card and paid way to much for it, thinking that it was going to be a high value card.  Well, it's now highly valued only by me. 3. 2015 Topps Tribute #86 Sometime you after you paid for a card you get this sinking feeling that you paid way too much for it.  See #4 for a great example.  Sometime you buy one and say, man I go a great deal on this one.   I have found patience is usually the key when buying a baseball card.  Usually one will pop up for a price that you can't refuse.  When I saw this card I new I wanted it, but didn't want to pay the price most sellers were asking.  Finally I found one in a budget that I was willing to pay and it was mine. 2. 2005 Donruss Elite Teams Green #8 w/Bo Jackson & Frank White (s/n 257/750) I don't only collect George Brett cards, but I also collect Royals cards from the late 80's early 90's.  I have a almost complete Frank White set from when he was an active player and a very large Bo Jackson collection, mainly focusing on when he played for the Royals and Raiders.  I have a few very rare Jackson cards that do not come up for sale very often and a large Odd-Ball & Broder collection of Jackson cards as well.  I might do a Bo Jackson top ten sometime. Honorable Mentions:  Notice any similarities? From Right to left 2006 Topps Rookie of the Week #12 2012 Topps Archives Reprints #228 2013 Topps Manufactured Commemorative Rookie Patch #RCP9 2014 Topps Manufactured Commemorative Rookie Patch #RCP9 2016 Topps - Berger's Best #BB-24   1. 2010 Topps Cards Your Mom Threw Out Original Back #CMT82 This shouldn't be a surprise, but in 2010 is when I started recollecting George Brett cards.  My first card collected was a 1975 rookie and pretty close to the second card was the other variation to this card, which has a commemorative back.  Well that wasn't good enough for me and I had to have the original back.  It didn't take long before this card was in my small collection at that time.  Six years and over 1000 George Brett cards later and I still have the drive to collect. But for now it is late and this guy is ready for bed.  Good night!

Random & Reflection #5

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s been a long week today”?  That is what yesterday has felt like.  With no electricity last night, I thank God that he decided to turn the natural AC down.  Almost 10 hours later the power is back on, one of our air conditioners doesn’t work, and everything in our refrigerator is probably spoiled.  Even with all of that, God is still good.  How about some R&R

 
The Random

1984 Topps Stickers #275 

I swear these are random, but the shear amount of Topps sticker cards means that this type of card might pop up a couple of times.  I wonder sometimes if George just does not pose well for pictures.  Most of his posed cards he looks disinterested about the photo and because of this some of the faces that they produced on his cards are classics, in an awesomely awkward type of way.

The Reflection

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day and I can’t think of a better verse to call fathers to attention about what they need to do in their homes.  Growing up I can remember a dad telling me that he did the sports and the mom did the church thing.  Not surprisingly, the kids ended up doing the sports thing and mom gave up on the church, because she had no support from dad.  Dads, we have way more influence on our kid, especially our sons, than we like to give ourselves credit for.  This verse calls for dads to do 2 things.  One, do not purposely anger our children in a way that would cause them to sin.   Our children will be mad at us from time to time, because we had to discipline them in a way that honors God, but in discipline we are correcting a sinful behavior, not encouraging it.  We know what makes our children tick, in the same way they know how to get us ticked, too, and we are not to agitate that for the purposes of sinful means.  Second, we are commanded to teach and train them in the ways of the Lord.  You might say, “isn’t that the Church’s job?  Isn’t that what Sunday school is for?”  NO!  It is supplementary at best.  Are you telling me that 1 hour a week is plenty to teach and train you kids?  A high school sports team will train around 15 to 20 hours a week to prepare for a game that last less than an hour.  How much more do we need to teach and train our children to prepare them for a life outside of our homes and the protection of mom and dad?  Dad’s we are called to do this, this is not mom’s responsibility.  This is something that I struggle to practice what I preach. 

Well, looking at the reset clock it is time for me to get ready for work.  Have a great, blessed day.