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Dear Shiloh Family,

You miss the army of adults required to corral those wild munchkins. One can't see the candy nor hear the threats and bribes given up for one second of captured memory. And after the one, two, three, cheeeeze the party begins. Oh, the photographer would need a wide-angle lens with circle vision capabilities, and the shutter would have to be turbo fast. The metamorphosis from angels to ants is instantaneous and mindboggling. 

Also hidden are nights filled with snotty noses, peepee diapers, and poop trails. Muffled are coughs, sneezes and cries of pain. The picture gazer cant feel the anxiety of a fever ridden forehead, or the anticipation of awaiting a Drs report. A picture frame will never capture sleepless nights laden with earnest prayers and tear-stained pillows.  

No, these wonderful still shots are mere moments created to make us smile. Real life struggle is what makes the moments special; parents know the sacrifice of love behind the camera. 

Adults are no different. We enter the sanctuary of worship bearing smiles, handshakes, and our Sundy-go-to-meeting best. Love and honey flows from our lips like a babbling brook. A façade of hellos and howdies hide the pain and struggles of real lifeand the praises go up. And this Pastor appreciates each and every one of you.

I am so thankful for a family of believers who, in spite of hurt, cheaviness, and haunts of the past, continue to fill Gods house with your presence and praises. Many of you wade through the muck of adversity and press on with below E energy levels. 

Job 23:10:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. NKJV

Psalm 37:18-19:18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. NKJV

More importantly, God the Father is noticing as well. I know this because He is rewarding your efforts. People are responding to your outpouring love and devotion to the church and attached community. When you think no one cares about your situation. He does. He cares, and He knows! Don't stop! Don't quit! In the end, our Heavenly Father won't present you memorabilia. No, my brothers and sisters; He will reward you with a crown of righteousness. Stay the course.

2 Timothy 4:7-9: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. NKJVPromises of the world create empty vessels. Gods promises fill those vessels with His Spirit. 

Beneath the surface is the reality that validates the outward appearance.

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell