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Dear Shiloh Family,

          It was the perfect day for Little League baseball…sunny, mid 70’s, and very little wind. More importantly, the future stars on the field were shining bright.

     The diamond dudes were fielding, hitting, and catching…well, almost catching. But the guys were doing an awesome job chasing down the ball and running it back to the infield.  However, they were having more fun racing back to the dugout, measuring who could spit the furthest, and seeing who could wear their cap the goofiest.  They were living the dream, fulfilling my three rules of the game, have fun, no crying, and look good in your uniform.

     Everything was going quite well until the umpire made a terrible call.  Terrible call means he made a decision in favor of the other team.  The boys never said a word, but the parents went crazy.  It was as if someone had stolen the perm out of grandma’s new hair-do.  And to make matters worse, the game ended in the middle of the inning.  

     Apparently, the local elementary schools were testing and the league had implemented an 8:30 PM curfew.  It made sense to me.  However, the not so wise ump allowed the visiting team to bat, and they went ahead in the game.  Before the home team could take the field, the clock struck curfew time.  Consequently, they reverted back to the end of the previous inning making the home team the victors.  

     As you can imagine, a few Mommies and Daddies showed themselves (I think I cleaned that up rather well).  The coach gathered the losers in the dugout and with tears in his eyes tried to explain how they had been robbed of a victory.  He seemed very distraught that his supposedly heartbroken team was playing cap-slap, giving wedgies, and flicking boogers.  I’m sorry, but I had to chuckle.  

     The first thing I heard from a couple of players as they exited the post-game meeting was “Hey Mom, can I have my ice cream now?”  

      And the last thing I heard my Grandson say to one of his buddies was, “Hey man, that was fun, see ya at school tomorrow.”

     It was classic.  They weren’t all that concerned about who won or lost.  In fact, most of them didn’t even know the score.  They just knew they were playing baseball with their friends, and they were having a ball.  Yes, that pun was intended. 

     I know baseball hadn’t been invented during Jesus’ time, but I think he knew there would be days like that.  I also know he was indicating how we must come to Jesus for salvation like a little child, but I also think his intentions might have been directed to our participation as well.

Psalm 122:1; I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. KJV

     Oh, that we could forget about the political correctness, traditional etiquette, and petty differences of churchy format.  Why don’t we just enjoy the worship experience, and have fun loving our brothers and sisters in the process of loving our Savior? Wouldn’t it be great if we just got child-like giddy for Jesus?

Mark 10:14-16: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. NKJV

      I have been so excited about everyone who is in the game at Shiloh.  I’m so proud of all of you.  I highlight the College and Career ministry and their help with taking the food to the Children’s home.  Thank you so much.

Small things hold great value when they are measured in the heart.

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell