c 1970's "Hey, batter, batter, batter, batter!"


PV Baseball: Dustin Yoder, 2010

With fingers already disgustingly orange from dipping into the colossal bag of corn curls and a can of Mountain Dew on the bench beside me, I was ready for the game.  My dad played fast pitch softball, and I loved going to his games. As the pitcher, he was the star or the fall guy depending on how the game developed. (Mostly the star! Just ask him how many times he was awarded the mvp on his teams.)  Sitting directly behind the catcher, I could see my dad's intense focus, leaning forward slightly, glove and ball huddled in prayerful conference in front of him as he would stare down the batter. Potential energy became kinetic as Dad whirlwinded his arm and released an amazingly accurate fast moving pitch into the glove of the catcher.
"STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!" barked the hefty, animated umpire.



My Dad

Focused. Disciplined. Practiced. Excellent. Yep, that was my dad, the pitcher.

I often get annoyed when preachers use sport stories to make points, because I am not particularly into athletics unless someone I know is playing.  (Do we really have to keep score?  Can't we just play for fun?) :) I guess the focus, discipline, and events of games do present many life lessons!

This week Brother Mick's sermon is "Staying On Message" reminding us to stay focused on the central message of Jesus; keeping Jesus the center of our lives.  The text is Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus says, "Love God. Love your neighbor." (and we remember who our neighbor is, right?)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:28-34&version=NLT
A few years ago many of us sported the seemingly trite WWJD? (what would Jesus do?) bracelets and T-shirts. I wonder what the world would be like if those of us claiming Jesus as the center of our lives truly engaged that question in our decisions and relationships?

Please join us for worship at Ridgeview Mennonite Church at 10:15am.  Christian Formation classes are at 9:00am. I'll be joining you in the Upper Room at 9.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Most of us in the Lancaster area came through the superstorm relatively unscathed, but many brothers and sisters in other areas are hurting as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
Mennonite Disaster Service is monitoring the effects of the storm and will no doubt be putting together teams in the near future.  http://mds.mennonite.net/ 

December 3 is the church auction.  Be thinking about what you can donate or saving pennies to bid!

For the month of November we will be gathering paper items for The Factory: plates, napkins, bowls, cups, eating utensils, and paper towels.  http://thefactoryministries.com/wordpress/

Saturday Bridge of Hope will be holding their annual kaleidoscope at Ridgeview. http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.org/2012/09/nov-3-kaleidoscope-2012-a-luau-of-hope/

Prayer for today: I lift up my eyes to the hills, From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.Psalm 121:1-2  Creator God, as many in our country and world face devastation today from natural and manmade disasters, we know your light and hope is present.  As your people, let us pour forth from the hills to offer healing and hope, love and respect, peace and kindness to a discordant and hurting world. As votes are cast, regardless of who is elected to the top spot, remind us that You are God and King. Grant us courage to walk your Kingdom way. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd