Archive for July, 2007
MARA American advances!
Jul 11th
A late inning comeback by the MARA National team was foiled by a clutch catch in center field, as the MARA American league All Stars beat the MARA National league All Stars 14-13 in the top of the 6th. There were 5 or 6 home runs in the game, and our boys played great! I guess the hardest thing was playing against families that you know and love; families that we have played with for almost 4 years.
Our rec league is so big that they field two all star teams for Little League playoffs. Most of the time, the parents for each MARA team cheer for each other, no matter where the game is. That is, unless we are against each other. It became very hard not to “verbally” cheer for the kids I know and love on the Nationals….
We now advance one more round in the losers bracket, playing Weddington, who lost last night for the first time. Go MARA!
District 3 playoffs
Jul 8th
My son plays baseball at Matthews Athletic Recreation Association (MARA) in Matthews, NC. They have a wonderful Little League program, and are currently competing in the district playoffs for 11 year olds. I’m really proud of him, and the entire team for coming together. I refuse to comment on their record at this point, because of my firm beliefs in the superstition of baseball…
“God is sovereign, but I’m still superstitious”. Bad theology, but good baseball sense.
Major kudos to Coaches Hall, Kemp, and Gum for their time and dedication to the boys. You guys rock too…
Independence Day
Jul 4th
Happy July 4th everyone. I’m enjoying a day at home, maybe some pool time later, a good old fashioned cookout, and some fireworks. Just a good day of rest.
I grew up in a very conservative (politically) family, and learned about God and country. It was a good thing to be educated on the history and wonder of what God has done for the USA. So, I still weep when I hear the Star Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance, America the Beautiful, and so on.
Derek Webb sings about his allegiance being not being to a country or flag, but to “a King and His Kingdom.” Great thought to think about; however, we do live in the USA. Can’t be passive about your location, or maybe you can. I guess what I’m trying to say is that is my allegiance to the USA based upon childhood training, or heart conviction. For me, it’s a little bit of both.
When I was freelancing and self employed about 15 years ago, I ran into an old friend from college, Vijay, who is from India. When we talked about careers and work, he kept on telling me, “Steve, you are so fortunate; only in America can you do what you want to do (self employed, business owner).” Whether Vijay knew what I did or not, I don’t know. But his words have stuck w/ me for many years.
Politics and the nastiness of them all make me tired of the US Government. And yet, we see the same crud in the church, as people on both sides posture and play politics. Lying, deceit, and shading the truth go on all around us. This is not a symptom of a corrupt political system; it’s a symptom of sin in this broken world.
So Derek Webb is right… the only hope we have is for Christ to return, and set up His Kingdom. Ephesians tells us that He (Christ) will make all things right someday. Question is: do I get on board now, or wait? I’d rather get on board now…