Do You Remember?

Do you remember when you were baptized? I remember giving my heart to Christ during VBS when I was 12. Then at some point, before it was too cold, I was baptized in Lake Lanier. My parents and grandparents were there as we walked down an old boat ramp. I wore a t-shirt and an old sundress with a safety pin holding the skirt together so it wouldn't fly up when we went into the water. It was cloudy that day, but I don't remember the exact date.

Thirty years later I was sitting with my 7-year-old son during a summer kids night at church with a super strong group of guys who were evangelists. I don't remember the name of the team, but I recall my son saying to me during the altar call that he needed to go up there. He took off by himself and stood fearlessly at the front, ready for the next step. He was baptized the next Sunday in the church baptistery.

This year on 9/9, my daughter went up for an altar call during a special kid's service on Wednesday night. She was excited, but scared to be baptized. No, she wasn't scared of the water. She just didn't want people to look at her. After a couple of months of not forcing the idea, I told her they were baptizing on Christmas Eve. She said ok. Until late that morning I wasn't sure if she would actually do it. She was so nervous that she slept in my bed the night before. But she was determined and she did it!

I Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greek, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Did you happen to notice the common thread in all three accounts? Regardless of the date or decade, the importance of a program specifically for kids was the key. It makes you want to sign up for the next kids event, doesn't it?

Driving Lessons

I've had my 15-year-old drive a few times on nice, easy, 45 mph four lane roads, but today he wanted to go 55. Was he ready? Was I ready? I nodded and we were off. I took him back to the easy road to warm up then we headed to town. What was I thinking? It was the last weekend before Christmas and I was in the passenger seat!

Psalm 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. 

I think the hardest part of teaching someone to drive is knowing what to say. How do you correct someone verbally when it's instinct that you've been using for 30 years? I was using 'slow down' and 'stop'. 'Slow down' was working fine when I just wanted him to decrease his speed, however, 'stop' was confusing him because it was obvious that I didn't want him to stop but rather slow down - a lot.

After a half hour, he told me to stop saying 'stop'. We decided on 'brake' because that's what I wanted him to do. He agreed, but I never got to say it since he was already improving. :)

In the Genes

With this gorgeous 70 degree weather, yesterday found us outside soaking it up. I watched the kids toss a football and sat there chatting with their dad. It wasn't long before I brought up the fact that I had rooted a couple of trees but couldn't dig them up for transplanting. I thought I would need to cut down the saplings because they were too close to another tree. And let me make it perfectly clear that I never asked anyone to dig up the trees, however, it was taken as a challenge. One that no 15-year-old could resist in a desire to show-off his strength. A short time later the work that I couldn't handle was done. I was so happy, as well as impressed with the strength my son had developed taking weight training.

Later I realized that mentioning a job I couldn't do was something my grandma would have done. Growing up and visiting at my grandma's house, I recall my uncles lamenting the fact that each time they visited she mentioned a job that needed to be done. It could be minor or major, but definitely a job that she was not able to do herself - though she most likely tried.

She was strong and faithful. And because her name was Eunice, I often think of this verse.

I Timothy 1:5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

So if in fact I'm beginning to act like my grandma, that's more than okay with me. 

Worth the Risk

I spent hours yesterday decorating for Christmas. The tree was up, a few knick knacks were scattered about, and the outdoor banister and doorway were covered in garland and lights. This year I even pulled out a decoration that I found at an estate sale a few years ago - a small manger made out of metal. I placed it near the house, then realized it was not visible from the road. So, I moved it to the opening of my driveway.

It wasn't long until I got a message from my dad saying that I should move it away from the road because someone might steal it. Hmmm. I've thought about that a lot in the last 24 hours. Move it, don't move it. Should I risk it being stolen? Do I want it to be seen?

Matthew 6:19-20a Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

The worst that can happen is it's gone tomorrow. I will have lost about $5. I have no sentimental attachment to it, other than what it represents. The best that can happen is that one person sees it and is reminded why we really celebrate Christmas. It's settled. I'm going to leave it at the road. I think it's worth the risk.