Go, Therefore, and Make Disciples

"It's showing on the outside what's happened on the inside."

This is what Merrilee told our pastor when he asked her what she understood Holy Baptism to be. He spent about an hour with her a couple weeks ago in order to get to know her better and talk to her about her desire to be baptized.

The past two churches in which Jay and I have had membership practice infant baptism. Jay and I do not discount the validity of infant baptism, but our desire is that each of our children will make his or her own decision to place Christ in a position of Lordship over their lives, and will feel the call to public baptism according to the tradition of John who baptized Jesus. In many churches this form of baptism is called baptism "by profession of faith", as opposed to "infant baptism". In none of the churches we've ever attended has either form of baptism ever been a means of salvation; salvation comes through Christ alone. Baptism is not required nor necessary for eternal life, and nowhere in the Bible is the opposite ever true. Baptism by profession of faith is, however, the public proclaimation that one has acknowledged his sinful nature and recognizes his need for the saving grace that only comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus--the only One who can redeem us from our sins and make us righteous in the eyes of God. This is the Baptism we desire for our children; a profession of faith in Jesus before the church and the world.



Merrilee made a genuine decision to accept Christ as her Savior when she was four years old. I remember that precious evening when it happened, and I have never doubted her faith since then. If anything, she has grown stronger and more deliberate in her growth as a Christian. Unfortunately, she was not able to be baptized in our previous church at such a young age outside of infant baptism, so we chose to wait until we were members of a church which would allow her to be baptized by profession of faith. Today we were blessed to have our first child take part in this beautiful and holy sacrament.

As she waited for Mr. Mike to introduce her, she very excitedly grinned and wiggled. I don't think I've ever seen her so, well, wiggly! I whispered to her, asking if she was nervous, and she replied "No, I'm just so excited!" And she truly was; she had been waiting for this day for two and a half years. Then Mr. Mike asked her some standard questions prior to baptizing her. The two of them had discussed the questions earlier, and Merrilee knew she was to answer the questions with a loud "Yes" so the congregation could hear. When Mr. Mike came to the question "Will you live your life in a way that is becoming of a follower of Christ?" (in other words, will you behave as a Christian should behave), she boldly and honestly proclaimed "I will try my very best!" I was so proud of her honesty and candor at that moment. Even the pastor was touched and repeated her answer loudly so the congregation could hear. None of us can truly answer "yes" to such a question, but I would certainly hope each of us would try our very best. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

We look forward to Merrilee's continued sanctification as she grows in her relationship with the Lord. And I eagerly await the day she, herself, shares the Gospel and disciples others in the Faith. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Working Vacation

Jay had to take a trip to Florida again for work, so the kids and I once again followed along and got to enjoy staying at the Navy Lodge at Mayport. I really do love going there, even though there's nothing fancy about the rooms or the base. It's just so convenient to the beach and the cost is minimal.

We were not able to get a single room with two beds this time, so we had to get two rooms. The girls and boys split up, which made for a couple of late nights of snacking in bed, and watching and laughing at some horrible performances on America's Got Talent. The girls and I enjoy little sleepovers like this once in awhile!

Katie Mei got her first real taste of swimming in the ocean. She had put her feet in the water before, but that was back in January when it was way too cold to do much more. This time she got to experience wading out to her waist and feel the waves knock her about. She wasn't impressed at first, and just begged to be held. She'd tolerate the waves, letting me lift her over them, and then she'd ask to go back onto the sand to play. But more and more frequently she'd come back to the water and ask me to help her stand in it. By our second day there, she was willing to stand on her own two feet with me only holding one hand, and she'd try to jump over the waves herself. It was fun to see her start to enjoy it. I have always loved the beach, and I really do want my kids to enjoy it as much as I do.





Jacob and Merrilee have never had the chance to use the kickboard in moving water before, so learning to "surf" the waves was a new experience for them. Now Merrilee wants a full-size Boogie Board for Christmas! I'd better plan on buying one before summer is over because I'm pretty sure they're not going to be at Wal-Mart in December.









Jacob never really got the hang of body surfing. He always seemed to miss the wave by going too early or too late.

Merrilee figured out how to "catch the wave" right away. She usually had some great rides!

Mind you, I said "usually"!

Katie Mei just enjoyed making castles in the sand.

For some reason, the girls' room was the gathering place when we had some down time. Maybe it was because the snacks managed to find their way into our room instead of the guys' room.

The girls and I enjoyed our breakfast cereal and coffee out on the porch, while Jay went for an early morning run and Jacob hung out watching morning TV. Yes, Katie Mei has a little cup of coffee, too. She likes very sweet, milky coffee now and then. It figures it would be my heart baby who likes caffiene. She only gets a tiny bit of coffee in the milk, and we only give it to her once in a blue moon. But she really enjoys it, much to the amazement of Merrilee who abhors the taste of coffee.

It's already July and I'm supposed to be thinking about ordering textbooks for a few of our classes that I haven't taken care of yet. But honestly, I'm still enjoying summer break too much to think about it. I hope we get the opportunity to get back to the beach at least one more time before September; I still have some energy left for a little more wave jumping!