February 18 - “Kind of a Rule”

We didn’t attend Seaside yesterday.  Instead we were in Texas City at First Baptist Church there for Ezra’s child and family dedication.  I for one really missed being at Seaside, though.  I sent a text of blessing and encouragement to our two leaders of worship, Bob and Jim.  Bob responded with a blessing of his own, and the day began for us both.

The dedication was simple, but nice.  Ezra’s other grandmother was there as well.  The pastor called on the church to welcome him into the fellowship, and then he prayed over him. The church gifted him with a Bible ad a letter to be opened by Ezra on his 12th birthday.  That was an interesting addition.  I am curious what they put in that letter.

The sermon was from none other than Ephesians, the same book I have been teaching through.  His take on chapter two focused on the idea of “Peace.”  Mine leaned more toward “Unity.”  Same Scripture, different slant.  Same power.  In the words of the pastor (which he said numerous times), “I find that very interesting.”

Their worship pastor, John, and I served together at South Oaks Baptist Church in Arlington many ... many ... years ago.  He has made his way into Ezra’s heart.  I was holding Ezra in my lap after the dedication, and he said, “Go stage with John?”  Hmm.  Was it John he wanted to be with, or was it the limelight?

After church the family and a couple friend of theirs met together at their house for lunch.  Chris had made some brownies, so we made a quick trip over to the local WalMart for some Blue Bell.  Kind of a rule.  If you serve brownies in Texas, you have to have Blue Bell ice cream on top.

Oh, and is heard from several Seasiders after church.  They had a really big crowd.  Ten kids in the Kids Class.  Sounded like close to 70 again in worship.  Three tables full of food at dinner on the grounds.  And best news of all?  Bob called and said, “I don’t mean to barge in on your family time, but my head is about to bust wide open if I don’t tell you this.  You have two more precious souls who want to be baptized when you get back.”  That’s some news I don’t mind hearing.  Not at all.

Ephesians 2:19 says, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citiizens. With the saints and are of God’s household.”

Father, thank you for those fellow citizens who are watching over our little ones up in Texas City.  Amen.