August 26 – “Into the water …”

We started the day with a really big crowd at church.  Best guess estimates and attempts at counting placed the numbers at around 95.  We had to bring in some extra chairs to hold everybody.  At the end of the service we dismissed from the building and headed to the beach for baptisms.  And it was raining. 

Yep.  It looked like a pretty bad thunderstorm was just beginning to roll in.  We were on the very early beginning stages of it, though, so we continued our walk over to the baptism spot.  No dilly dallying this time.  A pretty big crowd joined us on the sand where we prayed for the two who were to be baptized.  Then it was out into the water.  Young Elizabeth’s grandfather came with us, and he did the honors by baptizing his granddaughter.  That is always such a special time when a family member can do the baptizing.  Granddad then helped me with the young man who followed.  There were lots of people watching from the shore, taking pictures and videos, and shouting some general cheering and encouraging.  Oh, and the rain held off.  We are very proud of you, Lizzie and Casey.

After a quick shower we joined some Seasiders, as well as one of the visitors of the day, at a nearby restaurant for lunch.  One of our folks introduced us to the lady at the counter, who said she has really wanted to come visit Seaside.  She asked about a weekday Bible study, and we let her know when she could come plug in there.  As we enjoyed lunch, the visitor at the table began to ask questions about the sermon and about the validity of the Old Testament for Christians.  I even got to tell the story of Balaam and his talking donkey.  She just didn’t know what she has been missing.

Once back home we settled in to watch the Astros and the finals of the Little League World Series.  That meant flipping between the two stations, so it was kind of hard to get my usual 40 winks in.  As it turned out the good guys won both games.  That would be the Astros of course, as well as the U.S.A. team.  First team from Louisiana to win the series.  The youngsters from Curacao did really well, too. 

Oh, yeah.  I know it’s football season.  And I know the Texans played the Cowboys.  I checked in on that game once or twice.  In fact at one point our house phone rang.  I checked the caller ID.  It said “TEXANS.”  That’s all.  Do you reckon they want me to come start at quarterback for them this year?

1 Chronicles 29:11 says, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.”

Father, please watch over Elizabeth and Casey as they keep striving to walk daily with you.  Amen.