That, My Friend, is the Grace of God

Pre-baptism interview with Pastor Doug

     "Mom, I really want to get baptized."Our church was gearing up for baptism Sunday, and the deadline was closing in. My husband and I were not convinced she was old enough to grasp the meaning of baptism, but our daughter grew more persistent as the time drew near. We conversed with her about whether or not she really understood the commitment she was making, to live her life for Christ and walk according to the Spirit of God.

     A portion of that argument was brought to you by the fact that my husband and I were baptized together just five years ago, after an intense ride through the rapids of life.

     We read all about baptism and discussed it in the weeks leading up to the big day. Though she remained adamant, I thought I had convinced her to watch the baptisms this time and think about being baptized the next time it came around. I was wrong. Tired of my relentless questioning, she finally blurted out, "Mom, God wants me to get baptized!"

     Well, my argument was pretty much finished with that. I turned out the lights for bedtime as I agreed to get her a meeting with the pastor and see what he thought about baptizing her.

Declaration of faith

     My shy little girl, who had been afraid to death of standing in front of the church, now followed the pastor around, reminding him that she needed to talk when he had the time. That night, out of curiosity, I asked her, "How do you know God wants you to be baptized?"

     "Easy," she replied. "I asked Him and he said I should." She prayed about it, then had a dream with her answer.

      She was baptized a week ago Sunday based on her understanding that baptism is not salvation or a ticket into heaven, but on her desire to publicly declare her dedication to Christ. The miracle of that day will remain forever emblazoned in my memory.

Submersion

     Where would our family be now if five years ago, we had succumbed to the brutal attack on our marriage? Turned, not toward God, but away from Him? My heart is eternally grateful for His work in our lives. As the pastor declared at the baptism, "That, my friend, is the grace of God."

Unexpected Treasure

 

     My antique upright piano is the focal point of the living room. I don't play much anymore, so it has become the backdrop for my family photos, and I love that such a sweet piece of my history now showcases my future. Twenty Five years ago, a dear woman passed away and left the piano to me so that I could continue to play.

     Mary was a neighbor of my grandmother's and was in her late eighties. She graciously allowed me to practice in her basement several days a week since I didn't own a piano. In turn, I helped her with yard work and picked the berries in her garden. Though I sometimes had to muddle through chores I wasn't in the mood to do, those are now treasured memories.
 
     When she passed, she informed her family that I was to have her piano. I enjoy having that special piece of Mary's history that has now become mine, and I love that I can sit on that bench and be transported back to my childhood with Mary beside me helping me to find all the right keys as I painstakingly hammered out each song.

    Yesterday, while searching for a gift for my friend who adores all things vintage, I opened the piano bench.  I don't often open that bench where the music is stored, unless I plan to struggle through a piece I once played. Most of the music belonged to Mary, so some it is close to one hundred years old.

     As I pulled the music out piece by piece, I marveled at the excellent condition most of it was in. There were choir schedules and notes from the prime of her singing days. I realized how much she loved playing and singing music, and for a little while I could see her on the many stages she graced.

     More than once, I considered getting rid of the music inside. It was over my head and I figured I would never learn to play well enough to use her books. I always enjoyed listening to her play those complicated songs, and longed for the day when I could play them too. Though that day has never come, I now treasure this time capsule that serves as a daily reminder from Mary to make time for what I love.

   

Does This Thing Have Training Wheels?

      I figured out how to make one and how to post, but now what? Where are my blog's training wheels? I need a crash course, so maybe I don't need training wheels. Perhaps I should just get on and ride, pretending my mom is running along behind me holding onto the seat, waiting for the perfect moment to let go....when I say I am ready.

     Every time I am around my writing friends, they insist that blogging is great for improving writing skills, building internet presence, and increasing self discipline. I know they are right, and that it is good for me. Tight writing, and the improvement that comes with posting regularly hopefully develops into my writing.

     What worries me most is that I never easily learn anything. When I learned to load the dishwasher, the entire kitchen was foot deep in suds. While laundering our family's clothes, I flooded the basement.....twice. My first two weeks of cooking for work, the stove caught fire twice. Nothing I manage to do comes without massive effort, and loads of mistakes.

     Surely those mistakes cause most of my fears about blogging. Please forgive my slip ups while I learn what in the world I am doing, and I will do my best to blog with honesty and integrity. I will write to encourage and uplift. I have flood insurance, a fire extinguisher, and my helmet is tightly fastened. Let the journey begin!

 

My Feet are Wet

    

     I stood on the shoreline for so long that my inflatable water wings started to shrivel in the hot sun. From my own private island, I peered longingly into the sea of writers, wishing I had the nerve to jump in. I finally waded into that sea this weekend at the Inland Northwest Christian Writers Conference.
     The conference director, Jan Cline, arranged for a fantastic faculty. Humorous and friendly--each offered their own brand of encouragement to attendees. These writing professionals informed both novice and expert writers on the ins and outs of the business.
     This conference is a great place to establish new friendships and important contacts. Wonderful conversations abounded among like minded people with a common goal--furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ using the written word. No writer is an island. Support and encouragement are necessities. Don't stand there forever. Come on in.
    
     If you hear a voice within you saying, "you cannot paint," then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. ~ Vincent Van Gogh