Whispering Pines

Lots Been Goin On

A lot of things have been going on lately. 

My brother is very sick and recovering in the hospital.  He looked so much better today than I've seen him look for about a week.  He's still very sick, but he looks like he is on the mend.  Lots of people have been praying for him, and will continue to do so.  We're waiting for him to break out in a rendition of the "Brady Brunch" soon, and those who know him, know exactly what I mean.  Hang in there dear bro!

Our daughter is moving out of town at the end of the week.  How weird will that be to know that she is no longer "just across town"?  I'm happy for her, but yet I have mixed feelings about us no longer living in the same town.  Fortunately, she'll only be 40 miles away, but still it will be so weird.  We'll miss going downtown and visiting her.  There's just something comforting in knowing she wasn't far away.  It was always a lot of fun to stop in and see her at work when we were out on the town for a movie or dinner--the downtown will seem empty without her.  She's been a part of it for the last several years either working or going to school.  Good thing she'll be in town regularly for grad classes tho!  And, her being in a nearby city will give us an excuse to head to the big city and see her once in awhile.  I think her brothers will be missing her too--I know I will.  But she will rock in her new position--I am confident of that!  Go dear daughter!

Our oldest son was baptized by immersion Sunday night.  He made a public declaration of his faith in Jesus as his Savior from sin.   Probably the most fullfilling thing as a parent is to see your kids come to faith in Jesus Christ and then want to live for Him.  Really, there is nothing more important.  Now don't get confused though, baptism doesn't SAVE you. .  Baptism is simply an outward manifestation of what has already transpired in the heart.  That is why we don't baptize infants.  Can an infant believe in what Jesus did on the cross?  You must believe that you're a sinner and that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins--period!  There is no other way but belief in Christ alone.  It is not belief in Christ plus baptism.  It is not belief in Christ plus good works.  It is not belief in Christ plus church attendance.  It is not belief in Christ plus anything!  It is only through belief in Christ and what he did on the cross and  in Him ALONE.    I just want to be clear on this because there is so much confusion on it--especially in the mainline churches.  Baptism is simply an act of obedience and public identification with Christ.  We have been excited to watch our son's thirst for studying the Word and being involved at church.  We pray that he will continue on a path of fruitfulness for Jesus.  Keep the faith dear son #1.

So...just lots going on here!  But I really should close this and head to bed...it is way past my bedtime, but just had to jot down these significant things that have been going on.  G'nite!!!