Following Jesus

When did it become so complicated to make a profession of faith, to accept Jesus as the Son of God and be baptized?

Last week Haley, our 9 year old Grand daughter, told her mom she was ready to be baptized. We have talked to her and she and I read the Bible every night( when I'm not working - hope she does when I am working). She wants her Uncle Josh to baptize her. I didn't realize it was a complicated matter, full of "church doctrine" to be baptized.

I contacted the preacher where we attend (it is a Southern Baptist). Told him of Haley's desire and asked if there would be a problem with her Uncle preforming the baptism. He called me last night at work to discuss this. He wanted to know if Josh was licensed and where was he "ordained." I asked what that had to do with him baptizing Haley. According to their church regulations, only an ordained or licensed person can baptize. I told him I had a problem with that. I read in my bible that any one can teach anyone else about the Lord and when that person reaches a decision, that any believing/saved person can preform the baptism. Am I totally out in left field with this????

I have an aunt and uncle in New Mexico who have had Bible study in there home for many years. They have a pool in there back yard. When someone receives Jesus and wishes to be baptized, they preform this in their pool. To my knowledge, neither my aunt or uncle are "ordained" or "licensed" as I have been told they must be, but they are believing Christians.

I guess I haven't been too informed all my life. My dad preached many times as we were growing up and I don't ever remember hearing him or Mom referring to his "ordination" or holding a license. What about all those "circuit riding preachers" in the past? I do know that when some one gets married the preacher says, "By the power vested in me by the State of-----." Never asked what power that was (and I am sure Greg is going to give me a much needed lesson on all this).

Another thing, I asked the preacher if there would be a problem for Haley to be baptized the same day she makes a profession of faith in front of the church. He said it would be better if that was done first and then she was baptized later, after she became a member of "the church". Again, my bible says, God added them to the church as many as were saved (Acts). I was trying to coordinate getting Teri and Josh with us for this important occasion. Now it has turned into an unnecessary ordeal.

I wish it was summer, we would gather around the pool and baptize her here at the farm with family around. By the way, Josh has been licensed as an ordained minister so there shouldn't be a problem, but naturally there was. He has graciously agreed to talk with the preacher and try to work this out. I feel like there should not be any problem when a SOUL is being saved, but evidently there is.

Putting things into perspective

Monday the 10th, was to be the day we set a trial date to end this charade for custody of Hannah. Mike and I were on our way to the courthouse when we got a call from Tara. She had just heard from her lawyer and the date had been postponed again. His lawyer requested more time to investigate. The judge granted it. I just don't understand a court system that has no more concern for a child's welfare than this. It is quite obvious, to anyone who wants to see, that Hannah is most certainly being affected by this, and the lawyers and the court don't seem to care. We get her and she is totally uncontrolled. It takes us a few days to get her back to the sweet little girl we know she really is.

We had turned around to go back to the house when we got a call from Mike's sister. His dad was in the ER (not the one I work at) with stroke symptoms. We went over and spent the morning. He was admitted to the hospital. Tests showed he has a small cerebral bleed. I don't think they will do anything about that (it should absorb, it nothing else happens). His left carotid was 85% blocked which precipitated the CVA. That was "fixed" yesterday.

I got a call from Greg last night to see how things were going. Mike was to fly to Tulsa, OK for a job interview Tues. (he's been out of a job for the last 4 weeks). The interview was postponed because Tulsa is closed because of the ice storms. I was telling him all that has happened and I made the statement "I told God, I just can't handle anymore." He quickly put things in perspective telling me he and Jan were on their way to pick up the body of a little 3 yo. My problems didn't seem so bad then. I do have my children (who are relatively healthy), the grands, who are wonderful. I have a job and a roof over my head and food to eat (if I want it - which lately I haven't been too hungry). So, we are going through some hard times right now but these too shall pass.

We will have our pieced together Christmas, enjoy one another and be thankful. Hope your holidays are peaceful and happy.