I am on vacation but was up at 6 a.m. it’s bright and sunny on the coast of SC. There were no fireworks sounds around us or sounds of anyone shouting Happy New Year at midnight at this resort. Different from in the past.
It just dawned on me that fellow vacationers may be in mourning over dashed expectations for 2025. Or maybe everyone is older and too tired to stay up until midnight.
Good morning. I was up late, slept until six. That, of course, threw everything off so I have been scrambling to catch up. A beautiful new year here in Idaho. As my dad headed for bed last night, after telling me how much he enjoys living here and how perfect it is for somebody his age, he commented that he has had an excellent life, probably the best of anybody. I did not counter that mine has been better, and husband kept his mouth shut as well. My dad has had a most excellent life. May be why it is so difficult for him to see his need for Christ.
I was up late, not intentionally, I was watching a streaming series that’s new and lost track of time. Lots of fireworks at midnight, as usual.
Happy 2025, we’ll see what God does in that “But God … ” way of His. We’re called to be faithful to Him and so we always have the same “marching orders,” year after year.
Neighbor is in the hospital with a serious bladder infection, her husband whisked her off to ER yesterday morning. I talked to him late last night and to her on the phone this morning, she still hasn’t seen a doctor but they did extensive testing yesterday.
Today Christmas gets dismantled, though I’m leaving the door wreath up and the garland on the fireplace mantle, along with a few white / blue lights on the porch. Calling it “winter” decorations.
Too dreary to go from all to nothing. I have to tip-toe, slowly, gently, out of the most beautiful season of the year. 🙂
Janice, I had no (political) expectations to “dash” 🙂 It is what it is — and the good news is — God’s still on the (actual) throne. All will be well, whether it appears that way to us or not.
Doesn’t mean there might not be a difficult road to travel nationally and globally …
John Piper:
~ … the role that God is playing in geopolitics this very day is the role of an absolutely sovereign, all-righteous, all-wise, all-good God. Kings rise and fall at God’s decree. “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me . . . saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:9-10). The kings who handed over their power to the beast are no less under God’s sovereign control than the kings who rule righteously. Our job is not to penetrate the mysteries of providence but to obey the revealed word of God. ~
I had to chuckle when I saw the picture of the polar plunge. The one my SIL does and those who live near me are done through a hole in the ice. It is all relative, no doubt.
I did put away the Christmas decorations. I will leave up the lights we put on one cedar. They help light up some steps if anyone comes over after dark.
Thankful you are home to start out this new year Aj! Better days ahead!!
We awakened at 2am..husband off to climb Pikes Peak with a friend so everyone wakes up!! We slept through the midnight beginning of the new year.
Christmas tree was taken to the basement this morning. I have two lighted small tabletop trees still out for a while. Wreaths are in the basement except for the one hanging on the pine at the end of the driveway…I love the look of it there!
A neighbor in Palmer Lake is moving back to PA. I purchased her old pine blanket chest and an antique leather sling chair today. They fit right in here and she is thankful they have a good home. The pieces are originally from PA. It’s fun to find new old treasures….😊
Good morning, all, on yet another beautiful snowy Idaho day. Son is out shoveling the deck so grandpa can take his walk later. I did offer my dad snow shoes yesterday but he just snickered.
Janice, I hope you are enjoying your vacation. If you see this, I am curious if you ever watch the Christmas movies on GAC or UP television stations. I have seen a few good ones on those.
Weather here is agreeable for the next couple of days…then freezing cold and snow coming down from the north. So thankful for a warm cozy home on those days especially!
Ran into town to meet a friend at Goodwill. She called wanting me to see her and her precious visiting daughter. And I found a couple things there while there!😊
In the past seven weeks, with judge mandated supervised by husband visits, we have seen the grandchildren once. Daughter wanted them on Thanksgiving and wanted to go to Texas for Christmas so arranged for son out law to have them for ten days at Christmas, but canceled for a snowstorm that did not appear on any of the road reports. She canceled this weekend for winter storms that may actually exist. But not our sandbox so we leave it to them to work out. Odd that the judge would approve it.
Kathaleena, Art is the one in charge of the remote so I watch whatever he chooses. Mostly we watch Christmas movies that show on Hallmark, but occasionally he finds one on another station, but I don’t know the call letters of the station(s). Our son does not own a television so he never selects programing, either. I do ask Art quite frequently to turn the TV over to the local news and he does.
Vacation has been fun for Son and me. Art brought work to do. He can’t get out and walk much, so at least he’s been productive. We have had one meal out, so I have cooked a lot and Son has cooked some. I think our vacations are not what most people think of as vacations.
Yesterday Son and I walked a bike trail which I’d never done in almost 40 years here. I learned the rules. As bikers passed from behind they’d said, “On your right.” I also heard, ” Wagon train on your right.” That was for a long string of riders. The weather has been nice so many are biking here.
Plenty cold here, more than -10, but ironically, there is too little snow, so a couple of winter activities have been postponed. Of course, my favorite winter activities are reading, quilting and baking so they can all go on. The sun is at least out, as it often is when the very cold hits. That is appreciated.
Good morning from beautiful lightly snow covered Idaho. Enough to track a raccoon. Or a party of them as they seem to be coming in from all directions. Party central. They have learned to disable the traps so time for plan C whatever that may be.
I spotted 2 raccoons crossing the street shortly after dark last night. Trash bins were at the curb, ready to be picked up this morning so raccoons made got to some of them first.
I managed to drag the Christmas tree off the front porch, lights & stand removed, yesterday – down the steps and then to the bottom of the raised front lawn.
But a story went long yesterday so I wasn’t clear of work until well after dark. So I had to hoist it into the green bin, lid wouldn’t close then of course, and carefully roll it to the curb.
Still keeping a few strings of white & blue lights on the front porch, along with the Star of Bethlehem.
Good piece on the (many) “squiggly” lines of God’s Providence and the caution of reading too much into what we think events may be doing or may actually mean.
We seem to now be in the La Nina weather pattern — cold and dry in the south (including Southern California), warmer and wet in the north.
(According to meteorologists.)
We have been colder than usual this fall and winter — and on the coast we’ve been socked in with fog on many mornings that can last through much of the day. The port fog horns are getting a workout – the other day someone posted a photo of a heavy, visible blanket of fog obscuring everything except the tops of the cranes.
“Don’t Turn off the Christmas Music” (and, I’d add, leave up a few lights, too! 🙂 )
dj
~ In the cold months of January and February, and all other times of the year when our souls feel like it’s “always winter and never Christmas,” the truths of Emmanuel past, present, and future can warm our wintry spirits.~
We have over 4 inches and still falling. Predictions are for up to 12 by tomorrow. I’ll take it. We’ve been in a drought for 2 years so we need the moisture. As one friend said, snow is God’s fertilizer.
So happy for you to get back to cooking, AJ. It is a great creative outlet with many benefits.
We came home yesterday and had a meal out last night, and then met my Brother at 7:30 a.m. this morning for breakfast out. Seems we had to get back home to go out for meals 🙂
Son is already back at his place where he now gets to spend time with his girlfriend. Glad that has finally worked out.
I watched church online. Art is back to having to work on Sundays. I must again decide about how to get to church or if I will just watch online for tax season.
Excellent sermon today that included one of my favorite verses when faith sometimes threatens to wane (as it did with John the Baptist who was in prison and facing a beheading):
“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.'” Luke 22
Michelle – I am curious about that, too. Had R not been baptized before? Or was his earlier baptism not by immersion, and he has decided that that is the more correct method?
And Michelle, I don’t recall your mentioning you have a son who’s a pastor. I know California is a huge state and maybe he doesn’t even live in California, but it makes me wonder if he happens to know my brother.
Good morning from Atlanta where the wind is bringing in cold temps. It’s in the 40s now and will be down near freezing this afternoon but feel colder with the windchill.
I was baptized by immersion as an adult as a prerequisite for joining a Southern Baptist church. Or types of churches require it, too.
Baptism. I continue to ask the same question: if God says there is one baptism, why do we require many (asks the attender but not member of the local Southern Baptist church).
And, is there a requirement that only pastors can perform baptisms? Where in Scripture does that come from?
Francis Schaeffer had no problem getting water immediately and baptizing someone who confesses belief in Christ. Then there are those who have to have answers to many questions first. Whole books have been written about it. I have a few myself. Thank God we can rest in Christ! I am always interested in different points of view about it.
Wandering Views 
oh my goodness, there is no one here!
where are you all. You can’t be still asleep on the east coast
jo
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I’m up!
After not sleeping much the night before, I took an Ativan and slept for like 10 hours. 😀
I really needed it.
And now since the staples are out, I can finally shower today! Looking forward to that.
Allen
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I am on vacation but was up at 6 a.m. it’s bright and sunny on the coast of SC. There were no fireworks sounds around us or sounds of anyone shouting Happy New Year at midnight at this resort. Different from in the past.
It just dawned on me that fellow vacationers may be in mourning over dashed expectations for 2025. Or maybe everyone is older and too tired to stay up until midnight.
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Good morning. I was up late, slept until six. That, of course, threw everything off so I have been scrambling to catch up. A beautiful new year here in Idaho. As my dad headed for bed last night, after telling me how much he enjoys living here and how perfect it is for somebody his age, he commented that he has had an excellent life, probably the best of anybody. I did not counter that mine has been better, and husband kept his mouth shut as well. My dad has had a most excellent life. May be why it is so difficult for him to see his need for Christ.
mumsee
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Praying for your dad, mumsee.
I was up late, not intentionally, I was watching a streaming series that’s new and lost track of time. Lots of fireworks at midnight, as usual.
Happy 2025, we’ll see what God does in that “But God … ” way of His. We’re called to be faithful to Him and so we always have the same “marching orders,” year after year.
Neighbor is in the hospital with a serious bladder infection, her husband whisked her off to ER yesterday morning. I talked to him late last night and to her on the phone this morning, she still hasn’t seen a doctor but they did extensive testing yesterday.
Today Christmas gets dismantled, though I’m leaving the door wreath up and the garland on the fireplace mantle, along with a few white / blue lights on the porch. Calling it “winter” decorations.
Too dreary to go from all to nothing. I have to tip-toe, slowly, gently, out of the most beautiful season of the year. 🙂
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DJ, as I mentioned earlier, add a splash of red so you will be set when July Fourth rolls around.
mumsee
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Happy New Year, everyone! Blessings all around!
My Christmas decorations go up late, usually a week or 2 before Christmas, and they come down late, after Epiphany.
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Janice, I had no (political) expectations to “dash” 🙂 It is what it is — and the good news is — God’s still on the (actual) throne. All will be well, whether it appears that way to us or not.
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Doesn’t mean there might not be a difficult road to travel nationally and globally …
John Piper:
~ … the role that God is playing in geopolitics this very day is the role of an absolutely sovereign, all-righteous, all-wise, all-good God. Kings rise and fall at God’s decree. “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me . . . saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:9-10). The kings who handed over their power to the beast are no less under God’s sovereign control than the kings who rule righteously. Our job is not to penetrate the mysteries of providence but to obey the revealed word of God. ~
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mumsee @1:44, yes 🙂
Lights now are off the tree on the porch. Onward toward the lights all along the port railings.
But meanwhile, I’ve made some bacon and eggs, so I am enjoying that on a break — and the sun reappeared today after days of damp fogginess.
Just in time for the Polar Bear swim at the beach, ongoing now.
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I had to chuckle when I saw the picture of the polar plunge. The one my SIL does and those who live near me are done through a hole in the ice. It is all relative, no doubt.
I did put away the Christmas decorations. I will leave up the lights we put on one cedar. They help light up some steps if anyone comes over after dark.
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My husband’s on the ladder putting away Christmas decorations in the drizzle.
I’m reading and trying to avoid guilt.
Not a bad idea for the new year! lol.
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Thankful you are home to start out this new year Aj! Better days ahead!!
We awakened at 2am..husband off to climb Pikes Peak with a friend so everyone wakes up!! We slept through the midnight beginning of the new year.
Christmas tree was taken to the basement this morning. I have two lighted small tabletop trees still out for a while. Wreaths are in the basement except for the one hanging on the pine at the end of the driveway…I love the look of it there!
A neighbor in Palmer Lake is moving back to PA. I purchased her old pine blanket chest and an antique leather sling chair today. They fit right in here and she is thankful they have a good home. The pieces are originally from PA. It’s fun to find new old treasures….😊
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Happy New Year, Fellow Wanderers!
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all checked in for my flight to Portland tomorrow. Easier to fly than to mail the gifts. Plus I will get lots of hugs
Jo
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Happy travels, Jo!
mumsee
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thanks, Mumsee
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Good morning, all, on yet another beautiful snowy Idaho day. Son is out shoveling the deck so grandpa can take his walk later. I did offer my dad snow shoes yesterday but he just snickered.
mumsee
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Janice, I hope you are enjoying your vacation. If you see this, I am curious if you ever watch the Christmas movies on GAC or UP television stations. I have seen a few good ones on those.
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Have a most blessed visit with your family Jo! 🎄
Weather here is agreeable for the next couple of days…then freezing cold and snow coming down from the north. So thankful for a warm cozy home on those days especially!
Ran into town to meet a friend at Goodwill. She called wanting me to see her and her precious visiting daughter. And I found a couple things there while there!😊
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In the past seven weeks, with judge mandated supervised by husband visits, we have seen the grandchildren once. Daughter wanted them on Thanksgiving and wanted to go to Texas for Christmas so arranged for son out law to have them for ten days at Christmas, but canceled for a snowstorm that did not appear on any of the road reports. She canceled this weekend for winter storms that may actually exist. But not our sandbox so we leave it to them to work out. Odd that the judge would approve it.
mumsee
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The Irish take out Georgia, Penn State takes out Boise.
Next week it’s the Irish against the lions in the semi.
Loving this 12 team playoff system.
Allen.
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Interesting that the higher numbered seeds beat the lower ones in this round.
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Mumsee – That situation is so sad. Praying for a positive change.
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Kathaleena, Art is the one in charge of the remote so I watch whatever he chooses. Mostly we watch Christmas movies that show on Hallmark, but occasionally he finds one on another station, but I don’t know the call letters of the station(s). Our son does not own a television so he never selects programing, either. I do ask Art quite frequently to turn the TV over to the local news and he does.
Vacation has been fun for Son and me. Art brought work to do. He can’t get out and walk much, so at least he’s been productive. We have had one meal out, so I have cooked a lot and Son has cooked some. I think our vacations are not what most people think of as vacations.
Yesterday Son and I walked a bike trail which I’d never done in almost 40 years here. I learned the rules. As bikers passed from behind they’d said, “On your right.” I also heard, ” Wagon train on your right.” That was for a long string of riders. The weather has been nice so many are biking here.
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https://wng.org/opinions/a-case-for-christian-optimism-in-2025-1735858120?mkt_tok=NzEwLVFSUi0yMDkAAAGXypW_ioiDLAeQwH8PdKRtr-bGhzTELh7FSQ_uUXlY9L0gvoPMrjogFKFNgq2XpamYhih7ZnjJqWGBH44q1B6yQ44glotrhAiaULsmH4vN6iL6Tw
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Welcome to the first Friday of 2025!
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This one is powerful! (And I’m not one to use that word lightly.)
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Good morning, all. A beautiful day here with lots of rain for watering the recently planted trees.
mumsee
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I follow Ramirez on Twitter. It’s all so sad.
Raining again here. Only 75 emails to clear . . . and my office . . . and the kitchen . . .
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Michelle, who is Ramirez, and what is sad?
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Michelle, who is Ramirez, and what is sad?
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He’s the editorial cartoonist Peter referenced at 10:28.
The cartoon–and what it represents–is very sad.
Still having touched my office for clean up . . . but now dinner is in the oven! LOL.
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Plenty cold here, more than -10, but ironically, there is too little snow, so a couple of winter activities have been postponed. Of course, my favorite winter activities are reading, quilting and baking so they can all go on. The sun is at least out, as it often is when the very cold hits. That is appreciated.
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Good morning from beautiful lightly snow covered Idaho. Enough to track a raccoon. Or a party of them as they seem to be coming in from all directions. Party central. They have learned to disable the traps so time for plan C whatever that may be.
mumsee
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I spotted 2 raccoons crossing the street shortly after dark last night. Trash bins were at the curb, ready to be picked up this morning so raccoons made got to some of them first.
I managed to drag the Christmas tree off the front porch, lights & stand removed, yesterday – down the steps and then to the bottom of the raised front lawn.
But a story went long yesterday so I wasn’t clear of work until well after dark. So I had to hoist it into the green bin, lid wouldn’t close then of course, and carefully roll it to the curb.
Still keeping a few strings of white & blue lights on the front porch, along with the Star of Bethlehem.
Good piece on the (many) “squiggly” lines of God’s Providence and the caution of reading too much into what we think events may be doing or may actually mean.
https://www.challies.com/articles/the-squiggly-line-of-gods-providence/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_campaign=Daily_%272025-01-04%2004:30:00%27&utm_content=5575
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We seem to now be in the La Nina weather pattern — cold and dry in the south (including Southern California), warmer and wet in the north.
(According to meteorologists.)
We have been colder than usual this fall and winter — and on the coast we’ve been socked in with fog on many mornings that can last through much of the day. The port fog horns are getting a workout – the other day someone posted a photo of a heavy, visible blanket of fog obscuring everything except the tops of the cranes.
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Another good piece:
“Don’t Turn off the Christmas Music” (and, I’d add, leave up a few lights, too! 🙂 )
~ In the cold months of January and February, and all other times of the year when our souls feel like it’s “always winter and never Christmas,” the truths of Emmanuel past, present, and future can warm our wintry spirits.~
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/turn-off-christmas-music/
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People turn off the Christmas music??? What in the world.
mumsee
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Ramirez is one of the best.
I cooked dinner tonight. Salmon, carrots, and scalloped potatoes. It was really good. It wore me out though, but worth it. 😌
Allen
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Welcome back to the real world the real.
mumsee
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Awesome, AJ. Praying you have the patience and wisdom it takes to do things at the right pace. And for healing, of course.
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Beautiful snowy Idaho morning to you, though just a bit of snow.
mumsee
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Oh the weather outside is frightful . . .
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But inside it’s so delightful…
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And since there’s no place to go,
Let it snow!
We have over 4 inches and still falling. Predictions are for up to 12 by tomorrow. I’ll take it. We’ve been in a drought for 2 years so we need the moisture. As one friend said, snow is God’s fertilizer.
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We watched a live stream of a church in San Antonio we know of. Great message from James 4.
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So happy for you to get back to cooking, AJ. It is a great creative outlet with many benefits.
We came home yesterday and had a meal out last night, and then met my Brother at 7:30 a.m. this morning for breakfast out. Seems we had to get back home to go out for meals 🙂
Son is already back at his place where he now gets to spend time with his girlfriend. Glad that has finally worked out.
I watched church online. Art is back to having to work on Sundays. I must again decide about how to get to church or if I will just watch online for tax season.
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Excellent sermon today that included one of my favorite verses when faith sometimes threatens to wane (as it did with John the Baptist who was in prison and facing a beheading):
“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.'” Luke 22
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We strangely had a 75-degree sunny day today.
(Strangely mainly because we’ve been socked in with fog, damp air and cooler temperatures for some time now.)
We will survive.
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65 degrees here after a very rainy three weeks.
My husband was baptized by immersion today–with one of our sons officiating. It was good–and then we went out to lunch!
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Why?
mumsee
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Michelle – I am curious about that, too. Had R not been baptized before? Or was his earlier baptism not by immersion, and he has decided that that is the more correct method?
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And Michelle, I don’t recall your mentioning you have a son who’s a pastor. I know California is a huge state and maybe he doesn’t even live in California, but it makes me wonder if he happens to know my brother.
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Michelle, that’s awesome! Celebrating with you and R on his public declaration!
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Good morning from Atlanta where the wind is bringing in cold temps. It’s in the 40s now and will be down near freezing this afternoon but feel colder with the windchill.
I was baptized by immersion as an adult as a prerequisite for joining a Southern Baptist church. Or types of churches require it, too.
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fifty seven
mumsee
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Baptism. I continue to ask the same question: if God says there is one baptism, why do we require many (asks the attender but not member of the local Southern Baptist church).
And, is there a requirement that only pastors can perform baptisms? Where in Scripture does that come from?
mumsee
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Francis Schaeffer had no problem getting water immediately and baptizing someone who confesses belief in Christ. Then there are those who have to have answers to many questions first. Whole books have been written about it. I have a few myself. Thank God we can rest in Christ! I am always interested in different points of view about it.
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Me, too, Kathaleena.
mumsee
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Happy birthday, Kim!
mumsee
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