Well most of you know that Peri attends a "christian" school. Well we discuss with her from time to time that there will be issues that her school will probably teach that we do not agree are scripturally accurate. Eventhough, the school does not teach the baptist doctrine, you know the influence is there, and being raised baptist myself, I see the signs. I knew that this week they were going to be studying the "steps of salvation", so I headed the discussion off this past weekend, reinforcing what we believe the Bible teaches concerning this which included baptism. So today when I picked her up from school before we got home I asked her if they discussed this particular subject, she said yes and that her teacher encouraged them to all be ready because we never know when the Lord will return, so they should all be baptised. This was not the discussion I thought would occur. So anyway, being just like her mother, she spoke up and told her teacher that we had taught her that she is too young to be baptised. Her teacher assured her that she was not! So I am searching the scriptures and deciding on how to phrase this to a 9 yr. old...the age of accountability.
Now, before I get the arguement that there are some 9 year olds that are baptised and they were ready, I am not arguing with that, but I know that my Peri is not to that maturity level, so I am trying to approach this from a scriptural point of view that you don't just do the act to be doing it, if you don't fully understand the consequences, responsibility of doing so.
PERSONALLY, I want to make it clear that this is my opinion --tho I will admit that it is seasoned with advancing age and the experience of raising 4 children in a home where they knew from a young age the steps to salvation. We use Biblical examples for what we teach. There is NO example of a child becoming a Christian in the scriptures. Acts 8:12 says "men and women" were baptized. When the Bible wants to reference a child, it uses the word specifically or children. Romans 12:2 talks about being "transformed by the renewing of your minds"--does that sound like something a 9 year old can do? And then what about the old self or old man of sin (Romans 6:5-7). Would a young child of 9 years have an "old man of sin"? That never has made sense to me. I think Peri could understand that and that children aren't instructed to become Christian. Brownie has a good lesson he preaches on this--wish you could hear it. He does a much better job than I can do explaining and clarifying this. Hope this helps some.
Oh and I Corinthians 13:11 is good and easy for a child to understand. When we were children we acted like children, but when we become adults we put away childish things (for the most part :). This scripture is real comforting for a child. It is like saying "Now is the time to enjoy being a child--responsibility will come later." Becoming a Christian, in my opinion is an adult responsibility. And you could tell her the baptists don't teach that baptism is for the remission of sins. Their purpose is wrong. Let me know how it goes. I hate to see such young children distressed or pressured into worrying over this issue when they are still so young and innocent. Love to you ...and good luck. :)
Mandee, Tim recently studied with a boy who was just 12 and someone who didn't grow up in the church or even around moral people. (very sad situation) Anyway, here are some verses he used when talking to him to help him determine if he was ready to put on Christ. Ezekiel 18:1-6, particularly vs 5 "the soul who sins shall die". A child does not always understand what sin is - though they can understand at even as young as age 5(as Caleb is) that sin is when we disobey GOD. But they do not yet comprehend all the ways we can disobey GOD. Also Deut 1:37 - 39, particularly vs 39: "moreover your little ones and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil, they shall go in there; to them I will give it, and they shall possess it." Remember that those who were 20 years old and younger were able to go in to the Promised land - GOD didn't hold them accountable for the sin of the people. Again I think it depends on the maturity level of the child and what they can comprehend. Can they understand the covenant we enter into when we put on Christ? But my feeling on the whole thing is that after study a "child" still believes they understand enough, well then even as parents, who are we to tell them they can't?
Great comments and scriptures above! To humbly add my own two cents worth; I was baptised when I was 11. I knew I was doing it because I hadd sinned and needed God's forgivness and this was the way He said I could have it. I did not do it to please my parents or because my friends were doing it. Long story short; in my early 20s I began, fromlistening to sermons and Biible studies, to have a deeper realization of what repentance is. I couldn't remember if I had repented when I was baptized, or if I even knew what repentance was. After a long time of agonizing over it I was baptized again and knew for sure this time that I was also repenting. All that to say this; don't forget that baptism isn't the only step. Does a child really know what they are confessing faith in? Do they know what repentance is? This is often difficult to determine. One might try asking them if they feel they have anything to repent of and what and if so, how they will go about repenting? If they don't fully grasp repentance yet (along with all the above wise considerations) they aren't ready yet. God Bless! I'll be praying for y'all.
I have a few thoughts about this because of an interesting bible study I had with someone on the plane home this past weekend. remind me to talk to you about it tonight. nothing outrageously awe-inspiring though...I'm only 26, what do I know? ha ha ha
Naturally, the trip wasn't as complete without time with you guys and Ka-Ka henny! We didn't feel snobbed...well... j/k. So glad that you were able to go to the 1000 voices and I know that was so encouraging for you all! We are really looking forward to coming back in a few weeks for the wedding, we are staying with K K, so I'm sure we will see you guys alot throughout the weekend (hopefully!). We love you all very much! Have a wonderful weekend!
PS Please tell Mr. Randy how much I appreciate him helping Grandaddy out with the trailor, they consider you all as their children too pretty much and it meant alot to grandaddy that he offered and did help him!
OK, seriously I don't expect any return comments on this, it's just something that I got a chuckle out of, ok here it goes.
Last week Peri had to do an "Insect Report", it was very basic and of course she picked the ever loveable "lovebug"!!! Yes, I know we all just hate them and for some of you, you may not even have them where you live, if you don't you need to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Anyway, back on subject!! So we did some research on the Lovebug (correctly spelled as one word btw!) Well paper is turned in and I have not thought about it again until...............I am sitting on my back patio putting on my "outside" tennis shoes because I am about to cut grass! There is this flock of black birds that I can hear in a neighbors yard, have you ever seen that, there are literally 100's and they just fly from yard to yard picking in the grass. Anyway as I am putting on my shoes, I notice this happening and I think...Ah Ha!, they are eathing the lovebugs out of the grass, that is why we only see these birds doing this at certain times of the year and not all birds will eat them because they are bitter. Well, I think, even I learned something from that report.
On to cutting the grass, as I start actually cutting, I just seem to be getting swarmed by lovebugs...what is going on here?, then I remembered......the young lovebugs feed on dead grass or thatch that is in the grass, hence, I am stirring them up when I cut the grass! Another thing I've learned!! So I have finished cutting the grass and I move on to trimming the hedges, and low and behold on my lantana bushes that are blooming with bright orangish/yellow flowers, the flowers are covered in lovebugs....wait, I remember this too!, the adult lovebugs feed on the nectar in flowering bushes! WOW! It looks like I am going to ace the 3rd grade after all.................!
Let me know about Shirley. Is Melvin doing ok? They are such great folks. Glad Kay is going too. It's a boost for Jeb and Sheila and the kids to see you all.
Fantastic news! Give them our love. They are such special people...just like you and so many other Saraland Christians were have grown to love and admire thru the years.
No, it's ok. Take it out of the package so you'll have more room. It's a MP3 player. My good friend and neighbor is a single mom and can't afford much. That's going to be a chirstmas gift for her daughter.
Ha ha, yeah I meant to leave a caption with that one because it was actually before the wedding and we just sat down cuz we wanted to sit. Then we immediately noticed that everyone in the room was staring at us watching us talk and stuff. So we burst out laughing cuz it was the closest thing to feeling like a gold fish in a glass bowl.
My family is originally from Walker county...the oakman area. I'm sure we're related somehow. Hubert Mullinax was my grandfather's name. He has a brother named Huel. My daddy is James Mullinax. Thanks for your reply! Have a great day.
Ha! Thanks, I left out the spending all day sunday sick and long day at work yesterday, part. I figure that's not really worth dwelling on. WOO HOO for fast homework days! ;-)
Thanks--I'll get my things over to them. Have you already bought the movie KIT for Sarah? Iwas going to get it--let me know if you have another idea. I don't have much time to come up with another idea and you have a girl. If I had more time I'd get something for her American girl doll. It is easier to me when they are small. Guess from now on it will be clothes and girlie thing of which I have no experience...except I'm a girl. :)
yea, you can have Anselmo's family. I wasn't sure if someone would want to have a family of 8. I'm going to double up and assign each family twice. I'll let you know their ages and names again soon.
We always carry our things in our carry-on--that might help you have more space. I have a blowup bed for Molly. Feel free to take it out of the box. Jeb needs some clothes and I have some odds and ends for the kids, but nothing too big. Of course I will buy my girl something too (Sheila)--:) Appreciate your help. Will get this to the Burkes.
Just readyour bit aboutthe carryons. We just returned from flying to Denver to see Jake and had no problems and only carried our carryons. Just don't pack them too full as the Mexican airlines compartment is narrower.
If you have space, the girls would enjoy making cookies or muffins. Getting a taste of "home" is always good. Someone might want to make up a goodie bag of mixes. Just a thought in case you need something to fill up holes (but then again you may not have any holes!). Thanks again for helping my kids. I know your visit will be a boost to them. Glad you can make the trip.
Oh you will have so much fun!! Truly it's the simple things in life that count. This will be a very special Christmas. Still wish I could be in your suitcase. I love times like that. Being in Mexico reminds me of how we played when I was young. I'm so thankful they have had this enriching experience...and that you can share in the work there and the wonderful people we have both grown to love.
This past week has been a blurrrrrr!! First we started out the week celebrating my Bae Bae's 40th birthday (that's Randy, of course), then we moved on to Peri's 9th birthday, which involved a slumber party with 2 surprise guests.. Kristen and Aaron!! We were SO excited to have them and they just made the party complete.
We started the evening with dinner at, where else?, Pintoli's, where we enjoyed a birthday cake designed by my sister, which was in the shape of a "purse". If you know Peri, you know there is nothing more that could represent Peri than a "purse"! Then we moved on back to the house for an evening of swimming and games in the pool, which lead to a late night ride in the back of Kristen's PawPaw's truck (no details on that!!) Then on to bed...whew. Then the next day we did various other birthday things and that was that....but was it?
Well then Sunday came and the threat of Hurricane Gustav came with it, so once again, another slumber party!! This time we had Kay, Marissa and Melanie! We each took our prespective corner in the house and we "hunkered down" for what turned out to be a really rainy Monday. No problems with the weather, just buckets of rain. Marissa and Melanie both were able to work some on school work, while Randy endulged in a long nap and Kay and I just hung out doing picture stuff! Peri was over a friends house enduring the storm.
We are all back to our normal places of residence and I must say the house is a little quiet today!
That's all for now, but I just want to say, "WE ENJOYED IT ALL" to everyone that was involved in the past several days!
So glad to hear from you. We have been concerned about everybody there. So glad too that Peri had a fun birthday. We sure missed being there. Can you believe they are 9 this year?
I hear that Peri and Ri got caught in the storm..Riely just thought it was the funniest thing. We LOVED being there for the birthday slumbering! That cake was GREAT! I just love that kid of yours!
As you understand, it is one of those "better felt than told" stories. I never feel quite ready to leave..sorta like unfinished business. I know Jeb and Sheila miss the states at times, but I know after returning home from England how "lost" I felt for a year or so. It will be a hard adjustment. Some things will seem so petty or trivial. I hear people say "I need" and have no clue how much they have and how little they really "need" some things. There people are happy without so much technology and stuff, kind of like never missing a microwave if you've never had one. Some day when I'm not so busy with responsibilities, I'd like to try going more "bare bones". Maybe you can help me when I'm ready for the challenge--like be my cheerleader! :)
Thanks Mandee...we appreciate the thoughts and prayers. The school time has really gotten to all of us. I think Meghan has had to make the biggest adjustment. She has wanted to come home and take a nap everyday. But this week so far has been better. It has been hard on me...I am so not use to getting up that early...it has put a toll on me too! But I guess we just have to deal! Thanks for thinking of us...it has not been easy. We are gonna have to take a weekend and make it over to Mobile...hopefully soon! Sending our love
well I haven't made it there yet with my own daughter but my sister has with her son. Today, Jim (my beloved nephew) leaves for Auburn (yuck), anyway I cannot believe that he has grown to be almost 20 years old in just a short life span. Jim has always been very, very special to me. I have loved him as my own since the minute he was born. He is going to AU to study (so he says) Chemical Engineering. I am very proud of the great young man he is. His mother and daddy have taught him many good qualities through their own good examples. He is a thoughtful, respectful and espeically handsome young man! He is a strong spirtually minded "Baptist", therefore I solicit continual prayers for the Lord's truth be revealed to him.
Today I ask that if you will, take a minute and say a prayer for Jim. Pray that he know the truth, pray that he makes wise decisions, pray that he is safe, pray that he finds the "out" when temptations come his way. And please pray for my sister, Cynthia. As she said to me "I have mothered him for 20 years, what am I suppose to do now?" She will truly be lost, at least for a while until she finds her way from day to day without Jim there.
Prayers for all! You have such a great family! I can't believe that Jim is 20! I picture the tall, skinny, cute kid in classes who used to come visit BEFORE I moved away, so that's been like 8 years!
That's right...I forgot he was headed in my direction! If he needs anything--even if it's just some dinner--you tell him to give me a call or drop by to see me at the office! I'm in 2104 Haley Center.
Oh I feel for Cynthia. I know it will be so hard for her. I have no doubt that Jim will do well. Wow, chemical engineering after all those math obstacles, That's great.
Praying for Jim and Cynthia! I know he will do well and make the right decisions along the way! You are so sweet Mandee...you have such a sweet love about you! Jim is very lucky to have an aunt like you!
Hi! Thanks for the concern! I made it in safely, I got an earlier flight out. They closed our airport here last night at 11, so I'm glad I did that. We don't have school today, and have a wonderfully, non-rainy, only kind of windy day. So all is well. Expected rain to come through here later today. Hope ya'll are having a good week back to school!
SHhHH I don't tell many people about my Zebras!!! So I'm coming home this weekend, possible bringing a nice wind storm named Gustav with me! Looking forward to spending some time with ya'll!
yeah I love that movie. I should get a copy to keep just cuz it makes me laugh everytime I watch it. I won't be at Saraland this Sunday, wedding stuff in Bham has to get done. But hopefully I'll see you all next Wednesday night.
