Devotional 12-21-09

From the thoughts of this precious season that we find yearly on our Christmas cards…do we really give them the attention they deserve? I have listed of few; there are many – all sent thoughtfully and sincerely from family and friends.

I am including a few of my favorites, oft-repeated throughout the years, but usually read hastily. I include a few more for us to think about and enjoy again and again!

• May your heart be lifted by the light of the season.
• May the Christmas Season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter.
• May God fill your life with love, joy and peace this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year.
• May His love and presence fill you to overflowing and bring you a most joyous Christmas.
• May the blessings and joy of this Christmas season be with you throughout the coming year.
• (and my personal favorite, for each of us) May the blessings and joy of the Christmas Season be with you though the coming year.

For each of you,

Quinn Van Nostran

Devotional 1-2-08

When I was 11 years old, and a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, I was baptized by Dr. Norman Cox. My sister, one year younger, was to be baptized too, along with 15 others – so Dr. Cox decided that he would (since we were small) put us on his arm together and baptize us as one. All went well until the was bringing us up out of the water – and my sister rolled off of his arm and fell back in! The congregation gasped, and of course, he immediately set me to one side and went back for her! She was fine, but what he thought we be the debut of a “first” – became a definite last double ceremony!

I thank God every day for Johnson Memorial and its beautiful traditions – especially our “safe” baptism ritual.

Quinn Van Nostran