Way Overdue Update

I have either gotten really bad at updating my blog or really busy or both. :) Anyway, a few weeks back, the church that Sarah and I have been attending had baptism down at a little park on the Snake River. Leading up to that date, I thought about getting baptized. I even talked to the pastor, Mark Bradley, about it. Over all, I have thought a lot about it and this is the conclusion that I have come to.
God definitely commands us to get baptized once we are saved. This act speaks of our allegiance to Christ, of our burial and resurrection with Him. I believe that baptism by immersion is the way to be baptized. Sprinkling or pouring is not what was intended (although in some situations pouring may be acceptable).
Baptism is a very special privilege. I would love to have been baptized back on that Sunday in September. I would have loved to publicly proclaim my allegiance to my Redeemer. However, I decided that I am not going to get baptized quite yet. The reason why is for the sake of my testimony and ministry with my parents. I do not want them to think that I made the decision to get baptized hastily or because someone else influenced me to (particularly anyone connected to Grace Academy). I want them to know that the decision I made back in January is one that is never going to change. It was not one that was made because I felt pressured in any way. I want them to know that I plan on sticking to my commitment to Christ. So, for the sake of my parents' salvation, I am opting to wait on baptism. I don't plan on waiting for numerous years. But I do want to wait at least another year.
I have prayed about this and have decided that this track is the best for me at this point. If you agree with me or think that I am greatly mistaken, please let me know.
As I mentioned above, I have gotten to talk to Pastor Mark. In talking to him, I learned that his wife is going through breast cancer as well. Her treatment has been more aggressive, including two masectomies. But how great is our God?! There is great potential there for a ministry to my mom and even just something to help me deal with being so far away from my mom while she is going through this.
Speaking of my mom, I just want to thank all those that have so tenderly and lovingly brought meals, chatted with my mom and have helped with any chores. I am very grateful for the kindness that is being shown to my family during this time of trial. I am sure that this showing of Christ's love through you all will impact my family for His kingdom. (For He has a great plan.) I also just want to thank the volleyball ladies ahead of time for the yard work they will be doing at my house. I'm sure it's a mess by now and will be hard work. But I know it's going to be a great blessing to my mom-she would most certainly have done it herself otherwise.
College life is going well. Sarah and I are adjusting and settling in bit by bit. Things have been tough at times but we just remind ourselves that God has brought us here for a reason and He has a plan for each of us. It is so good to be able to trust in a sovereign and loving God.