When I get our pics of us jumping, I'll post them.
“A family that prays together stays together” is a saying that was started back in the 1940’s.
I’m saying “Yes!” to that, and also will add “The family that plays together stays together.”
Yesterday we visited Crater Lake in Oregon. It is the deepest freshwater lake in the US, and the ninth largest in the world (1,949 feet deep). The lake was formed back 7,700 years ago because of the collapse of a volcano. There is one point where you can hike down 1.1 mile to fish, boat, or if daring enough, jump off a cliff into the extremely cold water.
The Shuff family was daring! The cliff was just 18 feet high. The water temperature is said to be a low of 41 degrees and a high of 69 degrees in July. It definitely felt to be between 40-50 degrees cold.
We had left our swimsuits up in the car, so we improvised and decided to go for it! Hunter went first. Burrrr. He said he thought he was having an asthma attack swimming the 30-40 feet back to shore. Cole and I jumped together next. Woohoo! We went down deep into the cold clear water. I briefly opened my eyes underwater and looked out into the clear blue water with the sun shining through. The look was quick, but breathtaking. I believe Cole would agree with the breathtaking part. While swimming back to shore, I glanced back at Cole. The look on his face was chilling (no pun intended). He said, “It’s hard to breathe!” My lifeguard saving skills (or mother-protection-skills) went into action. Getting Cole out of the water became the first priority. Next was Tim. He leaped out as if he was jumping off a high tree branch into a lake. But this lake was not our typical Florida lake, it was FrEeZiNg! Finally, after seeing all of us jump for joy, Holly decided to partake in the memorable experience. Off she went into the beautiful blue wonder. Yeppie!!!
The whole family did it! Memories were made.
When I read Acts 16:30-34 this morning, it reminded me of the “whole family” thing. See, Paul and Silas were in jail and God gave new meaning to the song, “Jailhouse Rock”. He caused an earthquake to free them. The jailer was terrified, saw a miracle from God, and asked, “Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?” They said, “Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you’ll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!” They went on to spell out in detail the story of the Master—the entire family got in on this part. They never did get to bed that night. The jailer made them feel at home, dressed their wounds, and then—he couldn’t wait till morning!—was baptized, he and everyone in his family. There in his home, he had food set out for a festive meal. It was a night to remember: He and his entire family had put their trust in God; everyone in the house was in on the celebration.”
Wow! The entire family was saved, put their trust in God, and baptized. How exciting!
I am so blessed to know that my entire family has done the same thing. We have all put our trust in God and have been baptized in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Let’s relate the lake story to the Christian life. Is your relationship with Christ the “deepest” relationship you’ll ever delve into? YES! Is it sometimes a “leap” of faith to become a Christian? YES! Will God “take your breath away”? ABSOLUTELY! Will your walk with Christ be a “memorable experience”? You bet! Should you make God your first priority in life? Without a doubt!
If you haven’t taken the “leap” yet, what are you waiting for? Go for it!
Blessings to all.
July 18