Baptism

Because I was raised Catholic, I’ve never been baptized by immersion. In fact, I never even thought about it or studied what the Bible said about it until I became a member at Oak Hills. I read about it and had some conversations with Brian as well as other Christians that I am close to. I came to the conclusion that it was something that I wanted to do and something that we, as followers of Jesus, are called to do. I decided that I would really like to do it when my first child decided to be baptized.

 

A  week or so ago I was at my mentor’s house with some other ladies in our small group. The subject came up and I explained my “plan”. I was still pretty sure that waiting to get baptized was what I wanted. I just had this picture in my mind of standing with Ben one day and making it a family affair. Fast forward a few nights later, and I was spending time with one of those ladies again. As we were saying good-bye, Amy said, “You know, you getting baptized has nothing to do with your children. You don’t have to work to make it special. It is simply about your obedience to God, and it will be special in its own right.” Cue dagger to the heart. Up until that moment, I had been making this important step all about me (and of course, I was missing the point). Just like every other part of our faith, it’s NOT about me. It’s about Jesus. I cannot add to or take away from his work on the cross. Similarly, it is not my place to alter his commands so that they fit into some picture in my mind or an expectation that I create. I am so thankful for Amy and for her courage to speak Truth into me. I am thankful for the way the Lord works and how he uses us to rebuke and guide each other towards His wisdom.

 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

 

After the Lord made his point clear through Amy, I talked to Brian and told him I wanted to be baptized soon. At the same time, we were trying to coordinate a time with Aaron & Liz for them to come to town and hang out with us for my birthday. Everything lined up (as it always does when God is working on something) and I asked Aaron if he would be the one to baptize me. Also, I decided to do it at my mentor’s house, because it is such a beautiful setting (and it was where all of this started in the first place).

 

SOOO, this past weekend, I was joined by all of these lovely people as I took this step of faith and obedience.

 

As I said, the scenery was breathtaking.

 

Aaron said a few words about baptism and prayed.

 

Remember how I wanted to do this with Ben? Well, the sweet boy was FASCINATED by the whole thing. The other kids were more focused on getting their swim suits on and getting in the pool, but my Ben just stood right on the edge of the water and never took his focus away from what was happening. I looked up while Aaron was talking and locked eyes with Ben and he gave me a huge smile. The Lord said, “See, you wanted your child to be a part of this and here he is. This was just one more opportunity for you to make the gospel come alive for him.”  Praise God for his faithfulness and for the ways he gives us the desires of our hearts!

 

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16

 

A big hug for my mentor, Cindy, who God also used to convict me to finally do this!

 

It was a good day!

 

 

When we were done, Cindy & Dennis invited us to stay and play.

 

How much fun were these two guys having?

 

It is an awesome privilege to share my faith with these three. I pray that they will grow to know the joy and peace that come from walking with our Savior.

 

Salvation is an incredible gift that I pray I never take for granted.

 

“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

 

I love this line from the song “Baptism”

 

This road is long and dusty,

sometimes a soul it must be cleansed
And I long to feel that water, rushin' over me again

 

Thank you, Jesus, for looking past my weaknesses and giving me your Holy Spirit to nudge me towards obedience. Thank you for always working to move us closer to YOU!