I have wrestled with this for at least four years. I know it seems like I would be rushing all my kids down the aisle to get them baptized. However, Brady and I have been putting it off and praying about it for a long time. Riley accepted Christ as her savior several years ago. Hallie this summer. Bailee this December. Did she say putting it off?? Yes! Here's why...
I was baptized in the seventh grade. Unfortunately, I did not choose to follow Christ completely until I was 29. I worry that at their young age they won't feel the weight of their own sin, and as a result can't grasp the magnitude of what Christ did for us on the cross. Therefore, not falling in love with Him and living for Him (YET). I know it isn't the baptism that saves them, but that they asked Jesus to be their Saviour. But, it symbolizes the decision.
They have all been begging Brady and I for months to be baptized. I wanted to make sure it wasn't just so they could have a "snack" of juice and crackers when communion was passed by their little noses. I wanted them to know that things aren't going to be perfect from now on! Most of all, I want them to follow Christ completely from this day on!!!! But, I also know this is their decision and not mine. It is their spiritual walk and not mine. I know my ramblings might be confusing. Why do I make things more complicated than they need to be. Thank you Jesus for making things simple. "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them."
So now that it has been done... It was a wonderful moment. The girls were giddy, giggling, and so excited. It was a wonderful day, with a gorgeous sunset just to remind us how much He loves us.
10 comments:
Praise HIM!
I carry your burden sister! Praying for God's time- not what is pleasing to us. What and amazing time- I pray mine will all be there too- in God's perfect timing!
Love you!
How amazing Vicki! You spoke the heart of a mother for sure. I pray that I have these problems one day. :}
What a beautiful story, and how wise of you to walk them carefully into this decision. I believe with all of my heart that your caution will pay off as your girls were well informed of the magnitude of their decision. I love you!
That is AWESOME!
The marshmallow throwing is great! I might need to try that!
:)emily
I miss so much as I go days without checking blogs and when Scott is on call I stay up late to catch up! Thanks so much for sharing your heart. I will pray for your girls as they begin the powerful walk with Christ. Your wisdom is inspiring.
As far as the sharpie incident. I was just scrubbing black Sharpie off Addy tonight. Oh well, at least it wasn't on the walls!
Hi Vicki,
I can't believe how long it's been since I have sat down to
e-mail anyone. I wanted to let you know that I checked out your blog, and
I loved it. It was so nice to hear your news (esp. about the girls!)
and to see the pics of the kids. They are all growing so fast (just
like mine) I know what you mean about the "you've got your hands full"
comments and all. I get them with just three, and now that I am very
largely pregnant, I just answer " I still have room for one more."
Anyway, you handle it so well. I repeat your advice about it getting easier
every six months to a lot of my new friends who are struggling with
their newborn second or third child. I am not computer savvy yet, so we
have no blog page, but at least I journal for the kids on paper. ( At
least I try...)
How is Brady's job going? Eph really is loving being an
allergist. It truly is his calling in life, and he get great satisfaction
from it. That is a true blessing. We are teaching Sam's sunday school
class, and Ephraim enjoys spending the time with the kids (although he
doesn't like to admit it.) I am still in a women's bible study at
church every Wed. night, and sometimes it is my lifeline to sanity. I look
forward to that 1 1/2 every week so much.
I wanted to let you know that I am friends with some old
friends of yours and Brady's from college at ACU. Nathan and Cindy Forrest
( and their four kids) are in our Sunday school class, and their twin
girls and Maggie are the same age. They were in ballet and gymnastics
together, and we have lots of playdates with them. Cindy was just
talking about people from ACU days last week, and I asked her if she knew
y'all. What a small world. I am taking your cute Christmas card to
church Sunday so they can see pictures of the kids. I hope you don't mind.
Well, it's getting late (at least for pregnant-me--sometimes I
am very glad that Ephraim says this is our last one) so I had better get
some rest before church tomorrow. I miss our walks and talks. Write
when you get a chance. Love, Kathie
I just checked my blog and got a HUGE smile on my face when I saw Miles City pop up on my screen! You still bring me joy!!(even a million miles away)
Just got your comment and cannot wait to see pics of y'all in Cayman! I had no idea you were planning a trip, and I bet you had a blast! Sorry about the house. It's sad to come back to a disaster, isn't it? Oh well. At least you and Brady have the memories to carry you through all the "redecorating"!
I cannot wait to see what wondrous things the Lord does with these sweet girls being raised by precious, God-loving parents! Hallelujah!
Hey Vicki-
I so understand Brady's and your delimma. While we never like to say that salvation is a "process", I'm afraid that in our dash to fill our quota of baptisms, the modern church rushes people who aren't ready for it through the water. We tend not to give them time to truly understand their decision. I was saved and baptized at age 9, but I truly didn't come to grips with what that meant until my late teen years. I agree with you two that we can head off a lot of struggling and confusion if we allow Jesus to "percolate" in people's hearts, especially children's hearts, before we give them the laundry list of things thay now have to do.
Way to go!
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