A Very Special Day

My girls surprise me often, but I was really taken aback when Natalie asked me if she could be baptized. A long discussion followed, as I wanted her to know the seriousness of her request. I wanted to know why she wanted to be baptized. I should back up a bit because the week before that she asked me about the "age of accountability", in other words, when you don't get a "free pass" anymore because you're a kid! (her words) She was truly worried that even though she had already accepted Jesus into her heart, unless she was baptized, she'd be going "down below". Well, we talked about that too, and I settled her fears on that one. It all came down to this. If she could show Jesus how much she loved him, why not do it now? Why wait. Yes. She was ready to be baptized.

Now, Serena is almost 10, and part of me wanted her to wait until she was a bit older, but she gave me the same argument. Why wait when you love Jesus so much? It is said that we can learn a lot from kids, and in this case, it is so true. Yes. Why wait? If you can show God how much you love him and show others how much you love him by being baptized, then there is no time like the present!!

So, after talking it over with Pastor Dave, we felt they were indeed ready to make that commitment. After discussing it with certain people, I started to get the feeling that they thought the kids may be too young or not ready. Boy, don't underestimate kids! Kids of all ages are baptized, as soon as they can make the decision on their own and with the change in their own hearts. I believe parents are the best judges when it comes to whether or not your child is truly ready and acting on the the right reasons. I would never discourage a child who desires baptism. What's the worst that could happen? They decide to be baptized again at a later time? More power to them, I say. I will be there for every single one if that's the case!

The most important thing I wanted them to get from this is that they belong to the Lord, they are to live for Him and Him alone, and family and their church family will be there for them every step of the way! I wanted them to see it, hear it, feel it, and know it! Why wait for that??

We had no idea who would be there tonight, other than 4 of our family members, but we were so appreciative and happy to see so many kind faces there to encourage our girls! It meant so much to us that they would give up a Sunday evening to witness their baptism and to support their decision no matter how young they may be.

We treated the girls to a special cake I had made them, and gave them each a journal for their prayers and thoughts, and a cross necklace with matching earrings. Grandma and Grandpa gave them willow tree angel sets called "Sisters at Heart". They are two girls with their hands clasped in one another's. Very fitting for sisters who wanted to be baptized together!

I have been trying to post the pictures with no success so far, but I will keep trying until it works, so expect them soon!!