Pure Joy...Baptizing my Daughter

That's how I would describe the moment. Joy coupled with excitement, but yet a calmness throughout my spirit. Perfect...the day was perfect. The atmosphere itself felt charged with anticipation. How could it not, with a crowd of youth, some family and friends descending upon Eden, joining us for the memory-making moment!!!!!


The first van rolled into our driveway around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday July 25, and the teenagers piled out. It was to be the first of many moments of overwhelming gratefulness and awe with so many people who had sacrificed a lazy Sunday afternoon, to make the 2 hour plus drive to Eden. My daughter had specifically invited her community...the Senior Youth group from our church. All but a few were able to make the trek, along with some very gracious and giving parents who drove them.  A special thank you to Mum and Dad Ogilvie for sharing this moment with us.


My extra special gift was my sister, who, although she was adding another celebration to her trip, had traveled 5 hours to be at this one. "Thank you my dear Charmaine, for the gift of your presence...and for capturing this celebration in picture."


Choosing Eden as the place to celebrate my daughter's next step in her faith journey, truly was right and good in so many ways. Neither my daughter, nor I, relish being in the public's eye. We tend to lean towards anxiety in moments that call for being on center stage and all the dynamics which are a part of a planned service. So, walking casually down to the lake,with beach towels and cameras and the community surrounding us, felt so relaxed. And when my daughter and niece had to return to the cottage to retrieve a camera with a charged battery, well, it just wasn't an issue. We could wait.


But not for long!  The waters of baptism were beckoning us.


My husband welcomed friends and family, sharing with all of us, the meaning and purpose of baptism.

 The blessings of community...

Ashley shared a couple of lines from a song by Reliant K...concluding with, "I'm going to love You with my life."

 Simple, but purposeful words were what I shared with my daughter.

"

"My dear Ashley...It was on November 10, 1998 that you and I prayed together as you asked Jesus Christ to be your forever Friend.  You were 3 years and 4 months old.  It was a very special moment for me.  Over the years I have watched you grow in your understanding of God, your faith in Him and your love for Him.  Today holds another treasured moment as I have the privilege of baptizing you.

 Hewbrews 13:8is an amazing verse that has meant so much to me throughout my journey as a Christ follower.  It says, 'Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, yes and forever.'  As you already know, life people and circumstances are always changing.  Jesus Christ never does.  In choosing to follow Christ, you have made the most important decision you will ever make.  He alone, will be your constant, sure, security each and every day of your life.  My deepest prayer is that you will pursue Him with all of your heart, and cling to Him with all of your strength as you continue walking life's journey.  I love you Ashley Faith...all the way to the moon and back."


Our joy-filled moment...

Ashley Faith...I baptize you...

i

in the name of the Father, the Son...

a

and the Holy Spirit.

 
Oh what a celebration!!!!!

My beaming daughter...

Thank You my Father...for your obvious and gracious blessing to us...for the moment You made in our lives this day.