A New Creation

     So, yesterday I made the decision to get baptized...Again. When I was about 10 years old I got baptized, the first time. I remember the day, it was a sunny, summer afternoon at a church picnic and the closest body of water was a gravel pit that had been filled with water at a nearby housing development. I remember being too shy to give a testimony like the adults who were getting baptized and simply nodding my head when the preacher asked me if I believed that Jesus was LORD. And that was that.
    But as I've grown and begun to learn more about baptism and what an important step it is in one's choice to follow Jesus, I began to wonder if I should do it again, this time from a place of deeper understanding of what it was I was doing. And let me tell you I turned it into a inner struggle and I let fear dictate. But finally, yesterday morning, I made the decision and so friends and family gathered at the church to share this moment with me.
     I know that baptism has become a rather polarizing topic in the church today. I know that I have personally struggled with it and it's importance. But I've come to the conclusion, that honestly, it's a silly argument. Jesus asks His followers to do it, so of course it's important.
     This year, I had decided that my theme was going to be "Growing in Grace." I wanted to learn more deeply about living each and every day in that beautiful grace that, The One who calls us by name, offers. I think this decision I've made is part of that learning. So there you have it...
   

Colossians 2:12

"Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through your faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead."

Acts 22:16

"And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name."

1 Peter 3:21

"And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also, not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience towards God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The 3 Musketeers

    Today we got to meet someone pretty special. The Lovely Keren Ruth and Benjamin welcomed Little Mr. Mathias last week and today we got to go for a visit. He is so very tiny and sweet.

Buirlen meeting his newest cousin, Mathias

One year ago, when Ephraim met Buirlen...Time just keeps a moving.

Ephraim, Buirlen, and Mathias...The 3 Musketeers. Ages: 2 years, 1 year, and brand spanking new. Adventures and, no doubt mischief, are coming our way!

Speaking of babies...During Retreat, my dear friend Polly and her family stayed with us. It was lovely to spend some time with a good friend who I don't get to see as much as I once did. Last year during retreat, Polly and I were both pregnant. This year our babies were buddies.

Stripy baby bumps...February 2017

Buirlen and Ruthie, bumps turned buddies....February 2018

And, it occurred to me, that Spring officially starts in just a couple weeks and the weather is starting to prepare for it...Bird songs, bullfrogs, tulips, and mud are coming soon. Yay!

"Cousins are the perfect friends." ~Unknown

"There is nothing on earth more to be prized than true friendship." ~Thomas Aquinas

Happy Birthday Buirlen Elder!

This past Saturday, my sweet baby became a 1 year old. How did a year happen already? It certainly has been a good year, I'd say one of the best. This sweet boy has 5 going on 6 teeth, is learning the art of making faces, loves to clap and climb, and still thinks walking is of little value. He can stack blocks and is starting to take more of an interest in books, he particularly likes his touch and feel books. 

Over this past year, I have learned that there is no such thing as a clean shirt lasting more than 5 minutes, that there are many tasks that can be done one handed if necessary, and that being a mamma is the best! All in all, this guy makes a great adventure buddy. Here's to year #2!

Oh my sweet baby, how you've grown. 

Getting down to the business of birthday cake. 

Sampling. 

Wouldn't want to leave anything on that wrapper... Waste not, want not. 

My work here is done. 

"Today you are you, that is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you." 

~Dr. Seuss.