Entering the Waters of Baptism

As I wake, the reminder of what we have lost washes over me. . .

My thoughts shift to God in Heaven. 

I continue to ask why. . . but I ask to not get stuck there. 

I ask for peace and strength to go throughout this day;

for opportunities to do His will. And to let this day not be about me but about Him.  

4 years ago yesterday, on a sunny, chilly afternoon. 

3 of our children entered the waters of baptism in the River. 

The River a symbol of the cleansing waters. . .

They emerged changed. Aligned with the One who gave His Life as a ransom for ours. 

The gift, given. 

All we need to do is receive. 

What joy filled my heart. 

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

And now one of those 3 resides with the One who ransomed his life. 

Elijah's words spoken at the riverside. 

September 22, 2009

I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart when I was five or six. I don't really remember exactly how I felt, but I remember knowing for certain that this was an important event, and that it was wise to pay attention. I said a prayer with my mom, and ever since I have been working to build a relationship with God.  It hasn't been easy, especially in public school, but in the middle of 7th grade my mom decided to home school me for the rest of that year and the next. Being home schooled really gave me some time to reflect on how I had been acting in public school, and how I needed to act when I went back. The transition from home schooling back to public school this year has been a little difficult, but a friend of mine showed me a verse that is wonderful to say in your head when there is so much going on and you're overwhelmed. Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "

And then a reminder of his Senior Testimony in June 2013

And there is joy in my heart that he is reigning on high.

The One who breathed life into him, now holds him close.

But our loss is immeasurable. 

The ache in my heart continually there.

It has been 8 weeks without our boy. 

Our handsome fun loving boy.

8 weeks where God has never left our side. 

8 weeks of treasured lessons learned. 

We can not do this on our own.

We know the prayers of those around us are upholding us.

We feel it. 

Together Gary and I will stand strong on the promises we know and we will share that with our children and with those around us. 

Be encouraged this day. 

There is a healer. . . his mercy deeper than the sea. . .

Let faith arise in this broken world. . .

We have a faithful God forever.

Psalm 91:1-2

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust