The idea of baptism has an important place in the Christian faith. First of all, it is one of the only "works", or actions, that is requested of a person who has decided to believe in and follow Jesus. Christians generally eschew rituals and rites. They place more emphasis on the inward shaping of their heart than the outward display of religion. On Easter Sunday, I joined a long line of Christians leading back to Jesus himself who have participated in the sacrament of baptism as a way to outwardly show an inward decision. The cleansing in water is meant to symbolize the cleansing of my heart by Jesus, who has absorbed all the dirt of my selfishness and cruelty. Though I have to admit that His cleansing is much more thorough than the water I stepped into that day. There may or may not have been a glimmering sheen of oil on top of the water, glistening in the sun.
Here I am with Darcy, a church staff member and friend. She interviewed me in front of a small crowd of church members.
She asked me to briefly explain when I decided to believe in Jesus, once and for all. (It was while I was driving on the 101 at 5:00am in November 2007.)
I got to have two studly men hold my hands at the same time. And to think I didn't want to get baptized at first! That's Rob, our church's high school pastor, on the right and Justin, our Twenties pastor on the left.
At the very moment this photo was taken, I was extremely worried about water going up my nose. It did, in fact, go up my nose.
Justin gave me a post-dunk hug.
And so did my proud husband. :) He is risen, and He can do anything! I am living proof.
We drove down to Bakersfield late on Thursday night to meet our new niece. As expected, she was scrumptiously cute and delicately soft. Angelic when asleep and heart-breaking when upset. Equal parts poopy, hungry, and sleepy. Sporting a full head of sweet-smelling hair. Driving her parents wild with love. Even at midnight, and 2 a.m., and 4 a.m., and 6 a.m.
Someday, Sophia will be graduating from high school. She will be pretty, smart, and ambitious, just like her mom. I will look back at this photo and feel very old. But I will certainly enjoy watching my "niece nugget" grow up.
