Last Saturday was the second most important day in the life of my oldest son. Second only to the day he was born. 😉 We met several of our friends at a church near our home and I had the privilege of joining my husband in baptizing Max. We entered the warm waters of the baptistry and before Benny could say anything, Max went under water to get his hair wet. I was stunned, then laughed as Benny raised his hands up in the air and said, “I guess we’re done here”. Our friend Stan said, “Hey! Is he double dipping?” It was comic relief that kept me from crying all
over the place. There we were surrounded by our friends and Benny’s parents as Max was finally able to do what he’s been begging to do for almost four years now. Over the past several weeks we had had several people make comments about him being too young and not understanding why we are baptized in the first place. None of those people were present of course. If you have wondered what the “proper age” is for a big step like this, and maybe doubt if he was ready, you just need to have a conversation with him. At seven years old he has a better understanding than I did at 11 when I was baptized. He’s been asking since he was three! I can tell you that there will be few moments in my life as a parent that will bring me more joy than being a part of my children choosing to give their lives to Jesus! It was such an emotional experience for me, but I held it together pretty well. Max was excited but ready to get on with it. Benny was and is a proud Popa!
After the baptism we all went to our house for a cookout. There were 34 of us and I was a bit nervous that we would be incredibly crowded, not to mention trying not to play the comparison game. Alot of our friends have big beautiful homes. As it turned out, there was plenty of room and plenty of food, accompanied by great fellowship. We were enveloped by people who love us, and my friends who hadn’t been to our home expressed how much they enjoyed being there. That had to be a blessing straight from God. (Thank You Lord! You are so good to me!) Benny and Pete (my FIL) grilled hot dogs and Beer Brats with all the fixings 😉 My friend Heather made a cake shaped like an open book and wrote in red frosting: The Book Of Life with Max’s name listed on the page. It was awesome. It was nice to introduce church friends to homeschooling friends to Captivating friends to neighbors. It felt a bit strange to have so many communities of our life come together to celebrate this day with us, but it was a wonderful afternoon! Thank you to everyone who sent words of love to my son!
What a perfect way to celebrate Max’s new life! BTW, I’ve seen some 7 year olds that understood more about Jesus than 27 year olds! I am thrilled for all of you!!!
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I’m rejoicing with you! Give a huge hug to Max from me and Conner both, and the rest of the family too! Love you all.
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I came by earlier, but pictures had not been posted. What a genuinely special moment in his life. Sounds like such a wonderful day. I got my cell phone all charged up so that you can gab my ear off tomorrow (lol)! I look forward to your call.
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I agree with everything jettybetty said. Max is a very smart little man. Give him a big hug from me too. Max has great leaders leading his home.
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I love those pictures!! What a precious, special day. I’m so proud of Max and happy for everyone.
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“and the Lord added daily to their number…”
Congratulations, ya’ll.
Ditto Jetty Betty also – I know many others who fall into that category as well. Good for you guys for not “hindering” him 🙂
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Thank you friends! This really was a special time for us. Wish you all could have been here.
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What a wonderful day!! One to always look back on. Praise the Lord!!
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That was a very cool day and I was so honored to be a part of it. Love ya!
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What a wonderful day! Happy birthday Max! Praise the Lord another brother in Christ! (My nine-year-old nephew was recently baptized, and I know my brother and SIL were questioned as to his readiness as well.)
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you need to blog…
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Congratulations Max!
My 6 year old son was baptized this weekend. I have to admit that I tried to talk him into waiting but he refused to hear it. Which only showed me even more exactly how important it was to him. And he understands perfectly what baptism is, like Max, he has for quite a while.
(Jared sent me)
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I have to say that my own baptism at 14 was early. I KNEW exactly what I was doing and why, but I DIDN’T know how hard the road would be. I didn’t get a good start after that. I have really only built my relationship with God since I hit 20.
I think there is a reason that Jesus said we needed to become as children to enter heaven.
I praise Max for his conviction, and I praise you and Benny for supporting his choice.
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I cried when I saw this post. I miss Max! Judah sleeps with his “max bear” a lot (which is what we named the bear Max made him). I was baptized when I was 7, and knowing Max, he knew exactly what he was doing. I like the double dipping move though, now we know for sure he’s covered!
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Happy Birthday Max ~ 🙂
I am so proud of you.. I bet YOU could teach ME!!! I saved all your pictures and will proudly share them with our family.
Love Always, Aunt Cookie
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Congrats to you all! I will Cry my eyes out when my kiddos do that! I love the celebration afterwards! What a great moment.!
God Bless and Much Love!!!
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You are such a good momma. We sure love you and are ecstatic about Max. Thanks for your words of wisdom always.
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The only one I know of your family is Benny, having met him (what–five years ago!!) at WAH Boot Camp… but I’m thrilled for you guys. Not just that Max was baptized, but because he wanted to, because your ministry is starting where it should–at home.
Ken Carlson
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