Church Picnic & Baptism

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may bound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Roman 6:1-4

The church picnic and baptism was such an awesome experience. I really love the church God has placed us in. It may be small, but can't be a better place to worship Him. The people there are amazing, and so willing to make you feel like you're part of the body. I have gone to many churches in my life time, both small and big, and I have never felt like I was exactly where God wanted me until now. My family really enjoys it so much. Everyone knows everyone (mainly because of its size) and accepts you for who you are, not for what you have to "offer, or "who you know", or "who's daughter you are", that stuff doesn't seem to matter to them. It's so awesome to be part of something so GREAT!

This was our first time going to the picnic & baptism. Can you say fun? There was so much good food, fellowship, and that precious holy moment of the baptism.

When we arrived the kids couldn't wait to jump into the water. So I sprayed them down with sun screen and let them go. Brycen and Bobby headed right to the rope swing, and I about had a heart attack with how high up the tree Brycen had climbed. But they said they were being "careful" and there were no injuries, and they both had a great time. After watching them for a bit, the little ones and I headed over to this one area about knee deep, and I still had my dress on, because at this point I was just "checking it out", but then I slipped and went splat right on in. All I could do was laugh, and have the kids come join me right? Braden was a little scared of the fast running water so I took them over to a more shallow spot, where I sat my chair in the middle of the water and let them play. It was so relaxing, I wish Brandon could have gone, but he had to work that day.

Then after eating some yummy food, playing in the water some more, it was time for the baptism. Pastor Jim talked about how getting baptized is a symbolism of dying to your old self and coming up spiritually a clean person. Brycen was really excited because he has never had the opportunity to be baptized, so he jumped at the chance. It was a very emotional time for me to see my baby getting baptized. With all that we've had to endure this year, it was such a blessing to see. This was like the cherry on top! I truly thank God everyday for giving me the family I have, and the opportunity to love on them everyday...

Here are some pics of our wonderful day... Enjoy!