I am washed by the water...

TIT 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:47-48 Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. This past Sunday, June 6th, we gathered at the river with more than sixty people to be baptized at a spot a couple of miles from our home. We were baptized by the lead pastor at Temple Bible Church, Pastor Gary Desalvo. After I was baptized, I had the honor of baptizing Olivia and Madison. The location was soo beautiful and was provided for use to the candidates of Temple Bible Church and Grace Bible Church by a generous family who owns this creek-front land. It was the "perfect" spot to have your sins washed away. Each person who wished to be baptized was given an opportunity to share their testimonial. We talked about what led us to our decision to be baptized and thanked our family and friends. It was very emotional and in some ways tough to get through, for us. It was also complicated a little bit by the fact that we were actually the next to last group of people to be baptized so, we had to wait for over an hour and a half to be called up. This only added to our nervousness at speaking.

After our testimonials, we walked into the water with father Gary to be baptized. Pastor Gary baptizes me. I was baptized as an infant but, made the decision as an adult, husband and father to join "my girls" and share in this experience with them. It was pretty cool! Madi and I sharing a hug after her baptism. She was soo amazing in her desire to be baptized and her willingness to share it with her family and friends. Madi is going under! Next up was Olivia. She affirms her faith and... she is submerged... and emerges from the water. Olivia and I sharing a hug after she was baptized with Madi and Pastor Gary looking on. Pastor Gary congratulates the family and welcomes us as brothers in Christ.

This was a really special experience for us and we didn't mind posing for pictures soaking wet as it was really hot and muggy after waiting for almost two hours for our chance.

Thanks to my Mom and Dad for being there to support us. Our Nephew Jason was also there to support us, as always. And we owe a special thanks to his mom, Virginia (where are the pictures of YOU!?) who took many of the pictures for us. Thanks so much to Olivia's mom and dad for being there to support us.

Our Niece Mimi was also there to support us and enjoyed a free sno-cone to boot!

Olivia's friend Tabatha was kind enough to make the drive out from Killeen and we really enjoyed and appreciated her being there. Also, a special thanks to Tabatha who also took pictures of this special occasion - some of which we have shared here. All in all, it was really an awesome experience for our family. For me it was a chance to re-commit to my faith and share in the experience by choice with my wife and daughter. For Olivia, it was a chance to finally fulfill a long-held wish and an opportunity to take an important step in her walk with God. For Madison, it was a huge day as a new Christian. As she told me, she celebrated communion, was baptized and shared her faith with others all in one day. She is such a great kid and Olivia and I are so proud of her decision to be baptized with us. I included some biblical references for baptism because many people, myself included, know that it is an important part of being a Christian but, aren't really sure what it means or why. I'm not going to get up on a pulpit here but, I got so much out of meeting with the pastors at our church to discuss the baptism, hearing the testimony of others who were baptized with us, in watching Olivia and Madison step forward boldly as Christians. I can't put into words what it meant to affirm my faith, share my testimony and join with my Savior in baptism.

Romans 6:3-5 (NIV) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

and we shall be washed by the water...

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

Today is a very special day for our family. Today, Jack, Madi and I are getting baptized. Jack was baptized when he was a baby, but has chosen to experience it again with Madi and I. And, with Father Gary's guidance, Jack will actually baptize Madi and I. Which makes it even more special.

The baptism will take place at a creek just a few miles from our house and we really like the idea of that. It truly is a big day for our family spiritually and we look forward to celebrating this act just as Jesus did, himself.

We, of course, will share pictures of this special event here, with you, in a day or two.

Happy Sunday!