Romans 6:4

Yesterday was a very special day for my Sweet Hubby and I. Very special...

More than 4 months ago, we made the decision to become members of our church. Which for us meant not only joining this congregation but completely changing our denomination. It was something that we entered into thoughtfully and prayerfully. We asked the Lord's guidance and we truly believe He has placed us - and kept us - on this path.

Three things are necessary to fulfill the requirements of membership: a public profession of your desire to join the church, completion of the "First Principles" classes (a 10 week course in which you learn about the denomination and the church itself) and public baptism by full water immersion.

The first step we took, as I said, over 4 months ago as we walked to the altar during the invitation one Sunday to let the Pastor know of our desire. The following Sunday we began attending First Principles. What a great class it was! We enjoyed each and every session as well as the fellowship we had with others...we were sad to see it end.

In a post a few weeks ago, I mentioned how at Sunday service one week, our Music Minister had approached us and asked my Sweet Hubby if there was a song the choir could sing for him to encourage and uplift him. There was! Last Monday, I received a call from him letting me know that the song was ready...but that he and our Pastor had been talking and they had a request of us. Would we be willing to give our testimony - share it with the congregation? They would like to videotape it, show it at both services on Sunday and incorporate our Baptism at one of the services. They felt it would encourage and uplift everyone to see how the Lord is being glorified in the midst of our trial. Oh, and one more thing...they would like to have it ready for this Sunday if we were agreeable. HUH?? I'll admit I was speechless...but hallelujah!! I finally found my words (!) and told him that I would discuss it with my Sweet Hubby and we would call him back the next day. But I already knew what our answer would be. To God be ALL the glory!

Well...the next day saw my Sweet Hubby admitted to the hospital for blood transfusions so it was from his hospital bed that he had the conversation with our Music Minister and arrangements were made for us to videotape our testimony following "The Truth Project" at church Wednesday night. Unfortunately, my Sweet Hubby was quite ill that evening - he had just had another chemo treatment that day, and was still suffering from the internal bleed - so we sped home following church.

The following day, he was feeling a bit better and so we arrived at church in the afternoon for the taping. What a gift it was to talk about how good the Lord has been to us!! I wish I could convey to you how richly we are blessed each and every day...

So yesterday, August 17, 2008 in the witness of our congregation, my Sweet Hubby and I were baptized by our Pastor and one of our Associate Pastors. I can't even begin to tell you of all the love that flowed over us from our brothers and sisters in Christ!!! It was one of the most beautiful moments of our lives - one that we will never forget.

"We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!! AMEN!