Down Mulberry Lane

What a wonderful day....

Today we had a real blessing.  Our daughter Chelsea was baptized.  This was a long process and one that we did not take lightly.  For many years, Chelsea understood the protection that we, her parents, had given her and by obeying us, she understood that she stood under our yoke, so to speak.  Well, she was getting older and this was now becoming evident that it was time for her to make a decision.  We didn't push... we wanted it to be hers.  She knew her Bible, but yet didn't quite want to step out and make that decision. 

Over a year ago, Chelsea attended an evangelistic series and started "thinking" for herself.  I could see growth in her thoughts, yet she was not wanting to untie the strands from Mom and Dad.  A friend of hers had decided she would like to go through baptismal lessons, but she did not want to do them alone.  She had asked Chelsea if she would do them with her... which was agreed upon by all involved.  Over the next year or so, I watched Chelsea grow.  Her knowledge was there, but she struggled with interpretations others had of it.  We had some long discussions and we even had to confront the "teacher" of the course for incorrect teaching.  She grew in her understanding of the knowledge she had and I watched her grow in standing up for what she believed, despite incorrect teachings.  She didn't waver, didn't give up... she persisted and studied deeper to come to a fuller understanding and even to the point of confronting her teacher.  That's not always easy for a teen to do.  The teacher did admit his wrong and stepped away from leading the study.  The study then went to someone else and then later fell to myself when this person no longer could continue.  What a process for these two girls!  Enduring throughout trials in the studies, enduring through the changing teachers... Yet never losing sight of the purpose of their study... to become baptized. 

My Chelsea during the course of the studies had committed herself with her own decision that yes, she was ready to stand on her two feet and make a stand for God herself.  As a mother, I watched her change over the last year or so and I feel so blessed to have witnessed that change.   Seeing her baptized and seeing her stand before the congregation as a child of God... was just such an awesome experience. 

We also had our youngest dedicated today as well.  So, it was a neat service.  We dedicated Paige... making that vow to God that we as her parents will do our best to raise her up for God's glory... to raise and train her to be a part of God's family.  And then with Chelsea getting baptized on the same day... it was such a reminder to me as a mother of the importance of our duty to train and raise our kids correctly.  This isn't folly.... this is a dedicated business us mothers and fathers are in.   What a responsibility to take up the yoke of raising God's children!  What a blessing that God allows us to do that.  What a humbling experience to see that come in full circle... remembering the day when Chelsea was dedicated and that we took that vow to raise her up in the Lord... and seeing her today step out in baptism.  Chelsea has been our bashful one, the one to stand behind mom or Dad to get out of the one on one discussions.  So to see her stand up and speak and express herself and being bold in her decision... it is only a change that our God can make in us.... so neat to watch.  I feel so blessed to have been able to be her mother... to have been able to take part and watch her grow... Praise God for his blessings upon our families. 

Our previous Pastor had done the baptism for our daughter as she had grown up with him and he had just recently moved away.   It was so nice to see him and his family once again.  His daughter has a son nearly the same age as our youngest, Paige... and Paige enjoyed seeing a new little one at church... she is the youngest at our church and the only time she sees little ones is if they come to visit.  She had a wonderful day hugging babies just like her and another one smaller than her... she just enjoyed it so much. 

We enjoyed a fellowship dinner afterwards and later my kids and I went to the park with some other teens from church.   They enjoyed walking and talking and just the nice atmosphere together.  They got to catch up with the son of the Pastor who had moved away.  Anyways, it was just a nice day.  A day that reminded me how blessed we are as parents to be able to raise up our kids...  To spend time with our kids and to teach them of our loving God. 

Warmly, Melissa

Untitled Comment

8:30 AM, May 20, 2007 .. Posted by BlueApple

How wonderful! Congratulations to all of you!

Untitled Comment

2:44 PM, May 22, 2007 .. Posted by mcgyver959701

That is wonderful! Its just wonderful to have that kind of blessing. Makes Motherhood feel even more special.

Many blessings,
Lynn