Wednesday, September 9, 2009

09-09-99

No, that's not a mistake in the title! That is the date of my baptism! My ten year anniversary is today, 09-09-09. Wow! Where does the time go? I have so much in my head I'd like to write, but Thomas has decided he likes the 3:00am-5:30am hours for playtime and so I'm exhausted. I just had to have a post with today's date to commemorate this amazing event in my life!
The pictures on this post are from the session that Raye Law gifted us last Monday on Thomas's two week birthday! Raye heard about our story from Becky and was so sweet to ask to photograph us! Here's a link to her site, Raye Law Photography where there are a few more pictures of our family. Thank you, Raye!I came to the University of Arkansas and joined the Razorbacks for Christ group on campus. That group, lead by Scott Karnes, read his blog as he and his family prepares to be missionaries in Ireland) changed my life as well as influenced many friends and family members of mine.
I started attending ladies' bible studies on campus and eventually felt brave enough to tell the girls that I was interested in being baptized, but nervous about telling people I hadn't been or having to do it in front of a big congregation. The girls immediately took action and told me that they were thrilled with my decision and that we didn't have to do it in front of a big group. (In my mind it had to be a Sunday morning thing in front of the whole church) They even said we could go right now! (Which happened to be a Thursday night at about 8:00pm! They asked if they could call a few other bible studies meeting around campus and invite them-I told them sure, but didn't really think anyone would be interested in coming, I was still pretty new to the RFCs. Well, I was wrong, when we got to the church there were probably about forty college kids there along with Scott all totally excited about my decision! We sang lots of songs and prayed and then Scott baptized me in front of that group. It brings tears to my eyes-ten years later(!)-when I think about the amazing feeling of being lifted out of that water to everyone's clapping and cheers. I cried a lot that evening, for the person I was and for the person I was ready to strive to be. I love that I learned you don't have to have everything "fixed" before you give yourself to Christ, you just have to be open to the idea of letting God work on you and do your best to love Him! He will use your faith even if it is the size of a mustard seed (as the bible says!) That is comforting, because somedays that is all I have to give and he gladly accepts that.I think back to ten years ago and all that has happen since then...I have had-and continue to have-a blessed life. God has provided me with a way to influence the future from teaching kindergarten through college aged students, I was married to an amazing man who loved us with a fierce devotion, I have two adorable children that I love so much it takes my breath away, literally countless family and friends that lift us up in prayer--as well as take care of us any way they can, and most importantly my relationship that has grown with God and having the fulfillment that only He can provide and, thank goodness, His promises of what can be ours after this unbelievably short time we have on Earth.
PS Thank you Nellie and Becky for taking me out to eat for my special day and for your phenomenal, faithful friendship!
Thank you to all of my readers for the uplifting comments on my blog, e-mail and facebook-they truly help me get through each day.

16 comments:

  1. Oh wow. I am reading your blog, crying as usual. Crying good tears. What an amazing experience. What an amazing faith. I too love that we don't have to be fixed to come before Him. If that were the case, we wouldn't ever make it. What a wonderful God we serve. I love the pictures. But even more than that, I love the mom behind those beautiful faces...a mom who loves her kids, her husband, and her God. I hope you have a good week (and that little Mr. Thomas switches his playtime soon :)

    Reba

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  2. I don't know you, but I was an RFC too and I couldn't tell you how I got to your blog, but I want you to know that you have blessed me with your words. Your story about your baptism reminded me of some of the wonderful things about the RFCs. I'm glad you and your baby are doing well and despite not knowing you personally, I'll be praying for you.

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  3. WOW what beautiful photos of your children. You and Thomas created such gorgeous kids. Caroline looks so much like him. I'm glad you were able to get those photos done. Congrats on it being 10 years since being baptised! I hope baby Thomas will switch his awake time around soon for you.

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  4. Those pictures of your children are BEAUTIFUL. What a treasure!

    What a great post for your baptismal anniversary date!

    I have enjoyed following your blog and seeing how you rely on the Lord's strength to pull you through.

    God is using you as an example to me and many others.

    Michelle Found
    Picton, Ontario, Canada
    www.fiddlersfound.blogspot.com

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  5. Congrats on ten years, Bonnie! My ten year anniversary is coming up next summer. For me as well, it's hard to believe all that God has done in my life in that time.
    Here's to hoping Thomas becomes less of a night owl so you can get a bit more sleep!
    Love ya!!

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  6. My little Penelope was born the same day as Thomas. I have 3 more and we'll be praying for your family. I know it must be a blessing to have the support of your christian family. We're members of the church here and we'll be keeping up with your blog!

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  7. Congratulations Bon! What a great post! I hope baby Thomas gets his schedule flip-flopped! Love you!

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  8. I loved hearing your testimony Bonnie! How neat and special. I love the pics of your beautiful kiddos! What treasures!

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  9. The pictures are beautiful. We continue to pray for you and your precious family.

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  10. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary of baptism!

    What beautiful pictures! Both of your kids are precious. Looking forward to watching both of them grow through your blog.

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  11. 11-21-86...the date of my baptism. Thank you for sharing yours. I think it is definitely a date that people should pay more attention to.

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  12. What an amazing testimony. Thank you for sharing this important date.

    Beautiful pictures!

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  13. Happy 10 Year Anniversary! What a special day. Baby Thomas looks adorable! Caroline is beautiful! Hopefully you will get a little rest this weekend.

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  14. 10 years, thats awesome! 9 is my favorite number, has been since junior high, don't know why! My baptism was August 9th Wow 1999, what a great year--I had so much fun hanging out with you and sharing in our many RFC adventures!

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  15. Yay!! I remember that night!! I remember it being a couple weeks ago, though, not TEN YEARS. Wow. What a wonderful night. Thanks for sharing and bringing back the memory!

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  16. What a night that was. I think of it every now and then, even though I'm never really sure why. You are such a blessing to me and everyone who reads these words you are brave enough to write. I love you, Bon!

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