On Sunday morning Faith and I went out to Carowinds to see Maddie, John and Will get baptized. They attend Carmel Baptist church near my house, but on this special Sunday they had the service outside at the palladium at Carowinds. It was wonderful. I loved going to church outside. It seems so much more natural for me to worship out in God’s creation than inside of a church. I wish it was outside every Sunday.
My dad is the oldest of five siblings. His youngest sister is my Aunt Lisa who is only eight years older than I. She has three kids: Maddie (13), John (10) and Will (9). Everyone is typically surprised to hear that I have cousins that are close to being thirty years younger than I am. I guess I am more like an aunt than a cousin to them….but I am still just a cousin and I like it that way. I love them and being a cousin seems to be more casual and has less responsibility involved.
“The Cousins” were first in line to be baptized. I was so proud of them. How proud Lisa and Brian must be as well. It was neat that they all decided to do it on the same Sunday. In the Baptist church, a person get baptized after he/she commits herself to the Lord. It is based on many scriptures in the Bible and also found in the Old Testament.
“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.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)
“Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means “change.” It is turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It means placing our pride, our past and all of our possessions before the Lord. It is giving the control of our lives over to Him.” https://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/whatisbaptism.htm
I was proud that my young cousins have made such a commitment to the Lord. They are so well grounded, kind, and mature. Great kids!
Here is Will getting into the cold water….
John’s turn…
I didn’t get a picture of Maddie getting baptized, but she did get a picture with Faith afterward…
Will, John and Maddie…
(Back to front) Brian, Mr. Lee, Lisa, Lou, Maddie, John and Will….
After the service they all went to Carowinds for the day. Faith wanted to go but we will need to wait a few years before she is tall enough to ride the roller coasters. I have never even been…