Baptism!

Cody and I finally joined our church! What an exciting day it was! We had been thinking about it and discussing it for the last 6 months. Knowing both of our jobs, and settling in, we decided this would be a great time to take the next step. We love our church so much especially the newlywed Sunday school class. What a blessing that has been to us. 

Right after we joined. If you can't tell we were a little excited (Cody not pictured due to lack of picture excitement).

So the next Sunday I was scheduled to be baptized. Now I have been baptized as an infant and had my reconfirmation baptism at 14 years old but by being sprinkled (Methodist church). Being a part of a baptist church, that is one of the things that stands it apart from the other denominations meaning I needed to be baptized by submersion to be a member of the baptist church. I thought long and hard about that decision too and had always felt led to be baptized by submersion. I had many sit down discussions with the preacher and felt good about my decision. 

So after helping Cody fill in for the week and teach Sunday school, I went in the back before service and got in my robe. Cody was able to come back there with me and watch which was a really neat blessing since I was a little nervous. 

I was given a little handkerchief with my church's initials on it and got to sign the baptism wall! 

Then it was time for me to get in the water and be baptized as an outward symbol of my faith, love, and dedication to Jesus Christ to my church and family. What an absolute glorious day. All I could think of was Carrie Underwood's song, Something in the Water. It is an amazing thing to be a Christian, following Jesus' example to us all. I thank God every day for my faith, it is the biggest part of my life that I strive to be better at every day. Also Cody and I can't wait to raise our future kids in a Baptist church.

1 Peter 3:21.

Preacher Doug has is an amazing preacher. His sermons reach you at such a deeper level and you can truly see his passion towards Christ and sharing the Gospel. 

I was so thankful to have Mom, Gigi, and Morgan be able to witness and celebrate this amazing day with me!

I was so beyond thrilled that Cody's family surprised me and came to watch also!

To celebrate and spend more time together, we went to eat at my favorite restaurant after church, Bonefish Grill! And yes that is lobster. I never get lobster (it was a special occasion) and btw, lobster is my all-time hands down favorite food. Unfortunately I have expensive taste....literally.

Afterwards we decided to get some ice cream at that new 8 degree's ice cream place. Being science people, Morgan and I were so intrigued on how it was made and prepared we HAD to go and check it out.... I mean, in the name of science and research of course! ;)

After ice cream, we went back to the house to visit with Granddad and Sasha. I loved being able to catch up and take Sasha on a walk for Granddad. 

We ended the day with mom giving me a very sweet baptism letter she wrote and a little cross ring to go with it. I haven't taken that gorgeous ring off since then. It is absolutely stunning! I have never seen anything like it!

(This pic is Sasha trying to go with us to church in the morning). She was a little sad to realize we weren't going on a walk or taking her with us to church. She stays like this behind the window every time and it breaks your heart a little bit. I just can't imagine how it's going to feel when Cody and I get our own dog in a few years. We are going to be crazy obsessed dog owners. ;p

Quote of the day: "Nothing can ever separate you from the love Jesus has for you". What an amazing thing!

Love,

Kayla R.

8-13-17