LWMS Annual Convention

What the “quick facts” of the 50th LWMS Annual Convention don’t tell you.

Over 2700 people were in attendance at the opening worship service: How do I even begin to put into words the feeling of worshiping with this many people? I heard that this was the largest gathering of WELS people in history. Regardless of whether that’s true or not, knowing that I was surrounded by Christians on this side of heaven that are all united in fellowship, doctrine, confessions and beliefs is just a tiny, wonderful taste of what I can only imagine eternity to be like. To witness 30 pastors clothed in similar white gowns and green stoles but a range of all shapes, sizes, ages and color receive Holy Communion - and then go on to give out Christ’s body and blood to the waiting 2700 people that filled a LaCrosse, WI stadium - was a poignant reminder of what we all are, sinners in need of a Saviour and forgiven by Christ alone. The convention scripture theme was He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:3 

Attendance was over 1700: Sure there’s the old adage that “everyone knows everyone” or if you ask enough questions you’re sure to discover you’re related, etc. And I did know some people but most I didn’t. The connection may not have been relation or even knowing the same person. The connection with every single one in attendance was through knowing Jesus and being united in purpose: to support and encourage mission endeavors in the WELS. I could never imagine that if I wasn’t there myself. These men and women are there because they get it - there is nothing more important on this earth than sharing Jesus with the world. Nothing. No matter the cost. Nothing. 

Mission Presentations

Pastor Nathan Berg~WELS Mission Restart, Faith, Black River Falls & Cataract,Wisconsin

LWMS Nepal Mission Trip

John Hildebrant~Asia

Pastor Pheng Moua~Imannuel Hmong, St. Paul, Minnesota

Pastor Joel Schulz, VBS Camp Support, Cross of Life, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Naoko Aminaka (formerly of Chiba, Japan) La Crosse, Wisconsin

Pastor Terry Schultz, Haiti Mission, Dominican Republic

How do I even begin to describe the emotions I had in listening to the individuals listed above?  I was riveted by the Hmong pastor’s saga of he and his mother and siblings leaving a refugee camp in Thailand but not before promising his father (the local shaman) that while he should take full opportunity of everything the US had to offer he must never become a Christian. Determined for years to honour this promise, he fought God until eventually he came to faith and then fought entering the ministry until he realized God had different plans for him!

I was inspired by the Schulz’s soccer camp story and how they’ve poured all their best into reaching the children of the community in this way, leaving the results up to God. 

I was relieved to hear the news of what is being done in India and Haiti and how the love of Jesus is being shared with the poverty stricken and those tangled in webs of false religion and taboo. 

I was proud of my friend and fellow pastor’s wife who gave her honest and witty story of her recent mission trip to Nepal. I was moved by the faith of these Nepalese women who made such extreme efforts to meet together in God’s Word. I cried for the bond we have with these Christian women most of us will never meet until heaven.

I was brought to my knees in repentance. I have not always showed love to the lost. I have not always given my best to the Lord. I have not made the effort to boldly combat false religions with the truth and freedom of the gospel. I have not embraced every opportunity to gather with my fellowship of believers to be in God’s Word - in the same town, no less! I am grateful to have a God who forgives me and who has done all of the above in my place perfectly. And I am humbled and overwhelmed with his grace and mercy... 

Workshops and Bible Study

 "Different Ways to Share Jesus with Your Spanish-Speaking Neighbors" ~ Pastor Daniel Schmidt,

"Establishing Roots in the Community!" ~ Staff Minister Daniel Schoeffel and Wendy Schibbelhut

"Prepared to Answer – Insights from a World Missionary" ~ Pastor Michael Harman

"Reaching Muslim Women in My Community" ~ Pastor Pieter Ried

"God’s Church in Thessalonica:  Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water" ~ Pastors Brady Coleman and Jeffrey Mahnke, LWMS Pastoral Advisors  

It’s not possible to attend all the available workshops and Bible studies offered as time does not allow. My registered choices this year was the Bible study on 1 Thessalonians and the workshop on Muslim outreach given by a former missionary to Indonesia. The Bible study was a whirlwind of Thessalonians and provided enough information to take the material back home with me to ponder. The Muslim outreach provided me with information on what the religion actually teaches (not necessarily what many followers believe). That’s the “easy” part. How do I describe my feelings while hearing what being a Christian in Indonesia is really like? The man giving his story often had tears brimming as he talked about these people. I was overcome by his love for these people and his willingness to risk his very life to teach the gospel. How do I describe seeing a picture of the decapitated heads of teen Christian girls murdered on their way to school - A story no newspaper or tv reported on or a crime that was never prosecuted. There are no apathetic, lukewarm Christian in Indonesia and other Muslim dominated countries because frankly, they can’t afford to be. They either boldly declare Christ as their Saviour or they don’t at all. 

Again, I am brought to my knees in repentance and I cry for the way I’ve treated a Muslim neighbour of mine. I am ashamed that my hatred for the religion overshadowed my love for her lost soul. I have not been bold in my confession. I am often more concerned about what others think of me. I am grateful to have a God who forgives me and who has done all of the above in my place perfectly. And I am humbled and overwhelmed with his grace and mercy... 

Offerings 

2012-2013 Home Mission Project:  VBS Camp Support ~ $53,284.22

Project #HM-2012-16 ~ Students in Multi-Ethnic Seminary Program - $37,610.68

Project #WM-2012-18 ~ Indonesia Projects - $37,610.68

Project #HM-2012-14 ~ Caribbean Missionary Conference - $29,548.37

Project #WM-2012-05 ~ Nigeria Projects - $29,548.37

There was some serious dough handed out to the various projects that had been voted on.  It didn’t just come from mid-air. It was given in love and thankfulness to Jesus. And who says collecting coins can’t add up to much? To God be the glory! 

This was personally my 5th convention I’ve attended and a few things struck me in particular. I was impressed with the use of technology and audio/visual that enhanced the message and connected the audience to the presentation. I was also made aware of everything the synod and various affiliate organizations have been doing coming out of the wake of previous years of financial constraints. At the time we groaned and cried at having to make cut backs and close missions and rightfully so. But what God has proven is that he works despite all that. And often times adversity breeds ingenuity. 

It was 4 crazy days of an emotional rollercoaster. I’m not going to lie! And you know what? I’d get back on that ride any day. The clarity of mind I left with was priceless - that me and you, all God’s people - have been Planted with a Purpose. We are where we are in our lives for a reason that’s bigger than clocking in and clocking out at the end of a day or even week. The closing hymn at the opening service reminded us:

Spread, Oh, Spread the Mighty Word (CW 576)

Spread, oh, spread the mighty Word; spread the kingdom of the Lord

Everywhere his breath has given Life to being meant for heaven

Tell them how the Father’s will Made the world and keeps it still,

How his only Son he gave All from sin and death to save

Tell of our Redeemer’s love, Who forever does remove

By his holy sacrifice All the guilt that on us lies.

Tell them of the Spirit given Now to guide us on to heaven

Strong and holy, just and true, Working both to will and do

Up! the ripening fields you see. Mighty shall the harvest be,

But the reapers still are few; Great the work they have to do.

Lord of harvest, grant anew, Joy and strength to work for you,

Till the gathering of nations all See your light and heed your call. 

Next year’s convention: 2014 - 51st Annual LWMS Convention, June 26-29, 2014 ~ hosted by Red River Circuit,  Dallas, Texas           See you there?!!!!!

Top Ten Highlights of Our Trip to Wisconsin

10. Never underestimate the power of a good bug zapper and fan. Without them we would have been eaten alive by the biggest, most aggressive mosquitoes this side of the Mississippi. As it was we were only mildly attacked. 
9. Food. I cannot tell a lie. Isn't this a big deal breaker on what makes or breaks a good vacation? Is it just me? We enjoyed many meals that I'm now suffering to work off: Friday Fish Fry for starters! A favourite among all of us and something we look forward to every year. A Wisconsin tradition! These unbelievably good steaks my Dad grilled. Grandma's slow roasted pork ribs with her special BBQ sauce. Breakfast at the Island Cafe and our usual order of Greek Omelettes with a side of hummus that makes the perfect storm of belching up the garlic concoction throughout the day and causing us to relive the meal all over again except in a less satisfying manner. Mom's chicken salad served in her colourful, antique chickens. And on. And on. 

8. Boat rides on the lake! The kids took turns being pulled along in an inner tube at the lightning speed Dad's pontoon would allow. No matter - they were thrilled! And I was thrilled just to keep moving so the mosquitoes couldn't catch me. 
7. Flea markets and Harley rides (depending on who you're talking to). Mom and I continued our tradition of browsing as many area flea markets as our schedule allowed and usually dragging one of my children along for the fun. I love the shade of blue of the Ball Mason Jars! I have a few now in varying sizes. I get weak in the knees with the dishes - so many dishes, so little time. Books. Oh, the books! Wayne got to ride Dad's Harley but under unfortunate circumstances that had to do with a fast boat, water-skis and my Dad pretending to be 20 years younger followed by a pulled groin area or something of that nature. 

6. Looking at something other than our four walls. We needed a break! Just to leave our home and be able to come back to it and be grateful again to be home is such a gift! The trip is long - about a 16 hour drive but we try to come prepared. The kids are to the point where they pack their own stuff to do. That way if they are bored it's their own fault! We listened to many hours of Issues, etc over a variety of topics. We listened to some audio from Vision Forum I was given at the homeschool conference in the spring. And we listened to the audio book "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen which was really good! It all helps pass the time. 
5. Zanna got to spend special time with Opa which included going fishing with her new pink Barbie fishing rod. No actual fish was caught but the experience was a treat in and of itself. She was also able to go for a sleep over at her Great Grandpa and Grandma's house all by herself! She didn't have to share them with anyone! Let's just say she was showered with love and treats.

Meanwhile Wayne and Will took a guy's trip to Watertown, WI to visit Luther Prep School. They got the tour and even stayed the night in the dorms. When Will was asked how likely he wanted to attend on a scale of 1-10 he gave a 9.5. What's with the .5? He hadn't seen the cafeteria yet! That's my boy! Anyway it really helped for him to see the campus and he's excited to have this high school experience next year (a year from now). But Mama's not ready to go there yet...
4. 4th of July! For the 3rd year in a row we were able to spend Independence Day in the States. Unfortunately it's meant not being in Canada for Canada Day since they're days apart. So I'm thinking that maybe it's time to stick around for awhile. But we had the opportunity to watch the fireworks from a pontoon boat out on the lake again. It never disappoints! To see the light reflected in the water and enjoy how the bright lights fill up the night sky is a treat. The tricky part is the bathroom ....

Miniature golf, anyone? 

3. Attending the 50th LWMS Convention in LaCrosse, WI with my Mom. Not only is this a great girls' getaway but an incredible opportunity to be built up in the Word and sacrament, participate in some pretty powerful worship and be inspired by missionaries all over the world. There's so much to say it may need to be a separate post. 
2. Hanging with the family! 

Speaking of all over the world, so is my family! So it's a treat to visit with them when we as sometimes the chances are few and far between. Here we're hanging out with my aunt and uncle and cousin who are home for the summer from their missionary work.  And as always it's wonderful to be at my parent's home on the lake and enjoy their company. My grandparents are also in the area and I cherish the moments spent with them. 
1. My husband and celebrating the last 15 years of marriage to him!!

Our marriage is so hot that in the States they have fireworks on our anniversary every year - whether we're there or not! That's right.  I am so blessed to have him as my husband. God is good! Because let me tell you, I was pretty young and stupid when I think of those dating years and despite that the Lord protected me and guided me to the right man. I was pretty short-sighted when I accepted his proposal 161/2 years ago, under a palm tree in Antigua (vacationing with Wayne's parents) and after having a few rum and cokes, never really contemplating the enormous decision I was making in that moment and the consequences it would have. Thank. You. Lord. I am so proud of the man I married and the husband and father he is today.  He's a man of God, not just because he's a pastor and it's his job but because that's who he is through faith. And our marriage isn't just the two of us and thank goodness for that or we'd still be jumping off balconies and making a spectacle of ourselves (can I get an amen, honey?) but a relationship that includes our Saviour and his mercy and forgiveness that we then extend to each other. Because boy, do we need it.  Love ya, babe!
And that's the top 10:) 

Catching Up

Time flies when you're having fun! Get it? The bird picture. Time flies. Forget it ....

Can I just say I love this time of year? The days get longer, the weather is warmer and I can get the bulk of my vitamin D naturally and not from a bottle, the smell of the grill, planting our little garden pots - I love it! 

School's out for summer (sing it with me) but we've had plenty to do to fill the time. We followed up Will's birthday with a friend sleepover. Yes, I said I was done with birthday parties for him but technically I never called it a party and just a sleepover so I didn't feel the pressure to organize a big shindig - this has become a major run-on sentence hasn't it? A little insight into my brain after 9pm. 
Back to the party sleepover - we had the boys from his confirmation class over. Nice group of young men - how blessed we are in our little church! They played strategic board games and made Lego creations to pass the time. I kept it simple with make your own pizzas with 13 different toppings to choose from.

Go ahead and count. I'll wait.
Then finished it off with a make your own ice cream sundae bar with - you guessed it - 13 different toppings to choose from.

Never underestimate the "make your own" bar. It's always a hit! If a kid doesn't like what they made it's their fault. Not mine. Takes the pressure off, ya know? By the way, this was what my mom did at our 13 year old parties. Not that this was a party. Technically. 

This year we finally managed to make it to the homeschool track meet. I'd seen it advertised every year and alway thought we should do it sometime. This was the year! My poor homeschooled kids had no idea what a track meet was save for the knowledge they had from the Peanuts "Your a Good Sport, Charlie Brown". 
Anywho, I had some serious doubts as the big day approached. What if they inherited my lack of coordination? What if they break a leg and are in a cast for the rest of summer? Would if it rains? 

As it turned out, we had a blast! It was a super fun afternoon where they got to try a variety of sports and compete with a great group of kids. 

The day was overcast but it worked in our favour and kept us from melting in the heat! It never rained.

Will came in 3rd in every competition he participated in. Impressed? Guess how many of them there were in his age group? Yep. 3. But he had a fun time and actually earned a third place in the relay race where his team consisted of three girls. Not too shabby!

And Zanna. Dear Zanna. While she's my daughter in every sense of the word, she has hope - while her genes may not be inherited from us she could possess athletic brilliance.  And now we know she's a runner. Bat out of hell. You go girl! 

Her group was quite a bit larger and she earned 3rd place in both the 50m and 200m. Cue "Chariots of Fire". 

We're ready to enjoy the lazy days of summer that always tend to go by so fast. We have our reading set for the summer. Will's reading "Tales of Ancient Egypt" right now and will work on "Hatchet" next.  I'm actually hoping to find some old "Trixie Belden" books at some flea markets for Zanna. She's still working on the Little House series though and I think she may have one more after the one she's reading. I started "Grace Upon Grace" and gave up for now. I'd like to talk about it with someone while I'm reading it because there's a few things I'm confused about or are maybe just out of my comfort zone. For now I've shelved it and have picked up "The Bloodstained Path to God - experiencing worship with Old Testament believers". This book is amazing! Written by Pastor Dan Habben and his wife Sarah I'm so totally impressed that they did this together. And jealous. I admit it. Because of them I've now added "to co-author a book with my husband" on my life's wish list. It's up there with "karaoke Love Shack with Wayne" before we die. I seriously doubt either of these will ever happen but a girl can dream ....

Back to the book. Ever been bound and determined to read the Bible from start to finish and then give up somewhere in Leviticus? Maybe you were undaunted and made it to Numbers. How'd that work for you? Are you still awake? Hello? 
Me too. What the heck is with all those rules and offerings and protocol? What am I supposed to take from it? Enter this book. Beautifully written vignettes along the way of historical fiction meant to help the reader "see" what life was like and connect to the culture by developing characters that could have been. Sacred Silhouettes link the Messiah's fulfillment to these rituals. Beautiful! Highly recommend it. 

And just because - I've pulled an oldie but goodie off the shelves and dusted it off. Since the last time I read it was in the 7th grade, it's been a few years. Ok. More than a few. "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is every bit as wonderful as I remember it. What I take from it now is different than back then but still wonderful. It introduced me to an alternate reality of girlhood and social class. It allowed me to imagine what it would be like to be in need and to count pennies that were hard to come by. Now I read it with more empathy for the hardworking mom and her earnest attempt to educate her children despite poverty and hard times. Good stuff. 

And we're listening to Wagon Wheel from Old Crow Medicine Show because .... we just can't help ourselves. And when I heard my sister in law sing it to her baby while rocking her, that did it. That's the song the kids and I are most likely to blare and be singing to in our rusty minivan these days! 
Also listening to some good Issues, etc. - The purpose of singing in church and The vocation of father which I listened to while cleaning out Wayne's car as a Father's Day present and managed to kill his car battery. You're welcome, honey. 

A few weeks ago a friend of mine was sharing with me how she was supposed to have gone over to a friends for tea. She was kept from going however, due to her vehicle having to go into the shop that day. And so she was sad when her friend had made some homemade strawberry/rhubarb muffins that she was to miss out on.  Blah blah blah. I sympathized for my friend but all I really got out of it was strawberry/rhubarb muffins. And so after doing a bit of research I found and made these. They were as good as I dreamed! 

I've got to stop. My eyes are crossing and bedtime must be soon. We'll be packing up the next few days to get ready for our holiday to the Dairy State. See you on the flippity flip!

Of Birthdays and Ballet

Figment Image Centre

We survived our first dance recital! It was a whirlwind of picture taking, many nights of rehearsal and dress rehearsal with the climax of two performances all while wearing a white leotard with downy white feathers (Zanna, not me). Could she be any cuter? Little girls danced to Swan Lake and twirled and spun around and I got to relive my dancing days like it was yesterday! An opportunity to wear lipstick is a young girls dream and she glowed through it all! Proud parents and grandparents and yes, even big brother cheered her on from the nosebleed seats in the balcony. Surely they were the best group, we all agreed!

All this excitement was followed by THE BIRTHDAY. No small number, this #13. Officially a teenager. Which means we are officially parents of a teenager. 

An awkward age with feet still needing the rest of his body to catch up to, I know his time by my side is growing fewer. Don't get me started or I may start my rendition of "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof. It won't be pretty. 
Flashback to my 13th birthday? I got tickets to Debbie Gibson. Oh, yeah. It was awesome. I went with my friend Emily Birch so our moms could sit together somewhere else not by us. 

Will started his day with pancakes in the shape of Star Wars figures (on the You are Special today plate). Just humour me - you can make out the basic shapes, right? 
He got to pick the restaurant of his choice for lunch after church and then since we ate lunch later, we did munchies in the evening while watching the Hobbit. Oma and Opa were in town for the occasion and to add to the specialness. 

In other noteworthy news, Rou Rou has finally been retired to the cedar chest. Old Rou Rou I mean. Zanna's had this baby doll since I gave it to her at 14 months. I had been searching for a doll of Asian descent while in China. Impossible. They are all blonde haired and blue eyed. Go figure! So after my global search, I finally found this doll to place in my daughter's embrace and she hasn't let her go since. Rou Rou was named early on by me - Zanna's middle name is Rou taken from her original Chinese name. Her foster mother called her Rou Rou. 

Zanna and Rou Rou have been the best of friends and she has lavished her baby with all the natural nurturing that she is blessed with. She's loved her so hard that Rou Rou has fallen apart. She's been through plenty emergency surgeries! In the beginning, Dr. Daddy would bring her down into his office (aka the basement) and bring her back up mended (with some glue marks as evidence of her trial). It became more desperate as limbs began to dangle and Oma would take a needle and thread to her during her visits. In a last attempt to prolong her life, our excellent provincial healthcare kicked in and she was able to see a specialist - Dr. godmother who sews (among other things) professionally. While we are eternally grateful to all these valiant attempts to save her life, there was nothing more we could do. It was time to pull out "back-up Rou Rou". Having purchased her a bit after the original one, I thought it would be good to have one on the side - in case of loosing her or if never needed, to keep for Zanna's future child? We talked over the pros and cons and since old R.R. was beyond repair and it didn't look as if she'd be done with dolls anytime soon, we made the switch.

Side by side. Old and New. Would it work? It did! I reassured her I did not throw the old one away and that she's somewhere safe. She's been able to make the transition and all is well! 

And finally, just had to share this sweet, little picture! She's a girl after mommy's own heart - a love for books. I caught her reading out on the play structure out back surrounded by a blanket, Rou Rou, a water bottle, her lamp and slippers. Next time I'll be sure to join her! 

Mama's Day

A beautiful prayer put to song by a talented couple!

So grateful for my mom, my mother-in-law, my grandmas, my god-mother and for the opportunity to be a mama!

Happy Mother's Day! 

Slowing Down

We are slowing down. Busy takes on new meaning - busy playing outside, busy reading a book on the porch, busy riding bikes and roller blades ... The weather has been consistently perfect (this side of heaven) for over a week now. It gets harder to study and pay attention and easier to give up trying and take a walk! 

Spring brings one of my favourite times of year - homeschool conference time and curriculum catalogs come in the mail. At this point with Will, I've got only one more year with him by my side and the curriculum is pretty much set. It's the little things now - the last minute things that I want him to know before he leaves. Most of it has nothing to do with math, spelling or history but of the heart and soul - not found in my curriculum catalogs. 

This year our area homeschool conference had Andrew Pudewa from Institute for Excellence in Writing as the keynote speaker. He drew quite a crowd with the number of attendance up significantly! I was super excited to have him come and to listen to him in person. I've been listening to him on mp3 for years - one of my favourite being Fairy Tales and the Moral Imagination. And his talk Freedomship Education Paradigm challenged my conception of what education is. On top of that, Will has been learning from Mr. Pudewa for years - by DVD on my laptop. It's been our writing program and been an absolute miracle for both of us - for me trying to figure out how to teach writing and do it justice and for Will who could have cared less. Mr. Pudewa is a great teacher and hilarious on top of it. So when an opportunity to attend a class of his in person came up for Will, we jumped on it! The day before the conference he was offering several different classes depending previous experience and age. Will was super excited - yes, for a writing class on essays no less! And so was I because I was going to sit in on it:) 

Will also got his autograph. You know your a homeschooler when...

This was also the first homeschool conference that I spoke for. My workshop was titled "Creative Organization" and I had handouts and a Keynote (powerpoint). This was really the first time I've ever done something like this and I was pretty petrified. My sweet husband despite his crazy day managed to make it there in time to set things up and cheer me on in the back row. Actually at one point I think I noticed him starting to doze but to be fair he really did have a busy day so I won't take it too personally .... It was a good experience for me and I'm really glad I did it. Always room for improvement but you can't improve if you don't do it! So there! 

I attended the loveliest of women's retreats on a Saturday. My friend Karen who had gone to Nepal in February to teach and encourage Christian women there, led a similar retreat for the ladies in our churches here! It's title was I Serve God in Whatever Stage of Life He Places Me - in the home, in the community, in the church. Missing nothing, my artist friend and creative Christ follower adorned the luncheon tables herself with some handmade flair!

We have been busy wrapping up the year with Will's string ensemble he's been a part of this school year. He was part of a concert in March put on to raise money for the upcoming school tours. And now in May, we've had one day of school tours with one more day to go. Over the weekend, they had their final end of year recital. The school tour day was exhausting for us all but a blast. Four schools in all areas of the city in one day on a big, yellow school bus is quite the event! Gathered in a grade school gym, kids lined the floors in straight rows (more or less) and listened as the string ensemble played their repertoire. Audience participation included members of the audience getting a chance to "direct" the group. It was a blast! A really great experience! 

And finally, I don't know where she gets it?

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Our trip to El Paso was brought about by one main reason - Wayne and I were asked by Reid and Brenda to be godparents to Avery. Brenda is a pastor’s kid (aka PK) so she knew that while the baby was due in March - smack dab in the middle of Lent - it was best to plan the baptism for the week after Easter. Good thinking! 

It was a big trip for our whole family to take and was also during the time Wayne was to be in Toronto for pastors’ conference so that’s what brought about having the girls go. Wayne would take Will with him and as it turned out, Will stayed with a pastor’s family in TO while Wayne was in meetings. This helped because Will had something to look forward to and made some new friends out of the whole affair instead of stewing on the fact that we were going to Texas and he was not. Good timing!

And so baptism day arrived on a sunny, warm Texas spring day! I wore a brightly coloured floral dress and cowboy boots to mark the occasion. (Alberta boots, just so it’s clear). The church was still decorated for Easter and the lilies were still in bloom. What a perfect time of year to be “born again of the Spirit”! Having been reminded through our Easter celebration that through our baptism, we are united with him not only in death but “we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection”  (Romans 6:5) -  what is there better than a baptism?!!! 

More noteworthy in the fashion department than what I wore was what Avery wore. She was clothed with the same crocheted dress that my siblings and I wore at our baptisms and what Will wore at his. (Zanna was too big for it by the time we brought her home from China.) 

Brenda’s pastor dad was there not only to visit his newest grandchild but to baptize her during the church service. He had recently traveled to Israel and brought back water from the Jordan to use for the baptism. Not that this makes it any more “holy” but it sure is cool! 

I felt incredibly blessed to be there to hold Avery during the sacrament.  I had expected her to start crying or at least fussing when the water touched her head (I think her parents were waiting for it too!) but she never made a peep. She was such a good baby through the whole thing - the all important “cake eating” with the congregation afterwards and as we reenacted the baptism for picture taking purposes. 

It was definitely emotional for me as she was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and a reminder of my own baptism and when Will wore the gown last almost 13 years ago! Despite getting teary-eyed, I was thrilled not to loose it in the end and save my mascara from smearing! 

As we left the baptismal font to walk back down the aisle, the music from the grand piano began to play and we heard the congregation sing:

I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead; He lives, my ever-living Head!

He lives to bless me with his love; He lives to plead for me above.

He lives, my hungry soul to feed; He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply; He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint; He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

I exited the worship area with Brenda assuming that she’d want to change Avery out of the dress right away if she thought she was too warm. Instead she muttered the words to me, “This is the song that we sang at my mom’s funeral”, right before she broke down weeping. 

She had lost her Mom to cancer only a few short years ago. I could only imagine her acute awareness of not having her around at the baptism or birth. Mom and I were there to do the best we could but no one can replace your mom and we knew that. Her Dad came out then and they held each other tight and I held Avery tight in my arms rocking her. Brenda called out to no one in particular, “Why? Why does this song have to play right now of all times?”. 

As I looked down at Avery in this moment I saw her in the dress that I wore and her Daddy wore and Auntie Bekah wore and my baby wore on our baptism day - what better picture of grace is there when a helpless infant is brought to faith in Christ through no act or decision or work of their own but solely by the undeserved love of Christ? Where is baby Avery’s grandma today of all days? And it clicked like it had never before. Avery’s grandma may not have been baptized in this same baptismal gown but she too had been clothed in Christ. He is her Redeemer too and it was declared loud and clear at her end! How fitting that this song would play now - at Avery’s beginning! 

It was only afterwards that I noticed the front of the bulletin that day. “I Am the Alpha and the Omega.” Revelation 1:8. The beginning and the end. He the source, the ending he, of all the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see. Evermore and evermore. “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (CW 35). Evermore.  My word of the year. There is no “circle of life” but rather, an infinite span of time. 

In Christ, there is no beginning and no end. Because we have been clothed in his righteousness, we will live eternally with him even though we die. And he knows us even before our parents do. Evermore. 

We did manage to somehow get it together to rejoin the rest of the family in worship but not before my mascara smeared (rats! so close!). And I heard Brenda say before we went back in, “It’s like Mom is here”. And I suppose in a way she was. But most of all, I was moved by what a gift in light of eternity God had given to all of us. I know I had a profound moment of clarity even though the experience was bittersweet.