I previously wrote about an important moment in Halle's life that might serve as a step toward her baptism.
Well, today, Halle was baptized. And it was awesome.
We met at Ravi and Diane's house so that Halle could be baptized in their jacuzzi in the backyard. A storm was approaching, so we did not linger. Aaron and Amy (Halle's parents) said a few words, including a reading of Colossians 1:9...
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your life will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
After the reading, Halle spoke, simply and quickly sharing why she wanted to be baptized. Aaron and her then climbed into the jacuzzi and he baptized her. We broke out into cheers, tears, and hugs. It was truly special. It was beautiful.
There is just nothing like seeing a person declare that her life is now the Lord's, and that she wants to live by His life.
After the baptism, we had a make-shift parade down the street to Patrick and Brandy's, where Aaron and Amy wanted to have a Thankquet (don't know what a Thankquet is? Click here.). We loaded up in our car (I know, we didn't walk, but we thought it was going to rain so back off!) and the kids shouted "Hallelujah" and "Praise the Lord" in unison. It was awesome. In front of us, the Olmstead children were waving flags out the window while Michael honked his horn down the street.
The Thanquet was for two purposes: 1) to thank the Lord for Halle and 2) to thank Jesus for His faithfulness during a very trying time for the Maddoxes (mostly concerning jobs and finances).
At the Thankquet, we feasted on fajitas, hung out, and concluded with a short time of prayer for Halle. I also got to personally tell her that she rocks, Jesus style. In return, she took this picture of me (she made me wear the headband, for the record):
A while ago, Chris wrote a song to the tune of the Forrest Gump theme song (I kid you not). We sung this over Halle, and it was a beautiful moment.
I see the Lord, the Lord lives in you
I see the Lord in you
I know the Lord, the Lord lives in you
I know the Lord in you
I love the Lord, the Lord lives in you
I love the Lord in you
Jesus is Lord and I love Him in you
You are the Lord's and He lives in you
I love the Lord in you
You are my gift and He lives in you
I love the Lord in you
You are my sister, He lives in you
I love the Lord in you
Jesus is Lord and I love Him in you
We love you, dear Halle, and we cannot wait to see the great things Jesus does through you to the glory of our Father.