Ben was baptized....

.....on December 7, 2008.


Benjamin has been on a spiritual journey since around age 4. He has prayed to invite Jesus into his heart at age 4 and then again between ages 6 and 7. The Holy Spirit has been tugging on his heart for years.

Our Benjamin, has a beginning moral compass. Don't get me wrong, he is VERY much an 8-year-old boy and all that goes along with being all boy. He has a sense of right and wrong. Does he always choose the right choice? No. But none of us do either, and we are adults. He has a very guilty "conscience" in that he wants to share the internal struggle he is having. He wears his heart on his sleeve.

Although a very ruff-n-tuff exterior, Ben has a great big heart underneath it all.

In September he asked me "how do I know that I'm going to heaven?". That night in bed, Ben prayed the prayer of salvation. Inviting Jesus, to be Lord and Savior of his life. I knew this time that he got it !! (as much as anyone can fully comprehend the sacrifice that Jesus made for us).

This started a series of events that led to Ben's Baptism on December 7, 2008. He attended a "Adventure Seekers" class in October. Designed for young children that are around Ben's age. They reviewed his commitment, the Lord's supper & Baptism. A fabulous workbook from LifeWay called, "I'm a Christian now".

He was hesitant at first to be baptized. For Ben it wasn't so much whether he was ready in his heart, but whether he was ready in his mind. He's a very logistical & methodical kid. Wants to know what's first, second, & third. Doesn't always do well with a change of plans or surprises. After he had his questions answered, it was just a matter of time. When the time came that was right for him.....it was the right time. He was certain.

Although December can be a very busy time of the year, and we were planning a trip to Iowa for Christmas, we knew that we needed to do it now. Not for the concern that Ben would change his mind, but that we wanted him to know that this decision was VERY important & that it just should not wait.

Chloe was gracious to share her 6th Birthday with Ben. We had a combined celebration of Chloe's physical birth & Ben's spiritual re-birth. They were very gracious to one another that day. Even as competitive as they are, they did not try to steal each others thunder. For which I give God all the credit.

Grandma Jan & Grandma Ruth were able to be here, as well as about 20 friends & neighbors. Following service we gathered at our home for lunch & continued celebration. There were many that were far away and unable to come. Ben received phone calls and cards that really made his day complete.