Sunday, September 26, 2010

Baptism Day!





The Johnson Family - In more ways than one!!

Today, we drove down to the Outer Banks and went to our old church (Nags Head Church). We saw our friends and invited anyone who could come to go with us to the Sound after the gathering. Our good friends, Brenda, Pat, Linda, Gary, Nate, Trish, Gwyneth, and Sam joined us. We had almost postponed the baptism, because it was supposed to rain on and off all day. But the Lord held off the rain until we were on our way home this afternoon. Then in came down in buckets!!

Did you catch the huge smile on Dad's face with each one? It doesn't EVER get any better than this. To see your child begin his/her journey with Jesus is the greatest thrill in my life. That is what the parenthood is all about, as far as I'm concerned. I can read all the parenting books, watch all the videos, go to all the seminars, and cry all my tears...but until they come to know the Lord for their own, I've accomplished nothing. They may become successful, and useful citizens along the way, but if they don't have Jesus, they don't have anything. I can adopt 25 kids, give them every opportunity available to them, and love them to spoildem, but if I don't make the salvation of their souls my #1 priority, I'm wasting my time, energy, money, and efforts. I have done nothing for them. I might as well leave them where they are.

Thank you Jesus for putting us where you did and for putting us where we are. We aren't anywhere near successful by the world's standard, but you have blessed us beyond measure. I am the richest man on this planet. And because I know the hereafter and know that You will be there in heaven and that Pam and our children will be there to meet me some day - I have no fear of death.

8 comments:

Debbie Long said...

I have followed your blog for a while now. I started following it because of adoption and your obvious love of the Lord.....two things we have in common. While reading this update, I see we have another common factor...well three, actually. I "know" Nate, Trish and Gwyneth, too. I have never met them but have followed their story since before Trish became pregnant. My youngest adopted daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis almost 5 years ago at the age of 5.

Praise the Lord for all the Baptisms. It is amazing!!

Aus said...

Amen - and 'welcome to the family'!

hugs - aus and co.

Mrs. Madsen said...

To God be the glory! Justin told me today that yesterday was a very special day. I knew from the blog what he was talking about, but I asked him to explain. He couldn't remember the word "baptized", but he talked about the water and that it showed that you love Jesus and He died for us and we need to tell others. He said he wished he could go back to yesterday and do it again! Priceless . . .

KT said...

YEAH!!!! How WONDERFUL!!!! Miss you guys!

Rebecca Meyers said...

That's WONDERFUL!!! I can't believe I missed it! I was at the 9:00 service. Love it! Congrats!! New life.

Rick Lawrenson said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures!

Unknown said...

How awesome! I'm so excited for your family!

God bless you all!

Love in Christ alone,
Jill

Irma said...

What beautiful pictures, the children will treasure these images their whole lives.

And WOW... praise His name! Sweet babies giving their souls to God....what could be better? I love your decision (with all the kids) to have DAD do the baptism, it just reinforces the faith in your family.