The Words I Would Say...

Matthew turned two a couple of weeks ago, but had another birthday on December 14th. The day that he was born again, in Christ. Jesus says, at least three times (that I can find), "Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these".

Matthew 19:14

Mark 10:14

Luke 18:16

In all three verses, read in context, Jesus also says "those who do not enter the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (my emphasis). To me this means you do not have to be baptized during your infancy or even as a small child, just LIKE a small child. Faith that is untainted. Pure joy and excitement.

That day also symbolized our greatest responsibility as Matthew's parents. To raise him in a Christian home, to teach him about the Lord, to remind Him constantly of his salvation, to set the example of Christ's love. To impress the Word of the Lord upon his heart. The truth is... sometimes I lose my patience, sometimes I say a certain four letter word that begins with "s" (under my breath, of course!), sometimes I am a terrible example, sometimes I have a hard time putting things in to words. But more than anything I hope my children know that I love them, that God loves them more than I do, that heaven will be infinitely happier than earth, that they are forgiven. 

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father...

-Sidewalk Prophets

I'm giving my life to the only one 

who makes the moon reflect the sun. 

Every starry night, that was His design. I

'm giving my life to the only son, 

who was and is and yet to come. 

Let the praises ring, 

'cause He is everything.

-Chris August

Owen was baptized on October 31st and we were once again reminded of all these things. Admittedly, Matthew's anniversary of birth in Christ came and went just as any other day, when it truly seems that it should be a big celebration - not with gifts, balloons, and party favors - but a celebration of Christ. Time to begin new traditions...