Baptism

When Lukas was born we held a private dedication ceremony for our family and a dear friend and minister. Noah was dedicated alongside one other little boy in our church in Washington DC two years later. Both Bob and I prayed and hoped that one day, each of our little boys would come to a saving knowledge of Christ and choose to commit their lives to him. Since this is a personal decision, we could only pray and trust God for his providence in our sons' lives.
During the past two years, both Lukas and Noah have chosen to put trust in Jesus Christ, each doing it when he was ready and felt lead to do so. The next natural step is be baptized, as a public expression of faith. Our current church baptizes infants but also offers believer's baptism for those wanting to make this public statement of faith.  Last year we saw several young students from our church be baptized in the Pacific Ocean at the annual Beach Barbecue for the church. Lukas and Noah both asked when the event was announced this year, if they could be baptized. What a joy, it was music to our ears to hear their desire to be baptized.
Sunday after church, Bob, Lukas and Noah changed into swim trunks and walked down to Carmel Beach. A large part of the church family along with several of our dear friends from the area joined us and three other families taking part in the baptism.
Bob along with Pastor Rick baptized first Noah and then Lukas, watching carefully for the right wave, not too tall and forceful, not too shallow and therefore sand gritty, but just right.

After a quick and delicious barbecue lunch we headed off to our next event, violin recital. Noah had been a bit worried that he would have to perform in his wet suit, alternatively his swim trunks, but there was no need to worry, the church clothes were still in the car ready for round two of the day.  Fortunately we do not have to worry about hair being wet, and needing styling before a performance.
A wonderful and special day that we will remember always.