Linlee's Big Day

On May 20th (my 9th wedding anniversary), I was putting the kids to bed. We read a story about a little boy who decided to ask Jesus into his heart. I had talked with Linlee about this a few time and had told her that if she ever felt like she was ready to do that, just let me know. I was putting Conner in his room and Linlee had gone out into the hallway. When I came out to put her to bed, she said she had something to tell me. I said ok and she said that she had just prayed to ask Jesus into her heart. I was so excited for her but also a little hesitant due to the fact that she is only 5. How much could she really understand right? Even though we had discussed it at length. We talked for a while, but she seemed sort of embarrased. That is one thing that I never want her to be is embarrased to talk to me so I just dropped it for the night, not wanting to push her. We talked briefly about her decision over the next few days. One night I decided to just push for the reason why she was embarrased. She told me that she thought that she might be too young to make such a decision. "that is something that older people usually do..." I was thinking to myself, "that answer tells me that she understands and is more mature than I thought." I reassured her that she was ready and that it is the most exciting and important decision she could ever make. She shouldn't be embarrased, but excited and anxious to tell others. The next day she told me that she had prayed the prayer again and wasn't as bashful this time!! We rejoiced!

She attended a backyard Bible club a few days later at a friends house. After the Bible lesson, Linlee raised her hand and said that she had something to tell everyone. She proceeded to share her exciting news with a few friends that she knew, some she didn't and some of their mom's. I wasn't there, she did it all on her own. I was touched that she felt that joy and wanted to share it. Since then I have observed her confessing a sin after I got on to her for not listening (which is rare.). She did it very discreetly, but I noticed. That really did my heart good. My doubts about her age are gone and my heart rejoices.

We met with the children's ministry leader and she went through all the in's and out's with Linlee, after that we set a date for baptism. She was baptized July 5th and both sets of grandparents were able to attend. I was able to help her get ready and it was a really special time. I was in awe of her bravery and excitement. I would have never been able to do that in front of that many people when I was her age or even older. Thank goodness she is not shy like I was!!

Here are a few pics from her special day!







Afterward, we went to eat at Jason's Deli (her new favorite place) and the next morning, I sadly and happily sent all three home to Nana and Papa's house for the week. Oh what to do with myself!!!