Baptism

I know, I know.  Way behind and all.  April was a lovely month and I am going to post these pictures, even though we are well into May flowers... (so far, more showers than flowers, though).

Eli was baptized in April, right before he turned seven months.  The day was just perfect, in my estimation.  Baptism represents God's promise to his people, his covenant community, that He will do a work among them.  He has brought me to Himself, and we are honoring His power to bring Eli to Himself, in His time.  

We had family come from far away to be present on this day, and we so appreciated being able to celebrate with so many people.  We had a small lunch before the baptism, and then filled up a couple of rows at church that night.  The most true and deep-reaching part of the service was when Craig (our pastor) asked everyone who committed themselves to bringing up this child in the truth of the gospel to raise their right hand.  Seeing all of those hands in the air, committed (in whatever way) to our son was sobering and humbling and encouraging all at once.  It is amazing the way so many of these people have shown up in our lives and in Eli's life already. 

I have been calling the gown the "5 Generation Christening Gown." I made the gown from fabric my mom provided, adorned with lace that Mam-maw gave me... lace that was made by her mother (the lace near the hemline of the gown) and by her grandmother's sister, Aunt Sarah (the tatting on the sleeves and neckline).  Now we have an heirloom for all the grandchildren to wear when christened.
Chara, Bryce's sister and her family (sweet Sofia and Alejandro) came from Acworth.  Sarah 

(my sister) made it in from her weekend in Missouri, Kay came from Eufala, AL and Bryce's parents came from Atlanta.  And don't forget the contingent from down home Dickson, TN!  We are so blessed and thank God for all of you every day.