BAPTISM
Water Baptisms are happening at my church on January 1st. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many baptisms and always, always, always my heart sparkles with joy. It’s kinda one of those things, you just have to experience yourself. What breaks my heart is hearing Christians say, ‘I’m not ready to be baptized/ I’m waiting for the perfect moment to be baptized/excuses/excuses etc etc…’
Let me tell you something (I hope you receive this in a loving way!), there will never be a “perfect moment” to be baptized. There will always be something in the way/someone who can’t make it/you’ll always be nervous, etc. And if you’re waiting until everything is perfect in your life, let me break it to you…life is never perfect, you will never be perfect. We are all in desperate need of God’s grace.
I was 18 when I fully surrendered my life to the Lord and became a Christian. I was young and messed. That year was one of the craziest years of my life. There were many, many ups and many, many downs. I did not have my crap together. But by the grace of God, I mustered up the courage to be baptized. I was attending Hillsong London and all baptisms were held in homes or during the summer at a beach.
My circumstances were not ideal, my family was half way across the world, my best friends were half way across the world and I was going to get baptized in a tiny bathroom, yep, in the bathtub. But let me tell you this, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. I had given my heart to Christ and even though he was sorting out my life (as he still is today), I made the decision to be baptized. My lovely, lovely, connect group leader baptized me. There were 10 people in attendance. It was absolutely incredible.
The scripture really describes the experience best when Jesus, himself was baptized.
"13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.
16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” -Matthew 3:13-17
In that tiny bathroom, it honestly felt as if the Heavens opened and God himself smiled down on me and said, “This is my dearly loved daughter, who brings me great joy.”
there I am at 18, ready and waiting my baptism!
and there i am out of the water.
If you have a few minutes please watch this video…just warning..there will probably be tears & snot!
Follow from Elevation Church on Vimeo.
Let this be an encouragement to all of you debating on whether to get baptized or not. If you love Jesus and have committed your life to Him…do it! You’ll be blessed.
love you!
s.s.♥.
p.s. friends! I want to hear about your baptism experiences! Post in the comment section below!
GETTING ORGANIZED...
DIY: GLITTER LETTERING
I’m working like a crazy person…I have no one to blame but myself…my time is actually so packed that I know my exact movements for the next 13 days. CHRISTMAS IS COMING THOUGH!!!!!!!!
So I’ve started to make a list…a list of sweet things/crafts/ideas I’m going to accomplish after Christmas… This here is one of them…
Aren’t these letters amazing? I want them for my room, living room, kitchen, future everything….I can’t wait to get all ke$ha up in those sparkles!
Tutorial found here…
Happy Monday!
stay sparkling,
s.s.♥
CHRISTMAS MOVAAAYS
When reading my last diary entry, you may have come to the false conclusion that I wasn’t that hyped on Christmas. Allow me to set you straight. I FREAKING LOVE CHRISTMAS. The first day that Starbucks released their Christmas drinks (which was in November!), I forced James to take me. I started saying ‘Merry Christmas’ to customers at the end of November. I opened my Disney Princess Advent calendar (I don’t care that it’s crappy chocolate, it’s DISNEY!) December 1st with an explosive heart. I love Christmas parties (my staff party on tues was BEST). I love listening to Christmas music (one of the only time of year, I listen to 106.5). I love looking at Christmas lights but…
…Most of all…I AM OBSESSED WITH CHRISTMAS MOVIES. I sent James on November 28th a list of 15 movies we needed to watch. So far we’ve tackled 3. Here are my top 9…
9. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Nothing screams Christmas more than the little claymation Rudolph. And those little misfit toys…awwwwwwe.
8. Elf
"I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel."-Buddy the Elf
Oh Buddy, every time he opens his mouth I can’t help but smile. I know this one gets overplayed but seriously, stop being so hipster, sit on down and watch Elf.
7. Little Women
Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Bale, Susan Sarandon…talk about all star cast. This classic appeals more to the ladies, set in time of The Civil War. It’s a beaut.
6. To Grandmother’s House We Go
Two words…OLSEN TWINS. Check out these major It girls when they were just wee, little ones. Before they were designing their own fashion lines, appearing in Vogue, they were having a grand adventure.
This gem came out when people actually knew who Tim Allen was. (RIP HOME IMPROVEMENT) Growing up with divorced parents, I always loved watching movies where I could (somewhat) relate. I could not relate to Charlie at all but heck, I looooved this movie. I owned it on VHS and watched it throughout the year.
I swear I only get my imax pass to watch this movie. Christmas ain’t Christmas if I don’t go to the imax and watch this beauty. If you want to be oozing with Christmas Spirit, rent this guy. Seriously, magical stuff. The train ride, the North pole, semi-creepy looking children…YES.
3. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
I actually prefer this one to the first Home Alone. First things first…NYC. Any Christmas movie based in NYC is always a must-see on my list. Other amazing factors in this movie: the nice bird lady, Carnegie Hall, The Plaza, The Toy Shop, that old movie..KEVIN MCCALLISTER……looooove.
2. The Muppets Christmas Carol
From previous Muppets post, you probably know I am MUPPETS obsessed. This movie does not disappoint. Gonzo as Charles Dickens, Kermie as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Michael Caine as Scrooge…talk about DREAM CAST. This movie will leave you with the perfect amount of laughter & Christmas-ness.
This is my ultimate favourite Christmas movie. Muppets + Sesame Street + Fraggle Rock + cameo from Jim Henson himself = MEGA ALL STAR COMBO. I could watch this over & over & over. Seriously, this movie is the bees freaking knees.
So say no to that 823499384 party invite, make some hot chocolate, snuggle up to your sweetheart or grab your girlfriends and get your Christmas Movaaay Love on.
stay gold,
s.s.♥.