Amazing love....how can it be? That you, my King, would die for me?

Tonight was an incredible evening. Eric returned refreshed, recommitted and renewed from a men's retreat in the Sequoia National Forest where he was baptized again as a symbol of his recommitment to Christ. Upon his return home, we all headed north to Long Beach to attend "Elmo Grows Up" (thank goodness for free tickets from a friend, or we would have spent more than $180!) The kids had a great time and we all enjoyed being together so much. We went over to the harbor and at a great Mexican dinner at Tequila Joes, followed by chocolate covered apples and ice cream. During dinner, Lauren announced that she was ready to accept Christ as her personal Savior and be baptized. For almost 2 years, Lauren has completely understood what it means to accept Christ as her Savior...his amazing gift of salvation, and since then, her faith has grown tremendously. I'm so overwhelmed by her knowledge, her love and her true faith in Christ. She has picked a date, decided who she wants to "invite" to her baptism, and then asked if she could have a special "God" gift. I mentioned a Bible, but she just got a new one for Christmas. What about a new necklace or piece of special jewelry? Her answer? An evangicube.....a tool that missionaries use (we used them in China) and they tell the story of Christ, his death and his resurrection. It leads you through God's plan for salvation, and makes it easy to share your faith with others in a non-threatening way. Lauren received her evangicube from the good news club that meets after school on Thursdays. She was so moved when the leader told them that if they each told just 10 people, the entire school would know within a few days. So, the next day on the playground, she told 8 children about Christ!
On Friday night, Lauren and I were laying in bed reading (I was reading Superfudge by Judy Blume and she was reading a new book we picked up at the library, Stink.) She asked me, "Mom, do you have any friends who don't know about Jesus?" If so, PLEASE don't tell them...I want to tell as many people as I can about the good News of Jesus Christ!"
Lauren will be 8 in just 11 days. I can't believe how fast time has gone, and how she has changed from the smallest, most precious newborn into a true follower of Christ. I pray that she will always have this faith, this love and this heart to share Christ's love with everyone she meets. Watch the blog for photos of the baptism in the next few weeks!