Marshall's Advent Baptism

My brother Trey's name appeared on caller ID a couple of months ago, but when I put the phone to my ear it was six-year-old Marshall's sweet voice on the other end.
And he got right to the point.
"Aunt Tonya, Jesus is in my heart."
"Whoa, whaaat? Marshall ~ I'm so excited for you! Tell me about it."
And he did.
He said he had been laying in bed the night before, thinking about his sin and that Jesus died on the cross for him. He called his mom and dad into his bedroom, and after reading a Bible verse together, Marshall prayed and asked Jesus to come and clean up his heart and be his Lord forever.
And then, he finished, "I cried tears of joy."
Which made this auntie shed a few tears of joy as well.

Trey and Amy asked Cappy if he would baptize Marshall while they were in Fort Worth for Christmas, and Marshall started our Christmas out with a bang. Well, he and Cappy together, I suppose. The Sunday morning of Christmas week we got to be a part as Cappy assisted Marshall in the public proclamation of his new faith.

Our group after church ~ Chris and Crystal were caught up on their delayed flight from Montana (via Florida), and Hudson stayed home sick. But thanks to facetime, Hud saw the whole thing while wrapped up in his blanket cocoon on the sofa.


We celebrated after with lunch and CAKE over here. After all, Marshall says it's officially a party if there's cake involved.

Oh what fun to have the cousins together!

It was absolutely freezing outside, but the kids found a way to stay warm. This pic was snapped with me inside the house. 

Marking this special event ~ can't tell whether Amy or Marshall's grin is brighter

October 15, 2013 - Marshall's "2nd birth" day

What Trey and Amy read with Marshall the night he accepted Christ:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Rom 10:9-10

One of my highlights - the way Marshall's face lit up when he saw this

And so through Marshall's baptism we relished Advent - the Coming - beautifully realized in a young heart made ready for His sacrifice and love and grace.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for these abundant gifts, and your legacy that continues to run its course through the generations.  

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles...   1 Chronicles 16:11-12