A child is a precious gift from God
And baptism is God's gift wrapping
And baptism is God's gift wrapping
Not quite over her angst of having to leave her Furbie behind in
the car during this “meeting” thing she had been prepped for, a look of true
felt fear and confusion replaced her normal cheeky grin as we all walked past
him filing in to his office. Our little
trooper has been through so much in the past few months; surgeries, therapies, evaluations,
shots, appointment after appointment after appointment. I believe she figured
the kindly gentleman was probably just another doctor looking to upset her. My heart hurt from the look of concern on her
face. Letting go of her hand for just a
moment, I made the sign for “friend” and whispered to her “He’s a nice man Emma
Grace, he’s friends with Jesus”. She
smiled with wide eyes, tilted her head and seemingly began to scan the man’s face
as she sat relatively quiet while we discussed arrangements. Afterwards, back in the hall - it was on
for this “Friend of Jesus”. She lifted
her arms to him demanding to be picked up and hugged. Emma Grace is not one to hand out hugs so
freely, but “Friends with Jesus” was all she needed to hear. Excellent resume with an outstanding
reference in her book. Now Pastor Dave
was also friends with Emma Grace Goodson.
Emma has been very interested in learning about Jesus. She loves to pray. Before meals, after meals, sometimes during
meals, in the morning, at nap time, bed time and sometimes just any time the
thought overcomes her. One thing is a
constant for our little prayer warrior, all her prayers end with a very hearty
arm raised joyful “AMEN!” She is just the cutest girl ever! Emma Grace recognizes Jesus’s picture and
understands we are speaking to Him in our prayers. We look forward to teaching Emma as best we
can all about Jesus, so she can make her own decisions and choices on her
spiritual life when she is older. We
want her to understand that He walks with her every day and has since the day
she was born and will remain by her side rain or shine always caring for her, watching over her and always loving her.
If beauty is counted by pig tails......Mirror Mirror on the wall
On March 3rd, 2013 Emma Grace Goodson became an
official follower of the Lord. as on this day. she was baptized at the same
church her daddy was baptized at as a baby many years ago. Her new found friend Pastor Dave did the
honors. She smiled when she saw many of
her favorite faces, as everyone began gathering. There was Grandpa, Grandma, Grandma, Uncle
Mike – so many – what were they all doing there where she was and all at the
same time too???!!.
Then came the
blessing............
................She had the funniest expression
on her face when Pastor Dave applied the holy water to her head. Would a friend put water on your head when
you are wearing such a fancy new dress with the shoes you had been waiting to
be able to wear with your family watching………yes….indeed this was ok…...she crinkled
up her nose and scrunched her eyes and gave an ever so faint giggle. I was half expecting to see her throw down the
"I’m gonna get you buddy" knuckle sandwich gesture she has become so well known
for as of late. But she maintained her
composure……for a 2 year old.
The Knuckler
After church service we shared punch and cookies to celebrate Emma Grace’s achievement. Then Pastor
Dave joined us back at the alter for some fun time. He explained to Emma Grace why he had to put that
water on her head earlier.....
water on her head earlier.....
and after some thought…..
Emma
Grace baptized him right back.
And like
the great man he is, Pastor Dave gave a very hearty arm raised joyful “AMEN!”
Early on after arriving home from China I had found a Mandarin
video of children singing and signing “Jesus Loves Me”. She loved it from her first view and it continues
to remain on her play list just about every day. I believe she knew what they were saying when
she first came home, but now I am not too sure. I do not know if Emma Grace has retained much if any
Mandarin to still know what they are saying, but I do believe that she still understands
the comfort and love their song represents.
And I hope she always remembers that feeling of love with her whole heart. Something so simple has brought her such great joy for going on 7 months now. Emma Grace has come a long way. She has a long way to go......but don't we all. I wish for her to hold in her heart the comfort that not a foot step of her journey will be alone wherever it may take her. She will never walk alone. All she need do is open the eyes of her heart. For, Yes Emma Grace - Jesus loves you - this I know!! Always and forever. He loves us all. More than you could ever imagine!
Excerpts from Angela Elwell Hunt’s poem
Thanks for listening to me, God
I need to talk to you
I know you love your children, Lord
No matter what they do
Please help me keep my heart clean, Lord
And teach me to do right
Shinny penny bright
But if I happen to mess up
And need another scrub
I know you won’t forget me, God
Just plop me in your tub
Lots of folks don’t understand
Forgiveness from above
They don’t know how my heart feels
When it is bathed in love
I’m growing up, and as I do
You’ll help me through my troubles
I won’t outgrow my love for you
And your forgiveness bubbles
Forgiveness from above
They don’t know how my heart feels
When it is bathed in love
I’m growing up, and as I do
You’ll help me through my troubles
I won’t outgrow my love for you
And your forgiveness bubbles
Britt Nicole:
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