Suggested song to listen to as you read: Oceans
I was baptized at sunrise on the beach of Granada in Lake Nicaragua with my squad and leaders. It was so special that so many people were there from our squad. They chose to be a part of it with us to celebrate, along with our leaders.
Ben baptized me in the waves. Jesus told me to walk to him through the waves, despite my fears. He gave me a new beginning.
I walked into the waves, with a ready, willing and adventurous spirit to follow Jesus in the waves and trust Him even though all is not perfect. I almost stumbled when the waves threatened to crash over me, but did not fall. My identity is in Christ, not in my feelings.
Not in the lies. I refuse to believe them anymore. I am His. And He is mine.
The baptism was a symbol of the new birth, new life and brand new identity that I have received in Him. I am His daughter.
It was awesome that this took place on the day after my birthday too, to symbolize this renewal of freedom in my life!
These are truths you can speak over yourself too: I am victorious. I am free. I am at peace. I am joyful. I am secure. I am stable. I trust in Him. I am loved. I am walking in truth, in light, in freedom, in grace. When I am weak, He is strong.
This is what I hold onto- my hope is in Him. I will not waver. I trust in Him no matter the size of the waves or how I feel or what l see.
Ben told me to look at the people on the shore- our squad- my family for this season and beyond, as God allows- because I am part of God’s family.
I am a new creation in Christ. I am set free to walk in the truth.
I refuse to believe the old lies. I will learn to recognize the lies and name them as lies and refuse to accept them as I declare the truth of who I really am in Christ.
I choose to believe how God sees me: beloved, set free, victorious, strong, graceful, capable, worthy, perfected in Him, approved, accepted, cherished, valued, LOVED!
I am His!
I choose to believe the truth no matter what.
Afterwards, we hugged and rejoiced and I was celebrated. God celebrated me and my squad, my family, celebrated me and the others baptized!
My squad mentor, Kris, spoke life over me: “This is a new beginning for you. This is a journey marker.”
The sun’s rays glowed with beautiful pinks, orange, and yellow blended shades as the sun came up. God smiled on me as the waves sparkled and the white crests were like the ocean’s majesty as God spoke freedom over me and affirmed me in Him.
Some of the old lies still tried to resurface.
I asked God for a picture to symbolize the baptism as we stood on the shore of the lake.
A white bird flew over the rushing waves as we all stood talking and taking in the beautiful sunrise.
God spoke to my heart in this and told me that I am pure. I am new. I am His. I am loved. I am free in Him.
Hebrews 10:22- Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Before the baptism, we sang a song- You’re Beautiful. God is beautiful and He made me beautiful too with His loving hands. I was created in His image, as were you. God washes us clean and makes us new in Him.
God set me free with His truth.
John 8:36- So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
Afterwards, we passed a statue of two large hands holding a girl in the middle.
I am in God’s hands. I am safe with Him, no matter what. I am secure in Him always. No matter how I feel. No matter the emotions. No matter the lies. No matter the past. No matter what.
I am His.
I am loved. I am secure in Christ.
Now. Always. Forever.
As are you when you come to Christ.
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If you feel called to help me continue walking this journey of freedom, please help me reach my next goal!
My next deadline is for Leap Year 2016- Feb. 29th. I need a total of $13,000 by that day.
I am currently just over $2000 away! Help me make the leap to reach this next amount!
If you feel led to or would like to give a birthday month or baptism gift towards my Race and my journey, now is the perfect time!
The easiest way to give is by clicking on the orange “Support Me” tab at the top right hand side of the page or click here to choose a monthly online pledge of support to maximize your gift or a one time gift.
Keep walking in your freedom and identity in Him everyday.
Thank you for your love and support.
