I Love the 80's...

Last weekend, I had a chance to step out and have a little fun. For those of you who know me, I have never been one to seek out themed parties that require you to dress up and be silly. But this time, it just felt right.

So last weekend, we had a Totally 80's Party!! That's right. To celebrate Amanda and April's birthdays (and to, well, just have some fun), we had a party where it was all 80's, all the time. We all came dressed in 80's outfits and rocked all night to some awesome 80's tunes. Excellent!!

It was a little difficult digging up some 80's clothes. After all, I wasn't even in grade school yet for most of the 80's. But I did find a Cosby-style sweater in my dad's closet a few weeks ago and added some stone-washed jeans and "pegged" them at the bottom. And there you go. As cool as the Fresh Prince himself. Check out the photo! Man, why did we ever stop tight-rolling our jeans? I'm determined to bring it back into style!

Of course, the ladies had some awesome outfits too. Julie wore a sweet 80's t-shirt with the classic sweat socks. And you can't forget the radical 80's heavy eyeliner and side pony-tails. And some of the other ladies went all-out. April! What is with the blue hair and matching gloves!!?? And Grace! The eye-liner streaks!! Awesome!!

I wish I could have had some more time to find a better "80's" outfit. But all in all, a good party. And a fun one too. I wonder what our next theme will be?

A Happy Day...

So let me just say that today was a pretty good day.

I got baptized this morning at church, and it was awesome!! I had been having second thoughts earlier this week, just because I was feeling really overwhelmed with everything that had happened the last week and a half and I felt that maybe I needed to step back and wait a little longer. But I'm so glad that I followed through with it! The Lord surely does honor obedience!

So why was it so awesome? Let me tell you why. It just was.

I was a little nervous beforehand, and the thought going through my mind was that I had already been baptized when I was 13 and now I felt that I was "too old" and had been a Christian for "too long" to be baptized again. I was worried about what other people were going to think about me. You know, the old predictable me. But as the time neared for me to go up, I heard The Lord say to me, "It's just you and Me now. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I love you and I am proud of you, my son." And then it was on.

I felt such a great confidence as I walked up on the stage. And I literally forgot about everyone in the crowd for a few minutes. And when I sat in the tub, I got a huge smile on my face that just wouldn't go away. I can't explain it, but I could not stop smiling. I just felt really great because I had such strong confidence in myself and what I had chosen to do because I knew The Lord was behind me.

And afterwards, I just felt this amazing peace. And I don't know how else to describe it, other than it just felt great. Lots of people came up to me afterwards and congratulated me. And a couple of people in particular literally told me that I just had a huge smile across my face the whole time I was up there. Like nothing else mattered other than what I was doing. That is such a great testimony to how God has literally changed my life around. And now I just feel totally rejuvenated and ready to serve Christ even more than before. Awesome. Just awesome.

It is truly amazing to think of where The Lord has brought me over the last two years. The old me definitely would have had a much different experience. I probably would have done it more out of obligation than of desire, while the whole time wondering what people thought about me and what they would say about me. But honestly? This morning, I just didn't care. It didn't even cross my mind. The Lord has brought me such confidence that I can go forward being who He has created me to be. Free from fear and self-doubt, and knowing that I am loved and accepted by my Heavenly Father. And ultimately, that's all that matters.

As Easter approaches, let us all remember what Easter is all about. Easter is not about wearing your best suit and tie to church, it's not about Easter baskets or some magical bunny, and it's not even about seeing your family. It's about celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who defeated death itself and arose victoriously. And He offers this same salvation to us that we might live eternally with Him. That's why my baptism was so meaningful and why I wanted to do it. It symbolizes that I have chosen to "die" to myself so that I can rise again victoriously with Christ. Amen, Amen!!