Preparing for baptism

(Taken in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, 2005)

(Taken at the geographical center of Mexico, Cristo Rey, 2005)

(Taken at the National Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexcio, 2005)

(Taken in Atlacomulco, Mexico, 2005)

(Plaza de los Tres Culturas, Mexico City, Mexico, 2005)

Outward signs of Christianity...the Cross, Jesus, Cathedrals, Churches, Angels. What is baptism? Is it only an outward sign? I have been pondering this question for many months. To me it is an outward sign to others of my faith that Jesus Christ is God, He died to give me forgivenss for my sins, it is a symbol of dying to my old self and being reborn into a new person, of being washed clean, of letting go of that old self and welcoming the Holy Spirit that lives within me to guide me in all things. Of proclaiming my faith to others and being welcomed into my family of believers who will support and encourage me in my walk with Christ. These things aren't necessarily happening AT my baptism. They have been going on for many months and actually years.

But now I've realized baptism is not only an outward sign. It is a time for other Christians to reflect on their own lives and to learn from others. For me it was a process that I felt commanded by God to do, so He could teach me many of the basics that I was struggling with...such as from Genesis 1:26..."Let us make man in our image...". Notice the "us". How awesome that it had never dawned on me before my baptism classes that Jesus was always with God before time...well of course, 'cuz He is God. Ok...so there were many memos to myself about rather simple things like this, but also exceedingly complex to my little head. It has also been an inward journey of reflection on my life and testimony. What does my life say about me both in the past and now in the present? How is God working in my life...what was the outcome? These and others thoughts are what I´ve been scribbling out and mulling over for my testimony as my baptism is quickly approaching on Sunday, December 4th!!! I wish you could all hear my testimony...somehow everytime I write it or talk about it with a friend, it always sounds different. But the best part is...the beginning and the end will never change!!! Que Dios te bendiga mucho en el dìa que viene!!!