Russ, my wonderful hubby, is a pretty shy guy. He is not one for the spotlight, and likes to be at home. He has had something on his heart for a pretty long time, but did not have the guts to go through with it. Our current situation gave him the jump start and the courage he needed to take this step.
With about 40 family and close friends gathered in our home, Russ got baptized. This is in our hot tub on our deck. Russ cannot lay back, as it compresses his lung, so he had to be dunked forward. It was such a wonderful night, and one that he really treasures.
Here is a shot of us and his immediate family taken that night. We had a great evening, but Russ slept the whole next day!! It really tired him out, but it was so worth it. The bonus - I got it all on video. Enjoy your day :)
I am so amazed by you two...you are an inspiration and may God bless you with such amazing love and miracles.
Posted by: sandy | October 08, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Praise the Lord!!!! God Bless You BOTH!!
Prayers Always,
SandyT
Posted by: Sandy Tipton | September 30, 2010 at 09:47 PM
Praise God! How wondderful! Thanks for sharing. God is such a miracle worker
Posted by: Deb | September 30, 2010 at 02:19 PM
What a wonderful event in all of your lives.
God does work in mysterious ways........
Still praying for all of you...
Posted by: Tina DeLong West Jefferson, Ohio | September 30, 2010 at 06:52 AM
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful event with us. That must have been quite a day of celebration for all of you! That was a beautiful testimony that Russ gave by his decision to be baptised! May God bless all of you. You and your family are in my prayers.
Diane (from Singapore)
Posted by: Diane Seaward | September 29, 2010 at 11:39 PM
I check on you and Russ just about every day. What a wonderful post. It was such a joy to open your blog and see the hot tub and have the instant realization of what was happening. Thank you so much for the up date. Your cyber family is rejoicing with you now. Praise God! He is faithful. What a gift to your family. Assurance of a reunion in the heavens.
Posted by: GinnaG | September 29, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Thanks for sharing your family with us. You're in our daily prayers.
Posted by: Pat Jandacek | September 29, 2010 at 11:07 PM
All Right Rus!!Praise God. I know I'll meet you someday.
Sherry
Posted by: sherry conrad | September 29, 2010 at 10:42 PM
What a wonderful event and testimony!!! You, Russ and your family are in my prayers. There is nothing our God can't do!
Posted by: Joy B | September 29, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Wow!! This is wonderful!! Gave me chills reading your post. It really is fantastic, what a blessing. Continuing to send up prayers for your family. Warm Hugs to you!!
Posted by: Kim Kowal | September 29, 2010 at 08:56 PM
Thanks for sharing that most blessed news! A day that will never be forgotten. Praying for your family. Keep the updates coming!
Posted by: heidi | September 29, 2010 at 08:18 PM
GOD IS GOOD!
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila | September 29, 2010 at 05:06 PM
Praise the Lord!!! I am praying for you and your family..
Posted by: donna wright | September 29, 2010 at 05:02 PM
Thank you for sharing one of the many blessings to come from Russ's illness.
Posted by: Sylvia/Georgia | September 29, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Oh Miss Julie, I type this with tears in my eyes! Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment. What a blessing for all of us. I just can't put into words how wonderful this is.
Posted by: Deborahd | September 29, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Happy re-Birthday Russ!!
Praise God for His Love for us, it is so wonderful!!
Blessings to you my brother.
V
Posted by: Veronica | September 29, 2010 at 02:55 PM
Praise God! What a special event! And to do it in your own home is some special!
Posted by: Marlene Peters | September 29, 2010 at 02:48 PM
How Wonderful...I was 11 years old when I got baptized and I will never forget how I felt when I came up out of that water...so cleansed and filled with the love of Jesus.
We continue to pray every night for you two.
Love in Jesus,
Sherry wilsher@fidnet.com
Posted by: Sherry Harweger | September 29, 2010 at 02:13 PM
How wonderful! Praise his Holy Name. Upholding you all in prayer and sending hugs x
Posted by: Debbie | September 29, 2010 at 02:01 PM
How wonderful for Russ and you! Not to mention being able to share this special day with family. Thanks for sharing it with your cyberfamily as well. :) We're all praying for you and sending love your way....Hugs & prayers from Ohio!
Posted by: Cindy Hopkins | September 29, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Wow, I have the chills and tears in my eyes..thank you so much for sharing this blessing with us. God is working in so many hearts and I am so glad He worked in Russ' heart. You are a blessing to Russ as well.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly..the entire family is.
Praise God!!
Posted by: Dorene | September 29, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Very special - love to all
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Benko | September 29, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Oh...JOYFUL BLESSINGS!! Thank you so much for sharing this! :o)
Thanks for sharing the photo too! It turns out that I know Jocelyn! If she's family to you then we actually have some mutual relatives in common. It's such a small world, isn't it!
My prayers will continue for all of you! :o)
Posted by: Nancy | September 29, 2010 at 11:22 AM
God is good! All the time!
Posted by: Linda Q | September 29, 2010 at 11:13 AM
thank you for sharing this blessing!
Posted by: Vivian | September 29, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Julie, you have made me cry with this post, but they are tears of joy! I pray that God bless and keep you and your family, and this is such a blessing to have affirmation of Russ' walk with God. I'm sending you a hug across the miles and I pray for you and your family daily.
Posted by: Lenoria | September 29, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Wonderful! What a beautiful photo and picture of our Lord's baptism. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Tammy Q Howell | September 29, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Amazing testimony. Continued prayers for your family. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melissa Johnson | September 29, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Oh, Julie, I am so happy for both of you. Blessings to you and your family.
Posted by: Terry Deason | September 29, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Good for him for being baptized!! What a special family time :)
Posted by: Marisa | September 29, 2010 at 10:10 AM
How wonderful!! What a testimony.
May God bless you all. Praying for you still.
Posted by: Darlene Gabriel | September 29, 2010 at 09:57 AM
This really touched my heart, my late husband was baptised in a hospital room with water from the little yellow plastic pitcher they give you. I didn't get video, but the memory will stay in my heart forever....God bless you guys..my thoughts and prayers are with you too!
Posted by: Darlene Castor | September 29, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Praise God. Blessings to you, Russ, and your family. Keeping you in my prayers.
Posted by: JoAnn Burnham | September 29, 2010 at 09:38 AM
I'm crying like a baby! What a blessing, Julie!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Posted by: Patti J. | September 29, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Praising God and giving Him the Glory! So happy for Russ and all of you!Praying you have continued blessings and a peaceful heart!
Posted by: Vicki | September 29, 2010 at 09:25 AM
What a wonderful night for both of you. You will long remember this very special event. May God bless you both with His courage and grace.
Posted by: Judy Jackson | September 29, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Praise the LORD!! such a wonderful blessing! I am so very happy for you all. I, myself will be baptized at church this coming November - waiting on long distance relatives to respond.
Love & hugs -
D :)
Posted by: Diane :D | September 29, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Awesome!! you all continue to be in my prayers!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | September 29, 2010 at 09:24 AM
So happy for you both! That's wonderful! Keeping the prayers going.
Posted by: Toni Kwaiser | September 29, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Congratulations to your sweet and brave husband. That just feels my heart with so much happiness to know that he is completely safe in the arms of our Savior. God is so good.
Posted by: Kathy | September 29, 2010 at 08:39 AM
Thanks for sharing, continuing to pray for your family.
Posted by: Kathy T | September 29, 2010 at 06:52 AM
The angels in Heaven are rejoicing! I'm so happy for Russ and your family! Continued prayers for his health...
Posted by: Marla | September 29, 2010 at 05:49 AM
That's wonderful! Congratulations and blessings to Russ.
Posted by: Sandra K | September 29, 2010 at 05:05 AM
I'm so pleased for all of you! Big hugs
Rx
Posted by: Ruthie | September 29, 2010 at 02:08 AM
Praise the Lord! What a great occasion to celebrate! The Lord already knows Russ' heart. May the Lord continue to uphold both of you as you go through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing these pictures! God Bless! Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Smith | September 28, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Praise God for the decision Russ made! I, too, knew what it was as soon as I saw the hot tub picture. I pray for continued peace and blessings to you and your family.
Posted by: Natalie S | September 28, 2010 at 08:08 PM
God is so good. Not matter what, we know we can count on Him to be there for us. So great to see the picture. Thanks for sharing. Take care.
Posted by: Debbie in Minnesota | September 28, 2010 at 07:59 PM
What a blessed day for all of you.
Posted by: Dianne Sisneros | September 28, 2010 at 07:47 PM
So happy for you both. What a tremendous joy in your lives. Praying for you and your family. Big hugs.
Posted by: Brenda in Indy | September 28, 2010 at 07:12 PM
Just HAD to tell you that my captcha code for the post above was "RSSZEN"! Hidden message for Russ? May Zen be yours!
Posted by: Bren | September 28, 2010 at 05:17 PM
Ditto, ditto, ditto! God is truly talking to all of us through you and Russ. How lucky you are that he has chosen you in such a way....my his blessings for you continue. Much love, Bren
Posted by: Bren | September 28, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Wonderful news!! Tears of joy welling up in my eyes as I write this! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Posted by: Pam | September 28, 2010 at 05:01 PM
I literally gasped when I saw the first picture because I knew what the picture meant. I even whispered, "Oh, happy day!" I'm sure you were rejoicing at Russ' decision. Praying for Russ and all of you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful news. (I'm crying happy tears for you.)
Lori
Posted by: Lori Burkitt | September 28, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Wow, what a wonderful day for you & the entire family!
Posted by: Peggy Maier | September 28, 2010 at 03:44 PM
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing pics with us! Praying for all of you.
Posted by: Venessa | September 28, 2010 at 03:05 PM
What a wonderful day for all of you but most importantly a special day for your Russ. Blessings to all of you!
Posted by: chrisd | September 28, 2010 at 02:50 PM
An outward showing of what's in his heart. . . and an awesome testimony to others. Praying for you all.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: emilyb | September 28, 2010 at 02:32 PM
There is nothing more rewarding than following God's lead! So thankful that he was able to take this step! LOVE and HUGS to all of you today!!!
Posted by: Misti | September 28, 2010 at 01:23 PM
What a beautiful, wondrous thing for Russ - and for you as well, Julie!! God bless you all. You're in my thoughts and in my heart. Love, Lia
Posted by: Oralia | September 28, 2010 at 01:19 PM
PRAISE GOD Julie! Blessings to you and your beautiful family. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer! This is soooo AWESOME!
Posted by: Amber | September 28, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Wonderful news! My heart felt full and my eyes teared at reading this...after reading all these other great comments, the words have left me...can I say "ditto"? :)
Posted by: Crystal L. (Crafting & Rambling) | September 28, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Blessings to you all!!
Posted by: Julie Carlisle | September 28, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Thanks for sharing! God will bless Russ for this step in FAITH!!!! HUGS!!!
Posted by: Cindy Biermann | September 28, 2010 at 11:18 AM
What a blessing this was for all of you! I was so moved by this story it brought tears to my eyes. Sounds like I'm not the only one. Prayers to you, Russ and your family!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | September 28, 2010 at 11:14 AM
I rejoice along with you Julie and the family, what a step in Russ's faith walk. Blessings!!!! I am sure the angels in heaven rejoiced with you. Prayers and love Auntie Madeline
Posted by: Madeline Parlee | September 28, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Sending positive thoughts and love to you and your family everyday Julie. Hugs xoxo
Posted by: Michelle Denis | September 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM
PRAISE God!! HOOOOOOOOOOORAY for his baptism!! What a wonderful thing for your family to witness!! God is working and will bless His children who follow Him!!
Thank you, Lord, for this step of faith by Russ and his sharing of his love for you! I praise You that he is a follower and believer! Lord, I pray that all who shared in this baptism would see your love and strength through Russ. I pray for Julie and her family--that they would continue to lean on You and find peace and comfort in Your love. Thank you that You never leave us--that You love us--and that Your son died for our sins. THANK YOU, Jesus!! THANK YOU, God!! Amen.
Posted by: Sav O'G | September 28, 2010 at 10:53 AM
This made me teary eyed at work! Good for Russ to get babtized . God bless you and keep you .
Posted by: lena | September 28, 2010 at 10:48 AM
How great is this...Brings tears to my eyes... Thinking of you and your family often...
Posted by: darla | September 28, 2010 at 10:46 AM
All I can say is "Praise the Lord"
Posted by: Patti | September 28, 2010 at 10:41 AM
This is awesome!! Love you
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | September 28, 2010 at 10:21 AM
Julie,
Thanks for sharing. Blessings to Russ, you and your family. My heart to yours.
Posted by: Sharon | September 28, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Jeanette Dougan | September 28, 2010 at 10:08 AM
FANTASTIC! I AM SO HAPPY FOR ALL OF YOU. BLESSINGS TO YOU ALWAYS. HUGS TO RUSS, TOO. :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | September 28, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Blessings for you and the family, but most of all for your hubby.... God bless and keep you all in the palm of His hands.
(((HUGS))
Posted by: Estelle in Hernando, MS | September 28, 2010 at 09:31 AM