Blessed through Baptism

Ezekiel Forrester Hall

Our sleeping angel!

Zeke will be 5 months old in about a week!  It's hard to believe.  He is rolling over, attempting to scoot on his belly, making silly squealing noises, laughing, and generally loving life!  He eats well and is over 16 pounds now.  He's reaching for toys and will be mobile before we know it!

We were thrilled to welcome several family members to town the week of June 3rd.  My Uncle Lewis came all the way from NYC to celebrate our shared birthday, and to be here for Zeke's Baptism.  My Uncle Ken, Aunt Janie, and cousin Riley flew in from Lubbock, Texas for the festivities.  Gregg's brother, Jimmy, and his two girls (Krissy and Leah) drove from Wauchula, Florida to be here with us too.  Maria, Nick, and Gregory stayed home because Nick needed to prepare for his final exams.  It was humbling that they were all here with us during this special time. 

The Gregg Hall family

You may wonder what makes this such a special time?  You may ask why we had Zeke Baptized as an infant.  We understand that this was not his statement of faith (we pray that will come in time).  Our pastor, Randy Pope, likened it to a wedding engagement.  He said that we, as parents, will likely begin to pray for our child's future spouse.  As we do that, we understand that they will become engaged first.  When they are engaged, they are not committed to marriage yet.  Only they can make that true commitment before God to unite with their betrothed.  Only Zeke can take that initial "engagement" we made for Him through infant Baptism, and make the commitment to accept Christ as his Savior.  We, as Zeke's earthly parents, promise to raise him in a Christian home as a child of the Covenant we made with God.  We will teach him about our Lord so that one day he can make the decision for himself.

The Stargel/Hall group

Jimmy, Krissy, and Leah Hall

My sisters with Zeke!

The Baptism was held at Perimeter Church on June 6, 2010.  Todd and Teresa Lesher (along with Jared and Jami) are Zeke's godparents.  Because Todd is an elder at Perimeter, he was able to assist Randy in the Baptism.  That was really special for us.

My parents hosted a luncheon afterwards for our family and friends.  Zeke did great during the Baptism, but because it was during his morning nap, he fell asleep by the time we were ready to take pictures after lunch!

The rest of the weekend was filled with fun times with family.  We went up to Jared and Jami's house one evening for dinner.  We also celebrated Leah Hall's 7th birthday at our house because she and her family were driving home on her actual birthday (June 7th).  Overall, it was a wonderful time with family and friends, and we are thankful for all of the support.  Zeke is one blessed little boy!!!

Uncle "Woo" (Lewis)

 

Ken, Janie, and Riley Kennedy

Krissy and Leah Hall