Coffee Chat & Gracie’s Baptism!
Happy Saturday! Today’s coffee chat is extra special because I am sharing with you a piece of my heart in 9-year-old form – Gracie’s baptism.
I have experienced many accomplishments in life – from sports championships and music awards to 3 house flips, 2 Masters degrees, and one successful, albeit stressful, career change.
But these achievements are without eternal value. They will hold no bearing on what happens to me when I take my last breath.
The only certainty I have in this world, and after, is the eternal life I have been given through Jesus Christ. Not only do I have this glorious hope for the future, but He has transformed the way I live in the present and understand the past.
Joy despite infinite sorrow. Hope beyond hardship. Because this world is not my home.
Above any achievements, this is what I pray over my children. That they would also know such a supernatural hope.
Grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, cousins. #blessed
When Gracie came to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior on January 15, 2020, it was a moment forever etched in my heart, and I cannot help the tears that stream down my face as I type this.
What greater joy than to know that the Spirit of the God I love with all my heart now resides in a walking piece of that heart – my daughter. His daughter.
In a public confession of her new identity in Jesus Christ, she was baptized this past April at our church. I recently received the video footage and the transcript is written below as the mic kept cutting out.
I pray as you hear my daughter’s words that you would be uplifted. And just know that I pray same for YOU -my dear readers.
That you would know this peace that passes understanding through Jesus Christ – for YOUR earthly joy and HIS eternal glory.
Hi, my name is Gracelyn Fulmer. I am 9 years old, and I am glad to be here at LEFC today. I would like to share a quick story of how I accepted Jesus as my savior. It was January 15, 2020, and I was on my way to swimming lessons when I said, “Daddy when you die do you always go to heaven or do some not?” He said, “Some people go to heaven, but those people believed in Jesus.” Then I asked him what happens if you don’t believe in Jesus. He told me you go to Satan’s world where there’s no hope because you are separated from Jesus.
A terrible thought struck me that I could go there if I didn’t have Jesus in my heart.
Before bed, I told my mom about our conversation. We talked bout sin – the bad things I would do when I didn’t want to do them (although sometimes I did want to do them) and she said only Jesus can help me forgive myself for the bad things I’ve done. She said that when I make Jesus my best friend, His Spirit helps my heart forever. I wanted that. She read me Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.”
So just like that, I prayed with my mommy and daddy about it. Tears were flowing down my cheeks by the time I had accepted Jesus as my savior. I felt a wave of happiness. I felt so happy that I had no problem falling asleep!!!!
When I was born my parents assigned me life verses based on the meaning of my name. We say these verses every night.
“Praise the Lord, oh my soul, all my inmost being praise his Holy name. Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalm 103:1-5
Knowing Jesus makes me feel braver when I am afraid and more confident when I don’t feel good about myself. I hope that any of you who haven’t accepted Jesus in your heart will do so because He will help you too.
Gracelyn Fulmer
Caleb’s amazing Sunday School teacher!
Check out all of these incredible stories of life change from our friends at LEFC.
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This was a special week on the imPERFECTly emPOWERed Podcast. We shared a 2 part series from last year’s Bring Them Home adoption gala video presentation.
Adoptive parents, Brad and Kate Zimmerman share how they learned to claim faith amidst fear and find hope despite heart-wrenching hardship. Do not miss this family’s inspiring story and the two little boys who stole their hearts.
When the civil rights movement had only just gained momentum – Henry and Andrea Bomberger adopted 10 children of varying races and disabilities. 50 years later their family legacy includes 3 generations of adopted children and bears witness to the power of love in overcoming racial barriers.
Don’t miss this 3 generation interview about the real-life story of multi-racial adoption over the last 5 decades.
Need a delicious but easy summer treat recipe? This week I shared one of our family’s favorite summer desserts of all time.
Enjoy this sweet and salty easy recipe for frozen yogurt bars with fresh strawberries, Greek yogurt, and a delicious pretzel crust.
Let’s check out more inspiration for the home from this week’s Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!
These Red, White and Blue Patriotic Strawberries are dipped in melted white chocolate and coated in blue sanding sugar – perfect for summer celebrations!
Using kraft paper is an easy, inexpensive way to make an outdoor party tablecloth creative and festive.
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If your home has gotten out of control, these four super-fast and simple habits will help you keep a clean and tidy home.
You don’t have to be a full-time gardener to enjoy the benefits of a potting bench! If you’re wondering if having one is right for you, these top five reasons will be super helpful.
These gluten-free funfetti shortbread cookies are perfect bites of crunchy, buttery cookies.
Happy Saturday friends!