Beach Baptism

Today was a day we will never forget. Heidi and I took the plunge of faith! It was something weighing on both of our hearts for a long time and we finally did it!

Our church, Summit Church, had their 6 o'clock service at Bethune Beach just south of New Smyrna. Before the service, around 20 people were baptized including Heidi and I. We were fully anticipating to do it on our own, but when we got to the front of the line the lady asked us if we wanted to do it together. For some reason we had never thought it was possible to do that. You should have seen our faces when we realized we could be baptized together...it was like kids in a candy store. Walking out to the water was very surreal...nerves, cold water, anticipation, and excitement rushed through our bodies. When we got to Isaac (our pastor...in the black) he started telling us what was going to happen. The only word that we both agree on is "frozen". We were both frozen for some reason, i guess because of the things mentioned above (nerves, cold, anticipation, excitement). Isaac said "What are your full names?"...I said "Scott, um Armstrong....um Scott Whitney Armstrong....ya Scott Whitney...Armstrong. Heidi then followed gracefully by saying...Heidi Armstrong...um Heidi Elizabeth..I mean Rodenbaugh...Armstrong....Heidi Rodenbaugh.........Armstrong."

The waves were not small by any means, I would say 2 or 3 feet. Watching the people before us, it seemed like a game of frogger trying to avoid the waves crashing on top of you. After Heidi and I said our names, we looked straight ahead (west...right at the setting sun and the hundreds of people gathered on the beach) while Isaac asked us a few questions about our faith. He then said "Scott and Heidi Armstrong, I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit". We were both submerged under the water and brought back up with renewed faith. As we walked back to the beach, we couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. The one strange thing we both remember is not feeling a bit cold...a warmth ran through both of our bodies as we walked back to where Parker and Brooke were. Another cool thing for me was having my co-worker, Jeff, baptized right after us. What an amazing bonding experience for both of us. I am really looking forward to see what God has in store for us at The Golf Channel.

Heidi - Since Scott wrote the post I wanted to share a few feelings I had. As looking into the sunset I was seeing the light of a fresh start and a forgiveness of my past. When walking out of the water renewed, with my man by my side and Jesus in my heart I felt strength I just can't describe. It was a moment in our marriage that we will never forget.