Ray and the girls on his baptism day. I can't believe how young we all look!!
8 years ago today Ray became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This was the day that the course of our lives changed forever. I was raised as a member of this church but had been an "inactive" member for about 6 years. There are a lot of reasons I walked away that I won't get in to here, but it was never because I didn't believe that the church was true. I always knew that the church was true, I guess that I just felt like there wasn't a place for me in it. It was inevitable that I would return to full activity and, if I am being honest, I probably always knew that. I just got really lucky to have married someone who, unbeknownst to me at the time, wanted to join me on my journey.
A majority of Ray's childhood was spent in Logan, Utah. For those of you who don't know, Logan is probably 90% mormon. Ray's family was one of the 10% who were not. When we started dating he had many opinions of the church and they were not good. It is hard for a non-member to grow up in this environment. I think that many members of the church who live around so many who are like them take it for granted that not everyone believes the way they do. Unfortunately sometimes those non-members are ostracized. Anyway, this is where Ray was coming from. My family began to change that perception for him. They always accepted him and loved him unconditionally. From the day they met him they loved him as one of their own. It didn't matter what religion he was. They could see the person he was, they could see the light of Christ in his eyes. He quickly became very close to my parents. He has always loved them and has a deep respect for them. Because of this respect he has for them, he accepted the challenge from my dad to order a video about Jesus. The second video he ordered was brought to us by the missionaries, Elder Quist and Elder Durham. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ray was always a good person. Anyone who has ever known him will attest to that fact. Becoming a mormon has magnified his goodness and crystalized for him what life is all about. He would tell you that being a member of the LDS church has given him purpose and direction that he has never had or known before. He would tell you that there is not one facet of his life that has not been bettered because of his decision to join the church. I will tell you that I am grateful every day for the choice he made. It gave me the courage to walk back in to the open arms of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It solidified our marital union and now we are a forever family.
PS-Happy Birthday Abby!!
13 comments:
I'm seriously tearing up. I can probably speak for all of our family when I say that one of the best/happiest days of my life. I loved living so close to you and being able to spend so much time with you, learning from you and watching you both grow. I love you guys.
Yes, Israel is gathering, one VanderLouw at a time. The way Ray so readily and so completely accepted the Gospel, I have to believe he has the blood of Israel. I will never forget that day, and the preliminary developments. Mom and I were on a cruize ship in the middle of the South Pacific when we recieved the email that Ray had committed to baptism. I guess I wasn't surprized, because somehow I knew that he would recognize the truth, but that bit of news was better than all the good times we subsequently had in Tahiti. It just doesn't get any better than that.
We love you Ray. You are a noble man of valor. We love you Becky. You are a true daughter of Zion. Together you are admirably parenting some of the most valiant souls that our Father in Heaven held back for these last days. Carry on.
Dad/David/Grandpa
Happy Baptism Anniversary, Ray!
Becky, what a beautiful post!!! You have me all in tears now. Your family has been such a great example to many of us of accepting people for who they are.
Ray Happy Anniversary!!!! it has been 12 years now.
Love You Becky and your adorable family!
I meant to say it has been 12 years for me as well....typing skillz are a bit weak these days ;)
Any person who meets Ray is better for it. Everyone loves Ray! Becky and Ray, you are such a great balance for each other and you both bring so much to your marriage and family. We LOVE you guys, are grateful for your committment to the gospel and CAN'T wait to live close to you!
Everybody loves Raymond.
ray's meeting with the missionaries and subsequent discussion was a pivotal time for our family. everyone was involved, praying, encouraging, fasting, loving. it was a unique experience. we were all on the same page, moving in the same direction. i know i am not describing this adequately, but i don't know of anything, except the grandchildren, that has bound us so much together. you ray are the hope that many of my friends keep in their minds as they face similar personal experiences, as well, becky you are the hope others of my friends hang onto. we love you both so much. thank you for recognizing truth, and cleaving to the light and to us.
Yay for Ray!!! It's true...everyone who meets Ray can't help but love him. He is such a fun person and an amazing example to everyone. You can totally tell that he loves the gospel. I think he influences so many lives for the better..and I'm sure he doesn't even realize it. He's the kind of person that leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Aww, I miss you guys!!
Best birthday present EVER.
The time you guys spent going through the discussions was such a special time (like mom said), and Ray being baptized was just the icing on the cake.
I think I once told Angie B. that the joy I felt with all of the baptisms on my mission didn't even begin to compare to how I felt about her being baptized. With Ray it was the same. What a great anniversary to remember. Love you guys!
I'm glad that Lori and I were able to be there for one of Ray's discussions with the missionaries. Ray and I had a great discussion after that. I think that was the night he decided to be baptized. I remember he was going over it all in his head, thinking out loud, and I knew it was going to happen. I'm glad I could have that experience with him.
2 years and counting until we move back out to ID. Hopefully you guys are back there by then.
Colin
Becky, I love this post. I too was able to witness that transformation for you and Ray. It is so great to see your family together and sealed for eternity. You are an example of hope to many people in your lives. I still remember Jez's biggest hang-up about being baptized was that he would "lose" his older brother. He swore to me that Ray would never talk to him again. I remember telling him he needed to make a choice at that time for him and his future and eternal destiny and that everything else would work itself out. We were both grateful that not only was his fear unfounded, but that one day soon his older brother would be joining him. :) We love you guys!
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