Baptism & Confirmation

Isn't it strange how sometimes when really neat things happen you remember the way it felt but have a hard time putting it into words?  I've had a hard time writing this blog entry. I wanted it to be an extra nice and special one, but as many of my plans go, I'm falling short once again.

On August 8th we had the lovely privilege to watch our oldest daughter to be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our church, you are given a name and a blessing as a baby but need to be at least 8 years old to be baptized. For at baptism you are promising to take the name of Christ upon you and keep His commandments. When you are confirmed you are given the gift of the Holy Ghost -- as you listen to that still small voice, He will guide you, protect you, and testify of God's truth.

It was a beautiful program. K was baptized with a friend from her primary class and I was so glad his mom had already gone through this with her oldest so she knew just what to do. H and I planned it all out quite a while in advance and I was grateful for all they did. Her family took care of the music, the talk on the Holy Ghost, and the closing prayer while Dan's mom said the opening prayer (and helped us bring all the things we almost forgot), my dad gave the talk on baptism, my mom made a cute little rainbow out of fruit, and somehow the punch got set out. (Of course we were almost late. We wouldn't be us if we weren't.)

K's daddy baptized her in the dress I wore when my daddy baptized me and her two grandpas were the witnesses. I loved being able to watch from the side with towel in hand!  There was such a feeling of charity and peace. The whole program was simply lovely. We were all so pleased. K was very happy to share the spotlight with such a sweet friend and to see so many people there that she loved.  When I asked her what her favorite part was, she decided it was when Daddy dunked her under the water.

Blessing Details (from Daddy)
K is gifted with intellect and physical ability.  These are gifts from God.  God has asked you to let your light shine in front of others and share these gifts with others.  Blessed with growing confidence to share these gifts.

For me, it was especially neat to see people at this sacred event who were also at the temple the day K was sealed to us and she became an eternal member of our family.  These individuals included the grandparents, Uncle Scott, our friends the D. family, and our friend Lisa.  It was also neat to have friends both old and new at the baptism.  Friends from our old ward, friends from our new ward, and even friends who have moved away but made the time to join us on our special day.

Congratulations, K!  We are proud of you and are excited to see what you choose to do and be as you grow older. I truly feel you have what it takes to achieve whatever you set your mind to. I know that as we put God first in our lives everything else will fall into place. He knows you, loves you, understands what is best for you, and works for your eternal happiness. He has the power to do anything, knows everything, and is perfect. There is no one better to help you throughout your life.

Congrats again, K!  You're on your way!  We are happy you are part of our family!

P.S.  The day after K's special day and before Grandma and Grandpa traveled back home, we went to church and visited where they are building what will one day be our new temple.  I am so excited for our children to attend the open house and then return when they are 12 years old.