The baptism

Part of me wants to say, wow, I can’t believe that my oldest is old enough to have been baptized this weekend, but the bigger part of me thinks, yep, he’s eight.  He’s ready for baptism.  Our church believes that children need to reach the age of accountability before being baptized.  I think that this is with the hope that they will be able to understand what they are taking on, and can understand the commitment they are making to take the name of Christ upon them, to remember Him always. 

To get him ready for this day we had a couple Family Home Evenings that were centered on baptism and confirmation.  We went to his friend’s baptism in February and talked a lot about how it is a wonderful thing that he gets to do. 

On the day of the baptism we went bowling with the family that came to town.  It was fun (I haven’t bowled that well is ages!), but I could tell that my oldest wasn’t acting quite right.  After chatting with him, I realized that he was nervous about the baptism.  He is not a boy that likes all the attention on him.

After bowling we went home to get the things we needed for the baptism and to change into church clothes.  My oldest had new church pants, shirt, socks and tie.  He looked so grown up.  And handsome. 

So handsome.  And grown up. Wow.

He was one of five kids being baptized and the crowd of people that came to witness the service was HUGE.  Seriously as big as a Sunday congregation.  He and Bryan got changed into their white clothes.   After the opening prayer, song and a short talk on baptism the kids were led into the font with their fathers and were baptized one at a time.  Once they were all dressed we listened to a short talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost, and then each child was confirmed.  It truly was lovely. 

He looks nervous, doesn’t he?

Afterwards we went back to our house for a loud, fun dinner.  My father-in-law’s wife helped me prepare pulled pork, rice, fruit, green salad, and rolls for dinner.  There was lots of visiting, lots of boys running around and chatting. 

Later in the evening my oldest was able to open some gifts from family.  He got his own set of scriptures and a scripture case, a divided bank with a spot for tithing, mission fund and fun money, a pillow case that he gets to color, scripture tabs and stickers, a book about baptism that he can write his memories in and a pair of flip-flops.  He was so pleased with everything, and was especially excited about having his own scriptures.

I’m proud of my boy.  He challenges me as a mother.  He is a perfectionist and that’s hard for me.  I pray that this trait will help him down the road in life.  I want him (and you!) to know that I believe in baptism. I know that we need to be baptized the way the Jesus was ~ by immersion.  I am grateful to know that we can renew our covenants each week by taking the sacrament.  I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God.  I know that the Book of Mormon is a companion book to the bible, and that is true.  I know that the Lord answers prayers.  I know that he wants us to be happy. I have felt the arms of the Lord holding me in my weakest moments.  I know that we have to fight for right, we have to fight for our families.  I’m grateful for the knowledge that I am sealed to my husband and my three beautiful children time and all eternity.  I’m glad for the knowledge that there is life after death.  I’m grateful for God’s grace and mercy. I can’t imagine my life with out the gospel in it.  I’m grateful for prayer, for the scriptures and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

image from lds.org

To my oldest son, I love you. I’m proud of you.  You’re a smart young man who will go far in life.  Stay true to what you know, follow your instincts and always remember that the Lord loves you.