The best day ever, so-far, yet

I can honestly say that I never thought the day would come so fast when my twins would turn 8 and be baptized. 

In the last few months I have been the observer and, sometimes, participant of these two inquiring minds who've asked questions about baptism and earnestly listened to Primary teachers and their parents as they've discussed the possiblility and reality of baptism.  We made a goal with the kids to read the children's illustrated Book of Mormon together before they turned 8.  These kids are just trying to eat up knowledge.  Eliza especially would remind us on days we forgot to read that we had not done so.  We read the account of Jesus Christ's baptism by John the baptist.  Grandma Tricia wrote a simple and beautiful song about baptism we learned together. Finally, the twins were ready to meet with the bishop (all alone) and get an interview for baptism.  I think I was more nervous than they were.  But each child emerged from the office with a smile on their face.  They were ready.  They were willing.  They were excited.  We spent the week before the baptism getting the yard ready for visitors after the baptism.

The day finally came.  D had a leadership meeting early in the morning he had to speak at, so I was in charge of getting the family ready, the house ready, and the food ready.  I was a bit stressed, especially when D stayed late to chat (curse you social creature).  He arrived home and had just a few minutes before he took the twins over to the church to get ready. I fantically tried to do last minute chores like cutting up fruit and wiping down the bathroom one last time.  I was saved by my mom 15 minutes before the baptism who came over and said, "Camilly, we can help you with this stuff afterwards.  Relax.  Enjoy the day.  Come over to the church with me."

I obliged.  Thank you for the perspective, Mom.

Our ward had 5 kids being baptised, so the Stake set apart time just for them.  We watched a beautiful movie about baptism.  The kids were recognized.  There was a short talk from the Stake Primary President, and we were dismissed to the baptismal font. First Davis was baptised, then Eliza-- Davis sat on the stairs and watched.  I was overcome with a flood of emotion and gratitude as I looked at all the friends and family who had come to support them on this special day.  I was so grateful for my husband, a priesthood holder, who could perform this ordinance.  I reflected on my own memories--though limited-- of my baptism.  I was reminded of how my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has defined my life.  The things I have been taught about the Savior have helped me through the rough times and strengthened me as I have tried to be a better person.  I was excited that my children would have that same opportunity to learn for themselves about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Then we hurried and got the children dressed.  They were confirmed by their Dad as members of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the Priesthood power.  I felt the warm comforting of that same spirit reminding me that I, too, had the companionship of the Holy Ghost when I was living worthy of it.  My testimony was strengthened as I watched two of the people I love most receive that gift through the same priesthood authority Jesus Christ possessed when he was on the earth.  I have a testimony of that power and I know that all people on the earth can be blessed by that same power and gospel when they earnestly seek it.  I hope I can be a vessel of good that helps to spread that gospel truth to anyone who wants it.

Seriously, one of the best days ever--so-far--yet.  I feel privileged to have this gospel truth in my life and hope I can be a good enough mom and person to help those I am surrounded with benefit and learn from it!! 

If you have any questions about baptism, HERE is a link to a lesson from our Gospel Principles manual.