A Special Baptism & Light the World Day 17

Yesterday was my nephew's baptism! He was nervous about going under water, but he was super brave. Mormons don't get baptized until they are 8 years old (the age of accountability). We believe that children are innocent and have no need to be baptized until they more fully understand right from wrong.

Melissa asked Ryan and I to participate, so that was really special. Ryan gave him a confirmation blessing after he was baptized, and I gave a little talk about baptism. Here it is:

I'm going to talk a little bit about baptism.

I remember when I was baptized - I was 11 years old. I was a convert, so I didn't know about the church before then. I remember feeling nervous, but also really excited. I didn't know everything about the gospel, but I could feel the spirit when I was at church and I knew it was good. I remember that there were a lot of people there that I didn't know, and I thought that was weird, but they were all so happy and welcoming and excited for me. They were my new ward family. I remember how proud my mom was of me. We are all very proud of you too Soren.

When we get baptized we make covenants, or promises, to God. We promise that we will take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, Keep his commandments, and serve him to the end. Each week when we take the Sacrament, we renew these covenants.

Taking upon the name of Jesus Christ means that we always try to put him first and align our will with God's will. That means trying to do what He wants us to do, not what we want to do. Don't worry, it takes practice and lots of time. I remember feeling worried after I was baptized, because I didn't want to make any mistakes and ruin my new cleanness, but eventually I realized that being baptized doesn't mean you have to be perfect all the time. It means that you promise to try your best, and repent when you make a mistake. We are always learning and growing, and Heavenly Father is always there to help us with our trials in life.

When we get baptized and keep the covenants we make, the Lord promises us blessings. Those blessings include having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, being forgiven when we make a mistake, and being spiritually reborn. Things won't always be easy, but the Lord will always be there to help us when we ask for it.

I want to bear my testimony to you, that I am so grateful that I chose to be baptized when I was 11. That was the first step that lead to so many blessings. I'm so grateful for this gospel. I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I am so grateful for all the help and guidance that I've received from my Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost throughout my life. I know with all my heart that this church is true, and I know that God loves you so much. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Light the World Day 17

Jesus taught:

"Ye shall meet together oft."

—3 Nephi 18:22

The Lord commanded that His followers should meet together often to strengthen one another. This applies not only to church congregations but also to families and communities.

Ironically, we were not at church today because Rhett is sick and Ryan is nocturnal and we were all very sleep deprived... But don't worry, Rhett is classy so he still wore a tie (with his jammies).

Rhett's got mad style 😍😎

We watched the Christmas Devotional so we could still be spiritually fed.

This is my favorite talk from the devotional: Heavenly Gifts by Elder Kevin R. Duncan