I always knew baptism was the right thing to do but I never knew how important it was or how much it meant to me until Ty was baptized on Saturday,April 8th. It was the most amazing day, one I will never forget and hope to remember the way I felt. The spirit was so strong when he went under the water and came back up a new person. It is amazing to me that you can be forgiven of all your sins through this saving ordinance. I wish I could have seen his face when he came out of the water but there were lots of kids so I didn't get to see it but I am sure that he was smiling. He has been waiting for this day for a long time. Several people asked me if he was nervous and he wasn't nervous one single bit he was just happy and calm! I know he knew that he was making the right decision. I feel he has a stronger testimony of the gospel than he even realizes. When I look at him I see a strong follower of Jesus Christ. I know he has a great mission to fulfill on the earth. I think of what he has already accomplished in his 8 years here and it amazes me where he is at. I think back to when I was 8 and I was no where close to where he is spiritually. I am proud and grateful for where he is today! I feel happy to say I have no regrets in the choices I have made as his mother!
He is blessed to have such wonderful grandparents who love him and want the best for him!
My Grandma ADORES Ty and he is very SWEET to her!
We were blessed to have family and friends attend his baptism. Chad's parents, my parents, my nieces Addy and Bailee, Chad's brother Scott and his family Teresa, Alec, Seth, Luke and Naomi, my grandma Swenson and good friends Carson, James, their sister Tessa and mom Melissa. His primary teacher Sister Chipman was also there. What great loving support they all were for Ty and our family on this day!
I was able to give a talk on baptism which I really tried to give on the level of the 3 kids getting baptized. They were very still, calm and reverent during my short talk. In my talk I shared the promises they make:
-To take upon you the name of Christ
-To bear one another's burdens that they may be light
-To stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places even until death
-To obey the commandments of God and to serve him
And Heavenly Father promises:
-To accept you as a member of his Church
-To forgive your sins if you repent
-To give you the gift of the Holy Ghost
-To bring you into the kingdom of God in Heaven if you remain obedient for all your earthly life
I feel blessed to know I renew this convenant each time I take the sacrament. I feel blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to have the knowledge of the plan of salvation and to know I can be with my family for eternity!
After Ty's baptism we had lunch at our house - pulled pork sandwiches, salads (including Ty's favorite Mello Jello), and yummy desserts. The cousins enjoyed spending time together. Ty received some great gifts - scriptures, a hymnbook, journal and lots of tie pins (he wore all of them on his tie yesterday to church).
It may be strange for some but I noticed a difference with Ty the rest of the day and throughout the day on Sunday. He had a confidence about him and I know it's the gift of the Holy Ghost. He shared his testimony yesterday at church and one thing he shared was "I know we can be safe when we are obedient." Simple and well said! I love this boy so much! He truly makes me happy and grateful to be his mom!
