JJ’s Baptism

Burke and I are so pleased that JJ decided to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This was a decision that we encouraged her in and hoped she would make but at the end of the day she was the one who chose to enter the waters of Baptism, take upon herself the name of Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She told me that she wanted to get baptized because it was what her Heavenly Father wanted her to do.  She is right.  Her Father in Heaven was so pleased with her choice and as we watched JJ at her baptism we saw his love shine through her countenance.

She looked so beautiful in her white baptism dress.

It was especially wonderful to be able to share this special event with our family.  My Grandparents, Parents, Burke’s Mom and Sister flew in.  Our Texas family was there as well.  All of their support meant so much to us. 

 

It was an honor to have my Father conduct the program and give the baptism talk.   JJ just beamed as he bore his testimony to her of the truthfulness of the Gospel and how proud he was of her for making the choice to be baptized.  

My Grandfather and Father were witnesses as Burke baptized JJ into the Church. She got a double dunk since the first time a few of the words were wrong.  It is very important that the sacred ordinance of Baptism be performed perfectly.   When JJ came up out of the water she was smiling from ear to ear.  I felt the spirit so strong and I couldn’t help but shed tears of joy.  As I wrapped her in a towel and gave her a hug I asked her if the second time felt different from the first one. “Yep” she replied “The second time felt good”  

While she dried off and changed into her white confirmation dress everyone watched a little slide show my Dad put together.  It gave the kiddos the chance to get out their wiggles.

It was an honor to have my Grandma help me share a special family tradition with JJ.  When I was baptized I received an uncirculated silver dime from 1955- the year my Dad was born.  This dime was part of a parable written by my Grandma.  Through the years my dime has reminded me to keep myself pure and unspotted just like I was on the day of my baptism.  Together we shared this parable with JJ and gave her her own 1955 silver dime.  JJ told me that receiving her dime was one of the favorite parts of her baptism.

 

Grandma Craven shared a beautiful talk on the Holy Ghost and gave JJ her very own set of scriptures with her name engraved on them.  They are her favorite color –blue.  She keeps them in her room and reads from them every night.  She is learning to love the scriptures. I am so grateful to my parents for giving her such a special gift.  

Her Father gave her a beautiful confirmation blessing.  As he told JJ to receive the Holy Ghost I felt it’s presence so strongly.  I know that JJ felt it too.   She will now have his constant companionship as long as she remains worthy.  Burke blessed her to know that her Father in Heaven loves her and is pleased with her.  He encouraged her to remain close to the spirit and follow it’s guidance.  He counseled her to always remain worthy of the spirit.  He reminded her that she was not perfect and that as she made mistakes she should always repent and the Lord would forgive her.  This was especially wonderful council for JJ who is a perfectionist and is so afraid of making mistakes.   I know she will do her best and follow the Holy Ghost. 

Brother Griffeth welcomed JJ into the Ward as the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This made JJ smile once again. 

We had pie for dessert-JJ’s favorite. 

 

At the end of the night JJ was happy to just sit and take it all in. . .

 

How grateful I am for such a lovely and wonderful daughter.  She has such a willing heart and wants to do what is right.  It fills us with joy to know that she has chosen to follow the example of her Savior Jesus Christ and be Baptized.   We love her so much and are so blessed that she is a part of our family.