our journeys: Making Covenants

With the age of eight years comes the age of accountability - the ability to discern right from wrong, to be held accountable for choices and actions. A child's spiritual journey sort of begins on this day with baptism by immersion and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. They can learn to repent, to make covenants with Heavenly Father, and to listen to the still, small voice capable of providing guidance and warning. To have their names "officially" in the records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Basically, it's a big deal!!

Morgan chose to be baptized at the beginning of April and it was a wonderful day! She had great support from family and friends and seemed to enjoy this day set aside to celebrate her and her choices.

Steve and Nancy weren't here physically but they sent a wonderful picture of themselves holding a poster.

My three parents came to Meridian to be with us and hopefully were able to feel the sweet spirit that accompanies such an event. Also in attendance were Chadwick's brothers, James and Stephen, and their families, his cousin Nathan and family, as well as the Olsens next door and the Paskett girls. Morgan shared the event with another boy from the ward who happens to be the son of a woman with whom Chadwick went to high school. I couldn't have chosen a better family to join for the afternoon.

Morgan said she was nervous on the ride to the stake center, though she went through the motions of getting her white jumper on and sitting quietly through the opening exercises like a champ. How did my little girl get so big??

After the talks and songs in the chapel, our ward was excused to the room in which the font is located. Ladies first, so Morgan went into the water with her father. The small children were invited to the front of the room for a front-row seat. Chadwick raised his right arm and with a clear voice stated Morgan's full name. He followed with the phrase from D&C 20:73 which states, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." He then immersed her under the water for a brief moment and brought her back up with a smooth motion. She later told me that the water was warm.

She changed into her white dress and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, also through Chadwick's authority. Uncles James, Stephen, and Nathan joined in the circle for the confirmation. Many hugs later, we left the church to come back home for snacks and visiting.

I loved the feeling of love and friendship that was present both at the church and in our home after. Many of the people in attendance aren't members of the Church but came because they have a love for Morgan and our family. How blessed are we to live in this house, this neighborhood, and to be part of such amazing families.

A big thanks to Brie who took time for a photo session at the Meridian Idaho Temple one Sunday afternoon. I love these photos!