Baptism Day

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we wait until we are eight years old to be baptized. We call it the age of accountability. Savannah decided that she wanted to get baptized and to say that she was excited is an understatement. She was counting down the days. I am not sure who was more excited for the day, Daddy or Savannah. She told everyone about her special day. I had the pleasure of preparing lots of food for people to come and celebrate with her. It was great because I had lots of help at home with all of the preparations. (Thanks Lisa, Mom, and of course Eric)

If a picture could say a thousand word Savannah's smile says it all. She is so excited to be baptized and to have her daddy be the one who is baptizing her. The faith of this child amazes. She wouldn't stop at anything until her daddy could be the one to baptizes her. Lots of prayers, pleadings, and softening of the heart made this all possible.

Aunt Lisa gave a wonderful talk about the covenants we make when we get baptized. She shared how the CTR ring can help us remember our covenants we make. These same covenants are repeated each Sunday when we take the sacrament. We promise to keep the COMMANDMENTS..always REMEMBER Him...and TAKE His name upon us. If we do these things he will bless with his spirit.

After she was baptized then Nathan Gibbons (our bishops son, and savannah loves him) gave a great talk on how the Holy Ghost is a comforter. He mad her a blanket to help her remember how she feels when the spirit is with her. He talk about how the choices we make help connect us to like a string to a kite and each choice makes the string stronger.

When she received the Holy Ghost she was surrounded by so many that love her. Her daddy confirmed her and with him in the circle was; Tyler Whiting, Nick Arbon, John Norris, Travis Criddle, Bishop Gibbons, Kent Ogaard, and Jay Philips.

As he gave her a blessing saying Heavenly Father and Jesus and your family and friends that are here with you are proud of you. Study the scriptures and the words of the prophets. He blessed her to share with others her love of the gospel with friends and family. To be an example. You have a sweet spirit and to follow the spirit in her life. You will be guided and directed by the spirit. You will grow up and be strong and be able to accomplish all that Heavenly Father has in store for you. To follow the example of her sister and mommy to go on a mission. You are blessed to always have the spirit with you. (Thanks Bonnie Criddle for taking notes)

As I looked around the room (that was full) I saw how my little girl and her sweet spirit has touch so many people. It was a humbling moment. A year ago I went to the baptism of one of my friend sons. He had a lot of family there to support him, but that was it. I was worried be far from family, and not having a lot of friends that there wouldn't be anyone there. The love this little girl has for everyone showed as person after person came for her special day. Her piano teacher, her 1st grade teacher, one of the girls that babysits her, a friend from school, brittlynn's friend from school, a class mate at school and church....and the list continues.

I am amazed by her and the light and example that she shares with everyone around her. The love she has for the gospel and the joy she brings.

What an amazing day for Savannah.