Baptism Day

Grant turned 8 on February 17th. He was baptized and confirmed on March 9th.
What a special day it was for this little boy, and very spiritual also.

I had hopes that he would share his baptism story with you and that I would just type… but he declined, “you can write it for me” he said. 
He’s a private boy and anyone who has spoken to Grant on the phone knows just how little he says.

So, here I am, his Mommy, sharing one of the most important days of Grant’s life!
We were so proud of his choice to be baptized. There’s no question about it, he knows this church is true and couldn’t wait to become a member.

Here is Grant with Shawn before the baptism. Grant was blessed to be able to have his Dad baptize him, (and since he’s just as sentimental as I am), I know he’ll cherish this picture forever!
I was searching for a place to snap a picture when Grant pointed to this wall, “I want my picture taken right here by Jesus being baptized,” he insisted. I can’t think of a more appropriate place, Grant!   
 

The baptism was held at 3pm. Our ward was lucky to have 4 baptisms that day, wow! 3 youth, and 1 convert baptism. There were so many people attending that we had to go into the chapel for the talks. When it was time for the baptisms, we walked back towards the font and watched while each person was baptized.
I always love watching all of the children huddled around the font, watching. Kennedy sat on Jefferson’s lap, right in front of the glass, pointing with excitement at her “Dada” and “Bubba” as they entered the water (she calls all of her siblings Bubba). I just kept thinking about all those little admiring eyes who will one day be baptized themselves. And wondering how many other unseen eyes there may have been in that room, Grandparents and others, all standing at the glass watching Grant take this step. I couldn’t stay seated, so I joined all those other little ones at the font.  

Afterwards we returned to the chapel and I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. I was inspired by James E. Faust’s talk in 1989 called “The Gift of the Holy Ghost – A Sure Compass”. I took everyone on an adventure through life and gave them all a compass to guide them. I used the talk to find so many similarities between a compass and the Holy Ghost. I think the kids liked it. I know Grant did… so I did my job well.

Then, Shawn confirmed Grant and gave him a blessing. Afterwards,  he had to take Kennedy out because she was being wild, so I joined Grant in the front row. As I looked over at him and couldn’t believe we were already at this point in his life. The closing song was “I Need Thee Every Hour”. He held the hymnbook up for himself and sang loud, and proudly. I didn’t sing… I couldn’t sing. I was just amazed by this voice coming out of my little boy. I closed my eyes and listened, I couldn’t hear anyone else but him, and I couldn’t help but cry. He was singing with all his heart. In that brief moment, he bore his testimony to me. I don’t ever want to forget how his sweet, pure voice made me feel.

Our family.
( I promise, Shawn has not put on any weight… the tie to the side is deceiving).

Afterwards we went out to eat at Red Robin (Grant’s choice). He opened some very special gifts there. He got his own set of scriptures, a CTR ring from Nana, and a personalized hymnal from Grandma and Grandpa.

Reagan even had something for him also. I had no idea, but she wrote him this adorable note and stuck it in his gift bag. It surprised us all.
It has a picture of Grant being baptized and says: “I hope you have a great day today. I hope you feel the Holy Ghost every day even today. I love you! XOXO”
 

Grant is determined to read his scriptures, cover to cover
 

Congratulations Grant on being baptized! I hope you always remember this day.

I did in fact get ‘Mr. Quiet’ to talk about his day… by assigning him to give a talk that Sunday. Here is what he wrote:

“I was baptized yesterday by my dad. So now I am responsible for my own choices. I also have the Holy Ghost to guide me, to help me on my way to eternal Life. I felt happy to be baptized and get the Holy Ghost. I hope that everyone wants to be baptized because it is a good feeling.”