Will's Baptism February 20, 2010

On a cool February day my boy chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He chose to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ, and be baptized. He made promises that day to follow the Savior's example and to love others. He promised to forgive and to turn to Heavenly Father and repent if he himself made a wrong choice. He is on his life's journey and this choice will bring him great hope and focus as he moves forward with faith and determination to choose the right for his own happiness and in so doing will bless the lives of others. I am so proud of him. I know it was the right choice as the spirit confirmed it to everyone there that day and no one can deny it.

What a joy it is to have William in our home. We are so proud of you.

The meeting was beautiful. The program was presented by family and each child in the family was able to participate. Owen shared the first article of faith regarding our basic beliefs in God the Eternal Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. William's Uncle Robert shared a talk on the blessings of choosing to be baptized and how it will and can affect your life. Thanks Robert. Emma then beautifully sang a solo "I Want To Be Baptized." Following that William was baptized by his father, Richard, and the witnesses were Tom Cooper and Scott Stowell. William was perfect: allowing his father to submerge him so that he might become clean and spiritually reborn. He rose with a beautiful smile. Following that Lily played the piano for the group, as William changed his clothes.

Afterwards, Lily shared the fourth article of faith and then Will's Aunt Linda shared a beautiful talk on the blessing of receiving the Holy Ghost. She discussed all aspects of the gift that William was about to receive. Thank you Linda. William was then reverently and humbly confirmed with the gift of the Holy Ghost by his father. William was sensitive to the spirit. He was calm and joyful. He took the time to hug each member of his family who stood in the circle to assist and support in confirming that sacred gift. I too felt a great feeling of joy in witnessing his humble gratitude for the presence of loved ones and for the spirit that was there that day.

After which Brother Scott Cadman, who was conducting, shared his testimony with William. We were grateful for his presence that day and for his testimony. It touched us all. Family and friends were invited to share. The first one up was Emma. Emma was very touched by the spirit and by the events of the day. With tears in her eyes she shared her love for her brother stating she was proud of him and then ran to him to hug him tightly. It was very sweet for William. He is such a tender heart. He hugged her back with just as much love and appreciation.

We were very grateful for the support of our dear friends who came to support us that day. The Merkleys headed out early that morning driving from Ventura to attend. The Slemboskis, Stewarts, and we felt the love and support of other friends and family members that weren't able to come but wanted to. Thank you our dear friends. You helped make this beautiful day so memorable.