Saturday was such a big day for Ant. He had most of his extended family come to the church to support him as he was baptized by his father. After he and dh changed into dry clothes, the family and our bishop met in the cultural hall where Ant was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by his father.Ant was excited to make this commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It's a rite of passage, really. He can now join us in fasting, if he chooses, for two meals one Sunday each month. Although he hardly made it five minutes past breakfast time this past Fast Sunday, we had a great talk about how to fast for a purpose and with a prayer in his heart so he doesn't feel like he's just starving himself. He received his own scriptures and marking pencils and has already marked a few passages he likes. He also was given a journal to write down his feelings about his special day.
We invited all the family to come to our home for ice cream sundaes after the baptismal service. Dh had made some vanilla ice cream and we had some bananas, mini M&Ms, chocolate & mint sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, caramel, strawberry syrup, chocolate fudge topping, and chopped nuts. I didn't even think to buy some whipped cream and maraschino cherries, that would have been even better. I couldn't get enough of the chocolate fudge--I could eat a jar of that stuff if I let myself. In fact, I may just go get a spoonful right now....
In my last post, someone asked how do I know my son is ready to be baptized? I just do, I guess. We have taught Ant about Jesus since he was a baby and he knows and loves the Lord. It's a tradition and a commandment in our church that children are accountable and should be baptized at 8. I understand in some other christian churches, the First Communion or Confirmation is a big step for their children and is encouraged and celebrated in a similar way. I was baptized at 8. My mother was 10 when she was baptized with her family. Dh was 24 when he made that covenant after being introduced to the gospel. I'm going to put the question up to you other moms. How do you know your child is ready to take a big committal step like that in their life?
8 comments:
We haven't reached that point with our children yet. However, I teach the 7 turning 8 year olds in primary. It is a big step. Sometimes I wonder if at that age that they are ready for such a commitment, but then when I am sitting with them and I see how big their spirits are despite how tiny their bodies are I know. They know so much and they are so in-tune with their Heavenly Father, how could they not take this step? I honestly see a change in each and every one of these children after they have entered the waters of baptism. I hope that I see the same thing in my children when they reach the age of accountability.
Oh, he looks so happy in that picture. I think that is your answer. It sounds like you all had just a wonderful day.
I'll post fish tacos for you this weekend; gotta find my recipes in the boxes:)
How great for you and your family. I think I am strange, as happy as I have been when my children were baptised, I also grieved. I saw a change in them as they became accountable, and I missed having the innocence that they had. I know that sounds strange, I'm not sure I'm explaining my thoughts and feelings well, but it is something that I never expected.
I'm not there yet but I think I'll just know. This was a great post. I love that you shared this important event with us. Congrats to Ant and the whole family.
Congrats Ant!
My children have told me and shown me how ready they have been. I find them constantly teaching me. Even my 6 yr-old who isn't of age yet, knows so much and trusts in Heavenly Father so instinctively. She was looking for her swimsuit yesterday and couldn't find it. I called her from her room to brainstorm where she left it but she said, "wait mom, I'm going to go say a prayer." After which, she walked through the living room and immediately found it.
The faith of a righteous child is extraordinary.
Congratulations to your son! My oldest got baptized a few months ago. What a great experience.
Congratulations Ant!!! Don't they look adorable in their white...so pure and innocent. I love it!
Congrats!!! what a great day!
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