We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and in our church you can be baptized at the age of eight. However, I feel strongly (and Steve supports me) that one should be baptized only when they understand and are ready to make their own covenants with Heavenly Father. When J turned eight last year he was not ready and very clearly stated he did not want to be baptized so we didn't push him. As we continued to teach and share our feelings about our membership in the church, he asked more questions which we were able to answer.
A month ago I was teaching a Family Home Evening lesson and we were discussing Acts chapter 8 where Stephen shares his testimony with a man from Ethiopia. That led to a discussion about how baptism brings us closer to Christ. I asked M if she felt her baptism brought her closer to Him. She said yes. Then I asked J if he wanted to be closer to Christ by being baptized and he said yes. And that is the answer he gives anyone who asks why he wants to be baptized, "I want to be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ." Steve and I continued to teach and ask him questions to make sure he was choosing to be baptized for no one but himself and he says he's ready to make his own covenants.
Today we were able to be together as he was baptized. Normally J is my kid who makes goofy faces for every picture, but not today. He had a perma-grin on his face and the sweetest spirit about him. He just glowed. Seeing him make covenants that we know have the power to bless him throughout his life was precious.
J we are so proud of you waiting until you were ready. Always ask questions and find your own answers. We love you so much you sweet, sweet boy.
A month ago I was teaching a Family Home Evening lesson and we were discussing Acts chapter 8 where Stephen shares his testimony with a man from Ethiopia. That led to a discussion about how baptism brings us closer to Christ. I asked M if she felt her baptism brought her closer to Him. She said yes. Then I asked J if he wanted to be closer to Christ by being baptized and he said yes. And that is the answer he gives anyone who asks why he wants to be baptized, "I want to be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ." Steve and I continued to teach and ask him questions to make sure he was choosing to be baptized for no one but himself and he says he's ready to make his own covenants.
Today we were able to be together as he was baptized. Normally J is my kid who makes goofy faces for every picture, but not today. He had a perma-grin on his face and the sweetest spirit about him. He just glowed. Seeing him make covenants that we know have the power to bless him throughout his life was precious.
J we are so proud of you waiting until you were ready. Always ask questions and find your own answers. We love you so much you sweet, sweet boy.
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