The 178th Semiannual General Conference: Elder Richard G. Scott’s Talk

November 10, 2008 in Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, Faith, Jesus Christ, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

This year, I missed the October 2008 General Conference Priesthood session because I was on vacation in San Luis Obispo, CA and had trouble finding a Stake Center.  I knew I should have waved down the missionaries on the bikes one of the many times I saw them but I was concentrating on driving in unfamiliar territory.

I had the Saturday and Sunday sessions Tivo’d while I was away at least.  I’m not sure why the General Conference Priesthood session is not available in video on the lds.org General Conference Gospel Library, but I assume it is for a good reason.

Elder Richard G. Scott

I finally got to sit down with my November 2008 Ensign magazine and I went straight to the Priesthood Session talks.  The first one was by Elder Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

His talk was entitled “Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well.”  I’ve heard the saying “Honor the Priesthood” before and this pertains to setting standards for ones self and making sure that we, as Priesthood Holders, are worthy to exercise our privileged authority at any given moment.

I love how he implores us to give ourselves a personal worthiness interview and ask ourselves the following questions:

  • Are your private, personal thoughts conducive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or would they benefit from a thorough housecleaning?
  • Do you nourish your mind with elevating material, or have you succumbed to the enticement of pornographic literature or Web sites?
  • Do you scrupulously avoid the use of stimulants and substances that conflict with the intent of the Word of Wisdom, or have you made some personally rationalized exceptions?
  • Are you most careful to control what enters your mind through your eyes and ears to ensure that it is wholesome and elevating?
  • If you are divorced, do you provide for the real financial need of the children you have fathered, not just the minimum legal requirement?
  • If you are married, are you faithful to your wife mentally as well as physically?
  • Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another woman that you wouldn’t want your wife to overhear?
  • Are you kind and supportive of your own wife and children?
  • Do you assist your wife by doing some of the household chores?
  • Do you lead out in family activities such as scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, or does your wife fill in the gap your lack of attention leaves in the home?
  • Do you tell her you love her?

Now hopefully we can all answer yes to these questions.  But before we can do so, we should take these questions and turn them into directives for our lives.  Just as in the Boy Scout’s Slogan “Do a good turn daily,” we should turn these questions into our slogan or motto for our daily lives.

I feel that if we ask these questions to ourselves every night and strive from the moment we wake up every morning to answer “yes” to these questions we will become better in our role and responsibility to serving the families that we love so dearly.

Elder Scott’s talk speaks more about treating the daughters (mothers, sisters and daughters) of Heavenly Father with love and kindness.  And that:

God will hold us accountable for how we treat His precious daughters.

I’d like to take this a step further and apply this to our Fathers, brothers and sons as well.  We are charged by Heavenly Father to take care of one another.  We must gauge ourselves with these personal worthiness interview questions often and keep in mind that we are all children of Heavenly Father.  Doing so will bring us closer to emulating the perfect role model, Jesus Christ.

Click here to read Elder Richard G. Scott’s Talk in the November 2008 Ensign online.

Proposition 8 - Protect Marriage

October 14, 2008 in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Faith, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | 1 comment

In 1995 a Proclamation to the World was given by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We…solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

In the year 2000, California voters passed a law saying that a marriage in California is between a man and a woman.

Earlier this year, four judges based in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, legalizing same-sex marriage.  Why is this so important?

Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness is under attack!  He has a plan for the happiness of all who live on the earth.   The birth of children in loving families is central to His plan. The first commandment He gave to Adam and Eve was:

Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28)

Further more, in the Proclamation to the World, it states:

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

The Lord spoke to Moses concerning homosexuality:

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

and

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination (Leviticus 20:13)

Besides being against Heavenly Father’s plan, same sex marriage has grave consequences. Public schools are required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum.  Schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergartners, our very young children. By saying that a marriage is between “any two persons” rather than between a man and a woman.  Marriage is something sacred between a man and a woman and should not be taken casually.

Another issue, as Parents, we have a right to teach children about relationships according to their own values and beliefs.  When Massachusetts had legalized gay marriage, schools began teaching young children that boys can marry other boys. The courts ruled that parents had no right to object.

See how it is affecting children at school here in this video: click here.

Information and Links on this issue:

If you are in California, you must vote YES on Proposition 8!  If you are not in California and know someone who is, please let them know why this measure is so important.

A Convert’s Survival Guide: Getting Your First Calling

October 13, 2008 in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, Faith, God, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

Soon after you are baptized, you will receive a calling in your Ward.  A calling is an assignment, usually in a Ward where you help it run smoothly and serve each other.

Since I’ve been a member a little over a year, I’ve held a few callings: Assistant Cub Master, Cub Master, Webelos Leader and Ward Website Administrator.

I admit that I struggled with my first two callings two the point where I felt like I failed in the end.  Shortly after, I realized why this was.  Here are some things I’ve learned about callings:

Examples of Church Callings

  • Bishopric (Bishop and his two Counselors)
  • Elders Quorum Presidency
  • Relief Society Presidency
  • Ward Clerk (Finance and Membership)
  • Ward Bulletin Editor
  • Ward Librarian
  • Sunday School Teacher
  • Nursery Worker
  • Chorister
  • Piano / Organ Player
  • Cub Scouts Leader

It Is What Heavenly Father Wants You To Do

In my calling, my young son asks me why I do what I do.  My answer is simple:

It is what God wants me to do.

Before you are extended a calling, your Bishop and others will ponder prayerfully what you should do.  I know how much your Bishop loves and cares for you and seeks nothing but good for you.  Your Bishop is really in tune with the Spirit and only after spiritual confirmation does he extend the call to you.

It Is Voluntary

You have your free agency. Your calling can be accepted or denied.  Your participation is voluntary.  You can say yes or no.  Just remember however, this is what God wants you to do.  I haven’t yet declined a calling as I recognize its divine origins.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do not seek, nor do we decline, callings that come from God through inspired priesthood channels.  (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 178th Annual General Conference, April 2008, Sunday Morning Session)

No one in the Church is paid for their calling.  The payment for performing your calling is blessings for you and your family.

A Way Has Been Prepared

When Nephi and his brothers were asked to bring back the brass plates from Laban, his brothers did not think it was possible.  However, Nephi sagely replied:

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.  (1 Nephi 3:7)

Heavenly Father knows you intimately and does not give you more than you can handle.

Magnify Your Calling

I remember when I first heard my Bishop use this phrase: “Magnify your calling.” What does Magnify mean?  President Gordon B. Hinckley interpreted it as to enlarge, make clear, bring closer, to strengthen.  (Ensign, May 1989) More simply said by President Thomas S. Monson:

How does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.

Consecrate Thy Performance

When you receive a calling, pray over it.  A brother in my ward has told me a few times to consecrate thy performance:

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul. (2 Nephi 32:9)

Finally, in my Stake Conference Adult Session last night, I heard the following four truths about callings:

Callings Do Not Last Forever

There was a story that went with this, basically this brother was called to be a primary teacher for a class and every year he was called to teach the same group of children.  He was blessed in that his callings only lasted a year, he got to watch these children grow up as he progressed through Primary, to the Bishopric and finally to Bishop.  He got to see these children off to a mission and also have them return as a Bishop.  You will no doubt have many callings over your lifetime.

Great Associations Are Created In Callings That Strengthen One Another

His calling had him nourish an everlasting friendship to where his friend would call on him years later, from another state for help.  This was a blessing to both himself and his friend.  Callings are a good way to get to know your new Ward Family and visa-versa.

You Are Usually Helping Those Who Are Helping Others

Callings are all about service to others.  You could be in Nursery watching the children of a Gospel Doctrine Teacher who is teaching your family.  Once again, callings are all about service to others, period.

You Are Doing Something That Someone Else In The Ward Cannot Do (at that time, with those people)

You were called for a reason, whether it be a talent you know you have or didn’t know.  A way has been prepared for you.

I’d like to give my testimony that accepting and taking your callings to heart and magnifying it does bring blessings, joy and immence pleasure as you are serving those around you.  You are doing the your part in building up the Kingdom of Heaven.

The New mormon.org Website

October 12, 2008 in Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jesus Christ, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

mormon.org Screenshot

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (or just busy like me) you would have noticed that mormon.org was recently changed.  I noticed this sometime in late September.  The changes are welcomed as the website keeps its simple architecture and is well organized for potential investigators.

The navigation tabs on the top are evidently the most important parts of the website:

  • Basic Beliefs
  • Worship With Us
  • Ask A Question

I like that things are straight forward and to the point.  Information is readily available for finding out what our Church really is about and cover:

  • The Restoration of Truth
  • Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness
  • Jesus Christ: Our Savior
  • The Commandments
  • Membership in Christ’s Church
  • And the ability to Chat Live with Missionaries.

This website is a strong missionary tool.   However, it can be an even better tool if we use it in our daily lives.  As members, we are constantly asked about our faith and our beliefs.  Along with explaining what we believe and bearing our testimonies, referring people to mormon.org can reinforce what we teach.

Every Member a Missionary.  It only takes a few moments to mention mormon.org to someone.  Our brothers and sisters are waiting to hear our message about the restored gospel.  It is my hope that we can all listen extra carefully to the promptings of the spirit and act on when it comes to sharing our truths.

Back To School Father’s Blessing

September 27, 2008 in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, Faith, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

At the end of the Summer I read a talk from the 173rd Semiannual General Conference, October 2003 in the November 2003 Ensign by Elder Merrill J. Bateman, Of the Presidency of the Seventy.

Elder Bateman says:

It is expected that worthy holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood will use the power delegated to them to bless others, starting with their own families.

I remember over a year ago when my Bishop urged fathers to give back to school blessings to their children before the beginning of school.  My heart filled with joy concerning the blessings that were available to my family.  I shortly learned afterwards that it was something a Melchezidek Priestholder would have to do.

That Sunday, my home teacher was coming over to visit our family.  As he gave his lesson, it came to me that he could bless my children.  He agreed to and then each of my sons at school age were blessed.  The blessings he gave were exactly what my children needed and I was grateful for his willingness to serve.

I am also grateful that he was able to give a blessing, as he was a worthy priesthood holder.  Even though he has moved to another state, I still think of him as an example of who to be - A Worth Priesthood holder.  You never know when you will have to exercise your priesthood and this gives a great incentive to stay pure, clean and worthy.

How do you give a Blessing?  What do you say?

As a worthy holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood, you lightly place your hands on the person receiving the blessing and do the following:

  1. Calls the person by his or her full name.
  2. States that he is giving the blessing by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  3. Gives a blessing as the Spirit directs.
  4. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

During our last Summer FHE (Family Home Evenings) I gave my children blessings.  I had read an article on lds.org titled “Me? Give a Blessing?” by Brad Larsen in the January 2005 New Era issue and received from good advice from it.  Brad Larsen says:

I remembered my dad. Whenever he had to give a blessing, he went quietly into another room and prayed first.

Before I gave the blessings, I went into another room and prayed to our Heavenly Father.  It really did help.

We pulled a dining room chair into the living room and one by one I placed my hands on their head and gave them a blessing as the Spirit had directed me to.  After I did my two oldest school-aged boys, the youngest happily hopped into the chair for a blessing as well.  We all smiled at his eagerness and I gave him one as well.

After looking back at that night, I now feel stronger about utilizing the Priesthood often and making it a regular occurrence and readily available to my family.  I am grateful for the priesthood which I hold and the blessings it can bring to peoples lives.

To read Elder Merrill J. Bateman’s talk, click here.

To read “Me? Give a Blessing?” by Brad Larsen, click here.

My Friend’s Baby Naming and Blessing

September 12, 2008 in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, LDS, Melchizedek Priesthood, Mormon | Tags: , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

A month ago, I attended and got to “stand in” on my friend Mike’s baby blessing.  Listening to him bless his baby was a wonderful thing - hearing his thoughts and thoughts and feeling the Spirit.

Why do we name and bless children in the church?

Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. (D&C 20:70)

The ordinance of naming and blessing children requires authorization from the presiding authority, which is usually your Bishop.

When blessing a baby, men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood gather in a circle and hold the baby in their hands. When blessing an older child, brethren place their hands lightly on the child’s head. The person (usually the father) who gives the blessing does the following:

  1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
  2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  3. Gives the child a name. (by which the baby will be known on the records of the Church)
  4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
  5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

Only worthy men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may participate in naming and blessing children.

The Best Two Years

August 11, 2008 in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, LDS, Mormon, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

The Best Two Years

This weekend, I had the pleasure of watching the movie: The Best Two Years.  This movie  tells the story of four missionaries who share an apartment in Amsterdam, Holland.   I absolutely loved this movie - one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while.  I caught myself giggling at every interaction and just reaffirmed my fondness of missionaries, their sacrifices and the service they give by spreading the gospel.

It also gave me some insight to how it would’ve been if I had served a mission when I was younger.

I’d definitely recommend this movie to anyone.

Visit the official website here.

Catch a clip that I found on YouTube here:

LDS Church Advises a Three Month Supply of Food

August 10, 2008 in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Faith, LDS, Mormon, Religion | Tags: , , , , , , | by Joey | No comments

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints advises its members to have a three month supply of food stored in their homes. For years, member of the church have been counseled to have a full year’s supply of food. The year’s supply counsel still stands but members should begin by establishing a three month supply. Doing this makes it easier to get started. The three month supply is food you normally eat, whereas the year supply is long-term foods that store well over time such as wheat, rice, nuts, etc.

Before we go on let’s review some scriptures and counsel about being prepared.

In the October 2005 LDS General Conference Priesthood session, President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a talk called “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear.” President Hinckley discussed some of the natural disasters that have occurred over the course of time, from the flood of Noah’s day to Hurricane Katrina.

He then quoted the following scripture:

“For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and not be able to stand.

And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.

And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:89-91)

President Hinckley noted the Asian tsunami and the recent hurricanes as “interesting” in respect to the previous scripture saying that the waves of the sea would have themselves beyond their bounds.

He then said: “What we have experienced in the past was all foretold, and the end is not yet. Just as their have been calamities in the past, we expect more in the future, what do we do?

Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark. But he built it, and the rains came.”

President Hinckley then noted some things we can do to be prepared, noting that “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)

He said the primary preparation is set forth in the in following scripture: “Wherefore, stand ye in Holy Places and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come.” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:8)

He further said: “We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for his protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect his help if we are unwilling to keep his commandments…the best storehouse is the family storeroom.”

So, basically we need to be both spiritually and temporally prepared for what may come.

In the LDS church-published pamphlet All is Safely Gathered In, the First Presidency of  the LDS Church shares the following.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.

We realize that some of you may not have financial resources or space for such storage. Some of you may be prohibited by law from storing large amounts of food. We encourage you to store as much as circumstances allow.

May the Lord bless you in your home storage efforts.

The First Presidency

The LDS church encourages a three-month supply of food. Why? 

There are some practical reasons for having a three month supply of food:

  • If the amount of money coming into a household is reduced (such as through job loss, medical emergency, or illness), a supply of food can ease the economic burden that descends upon the family.
  • If the price of gas ever had an abrupt and drastic shift which carried over into other economic sectors, we may only be able to buy a fraction of groceries that we could on our current budgets.
  • Imagine something like an avian pandemic flu outbreak. This could severely limit the transportation food. Since most areas of the United States are not self-sufficient in the production of food, it’s reasonable to think that food prices could rise drastically.
  • It may be needed in the event of a natural disaster.

How to get a three month supply:

  • Start with a one week supply. Buy a few extra items next time you go shopping.
  • Plan. Make it simple. What foods do you typcially use? How can you have more of those foods on hand. Next time you go to the grocery store, pick up a few extra items.
  • Once you start getting some food storage on-hand, remember to rotate it. Spoilage is wasteful and will defeat the purposes of the program.
  • Be persistent. With a little planning and continued thought, you can consistently have a three-month supply of food.

Want to know more about the LDS Church? Visit mormon.org or request a free Book of Mormon.

Neal A. Maxwell Book of Mormon Quote

July 24, 2008 in Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, Faith, God, Jesus Christ, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , | by Joey | 1 comment

I ran across this quote from Neal A. Maxwell recently:

“There is so much more in the Book of Mormon than we have yet discovered. The book’s divine architecture and rich furnishings will increasingly unfold to our view, further qualifying it as “a marvelous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14). As I noted from this pulpit in 1986, “The Book of Mormon is like a vast mansion with gardens, towers, courtyards, and wings (Book of Mormon Symposium, 10 October 1986). All the rooms in this mansion need to be explored, whether by valued traditional scholars or by those at the cutting edge. Each plays a role, and one LDS scholar cannot say to the other, “I have no need of thee” (1 Corinthians 12:21).”

The link is here.

My Son’s Baptism

July 21, 2008 in Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Experiences, Faith, God, Jesus Christ, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | by ldspad | No comments

Earlier this month, on a Saturday, my son was baptized.

It was great to help prepare him with FHE’s (family home evenings) by going through the “Preach My Gospel” manual and teaching him as my wife and I were taught not even a year ago by the missionaries.  We started this process a few months before he was to turn eight and be baptized.

From going to Church and Primary (Sunday School) for the past year, he knew lots of concepts already concerning the Plan of Happiness/Salvation and the things we must do to return home again, like: being baptized, following the commandments, taking sacrament every week.

I took him to his baptismal interview the Tuesday before.  (See: A Convert’s Survival Guide: What to Expect BEFORE your Baptism)  I had learned that his Sunday dress shirt was missing so on the way home I ran into Wal-Mart and was in and out of the store in a record five minutes by sneaking in and out my secret location: The garden section!

When I got home, I got him dressed and we were out the door in less than three minutes.  We arrived at the Church about fifteen minutes early and we waited patiently outside the Bishop’s office.  The Bishop finally arrived 25 minutes later and into his office they went to talk.

I patiently waited outside for what seemed like ten to fifteen minutes until he called me in as well so he could fill out the records for his Baptism and Confirmation.  I was impressed at the knowledge he divulged to the Bishop and his retention.  He made me very proud.

We happily visted McDonalds’ drive thru to pick up an ice cream cone and then we drove home.

On Friday, we visited Deseret Book Store to get him his very own scriptures and carry tote. We ended up getting him a regular-sized quad which contained: The Old Testament, The New Testament, The Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.  Also, we got him a CTR ring he wanted and I got a cool deal on my painting of Jesus that I talked about earlier this month.

Saturday came up very quickly.  Before we left the house, I felt my heart swell as I looked at him.  He looked like “a mormonboy.” I never would have thought my children to be mormon, but now I can’t imagine raising my children without the gospel and principles we have. 

I have to admit, I didn’t go obsessive about preparing since I’ve been involved in two baptisms already: my own and I performed my wife’s.

A few hours before hand I got our bag ready:

Extra change of underwear for my son, an extra pair of socks as well.  For myself, I brought an extra undershirt, pair of underwear and socks.

I went over with my son how our hands were to be intertwined, what I would say and how I he would plug his nose and I would put my hand behind his back to dunk him.

I also studied again what was to be said when performing his baptism, which was:

[Calling him by his full name], having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.

We arrived at the stake center a few minutes earlier than requested and we got changed into our jumpsuits.  There was one more baptism taking place during the service, an eight year old girl from another ward.  I was hoping I would go after they did so I could watch and be sure I was doing this correctly.  This wasn’t the case, I was told that our family was going first.

We followed the usual program that I wrote about before hand in: A Convert’s Survival Guide: What to Expect at your Baptism.

I went first and took my son’s hand and led him into the font.  The water was nice and warm and we set up as the little children ran to sit down on the floor in front of the font and watch.  He wasn’t nervous at all, very happy.   I wasn’t nervous at all either, I was guided by the Spirit and I baptized him.  Immediately afterwards I could see a great, warm smile on his face.  I was proud of him and gave him a little hug and led him out of the water.

Now getting changed afterwards was a different story.  It was a bit could in the bathrooms and the poor boy was shivering.  I worked quick to get him dried off and dressed and sent him out.  I followed shortly after changing as well.

Then after they were done singing their interlude hymn, it was time for me to confirm him a member of the Church.  This part I studied in the past and then again a few hours before his baptism.  When I was first baptized, the man who helped us to learn the gospel and baptize me handed me a blue card with the prayers for ordinances that the priesthood can perform. 

I checked and double checked and studied this card up until right after my son’s baptism, right after getting changed.

Again, it was time to confirm him a member of the Church.  I looked at the attending Stake official and my wonderful Bishop to motion them up to help me confirm him.  This was my first time confirming and I was very nervous.  There was a lot of my non-member family members attending, some friends and the people supporting the girl that was being baptized as well.  I was nervous.

It all went away when I put my hands on my son’s head and closed my eyes.  I was again guided by the Spirit in confirming him a member of the Church and giving him a blessing.  The words coming out my mouth came out without any filter our any forethought.  I even surprised myself by what had happened.  After the confirmation, my son rubbed his eyes and got up with a smile and we all congratulated him before taking our seats again.

The prayer I said to confirm my son was:

[Calling him by his full name], in the name of Jesus Christ and by the Authority of theHoly Melchizedek Priesthood, I confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and say unto you, receive the Holy Ghost.  [Then a blessing as the spirit dictates].

See: A Convert’s Survival Guide: What to Expect AFTER your Baptism, to learn more about confirmation.

I was glad to have my mother-in-law there and my brother.  Baptisms can be a great missionary tool, as the Spirit is undeniably present during such.  My friend, Mike, who I didn’t know made it until after the service showed up afterwards and surprised me.   I looked at him with a smile and told him joyfully again: “It’s all your fault!”

Also in attendance was one of the missionaries that helped teach the us our original lessons a year ago and attended my wife’s and my own baptisms.  The funny story about this was that we couldn’t get a hold of them to make it to the baptism and they were coming back from fetching lunch and decided to stop by the church since they saw some cars there and then upon closer inspection, our minivan!

I was glad he could make it, it made it much more special and his support for our family is much appreciated and needed.  Through crowd and confusion, I did miss a few minutes of watching my son.  My missionary told me that my son said:

I want to be baptized every day!

My heart swelled again and I was proud of him for the step forward he has taken.  And I am also so happy for my wonderful wife and the support and growing she has been ongoingly giving to us all.  I truly couldn’t do anything without her, she is my light in the gospel.  She is my best friend and she knows me and what I need, as well as she knows all my sons and what they need as well. 

I am happy our family can be together forever and I am happy my sons has taken his first steps to make it back to our Heavenly Father.

 

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