Our Monson is Baptized

I see a very small glimpse now into what everyone was referring to when we had our first three children in less than three years. "Just wait, they'll all be teenagers at the same time and wreak havoc on your life....then they'll all leave home at the same time...and you'll wish for those teen years to come back. It will be tough!" As our children pass important milestones, I am reminded how quickly time really does fly. It will be the same for the younger three in just a few years. I really am trying to enjoy all these special moments that remind me to stop and smell the flowers...to appreciate these times of joy, times of tears, times of trial, times of chaos, times of learning, growing... and especially special times like Monson's baptism.

It wasn't that long ago that Brayden turned eight and was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And McKenzie had her big day in the wake of the Viviana trial, which always seems like just yesterday. Last weekend, Monson was baptized and confirmed in a very unique circumstance. He recently turned eight and the only way extended family would surround his special event was to move it to Sterling, Utah as part of the reunion.

Despite the water snakes, larger than life dead fish, mosquitos, cold water, and squishy mud to greet your feet as you walked in, Curt baptized Monson in Palisades Lake on Saturday, June 28th, at the campground where we were staying. The setting was beautiful...the weather warm, the program was simple and inspiring, the company was so supportive, the ordinances - touching...

Monson's Ama gave a special talk on baptism and talked about the spiritual symbolism of the horseshoe. If one mounts a horseshoe above the doorway turned in a "U", it gathers blessings and you turn those blessings over when you lay hands on a head (to perform priesthood ordinances). There are square nails found on the horseshoe that attach it to the horse...which provides the horse protection. We are likewise granted protection by using the gift of the Holy Ghost. We need to live a 'square' or honest life and we also raise our hands to the square when we, as members of a congregation in the church recognize newly baptized members of the church. I know there was more symbolism... can't remember it all. But Monson's horseshoe will always remind him of his baptismal covenant and his special day.

Brayden gave a talk on the Holy Ghost that he wrote all by himself. It was great practice for our family speaking assignment next week in sacrament meeting! The girls were all supposed to sing a song, but they chickened out so cute cousins Christina and Grace joined McKenzie instead. We are grateful to Uncle Brent (past bishop) who conducted this program in an orderly fashion. While Monson was drying off and getting dressed, just like for Brayden and McKenzie before him, we had everyone write a note to Monson in remembrance of his day, sharing a testimony or giving congratulations in writing or picture. I do plan to make Monson a book with these special momentos.

It was especially a touching moment for me to witness my five brothers and my husband, all worthy to lay their hands on Monson's head to confirm him a member of this most precious church and to give him the gift of the Holy Ghost. I have been blessed with wonderful men in my life and have always been surrounded by worthy priesthood-bearers. It truly is a special blessing and witness to the truthfulness of this sacred authority.

Some tidbits of Monson's emotionally-delivered confirmation:

• You came into this world as a special spirit with a glimmer in your eye, smile on your face
• You have wonderful personality that will touch the hearts of many people
• We were impressed to name you Monson. You bear the same name as our dear Prophet of God
  
• Be loyal to the gospel, stand for right no matter the consequences
• Be good friend to many...good leader and good follower
• Use Holy Ghost as your constant guide and his warm embrace to teach what is right
• Be obedient, loving, and kind to sisters and brother
• Hope you will want to serve mission and married in temple, strive to live life that way
• You'll have many temptations...stand up choose to follow Heavenly Father
• Put on the Armor of God like Moroni
• Blessed with the love of scriptures and the love of your family, Savior Jesus Christ
• Bless you with the same strength as strippling warriors displayed in the field of battle
• Listen to teachings of primary teachers, parents, family,
  
• Remember these words of wisdom, pray, have faith to make the right decisions in your life.
  

I mirror my Aunt Jan's testimony about this organized Gospel. How thankful I am that we were able to perform an ordinance being surrounded by loving family in one of Heavenly Father's beautiful creations, 800 miles from home having had all the necessary interviews, bishop contacts and paperwork. It truly is a systematic and organized church and the ordinance is just the same no matter where in the world it is performed, as long as it is done by the proper authority.

Three down....three to go!