Dallin's Baptism

My heart is filled with much gratitude for the sacred experience it was to witness Dallin's baptism.  I am thankful for the many friends and family who showed up to celebrate this occasion with us.  Dallin chose the speakers and the songs.  During the opening song, "When I am Baptized," I felt the spirit wash over me like a huge warm wave starting from the back of the room.  Daniel was sitting next to me and we both looked at each other.  I said, "Do you feel that."  He replied, "Yes." and "Wow!"  The spirit in the room became something almost tangible.  This is in great part due to the faith of those present.  My dad gave an emotional opening prayer as he invited the veil to be thin.  It was clear that my ancestors who have passed away were certainly with us.

I could not have been more nervous to give the first talk on Baptism.  I think it showed.  As primary president, I would give talks at baptisms rather frequently.  It was always easy and fun to do.  For some reason, at Dallin's baptism I was a mess of nerves.  I'm not sure anything I said even made sense.  I am pretty sure I didn't hold his attention well either.  I asked Dallin later in the evening what he remembered from my talk.  He said, "I remember that you said my name a whole bunch."  Mostly, I wanted Dallin to know that he is loved by both earthly and heavenly parents, and that we are all pleased with his decision to follow the Savior.

Dallin smiled at the feeling of his jumpsuit clinging to his legs when he entered the water.  The sound of James' voice as he exercised the priesthood to baptize was powerful and soothing.  I feel so blessed to have a righteous husband who honors that priesthood.  He leads our home with such love.  Our home is a happy place to be because of James.  It was beautiful to hear him earlier that morning as he presented Dallin with his new scriptures.  He talked about how Dallin could look there for answers when he had questions.  I love to hear him teach the gospel to our children.

While Dallin dressed, we showed the temple video that the Barnharts had made for us.  The video continued to invite the spirit.  It served to make that time more personal than if we had just shown a church video.  I was thrilled to share that treasure with our friends.

Our dear friends (the Andersens) provided the special musical number, "A Child's Prayer."  Dallin insisted that this song be part of the program.  I love the words: "Heavenly Father, are you really there?  And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer?  Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray."  I find a lot of peace in the knowledge that Heavenly Father really is there.  I am so grateful that He answers prayers, that He knows me, He knows my family, and He wants us to return home to him.  I want everyone to have this knowledge and this peace.  Nothing could have been more touching than Samuel's sweet voice as he sang with Rebecca.  Dewayne provided the tender voice of a father.  They offered the spirit of family - eternal family.  With a house full of sick kids, they made quite the sacrifice to be there with us.

Brook Barker is one of my closest friends and knows Dallin so well.  She gave a wonderful talk about the Holy Ghost.  She talked about Nephi and said that Dallin reminded her of that Book of Mormon prophet.  What I loved most was how she spoke about Heavenly Father - about his hands and his loving face.  She spoke of how we miss him and how the Holy Ghost helps us to feel close to him. 

James gave Dallin a wonderful blessing as he was confirmed - blessing him that he would be able to continue following the savior.

The primary president, Rebekah Bartholomew, also made a great sacrifice to be there.  Battling illness in her home, she made an extra effort to be at the baptism to talk to Dallin about the importance of faith and the step he was taking to prepare to receive the priesthood.

Justin Barker was there to represent the bishopric.  His emotional remarks were so gentle and warmhearted.  He sweetly welcomed Dallin as the newest member of our Ward.

We sang "I Feel My Savior's Love" as the closing song, and my brother-in-law gave the closing prayer as a stand-in for my bashful niece Delia. 

I am thankful for the powerful spiritual experience it was for us.  I hope that those not of my faith were able to feel something in their heart and recognize the goodness in what took place last night.

Our extended family did a wonderful job of stepping in and taking care of refreshments so that I could enjoy the evening.  I am so grateful for everyone who brought cookies, and food, and helped to wash and cut vegetables.  I am thankful for those of you who kept the trays and drink pitchers full.  I am thankful for choristers, pianists, and bishopric members who truly sacrificed to make this day special for Dallin.  I am thankful for our bishop's wife who again embroidered a beautiful towel to wrap around Dallin after the making of sacred covenants.  I am thankful for Lisa McCole who stayed up until 11pm to help me make Dallin's scripture case.  I am thankful for the sister missionaries who filled the font, for Bro. Andersen who asked them too, and for the Elders who were there to support us.  I am thankful for all those who participated in any way.

I hope that Dallin remembers the room full of so many friends and family.  I hope that he is aware of the light that he carries inside of him and his magical ability to brighten a room.  I know that he loves his Savior and wants to be a part of his true church.  I know that he understands the eternal nature of family.  I am thankful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and I desire everyone to have the joy that I find as I live the principles of this gospel.  It was truly a blessed day!