It's Great to be 8!

This summer Clark turned 8!  He is our oldest and our first child to be baptized.  His baptism was wonderful! We planned my family reunion around his baptism.  All of my family was able to be there except for 4 people. (We missed you Roger, Britt, Lexie and Andy!) We had almost a room-full with my family alone; and some of our good friends from school, church, and the neighborhood came. 

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that little children are innocent and need no baptism till the age of 8.  At that time (age 8) they have learned between right and wrong and can be responsible for their own actions.  What I love about this doctrine or teaching is that if a child dies before age 8, he or she will automatically go to heaven and will receive the fullest blessings from our Heavenly Father in the life after death. Jesus Christ desires all of us to return to him.  Because of his sufferings, death and resurrection, all mankind can repent and return to him and our Heavenly Father.  And also because of his atonement, little children are innocent and need no repentance until they are accountable (age 8). You can read more about baptism on www.mormon.org.

After Clark was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost a few people from church talked to him.  One of them was Renalle Stroud from Primary.  The spirit was really strong when she talked about Clark serving a missionary someday.

 

One of Clark's teachers from school came to the baptism. (Later that day she took some pictures of our family!  Thanks so much Vicki!  Check her website: www.vickihowephotography.com).  She had recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Lee and I had the opportunity to meet with her and the Bishop and he gave her a Priesthood blessing.  It was amazing!  I am thankful the power of God is here on the earth today. Also more about the Priesthood at www.mormon.org. All is all it was a great morning. We're proud of you Clark!