Another New Beginning

We are very blessed to be enjoying not only a newness in our family with the addition of Alex, but also a newness with Samantha as she entered the waters of baptism on Saturday.
She was as beautiful as ever inside and out. Grandma Jones helped me tailor her dress to her liking, no ties in the back. She wore her necklace and bracelet our friend Tara made for her. And we put a simple headband in her hair, her favorite way to do her hair, with a basic flip up done with a cutling iron by Makessa. Best of all she had her nails painted by her dad. It was very sweet.

She had the privelege of having her daddy baptize her, broken foot and all. Grandpa Jones and Grandpa Morrow were the witnesses. Her dad confirmed her a member and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost upon her, with both grandpas, uncle Jarel, uncle Brant, and our friend and bishopric member Justin Organ all in the circle with him. A beautiful blessing was pronounced upon her. In large part, it spoke of her using her personality to help bring others to the truth. She has such a contagious personality. I have always felt from the time I was pregnant with her, this kid was going to be one heck of a fighter for one side or the other. And that I needed to make sure I was actively teaching and guiding her in the direction that would enable her to be one the Lord's valuable warriors. I was also particularly intrigued by the counsel she was given to look to and rely on her sister, Makessa, throughout her life. I found this interesting because, while I don't remember much about her baby blessing, this is the one thing I do remember. She was counseled then, as an infant, to look to the example of her older sister and rely on her. As a mom, I realized that I need to be helping her to form the kind of relationship with her sister that will enable her to turn to her sister, look to her sister, rely on her sister and follow her example. While the girls are by no means enemies, they often seem too far from being good friends. Don't get me wrong, they love each other, frequently like each other, occasionally play together, and sometimes serve one another, but this needs to be the standard, not the exception. And so I was reminded of the importance and great need I have of helping them form this relationship.

The day not only represented a newness for Samantha, but inspired a kind of newness in myself. As I watch Sammy's enthusiasm about the gospel, her desire to do right, to remain clean and pure, it inspires me to want to have the same childlike purity - that same kind of enthusiasm about the things of light and truth. It is obvious to me why we are commanded to become as little children. Their cleanliness and purity is so heavenly, so Christlike. That is an attribute I will continue to try to develop.

It truly was a beautiful day. We had many challenges, particularly throughout the week, leading up to this day, but tried desperately not to let them overshadow this important event. Sammy was especially happy that her Grandma Mae and new baby sister, Alex, could be there. I was grateful for all the friends and family that helped us make this day successful and special for Samantha. After the service, we gathered in our backyard for a luncheon to further celebrate and enjoy that special day.

I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who continues to teach me through the gift of my precious children. I am grateful for a husband who is a worthy priesthood holder, who continues to use this gift to bless the lives of our family. I am grateful for children who have desire and try to do what is right. I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for the atonement, that allows me for the opportunity to become clean and pure, which in turn allows me to return home qualifying for the blessings of eternal life, an eternal family, and the privelege of raising my Calli in a resurrected state. Life is beautiful.