Taft's baptism

Today our little Taft took a huge step...he decided to follow the example of Jesus Christ to be baptized. You could see the excitement on his face from the moment I woke him up a little before 7:00 a.m. He could not wait to make that commitment.

As usual, getting a family of nine out the door is difficult... Especially when you have to all be in your Sunday best and at the church by 9:00 a.m. Somehow we made it there without too much difficulty.

As the time for the ordinance drew nearer, I could feel God's love pouring out on me and on everyone at the service who was willing to receive it. I was constantly reminded that DC 84:20-21 teaches us that: 20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

I certainly felt the power of godliness manifest. As I performed Taft's baptism I could feel God's love for our little man who just grew up a whole bunch today. When we got done we got back into the hallway leading to the locker room area out of sight and I just picked up my son and held him for several moments, with my emotions very near the surface. I could feel Heavenly Father saying to Taft that he too was one of His beloved son's, and that He was also well pleased with Taft.

My heart also swelled with love for this young man. I have to admit I am one of the most imperfect parents there is. I struggle with my temper and I do not always treat my children with the respect and love that is due them, but I also have to admit that there are days when God just lets me forget that and feel the joy of being a father. Today was one of those days!

I testify that ordinances are real things that God asks us to participate in, and that we invite His power and grace more fully in to our lives as we demonstrate our commitment to Him through accepting those ordinances and their associated covenants. The covenants also connect us with God's power in amazing ways that I have experienced personally. When we are willing to accept these things, God pours His Spirit out on us and helps us to feel His love for us. So grateful! 🙏