Michael Gets Baptized

What a great weekend! Michael was baptized on Saturday morning by Peter. We had my parents in town, Alex and Whitney, Karin and her family, Greg and Candace, Peter's aunt Lucy, my aunt and uncle Scott and Gayle and their son Jordan, the Manwarings, Nesbits and Wrays! What a loving crowd to come and give support to sweet Michael. Michael was so excited for this day - trying all week long to be a helpful, kind, peacemaker in our home. He was excited to wear his new suit and tie. He said he will always remember that he had to wear white socks that were too big in the font. Our baptisms here are put on by the stake. There were 5 children getting baptized - Michael was the second. I was asked to introduce Michael to the congregation by telling these 3 things:

Michael's favorite Primary song: A Child's Prayer. While this has always been a favorite in our home, it claimed a special place in his heart when he sang this in a children's choir for his primary teacher's funeral 2 summers ago. He sang his heart out for her! If I get a turn to put him to bed, I always know this is the song he wants me to sing to him.

Michael's favorite Scripture story: He told me his favorite is when Nephi and his brothers go to get the brass plates. He likes this because sometimes we have to do hard things that we don't really want to do. He said this teaches him that if he prays for help, Heavenly Father will always help him!

Christlike attributes of Michael: In these past few months, Michael has made a daily effort to be a peacemaker in our home. This is not easy with lots of little brothers! He is learning to solve problems judiciously, walk away from contention and set his own immediate desires aside to add to a peaceful atmosphere in our home.

Mikey asked my dad to confirm him, giving him the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He proudly shook hands with each man in this blessing circle. Then home for a backyard lunch of hot dogs, chips, watermelon and chocolate cake (all his favorites!).

We talked many times this summer about the choices we each get to make in our own lives. He would ask me: Do you HAVE to get baptized? Do you HAVE to go on a mission? Do I HAVE to follow the commandments? Do you HAVE to go to church? I would point to our family scripture on the wall which starts: "Choose YOU this day whom ye will serve..." No you don't HAVE to. In our house we are choosing to follow the Lord. But, you do choose each step, and each step has a consequence. We talk about each of these consequences. You make the choice and then accept the consequence that follows as your own. What do you want in your life? What choices will get you there?

I am proud of this first step of many that will come to Michael in his life. I pray that he will learn the value, even at age 8, of making this choice. That this new gift of the Holy Ghost that he was given in his confirmation will prompt him many times to make each right choice in his life.