William's baptism

William had an extra special birthday this year and was baptized.  It was so nice to have his grandparents, two of his aunts, and wonderful friends there to support him.  He was so excited, it was just precious.

I loved this picture so much I used it as my inspiration for my Relief Society newsletter message for February and wrote:
Recently my son William was baptized.  I loved watching how excited he looked.  It reminded me to think about our blessings from the gospel in a little bit more exciting way like a child on his birthday.  You know, when it doesn't really matter what you get for your birthday, you are just SO excited to celebrate with your friends and family because it's your birthday; you don't need another reason.  To not have so many worries and thoughts cluttering up our mind so that we can just see and feel the Spirit so strong that we can't sit still in our chair and have to wiggle and have a little bit of a goofy smile just because we know the gospel is true and we don't need any other reason.
 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:  for of such is the kingdom of Heaven"  Matthew 19:14

The program went like this (William got to plan it):

William Holcomb’s Baptism

January 28, 2012

Bob Brown presiding

Ron Heroux conducting

Jill Brown chorister

Julie Edvalson pianist

Opening song:  Seek the Lord Early

Opening Prayer:  Bob Hosman

Talk on baptism:  Becky Heroux

Baptism of William: Brian Holcomb

Song:  When I am Baptized

(pianist Ana Holcomb)

Talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost:  Emily Sharp

Confirmation of William:

Brian Holcomb

Primary presentation:  Jacey Davis

Bishopric remarks:  Bob Brown

Closing song:  As a Child of God

(pianist Isaac Holcomb)

Closing Prayer:  Henry Holcomb

 

Seek the Lord Early

I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth, 

And he will help me to know the truth. 

I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,

Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.

 I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey His living prophets in all they say.  I’ll keep his commandments;

his love will abound. 

I will seek the Lord early and he will be found.

When I am Baptized

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again. 

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

As a Child of God

I came to earth with power to choose.

Good choices bless me and my family too. 

As a child of God, I receive special light:

The Holy Ghost helps me to know what is right.

I feel so safe and happy because

Such feelings of peace come from family love.

As a child of God, I receive special light:

The Holy Ghost helps me to know what is right.

In my own home I’ll happily serve.  I’ll strengthen my family by my good works.

As a child of God, I receive special light:

The Holy ghost helps me to know what is right.

Emily's talk was amazing:
William called me a couple weeks ago and asked me to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. So to start, who is the Holy Ghost? He is the 3rd member of the godhead; the other two are Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is a spirit, with no body of flesh and bone. He is the one who is the go-between from Heavenly Father to us. He communicates Heavenly Father's wishes to us, so that we understand what is best for us to do. If we listen, he can tell us what is right and wrong.
How will he let us know? By speaking to your mind and your heart. But the Holy Ghost doesn't usually use words like we do to talk to each other, which is why a lot of people call it "the still small voice." The Holy Ghost is a pure being and thus he speaks with a pure form of communication--feelings. More than anything, when you talk to the Holy Ghost, it will be through what you feel in your heart and, if you continue to let him in your life, can "pierce even to the very soul" (Hel. 5:30). He can only do this if we learn to listen for him. So I brought a story I'd like to share:
The Spirit Frog: A guy from New York decides to go on vacation. He packs up and comes out West to Colorado. While in Colorado, he meets a Native American man and they become the best of friends.  Mr. New York tries to convince Mr. West into going back to New York with him. Mr. West finally consents and goes. The first day in New York was very exciting for him. But by the fourth day he was really missing home.  As the two men were walking downtown Manhattan, Mr. West announces that he hears a frog. Mr. New York doesn't believe him and says, "I'll pay you $20 to find it." So Mr. West walks over to a planter box by the sidewalk and starts looking through the shrub. He finds the frog and takes it back over to where his friend was standing. Mr. New York was amazed and proclaimed, "I would have never heard that frog."  Mr. West replied by saying, "It's not about hearing. Watch!" He dug into his pocket and grabbed a handful of change and dropped it. When the coins hit the cement, every person within a forth-foot radius turned and looked to see where the money had hit.  Mr. West continued, "You see, it all depends on what you are listening for."
Just like in the story, we need to learn to listen for the right thing.
When Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan, Heavenly Father sent a sign to show that the Holy Ghost was there. The sign was a dove. Doves are still used as a symbol of peace today because of this and the calming effect that the Spirit brings. Because he has this quality, we often refer to him as the Comforter too.
When you are worried or scared, the Holy Ghost can make you feel better. All you need to do is pray in faith and he will come to you. I don't know about you William, but I like to wrap up in my blankie with a stuffed animal. Blankies keep you nice & warm, protecting you from the cold and stuffed animals protect you from scary monsters at night. The Holy Ghost is like both of these in one. He can keep you safe and help you feel happy and warm.
William, your uncle Ben is on a mission, so couldn't come, but I asked him what he'd like to add, so I'll finish by reading you his advice. "The Holy Ghost throughout your life will be the single most important tool in making important choices. Don't think twice, promptly follow. Miracles are brought forth through keeping our covenants, being worthy of the companionship of the Spirit and remaining faithful. It is a key factor of personal revelation. Follow the Spirit! It's what has given me strength and learning in my life and specifically my mission."
Becky's talk was wonderful too, but she's one of those well practiced speakers who just needs needs brief notes to remind her what to say so I can't just copy and paste hers in. ;-)  Same with the bishopric member.  We had Snickerdoodle cookies for refreshments after, at the request of William.  Then we went home and had Orange chicken for dinner because that's William's favorite food. :)  It was a wonderful day. 

The next day was Grandpa Glenn's 64th birthday. He got to pick dinner and dessert too, and of course we sang and had him blow out candles (no, we did not put 64 candles on the cake). :)