Fletcher’s Baptism

I’m trying to be like Jesus;

I’m following in his ways.

I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.

“I’m Trying to be Like Jesus”

Fletcher has been so excited about getting baptized. I went shopping for church clothes for him, since I realized he has grown in sizes and didn’t have a suit or a white shirt or dress pants or anything! When I was taking his pictures in front of the temple, I asked him why he was so excited about baptism; he told me that it’s because he loves Jesus and wants to be with Him and part of His kingdom. I feel the spirit so strongly sometimes with the things he tells me—not just in this instance. He’s always striving to do the right things and trying his best.

He has been preparing since the beginning of the year, learning and growing with reading scriptures, praying, and understanding the promises he would make at baptism and the promises God would give in return.

Our bishop sat down with us closer to his baptism date, and asked us to have a Family Home Evening lesson about the Covenants (two-way promises) of Baptism and Sacrament. I used Mosiah 18:8-10 and three stuffed animals in explaining the Three Bears of Baptism. It was a wonderful and easy way for kids to remember:

BEAR His Name

We promise to Take His Name Upon Us, which means doing what Jesus would do. We become representatives of Him, and try to be like Him. Just as we bear our family’s name because we belong together, we can be called Christians and belong to Christ.

“…desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people” … “serve him and keep his commandments”

Mosiah 18:8, 10

I explained using a Build-a-Bear Panda that Jeremy gave me that had a recorded message in it of his love for me; it’s named “Jer Bear”.

BEAR One Another’s Burdens

We promise to serve others, to show love and be caring when others are sad or need help. We talked about ways that he can be a good friend to his brother and sister, and everyone around him throughout his life.

“willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light […] mourn with those that mourn; […] and comfort those that stand in need of comfort”

Mosiah 18:8-9

Thor Bear in costume with the hammer helped us learn about using our strength to lift others.

BEAR Your Testimony

We promise to share about Him- that Jesus Christ is our Savior and the Son of God. As we keep our other promises—bearing His name, and bearing one another’s burdens—it becomes a part of who we are, so it’s easy and natural to talk about Jesus. Some things that help are living in a way that keeps us close to God, rejoicing in Christ, praying for ways / chances to share, and listening for His Spirit on what to say or do.

“… stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places …”

Mosiah 18:8, 10

God promises us:

• Forgiveness of sins
• the Gift of His Spirit
• Redemption / Eternal Life

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Baptism and Luncheon

It was a small and intimate gathering. I FaceTimed my parents and family who were able to tune in. My brother and his family drove from Arizona, and helped with leading the music. Jer’s sister and her family came from their road-trip across the country. Jer’s brother Teancum gave a talk and his wife Audrey played the piano. Jer’s Mom came with her husband, and gave the prayer even though I know that was really hard for her to speak in front of people.

One of the biggest highlights for me was listening to L give a talk to her brother about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She did such a great job and helped me to feel the spirit. F was beaming as his Dad baptized him. I love that I got a front row view as one of the witnesses. We had street tacos at home, and F opened his gift from his grandparents- a beautiful new set of his very own scriptures with his name on the front in gold letters.

Covenants Renewed at Sacrament

F knew that he could be this clean every week. When we TAKE the Sacrament, we promise to:

• T – Take His Name Upon Us
• A – Always Remember Him
• K – Keep His Commandments
• E – Endure to the End

God promises us:

• We can always have His Spirit to be with us
• Forgiveness of sins as we repent
• Eternal Life

I love my son and am so thankful he loves Jesus, too. He is the most caring and expressive child, and impresses me with his wondering and insight. He truly is a blessing in my life and brings me the greatest joy. I love you, Fletch.

-Mom