Baptism by Immersion - Our First Grandchild

Today we attended the baptism of our first grandchild, who recently turned eight. I was impressed by several things that happened. First, I saw at the church in the long room where the baptismal font was located, a room completely filled with friends and family there to support him. I could tell that this was not just a small token of friendship, but I felt the deep love they had for this young family. What a great way to be welcomed into the kingdom of God.

Next, I witnessed the strength of a brave young man that stepped into a cold water font because the hot water pipes had frozen the night before. He was baptized by his father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and has been given authority by God to baptize someone into the church and kingdom of Jesus Christ. And just as the Savior was baptized by immersion, which means being lowered completely under the water, my grandson was completely immersed and washed clean from sin. He came up with a broad smile, shaking the cold water off like a puppy shakes water from it's fur. It made us all smile with an unforgettable memory.

Finally, I saw the earnest expression on my daughter's face and that of her husband. I recognized the years of concern and deliberate effort they had given to preparing their son for this day. I saw the inner tears and profound feelings that remained largely unexpressed by them, in this group of many. I saw into their hearts and felt the Lord's love for them all.

Mesa Arizona Temple - Reflection

I saw a quiet pond and desert landscaping surrounding the Mesa Temple.  A long row of Hollyhocks greeted us as we walked to the front door.  These are some of my favorite flowers.  They reminded me of when I was young and visited my grandparents in Fairview, Utah.  We would pick the large colorful blossoms and use them as skirts for toothpick dolls.

Inside, at the end of the session, Bill and I descended a flight of stairs and walked down a hallway.  We both exclaimed in surprise as we caught our reflection in a large full-length mirror at the end of the hallway.  I was pleased with what I saw and I noticed our smiles and beautiful white clothing, but I felt self conscience looking at myself in this grand setting.  I kept ducking my gaze and then taking another peek.

Later, as I walked to the waiting area to meet Bill, I noticed several more full-length mirrors around other corners and down hallways.  It was as though I was looking through a portal and seeing myself as others see me.  I asked myself, "If I feel self-conscience looking at my own reflection now, what will I feel standing in the presence of the Lord, where my whole soul will be visible and my deeds will be known?  Will I even be able to look at Him, or will I want to hide my face?"  I realized there is no hiding from the Lord.  He sees all and knows all.

Feast of Gratitude

Recently I said to my family, “If I cannot be happy, then it is not possible for anyone on earth to be happy."  I am blessed with faith, family and eternal blessings.  For me to be ungrateful would be a sin. 

And so, as part of my Thanksgiving feast, I give thanks to my Father in Heaven for his delicious plan of happiness, my Savior, and the opportunity to be a part of his kingdom on earth.  I have tasted the sweet savor of the Atonement and partaken of the beauty and covenants of the temple.  

I have been given heaping servings of love from my family.  Other delicious delicacies that are part of my feast are freedom, education, transportation, communication, health and property.  Next to me is the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  And the table keeps enlarging with more and more to partake, so much that it cannot be taken in, and I am left to sit and stare at dishes filled to overflowing.

Lord, How Can I Know Thee - Poem

Lord, How Can I Know Thee

Lord, how can I know thee

  my Savior and friend

  thy suffering and heartache

  thy trials and pain

How can I know thee

  thy gifts to obtain

  gain entrance into Heaven

  and live with Thee again

            Know thou thy neighbor

              who also pleads today

              for comfort in suffering

              with trials and pain

            Know her desires

              her joys and her fears

              so she and thee, may come

              and live with me here

Lord, how can I serve thee

  when small means have I

  my hands, my heart

  and time passing by

How can I serve thee

  thou art far away

  with oil I cannot anoint thee

  nor can I wipe thy tears away

            Serve thou thy neighbor

              bring comfort and cheer

              embrace her and tell her

              I'll always be near

            Tend to her needs

              whether great or small

              and take time to know her

              to listen, to call

Lord, how can I love thee

  creator of Heaven and earth

  whose forgiveness and mercy

  are of greatest worth

How can I love thee

  with all my heart

  my might, mind and strength

  from thee ne’er to part

            Love thou thy neighbor

              let your heart o’er flow

              with charity and forgiveness

              great joy thou shalt know

            Dear child, I love thee

              and blessed are ye

              if ye love one of the least of these

              ye have also loved me

By Janice Harten

Matt 25

Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.