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.

Which Bud Will Grow - Poem by Bill

Which Bud Will Grow

Which bud will grow, which bud will stay

Which branch will form this or that way

To left or right or down or up

Which bud will shoot, the other stop?

The bud I chose, it led me here

What I became was even then clear

But of the buds that did not grow

What men were they? I do not know

One bud took flight, the other bound

One sacrificed, the other found

So many buds that could have been

I chose the one I am, instead

Bill Harten

June 2012

Copyright © 2012 Bill Harten.  All rights reserved.

Optimism

I believe in being optimistic.  I think optimism is a sister with faith, or perhaps it is the result.  I experience plenty of opposition and discouragement.  It's been a challenging road to raise five children, while supporting my husband with his dreams and ambitions.  I have shed many tears and fought to keep my family together.  My husband and I, while united in our purposes, have very different personalities and methods, and it's sometimes challenging to communicate and agree.  If I have painted a rosy picture, it's because I try to stay focused on my blessings and the good things.  Every day presents a choice.  Either I can allow my feelings to give in to discouragement, or I can turn my face to God, and ask for help in taking the next step forward.  I am keenly aware of my imperfections, and I wish to overcome them.

Morning Musings

What is character?  Each morning, when I awaken, my choices stare me in the face.  Read?  TV?  Prayer?  Exercise?  Work?  Serve?  Do nothing? etc....  Flying solo, at home, for weeks at a time, while my husband travels for business, has presented a personal test of will power and character.  Is time my friend or enemy?  What are my true motivations and catalysts?  Am I honest with myself?  Good intentions are not enough to be a true reflection of character.  Good intentions only present an opportunity to act.  Choice is power over good intentions.  And action is power over choice.  Action is only the next step to "becoming" something.  And, over time the "doing" has to become automatic, innate, instinctive.  But, becoming, is more than any doing.  It is more than what we are, it is who we are.

Then the first question should be, what or who do I want to become?  That influences my decision on what and how I read, watch, eat, pray, work, serve, or ponder.  If I am simply going through the motions, without a clear goal in mind, then my actions, although well intentioned, are directionless and unproductive.  Like a pilot who knows how to technically fly a plane, but doesn't know where he wants to fly to, finds himself flying in circles and never getting anywhere.  Is there an understandable path?  Can I actually predict where my actions will lead?

That leads me to this most important question; how do my goals and desires match up with what God wants for me?  Can my very best attempts get me where I truly want to be?  Or, how do I sincronize my efforts and gain the Lord's spiritual vision, guidance and help?  Maybe, now, I have discovered the very first and ongoing step.