Baptism of Miss S

My cousin, Jenny, invited us to her daughter's baptism. The lovely Miss S was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her Aunt, Mitzi, shared a beautiful talk beforehand about the promises we make with Heavenly Father at baptism, and all of the blessings He promises us in return. We're glad we got to be a part of it and celebrate with their family.

One of my other cousins, Krissy, has a daughter who chose to be baptized also. She decided that she wanted to let her friends and family in Arkansas see what it is all about. We didn't make it to hers, but we are very proud of Miss K for her kind example and testimony. Things were difficult for Krissy's family, as the day before was her father's funeral, but we were all grateful to be together to support these lovely girls.

Sorry, Jenny, for not taking any pictures of your incredible Mary Poppins-themed display. Or maybe it was good I didn't capture it, so I won't have to judge myself based on your table perfection. Anyway, I loved it!

Aunt Brenda, cousin Krissy, and Miss K

2016 Calendar for LDS Youth

I serve in my church congregation as the secretary for our Young Women, and made some custom 2016 calendars with major holidays and church events. It also includes the annual theme "Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" and the monthly Come, Follow Me theme. Merry Christmas to all of you leaders and youth preparing for the New Year.

2016 YW/YM Calendar

Niki Porter Mission Party

My sister-in-law, Niki, has been called to serve as an LDS missionary in the Cleveland Mission. She leaves April 3 to enter the Missionary Training Center before heading out to Ohio. She spoke in church about forgiveness through Christ's atonement, quoting many lessons learned through conversations with Dad. We had a great time gathering together, but unfortunately had to say goodbye. Zak is pretty close to Niki, and as he gave her that last hug, he realized it was the last time he'd see her for about 18 months.

 

Cohen Returns

 Zak's brother, Cohen, left on his mission shortly after we started dating. His other brother came home from his mission just before Zak and I married, and he recently married Carrie. So, last month Cohen returned from his mission, seeing the family and meeting his two new sisters.

We stayed for a few days, in order to see the rest of the family and listen to Cohen's talk in church. Niki took me to get my hair chopped off, and we had a lot of fun catching up on all the action movies from the last two years. We also got to meet some of Cohen's new friends.

In celebration of his return, Niki made a sign to post at a particular corner. Family legend goes that Cohen wanted Mom to make a fun rocket blast noise as they turned the corner. She didn't know exactly what to do, so she just said, "Rocket, rocket." Niki kept up the tradition, and for the last two years or so has shouted, "Rocket, rocket," every time she drove around the turn.

A Day in Heaven

For our first anniversary, Zak and I returned to the place where we married, the Logan LDS Temple.  As part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that everyone who didn't get a chance to hear about the gospel and be baptized while on the earth will have the opportunity after they die.  Members of the Church get to act as proxies for the people, and be baptized in their place.  We also believe in eternal marriage, with which a couple and family can be sealed together for time and all eternity, not just "till death do you part."  I've heard about people renewing their vows.  At the Temple, we can hear the commandments and promises given, as we act as proxy for couples and their children.  It really was so peaceful, and sweetly romantic, kneeling across the altar from Zak.  I love him, and we are blessed.  One of the women in the Temple with us had done family history, and found members of her family who lived in Austria-Hungary generations ago.  They got the information behind the iron curtain.  After we finished, she mentioned that her congregation had time set aside that day to attend the Temple, which they called "A Day in Heaven."  I can't think of a better place to be.