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

I'm a Mormon Profile

While weeding my "garden," which is technically the rose bushes my landlord planted along our sidewalk, the missionaries from my congregation stopped by and invited me to create a profile on mormon.org. I love getting on there and watching the videos. I've sat there watching them for hours, because they just make me feel so good. I created my profile, which isn't nearly as impressive as any of those with a video, but it shares some experiences. http://mormon.org/me/9BXT/Nicole

I've been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life, baptized at 8-years-old, with a pioneer heritage that came west with the Saints shortly after the church was restored. I've learned about some other religions, and am just impressed with how many truths are found throughout the world. We believe that Christ established His church on the earth when He came to atone for each one of us. He had apostles and leaders, but after Christ was resurrected, and then returned to Heaven, there was wickedness, and the apostles were killed, and the priesthood keys they held were taken from the earth. Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He brought the fulness of Christ's gospel and church back to the earth, with latter-day prophets. The priesthood keys have been restored, and each individual can know for him or herself. Everyone can receive personal revelation, and receive help with struggles we have.

Some of the sisters I met on my mission!

Some of the happiest times in my life are when I get to talk about the gospel and share my testimony of these restored truths. One thing I learned while I was a missionary was that the scriptures, including the Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other books, can really answer questions that we have about our families, marriages, priorities, and our eternal purpose.

If you do have any questions, check out mormon.org, The Holy Bible, and The Book of Mormon. Don't be afraid to ask Heavenly Father about your life. I know He and Jesus Christ care about each one of us, and have made it possible to repent and start over anew whenever we need to make changes in our lives.

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.