Danna's Pondering Pad: Laura's Baptism--A Moment Never to Be Forgotten

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Laura's Baptism--A Moment Never to Be Forgotten

This past Saturday (September 24, 2011), was an absolutely beautiful day. Laura was rebaptized a member of the Church. It was such an incredible moment and I couldn't hold back the tears. Truly heavenly intervention has been witnessed in these last several months.--There is no doubt that Katie was involved in this miracle, just 10 months after her passing. (For the story of Laura and Katie, read this.) It is hard to even write about the baptism because without question, Katie was there. It was a peaceful experience that was almost beyond words and maybe it's meant to be so. How I wanted to hold to the peace and joy of those moments with my sister and my Savior.

I am so proud of Laura. I can truly say that she was rebaptized with purity of intent. I believe in her and that this time she will stay deeply rooted in her relationship with the Lord. How much joy and awe I feel. How good and merciful is the Savior. Truly none of us is ever lost to Him. He knows us. A rescue for each one of His children is in place if we will but humble ourselves and receive His rescuing hand.

K.J. and Ellie flew down to Houston with me. I am so grateful that they were able to experience such a neat moment. Surely they will never forget it. They love, love, love Laura. Ellie played the piano for the baptism. She did a beautiful job.

Laura wanted a very small, intimate crowd at her baptism. Those in attendance were her former stake president and his wife, her bishop, a sweet church friend, the Relief Society president, and us. The missionaries were also there so there would be enough witnesses.

This picture was actually taken the next day after church--Laura realized that we didn't get a picture together with her in white so we did a re-enactment! It was fun. She's a good duck and I think I'll keep her for another week!!!

Hi there! Welcome to my pondering pad! "Why do I blog?" you may ask. Well, let me tell you! :) I believe we all have similarities in the human experience because we're mere mortals. Because of our heavenly roots, a desire is within us to want to be better. Yet, the Lord did not intend for us to do it alone. The Lord wants us to "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light" (Mos. 18:8) & to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, & strengthen the feeble knees" (D&C 81:5). We need help & strength from each other. We need to know we aren't alone. Therefore, I share thoughts, feelings, and experiences that perhaps you might find commonality, strength, courage, & comfort to your own trials. So come, let us sup at the Lord's table together that we may find solutions in and through Him, for He is good & mighty to save!

"The Lord warned the first generation of Latter-day Saints to 'beware concerning yourselves' (D&C 84:43). I seek to remind each of us of the mortal susceptibilities and devilish diversions that can unite to produce our spiritual downfall. . . . Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong. . . . He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses."
--Dallin H. Oaks, October Ensign 1994

"My dear brothers and sisters, don't get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don't feel downcast or despair if you don't feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible--and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you."
--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We ought to say in our hearts, let God judge between me and thee, but as for me, I will forgive. I want to say to you that Latter-day Saints who harbor a feeling of unforgiveness in their souls are more guilty and more censurable than the one who has sinned against them. . . . 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' This is the spirit that Latter-day Saints ought to possess all the day long. The man who has that spirit in his heart and keeps it there will never have any trouble with his neighbor."
--Joseph F. Smith

"It was the Savior who left the ninety and nine to go out and find the one. Now we are obsessed with the ninety and nine, and we are not very much concerned with the one. But the ninety and nine will go along pretty well. They don't need a lot of attention. I don't mean to suggest that you don't do your duty toward them, but it is the one that we need to help. . . . They are worth saving and bringing back. Do you know who they are? Have you identified them? Start with that step. And then put them to work. No man or woman will grow in this Church unless he or she is busy and has something to do."
--Gordon B. Hinckley

"None of us will escape tragedy and suffering. Each of us will probably react differently. However, if we can recall the Lord's promise, 'for I the Lord am with you,' we will be able to face our problems with dignity and courage. We will find the strength to be of good cheer instead of becoming resentful, critical, or defeated. We will be able to meet life's important happenings with clear vision, strength, and power. . . . .

"What a joy it is to see someone of good cheer, who, when others because of unpleasant happening or development live in angry silence or vocal disgust, meets the situation with cheerful endurance and good spirits" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986).
--Marvin J. Ashton