Monday, March 23, 2009

Draper, Utah Temple Dedication

My son, Benjamin, and I were able to attend the Draper, Utah temple dedication yesterday at the stake center. It was a very nice ceremony. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and it was marvelous to see yet another temple put into operation. Unless I’m mistaken, the Draper temple brings the total number of operating temples worldwide to 129.

It’s so amazing to witness the prophecies of the gospel’s restoration come to pass. One such interesting prophecy made by Joseph Smith in the 19th century was uttered to a small group of Priesthood brethren when the restored church was merely a fledgling entity. Said Joseph, “Brethren, I have been very much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tonight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother's lap. You don't comprehend it. It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America; it will fill the world.”

The Blessings of the Temple (Video on YouTube).

Monday, March 2, 2009

Davis’s Baptism

On February 26th we celebrated Davis’s 8th birthday. Hurrah! He enjoyed his special day, and he was glad to receive a GameBoy Advance SP along with a couple of games to go with it. His birthday cake was rather interesting. Jeanine made it in the likeness of a cow as per Davis’s desire (for some strange reason Davis has an affinity for cows of late). After we enjoyed a dinner of Papa John’s pizza, Davis’s grandparents came over to enjoy some snacks and some ice cream and cow cake. From them, Davis received one of life’s most sought after items—money!

Two days after his birthday, Davis got baptized by yours truly. He is now a full-fledged member of Christ’s church. The event went well, and the Spirit of the Lord was felt. At the service, Benjamin gave a talk about the Holy Ghost, and Jeanine was asked by the bishop to bear her testimony, which of course, she did. Acting as witnesses to the baptismal ordinance were Jeanine’s dad and my brother-in-law, Blair. Those who stood in the circle during Davis’s confirmation were Blair; my brother, Curt; my nephew-in-law, Derk; Jeanine’s dad; and Bishop Moyes. I had the privilege and pleasure of performing the confirmation.

Here are a few photos from the baptism:

Davis and Myself Freeman, Alina, Davis, Myself, and Benjamin Jeanine, Davis, and Myself