Saturday, November 22, 2008

November 15

Last Saturday was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. What made it especially beautiful for me, though, was that it was the day I was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The ceremony was so special, with the wonderful talks and lovely music, and the Spirit was so strong. My institute teacher, Brother Wood, performed the baptism. The actual ordinance was quick, but in the Book of Mormon it says "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). When I came up out of the water, I felt sooo happy, and I knew I had done the right thing. Having my family there to support me made it all the more special to me. I know how lucky I am to have my family's support, and I am so very grateful for their love and understanding.

Later that day, when things had calmed down a bit, I was able to think on my own a bit about what had just happened. I started thinking of some things I had done in the past that I'm not too proud of. I felt this empty feeling, but it wasn't the bad, depressing, something's-missing-in-my-life kind of empty feeling. It was more peaceful than that, and I knew, I was absolutely 100% sure, that I had been forgiven of my sins. The Atonement is incredible!!


The next day, I was confirmed in sacrament meeting. It was amazing, and I got to take the sacrament for the first time! This day was very special to my family for another reason, as well, as it would have been my grandma's (my mom's mom) birthday. Even though I never had the chance to meet her, I knew she and my sweet grandpa were there in spirit.

I am very excited to be starting out on this path. I feel closer to my Heavenly Father than I've ever felt before. I'm so grateful for those who have supported and encouraged me over the last few months, particularly Brother Wood, Madison, Lyndee, Jesse, Heather, Brother Calton, Blake, and Abby. I love you all. :)

3 comments:

Jesse B. Hannah said...

Thank you :) We're all very proud of and happy for you, and we know you know how much of a blessing this will be to you and to your family by your example. It's hard for me to believe that when we first met more than four years ago you knew almost nothing about the Church, and I feel very privileged to have been the one to begin to teach you about the Church and the Plan of Happiness—and very proud at how far you've come since then. We all love you too :)

Lyndee said...

Oh Rebecca tear! Oh that description of your baptsim was so amazing and cute! I love all the pictures! Yeah I know the feeling and I am so glad you got baptised! I belive that the day was perfect just for you...it was amazing! I am so glad we are friends now and I thank you too for inspiring me! I love you and I am glad you know the Lord loves you too!

Madison said...

Rebecca you are amazing and we were all more blessed than you can imagine to be able to become close to you and to witness your wonderful, beautiful, sacred day! love you girlie!