Monday, September 8, 2008

Emily's Baptism

(we had to change the date and time of Emily's baptism after finding out almost everyone she had invited would be at a BYU football game that afternoon...thanks Lisa for the great invitation inspiration:-)


We baptized Emily this weekend. It was a really beautiful baptism. The weather was perfect. I at least, felt the Spirit so strongly. There was something extra special about Baptizing Emily in the Nisqually river. I have felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for Heavenly Fathers beautiful creations and the gift of our lovely country since moving to Washington. Celebrating Emily's special choice out in the wilderness was just extra special. Emily wanted to be baptized out in nature and I thought it would be a really neat experience to be baptized as Jesus Christ himself was, in a river. We held the program in a group camp ground. Grandpa Wilcox played the guitar as we sang and all around us we had peace and beauty. Emily's favorite song is "A Child's Prayer" and she picked it to sing for the opening song. I have never sang that song to my children. It is such a beautiful song. I did fine conducting until the second verse when I couldn't sing another word and keep control of the tears. What a beautiful verse. Everything a Mother wants er child to know and feel. We listened to a talk on baptism by Emily's Grandma Wilcox and headed to the river to watch as Emily and Dave walked out into the green Nisqually. After the Baptism we went back to the camp ground for the talk on the Holy Ghost by Grandma DeWitt and then Emily was confirmed by her family and the fathers of all of her friends (David, Grandpa DeWitt, Grandpa Wilcox, Great Uncle Noh, Brothers Crawford, Huillet, Baker, Robertson, Westhoff and Phillips). I hope as Emily looks back at her special day in the years to come she will remember her family who were so proud of her enthusiasm to become a member of the church, her friends who sat with their arms wrapped around her in love and brought her sweet simple gifts like pictures, and the families of her friends who all came out to support her that beautiful morning.

15 comments:

The Seaquist Family said...

So amazing Jen. With Christian's birthday coming up I keep thinking...who is going to be there? Who is going to give the talks, etc. I'm glad her baptism was so amazing. And great job on the invitation. I love it. She is a beautiful girl!

The Roberts Rollercoaster RIde said...

What a great idea!! How special!!! So where did you guys go to change her clothes afterwards? A tent? Just wondering.... In the pictures you can tell what a beautiful experience it was.

Rebecca said...

What a beautiful and meaningful day, she is going to have the most amazing memories. I am sorry we weren't able to be there.

Sarah said...

I love her dress and she looks so beautiful!

mom said...

It was such a special day. Thanks for letting us bea part of it.

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love that picture of her and dave getting out of the water. the lighting in that photo makes them lok like they're glowing!

In primary Emily kept talking about how cold the water was. she is just too cute.

Heather said...

Such a wonderful day. It couldn't have been more perfect. Thank you for sharing that with us.

Familia Bethers said...

Congratulations Emily! We wish we could have been there for your special day. What an amazing experience! Not many children can say that they were baptized in Nisqually river. Great pictures Jen, and a fabulous post!

Lisa said...

Beautiful dress. Love the picture of Emily and Dave by the river. What a great day.

Sara said...

LOVE IT! How fun to be baptized in the Nisqually River. Emily just looks so beautiful and grown up. Congratulations!

Jamie C. said...

What a memory for sweet little Emily. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Emily, You are a beauty! Congratulations on your special day!

Kath said...

Eliza was so sad she couldn't be there (I was too). What a beautiful place to be baptized! We have a gift for her that I will be sending in the mail soon.

Fisher Family said...

Love that Emily was baptized in the Nisqually river. The pictures seem to capture the day so perfectly. She will love looking back at those and the words you used to describe it.

Q said...

Wow, what a beautiful little girl Emily is! Congratulations, Emily, and we are so proud of you!