Baptism, Now You Are Eight

Baptism is so very important to us. It is a time that we get to make and keep covenants with our Heavenly Father. A time when our children take their first steps into responsibility and accountability.
The scriptures talk about baptism. One of my favorites is found in the Book of Mormon.
Then Alma said to them:

“As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, … what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, That ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?” (Mosiah 18:8–10.)

Then one by one Alma took them into the waters and baptized them.
Baptism is the beginning of a new life for each one of us, a life of faith, a life of hope, a life of love, a life of purpose. The Lord is very clear as to what it means to keep his commandments, come into his fold, and be called his people. His people are

“willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” (Mosiah 18:8–9.) 

Next week, it will be my oldest grand daughter's eighth birthday.  It is a time of joy in our family.  A time to remember.  A time to serve.  A time to rejoice.  A time when we teach her what it means to really take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful blessing this is for each of us.
Each of us who has been baptized has covenanted with the Lord to serve him and keep his commandments. Each one of us must stand as a witness of God. Each of us must comfort those in need. Each of us must bear one another’s burdens. And each of us must repent and continue in His way.
I pray that we will have unity and love as we strive together to keep the covenant we have made at baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This is a poem that I wrote for my first daughter over 25 years ago for her own special day. 

Kirbi Dawn

(For your Eighth Birthday)

By Patricia A Pitterle (Mom)

Life isn’t always easy

As you have more or less found out

It takes courage, faith and charity

To work through the pain and doubt.

But I know you can do it, my daughter,

For you are a Child of God.

You can live the teachings of Jesus.

You can grasp the iron rod.

You have a beautiful spirit;

Full of kindness, love and care,

You are ever in my thoughts and dreams

And always in my prayers.

You have a testimony,

I feel privileged to see it grow.

Pray often and be believing

And, with faith, you will come to know.

A loving Heavenly Father

And the tender mercies of His son

And as you walk your journey

Know you’re not the only one.

His spirit is there to guide to you

And show you what is true

The comforter holds you in His grasp

He walks right there with you.