I Want My Life To Be As Clean As Earth Right After Rain

Yesterday was a big day for our family--Andrew David Hastings was baptized and confirmed by his father Jonathan David Hastings. It was a special rainy day (Sister Debbie Welch, in her talk about the Holy Ghost, reminded us that the earth feels clean after rain). Andrew and Hailey Brixley, Savanna Welch, and Jaycee Young--three beautiful young women from his ward--became the newest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and started on their journey back to Heavenly Father--to live eternally with Him.

Andrew's grandfather's Floyd Hastings and Linel John Larsen served as witnesses for this special ordinance and Grandpa Hastings noticed that Andrew's toe might have come out of the water so Andrew got to be dunked twice. He was then confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by his dad, supported by his grandpas, his Hasting uncles, and his Uncle Sheldon. After the baptism, we went back to Andrew's house where we enjoyed great company and delicious food.

Whenever I attend a baptism I'm reminded of my own baptism so many years ago. I was baptized May 5, 1962 in Granger (now West Valley), Utah by my dad, Russell Charles Black. My little brother Ted was sick that day and so Mom stayed home with him and my other siblings and Dad and I went to the baptism alone (I'm not sure why none of my grandparents attended; I'll have to ask Dad). Mother packed me a bag with a towel but no dry underwear. I didn't want to go commando so I wore my underwear under my baptism suit and so after the baptism they were wet (eeeeek). My most vivid memory of my baptism is how uncomfortable I was sitting through the rest of the service in damp panties.  I wish I had been a more spiritual child so I could describe the power of the Spirit I felt that day--but alas, all I remember is discomfort:) 

I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father that He gives second chances and continually allows me to feel the power of His love--especially when I attend family baptisms. Thanks Andrew (and all the rest of you) for your choice that allows me to feel that feeling again.

Interesting unrelated sidenote: That is not a necklace around my neck. I was raised during the cold war and the world lived in fear of Communism and attack. Most of us kids wore dog tags with our names and contact information around our necks so our bodies could be identified if we were victims of an attack--creepy! My mom was horrified when she saw this picture because my unsightly dog tags were on the outside. Thank goodness in this black and white picture it looks like a necklace.