Let's Go Fly A Kite!

Sister Pickett's Baptism Talk

I’m so happy to be here on your baptism today Joseph. It has been a pleasure to have you in my primary class this year and I know that you are prepared and ready for your baptism today.

In the years leading up to your baptism you probably had several questions about what would happen today including; Where will I be baptized? What will I wear? Who will baptize me? How do I prepare to be baptized? These questions and so many others are normal when most people want to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe that your family, primary leaders, friends, and the missionaries have taught you the answers to these and many other questions. You have chosen to be baptized at our ward building, by your father who holds the Melcizidick priesthood, while you both wear all white. You have taken the necessary steps to be baptized including having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and being will to follow His commandments and example. You were also interviewed by the bishop prior to your baptism. We are all so happy that you have taken those necessary steps.

Today, however I would like to try and answer some of the questions you may have after you are baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Like what are the covenants that I will make today? How can I keep those covenants with Heavenly Father? What happens when I make a mistake?

Today when you are baptized you will covenant with Heavenly Father that you will take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, that you will always remember Him and that you will do your best to keep His commandments.

Now, what does it mean to take upon us the name of Christ? It doesn’t mean that you change your name, or that you will have the words Jesus Christ on your shirt all time (although you will if you choose to serve a mission). Taking upon the name of Christ means to put His work first in your life. It means to do what He wants you to do instead of what the world wants you to do.

How can you keep the covenants that you will make with heavenly father today? Strive each day of your life to draw nearer to Him and to Jesus Christ. Pray each day to strengthen your relationship with them. Thank Heavenly Father for your blessings, seek to have Him direct you throughout your life. Continue to read the scriptures and pray to understand them.

Keep the commandments that you learn about the scriptures and the commandments that have been given to us through our modern day prophets. Do your best show love to your family. Treat others with love and respect and serve them.

In the Book of Mormon, Alma is baptizing a group of people and he teaches them that if if they are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people that they should be willing to bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. And be willing to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. And to stand as witness of God at all time and in all things.”

After being baptized today you will be the newest official member of the Hingham Ward. And although you have attended this ward your whole life, you will now have a responsibility to help the ward members around you, to comfort them and to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ. You can also rely on your fellow ward member to be a strength and comfort to you.

While Heavenly Father wants us to love and serve each other in our church, he equally wants us to love and serve and share our testimonies with everyone around us! I have seen your eagerness to serve in our ward and your community. I have also heard you bear your strong testimony. You will be a strength to your family, to your ward family, and to all who meet when you follow Alma’s council.

Now, what happens when you make a mistake?

Each week during sacrament meeting you will have the opportunity to renew your baptism covenants with Heavenly Father. Taking the sacrament will be the most important part of your week. Right now I bet you are so excited to get baptized and to do your very best at keeping all of the commandments, but no matter hard or long you try, you will make a mistake, just like everyone here. And because of Jesus Christs atonement and because of the covenants you make today, you can repent and become clean of the mistakes that you will make. Listen carefully to the sacrament prayers tomorrow and you will hear the covenants that you made at your baptism today.

After you are baptized today you will be completely clean and pure. Equally beautiful and exciting is that you can be just as clean each week when you repent and take the sacrament.

You will continue to have many spiritual questions throughout your life. Be sure to bring those questions to Heavenly Father. Rely upon Him and the Holy ghost to give you the answers you seek. He will always keep his promises to you and he is waiting to bless you for keeping his commandments.  

In the account of Jesus being baptized in Matthew it says, “And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him; And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” I know that today Heavenly Father is well pleased with His son Joseph Bennion. Your decision to follow our Savior Jesus Christ will bring you the greatest peace and joy. I hope that you can remember the feeling of joy that you have today, for the rest of your life.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

It's Great to be 8!

It's baptism day!

Little Chief and Pops did a few practice rounds in the living room.

I think they're show time.

We are so happy that Grandma Sherrie can be here for Tadpole's baptism!

Thanks to Sister Ashley for being our official baptism day photographer!

You are SO loved LC. Everyone wanted to celebrate with you!

8 Big Ones!

Time to celebrate with our favorite 8 year old!
Of course, he chose Panera for dinner! And lucky for him, Grandma Sherrie came for his festivities!

We love clobbering him with gifts and love!

Our newest Ranger!

Oh Little Chief! You make us happy everyday! We love your guts!
1. You are FUN! First thing in the morning you are outside bouncing on the trampoline and laughing, chatting and singing. You know how to have a good time.
2. You are an excellent marksman. It is fun to watch you learn a new skill like archery. You take it very seriously and aim to do your best.
3. You are a great companion. It is fun to watch you play with your brothers and sister. You easily relate with each one of them and find ways to have fun together. You are a good friend to Tad.
4. You are a fabulous cook! You love to help in the kitchen and with grocery shopping. You are adventurous and will try a nibble of new foods too!
5. You are sweet and good hearted. You have empathy with other kids and make others feel included.
6. You are a really good helper. I can always count on you to do your chores well. If I need something done right the first time, you are my man.
7. You always try your best- at school, church and home.
8. You are the snuggliest most loving child. We all just adore you.

Happy Birthday Little Chief!