Mark's Blessing

Today Mark received his baby blessing. It was performed by Daddy and many dear friends were able to participate in the blessing (as we have no family near to join us) by laying their hands upon his head as they stand in a circle around Mark. Actually there was another baby blessed as well, this other blessing was a very special one because the child, Bryson, was adopted and as the adoption was made final last month he had the opportunity to receive his own "baby blessing" as a part of his new family. It was a special experience to be a part of both of these blessings today.

In Mark's blessing, he was blessed with character... (more specifically) the character of service. He was blessed to have a desire to emulate the Savior and to gain a testimony of the Savior, that will help him (Mark) to do great things. He was also blessed with wisdom through observing others. After his blessing I had the opportunity to get up and share my testimony with the congregation. I shared my testimony of the Holy Ghost, which as members of of the LDS Church we receive through a special blessing at baptism. The Holy Ghost is the spirit which helps us to recognize both good and bad, and right and wrong in our lives, though first we must recognize the promptings and make the choice for ourselves to choose the better part. The Holy Ghost has helped me to see my potential and guide me to make righteous choices. It is through the blessing of the Holy Ghost that I have been able to change and develop myself in ways I could not have done on my own without this spiritual guidance. As a convert to the LDS Church (also known as the Mormon church) 13 years ago I have seen great changes in myself that I would not have imagined possible on my own. I am grateful for the changes that a loving Heavenly Father has helped me to see and make ... revealing a greater potential in me. And, through this I have been able to strive more diligently to become a better wife, mother and daughter.

The pictures that follow are of the girls with Mark before church. The third, is a picture I caught on the sly in Sunday school, which was probably not an appropriate time to be taking pictures... but who could resist Mark with his Daddy. And the last picture was an impromptu shot outside after church. It truly was a special day!! We love and miss our dear family and friends who could not be with us today. Please know we are thinking of you!