Monday, August 4, 2008

Walking the Path

I am amazed often by the goodness of life as we participate in the ordinances of the Gospel. How truly joyful it is to witness, hear and feel the spirit working in my life and those that I love and care about. This weekend was a big one for the sweetness of these things.

On Saturday afternoon Brother Bill Baker in our ward. was baptized. Pretty exciting. The really wonderful part is that Bill is the Patriarch of a large family of active members of the church, and it was estimated that over his 39 years of taking Missionary lessons, he probably listened to about 500 young elders who taught, prayed and fasted for his acceptance of the Gospel. He attends church every week with his wife and his son's family who are also in our ward. Most would think he was already a member. In speaking with the Elders now serving in our ward, they said he just needed some clarification on a few things and accepted their invitation to be baptized. He chose his wife's birthday, she said it was by far "the best gift" she ever received. The joy on his children's faces, and his grandchildren who sang "Families Can Be Together Forever", was immeasurable.


From there we went to the San Diego Temple to be in attendance while our future daughter in law, Breana was able to go and participate in her ordinance work there. She was so prepared, and you could tell by the peace and joy on her face that it was a very special experience for her in preparation to be sealed to our Jordan this Saturday. It is quite a gift to receive these Wonderful new daughters and son into our family as they have prepared themselves to make and keep sacred covenants and work out their salvation along side our children. Absolutely amazing.

Nora Marie Holmes!


Finally, Sunday morning we were able to witness the baby blessing of our newest Holmes neice. Nora Marie Holmes. She is an angel and so beautiful, just like her momma Kayla (here with Heidi) and Nora's sister Meredith.

Her daddy is pretty great looking too. To be a part of such a wonderful family who each individually know who they are and how important their relationship is with their Savior Jesus Christ brings such joy to my life daily. They are all people I feel so blessed to have in my life. They are examples of Godly people who look upward and work hard to be the wonderful people they are. Here are just a few.....
Cousin Becki.. a new mommy herself!
Aunt Sue and Cousin Erma - Love these girls! Uncle Adam Kempler, Russell & Phillip have a good visit with the men folk!
We are so blessed!

13 comments:

Ashley said...

That sounds like a great weekend! We had a particularly good testimony meeting on Sunday, and I was just thinking that it has been much too long since I have been to the temple. Time to find a babysitter!

PS - Brett wants to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Heidi said...

that was a busy, and fun weekend! and Blessed, we are!

Lauri said...

How wonderful for you. I'll be thinking of you this weekend too as the joy continues.

Sundbergs said...

What a special time that is. How wonderful to be able to be close to family to do all thise woderful things together.

Shalece said...

What a sweet story, thanks for sharing. You are right, we are so blessed to be part of such a wonderful church and all of its wonderful blessings! Hope the sealing on Saturday is absolutely wonderful! How exciting!

Sara said...

What a beautiful post Sheryl. i'm teary-eyed. What a full weekend for you and I can't help but feel the same way about what a blessing this family is to me too. The examples from your kids have strengthen me and my kids and i will be eternally grateful to you for how you have made me feel apart of things from the very beginning. (can you beleive it was 20 yrs ago!) my angel sister in law! i love you

Grammy Staffy said...

What a wonderful post. Bro. Baker's baptism was special. It sounds like the rest of your weekend was just as special.

You have such a great family. I am so blessed to know you. I appreciate your example and testimony. With love, Lura

Barbra said...

Life is good! Thank you for sharing that great story about Brother Baker, Awesome!!!
We will see you Saturday :)

Lisa Webb said...

What a wonderful weekend! Sometimes living the gospel is difficult but when its good it is So good! This reminded me also that I need to find a babysitter and go to the temple too! Thanks for that!

Jenn said...

What an uplifting weedend, to be around family and spiritual activities. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. What a fantastic weekend you had.

Caroline Haring said...

It's wonderful to be surrounded by so many spiritual experiences. This last year has just been full of them in your family!

Mama Bear said...

Glad you were able to share the weekend with us! We wouldn't have had it any other way! Thank you for coming to the blessing!! Remind me to get copies of the pictures you took!

Give Breanna & Jordan our love this next weekend. We are so sorry we are going to miss the wedding!!!! :(

Emily said...

What an inspiring post! I love how when we are righteous we feel close to our Heavenly Father and we have such joy in the family unit :)