Avery's Baptism

Since the entire family was together at the Frio, Avery wanted to get baptized there. So her parents got special permission, and she got baptized! Since she knew how cold the water would be from the polar bear swim, we all thought she was pretty brave. She was given the option to get baptized in the hot tub-but after hearing stories about the pioneers who wanted to be baptized so bad they would break the ice on the rivers, she chose to go with the Frio. Did you know "Frio" means "Freezing?" They're not kidding. As Mormons, we baptize our children at the age of eight. Many religions baptize their members as babies. We wait until they are eight years old-basically when they're old enough to know better. Before that, children are completely innocent, incapable of committing real sin. Once they reach the age of eight they are able to choose for themselves if they want to be baptized, and start becoming accountable for their choices. Christ says in John 3:5, "Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." He also commands us "Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do." We believe in baptism by immersion, the same way that Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan. We are baptized by someone who has God’s priesthood authority for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16). We are also baptized to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ, and to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). When we are baptized, we recieve a remission of our sins. We also make a promise to our Heavenly Father. We promise (also called a covenant) to accept Christ, become one of His followers, and to keep His commandments until the end of our lives. If we do this, Heavenly Father promises us to forgive our sins and to let us return and live with Him in Heaven. It's a pretty good deal... especially the forgiveness part because heaven knows we're not perfect. I remember asking the bishop when I was baptized if the water would turn black from my sins all washing away. Then I asked if I would need to be baptized more than once-since I was sure at some point in my life I would do something wrong again. He laughed and assured me the water wouldn't turn black, that it was a spiritual thing and not temporal so the water would stay clean. Then he explained that each week I partake of the sacrament, I would have the oppurtunity to repent and be clean again. So being baptized once is all you really need, as long as you are baptized correctly and by the right authority. I didn't actually take pictures of the actual baptism-this is a photo of them getting ready. We believe the ordinance of baptism is sacred. Sacred things are best remembered-not photographed. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures before it though, it was such a beautiful moment. And then Avery got baptized-I was proud of her for not gasping when she went under. The water was SO COLD, and it naturally takes your breath away. But she was brave and reverent for the whole thing. They came back over-Emma was a great help. She held their towels... nice, warm towels! And here she is. The newest member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When she was dried off she was confirmed a member and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Christ taught that if you get baptized, but then don't receive the Holy Ghost as a companion, you only went and did things half way. The Holy Ghost is a spirit sent to help us here on earth. If we live our lives right, and try to be good, he will help guide us and keep us safe. I think it's safe to say she was a little cold-but the memory of her Christmas day baptism in the Frio will warm her up!