Kate's Baptism day

Kate’s Baptism Day—Jan 2, 2010
Kate was dressed and ready to go to the church at 7:30 AM. Her baptism wasn’t scheduled to begin until 10:00 AM but she was ready for the big day!
When Kate and her dad arrived at the church Bro. Grobben was filling the baptismal font. Kate asked if the water was warm and he quickly replied it was Just Right. The Stake and Ward Primary Presidencies prepared beautiful programs and asked to take a picture with Kate and her dad all dressed in white. Shortly after the picture lots of family and friends started arriving. It was fun to see our neighbors, family from near and far, home teachers, friends and primary leaders.
Bro. Randall started the meeting and we sang I Am a Child of God with Lauren singing a beautiful descant. Kate said Lauren sounded like an angel. Lauren then gave an opening prayer thanking Heavenly Father for this beautiful day. Grandma Jackson gave a great talk on Baptism. She asked Kate to write down her thoughts at the end of the day so she would remember the feelings she had felt. Kate thought that was a great idea.
Grandma Jackson reminded us that part of the baptismal covenant is to stand as a witness of God, not sit, not lay down but to STAND up for God. Kate thought that was an important covenant to remember. Grandma also reminded us that not everyone gets to be baptized in a beautiful font filled with warm water. Uncle John was baptized in a frozen pond in Alaska. Kate was grateful that her water didn’t need to be cracked open before she stepped into it.
After Grandma’s talk the Douglas children (Ben, Audrey and Kate) sang a beautiful song; I’m Being Baptized. Kate loved that Sis. Douglas wrote that song for Ben’s baptism, and felt like it was just right for her too. (Kate hummed and sang it in the dressing room right before she was baptized…and after).
As Kate and her mom went into the dressing room to wait her turn to be baptized she met an 8 year old girl named Kelsey with a big dripping wet smile on her face. Kate asked her how she felt and she said “good.” Then the big moment came for Kate. As she walked down the white tiled steps into the font she felt a little nervous. She saw Grandpa Jackson and Uncle John watching over her, standing as witnesses. After the prayer Kate took a deep breath, smiled and was baptized, just like Jesus. Kate’s new friend Kelsey was right, it did feel good.
Kate hurried to change into her beautiful winter white dress. She didn’t want to miss anything that was happening in the room with all her family and friends. Her dad had to wait his turn for the dressing room so Kate and her mom were the first to arrive back in the Primary room where Bianca was playing beautiful primary songs on the piano. Everyone was reverently writing little notes to Kate while waiting.
Grandma Chatfield gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. She told us that the Holy Ghost was used to living with Heavenly Father and Jesus so when we do something we’re not supposed to do it makes the Holy Ghost uncomfortable and he leaves. We need to make good choices to have the comfort and direction of the Holy Ghost with us at all times.
Kate liked it when her dad and those standing in the confirmation circle laid their hands on her head. She said she closed her eyes and felt “comfortable”. She was given the gift of the Holy Ghost and knowledge that her Heavenly Father loves her and that her testimony of the Gospel would continue to grow stronger. Kate once again smiled. She hugged those who had participated in the confirmation and then Bishop Chatfield welcomed her to the ward as the newest member having been baptized. He told Kate that he loved her example.
We sang the closing song; I Love to See the Temple and Jake offered a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for Kate and for her baptism.
After the prayer Kate gave a special Smart Cookie to each person there with a “thanks for coming,” She thought it was great that “all” those people had come to see her baptized and confirmed. She knows some pretty nice people!
Kate’s celebration continued at the Old Spaghetti Factory. She ordered her favorite, Macaroni and Cheese! Surprise, Surprise!
In Kate’s personal prayer that night she thanked Heavenly Father for being baptized and confirmed. She also prayed that all would return home in safety…shortly after that we heard that her cousin Hannah was home safe and sound. Kate loves her family and knows that Heavenly Father hears and answers her prayers.

(The next day in Sacrament meeting Kate was called to the pulpit and recognized for being baptized and presented a special reminder of the day. After receiving it she hopped down the stairs and bounced back to her seat. Kate’s a pretty happy 8 year old!)

Kate’s words to describe her feelings when she was baptized: Very Happy, Scared, Thankful, Glad.