Baptism by Immersion

Today was a very special day for our family and this young man.  I had the privilege and opportunity to baptize my son and to confirm him a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This was a day I highly anticipated from the moment he was born into our family until today, 8 years later to be a part of his special day.  He is our first born of three children and was very excited to be baptized.  As his parents we have made a diligent effort in raising and teaching our children in a Christ centered home.  We strive to teach them the importance of following Jesus Christ and becoming a disciple for Him.  Our son has been very active and involved in primary at church as well since he was small and able to walk and has learned of His Savior's love for him.

As His father I am very pleased with his decision to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ into the waters of baptism.  As a new member of the church, he promised and covenanted to take upon him the name of Jesus Christ, to follow Him and keep His commandments.  He has chosen to be obedient to Christ's command to Come Follow Him and be baptized in His name.

In return our Heavenly Father has blessed and promised my son to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  This Gift is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a member of the Godhead, to lead and guide him in the paths of safety.  He is a teacher of all truth and a comforter for all who are received unto baptism by authority.

John 14:26

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall   teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Baptism April 7, 2018 

Riverside California Stake

This was a very special and sacred day.  The spirit was very strong to be at our Stake baptism and see my son along with six other eight year olds being baptized.  We each took our turn as a ward to be in the baptismal room with our family and ward members.  I found a sister in our neighboring stake who makes baptismal towels with the name and date of baptism and a shield saying CTR - "Choose The Right."   I presented this to Max right before his baptism.  He was excited and now has a clean, white towel to remind him of his baptismal day.

The spirit was very strong and I got emotional confirming and blessing my son with the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  His blessing was beautiful and Heavenly Father blessed him with many promises and traits.  It was a very neat experience and one I look forward to having again with my other children.

Maxwell was excited to get a new suit and dress more like dad and the missionaries.  He got a new tie with his initials as well and looked very sharp for his special day.

Acts 2:38

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the HolyGhost.

Articles of Faith 1:4

4 We believe that the first principles and ^aordinances of the Gospel are: first, ^bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, ^cRepentance; third, ^dBaptism by ^eimmersion for the ^fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ^ghands for the ^hgift of the Holy Ghost.

7 New LDS Temples Announced, Solemn Assembly, and Newly called Prophet and Apostles

This past week and weekend has been full of much joy and happiness as we celebrated my first born son's 8 year birthday, we had Spring break vacation, we got to participate in a Solemn Assembly, along with millions of Latter-day Saints across the world, to sustain our newly called Prophet and two newly called apostles, we were inspired and fed spiritually for two full days by listening to the 188th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and we celebrated Easter as a family.

General Conference is always a highlight weekend for our family twice a year when we get to tune in via the internet and watch the prophet and apostles speak to the entire world concerning the affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ.  We are counseled regarding dangers in society and from the adversary of truth and righteousness, we are exhorted (challenged) to rise above the sin and corrosion of the world and become better disciples and followers of Jesus Christ.  We are admonished to love God with all of our heart, mind, and strength and to love one another as Jesus loves us.  We are inspired and uplifted to choose the right and to strive to be better in all areas of life.  We are motivated to have greater faith, hope, and charity.  And above all, we are encouraged to become true saints, putting off the natural man and becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, that we may shine as lights in a darkening world and become one with our Savior.

 New First Presidency

 Left - Dallin H. Oaks, Middle - Russell M. Nelson, Right - Henry B. Eyring

I am so grateful for a living prophet to guide us in these Latter Days...He is called of God to lead and guide His Church and be His mouthpiece for His children here upon the earth.  Today we got to sustain our newly called prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.  After the passing of Thomas S. Monson, January 2, 2018, President Nelson was the next senior Apostle to ascend to the office of President and be our modern prophet, seer, and revelator.

 

 Solemn Assembly - Sustaining of Church Officers

 Two newly called Apostles

 Elder Gerrit W. Gong

 Elder Ulisses Soares

I am super excited for these two new apostles called to the full-time ministry of proclaiming the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.  They are called and ordained to be apostles until they die or ascend to the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ.  I am a witness and know that these men are called of God to fulfill a special ministry in our day.  I am humbled by the love of our Heavenly Father to provide leadership such as this in these latter days.  We are truly blessed.  Everyone is invited to come and partake of the good news as we are taught and instructed by Christ's modern day apostles.  Whatever your faith in Jesus Christ is at this point in your life we invite you to come and partake of the blessings of following living prophets and apostles.

President Russell M. Nelson

7 New LDS Temples Announced

• Salta, Argentina 
• Bengaluru, India
• Managua, Nicaragua
• Cagayan de Oro, Phillippines
• Layton, Utah
• Richmond, Virginia
• A major city yet to be determined in Russia

One of my favorite anticipations between General Conference every six months is whether or not new temples will be announced.  It is always so exciting to hear where the new temples are going to be built to bless more of Heavenly Father's children with the saving ordinances of the gospel.  It is awe-inspiring to see biblical prophecies being fulfilled before our very eyes.  I want to go forth and sound the message of the good news to all as with a sound of a trump...

 Angel Moroni

There are a few highlights from this weekend!  It has been so inspiring and uplifting and I have a renewed sense of faith, hope, and charity.  We are blessed indeed!  If you would like to hear a prophet's voice and learn from living apostles I would encourage you to go, watch, and LISTEN.  I promise you will be blessed for your efforts!

~C.J. Poulsen