Nuts and Bolts: Abigail's Baptism

June 6th 2015

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Abby turned 8 in May. Its a big age for her because she is now able to choose for herself whether she would like to baptized and take upon her covenants and the name of Christ.

She was a little hesitant. Excited but hesitate. We wanted to make sure it was her decision. She had her interview with the Bishop a few weeks before and he said she was ready. Thus it was all up to her. She decided she did want to be baptized and the day finally came.

She said her stomach felt sick. We tried explaining what nervousness does to your tummy and she understood her nerves were on high alert.

We arrived early at the church to take pictures and get ready as there were 14 other children being baptized as well.

Briggs needing some camera time

Look! They get along for a few seconds

Love these little goofballs

Abby looks so grown up

Getting nervous

These girls. Seriously they are so cute. I am glad they love each other so.

We sang songs and listened to talks. Then each child was invited up and a biography was read in front of everyone. Abby was pretty embarrassed. She doesn't like to be in front of people. Here is what we wrote for her and what was read...

"Abigail is very excited to be baptized today. She has learned so much and feels ready to take upon herself the covenant to be baptism. She loves to listen to scripture stories, children's hymns and enjoys attending senior primary. As Abby explains it, her favorite scripture story is when Jesus heals the blind man with mud. Abby also likes reading the scriptures to her family at night during family scripture time. Her current favorite songs are "when I am baptized and Give said the little stream"

Abigail loves horses. She wants a horse, wants to be a horse trainer when she grows up, aspires to have 10 horses and is desperate to take horse riding lessons. She also enjoys reading books about horses and puppies. Abby has been taking piano lessons for 2 years now and wants to soon learn how to play a primary song. She likes to go to science at school because it is fun and you get to do lots of experiments.

Abby is a big helper with her little brother and sister and most days is pretty good with them. One time, her little sister Emily who is three was throwing a sad tantrum. Abby took it upon herself to calm her down. She went and got Emily's blanket wrapped it around her and snuggled her on the couch until she was calm. She has a compassionate heart.

She is also a good helper and enjoys helping around the house. She also really enjoys helping others and loves when its our families turn to clean the church.

Overall Abby is a great Kid and is a great example to her younger siblings. We are very proud of her decision to be baptized today. We love you Abigail!"

Then it was time for the big event. Seth and Abby entered into the waters and he prepared to baptize her. She went under and then a little toe crept up and she had to be baptized again. She was so cute. I have seen many baptisms and felt the spirit. But, when it is your own child there is that moment when the spirit is so strong it overwhelms you. Despite the sort of rush that there is when 14 kids are baptized in those moments it was testified to me through the spirit that what she was doing was right and pleasing to the Lord. When I asked Abby how she felt she said she felt good. I am hoping to coax more out of her...

After she changed she was then confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and received the Holy Ghost. All the Whitworth men were there and able to join in the circle. It was a very spiritual moment as well. Seth pronounced a beautiful blessing and he was also overcome with the spirit and emotion. How grateful we are for the power of the Priesthood which Seth bares that enables him to act and perform these wonderful ordinances.