Baptism Day

It was a sweet, wonderful day. We had our first big snow of the year, and Taylor said she would always remember that it snowed on her white day. The Baptism was at 1:00, followed by a luncheon at our house. We set up a kids table in the play room, which worked out great! Everyone stayed and visited, it was as close to perfect as it could get I think. Here is the program:

The Baptism of

Taylor Kay Hall

November 6^th , 2011

Presiding......................................................................... Bishopric

Conducting........................................................... Bryce Moyes

Pianist......................................................... Catherine Hall, Aunt

Chorister..................................................... Jessica Hall, Cousin

Opening Song ....................................... When I am Baptized

Opening Prayer.................................. Gracie Ballard, Cousin

Spotlight ..................................................... Alyson Hall, Mother

Talk about Baptism............................ Maddie Morris, Cousin

Talk about the Holy Ghost.......... Rick Lyman, Grandfather

Baptismal Ordinance............................ Casey B. Hall, Father

Confirmation........................................... Casey B. Hall, Father

Welcome to the Ward................................................ Bishopric

Closing Song ............................... Search, Ponder, and Pray

Closing Prayer...................... Coleen Lyman, Grandmother

I was able to give a spotlight on Taylor, and it was so special to be able to include a message from Bruce and Sharon. We missed them terribly!

Taylor has talked about getting baptized ever since she was little. It used to be that she was NOT going to get baptized, because she was not getting in the water. After a while, she changed her mind, and was excited to get baptized, but assured us she would be wearing purple, not white. Over the past year, she has gotten really excited about being baptized. Taylor loves to give the lesson on Family Night, and every other time she did, it would be about baptism, or the Holy Ghost. These lessons were not short, to say the least, but I know they have been building her testimony and ours. Here she is today, dressed in white and beaming with excitement to get baptized.

Taylor was definitely sent to our family first for a reason. She is my second pair of hands. She is an amazing big sister, and helps me everyday. Just before school starts each year, she reminds me how much I will miss her help, and I really do.

Taylor has been known by many names in our family. Taylor, Tay, Sis, Taylor Girl, TK, even her Grandpa Bruce used to call her Madge. The one that stuck with her has been Taytie Beans, which is what her Aunt Emilee started calling her as a baby. She is our sweet Taytie Beans, or sometimes just shortened to Beans.

She has so many talents. She loves to draw and color, she is extremely smart, she can dance, she is turning into quite the gymnast, and has recently started piano lessons, which she is great at. She is responsible and mindful. She has the great talent of making friends, and having a tender heart.

Taylor is excited about life and excited about the gospel. A couple of years ago, our inspired Primary President challenged each of the Primary Children to read the Book of Mormon. We had not been reading regularly as a family, but started that day. Taylor is the one to remind us to read every night, and I KNOW that our family has grown and is completely blessed by the power of the scriptures in our lives everyday.

We are so proud of Taylor, and excited that she has chosen to be Baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She knows the gospel, and her testimony is growing more everyday. She has been taught by so many amazing people in her life… teachers and leaders, friends, parents, and especially her many amazing Grandparents.

Since Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Bruce couldn’t be here, they sent some letters for me to read to Taylor and to all of you.

To Taylor Hall who is getting Baptized this weekend. Who has a beautiful smile, two quick legs, two creative hands, a bouquet of darling freckles, one very busy mouth, a heart full of love, and a brain oozing with potential and talent.  Yes, you’re right that's our "Taylor Girl".  It is so wonderful to have Taylor as our granddaughter.  She is such a good organizer.  She plans ahead and sometimes even plans her mother.  She is great to make cookies with, is a very good cleaner, and who could ask for a better big sister.  It has been fun to watch you grow and blossom these past eight years.  We know you love our Heavenly Father and are so pleased with how you and your family are continuing the tradition of reading the Book of Mormon.  We are happy that you have chosen to be a part of our Heavenly Father's family and take upon you His name.  Continue to be a strong example to others and look for the happy things in life. Love Grandma in Africa

It is just amazing that we can see you on the computer. We love our visits with you. I would like to congratulate you for your decision to be baptized this weekend. Baptism is a priesthood ordinance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and needs to be done with a physical body by someone who has the Priesthood of God. Your Father is a good example of a priesthood holder. As his father I am grateful he is worthy to baptize you. Taylor, we get to attend many baptisms as missionaries here in Africa and bare our testimonies about the gospel. I would like to share my testimony with you. I know we belong to the only true church on this earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The priesthood was restored back to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I love my testimony and I love you. As a new member you will now be responsible for the decisions you make whether they be bad or good, please listen to the Holy Ghost in your heart he will tell you right from wrong. Always choose good friends and always be in the right place at the right time then you will be protected. Your Mom will always be there for you to share and talk with. She has a good testimony of the Gospel and is a good example as a mother and wife love her and be helpful in your family. Love Grandpa Hall

 

Lindsey did Taylor’s hair that morning, just like they had theirs done for their baptism, in a heart french braid. It was darling. and Taylor loved it!