Matt's Baptism

I have been really slow in posting about Matt's special day a couple of weeks ago.

Matt was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Nov 8th.

He was so excited to be baptized and he could hardly sit still for these pictures :)

It was a very wonderful day and so many loved ones came and supported him.

Josh gave an awesome talk about baptism (which can be read at the end of this post) and Matt's cousin, Tyler, gave an excellent talk on the Holy Ghost before Matt was confirmed.

Afterward, everyone came to the house for a meal...

Matt wasted no time in getting out of his suit :)

I just had to put this picture in of my nephew Carter because I love his cheeks so much!

Grandma Bryan's famous #8 cookies...

Grandpa and Grandma Bryan

Grandma O., Grandma Jannie and Grandpa Greg

I love this handsome guy of mine that made the wonderful decision to be baptized.

Here is Josh's talk that he wrote absolutely by himself.

The first time we heard it was when he gave it at the baptism.

He gave me permission to post it :)

"Today we are here for the baptism of Matthew David Bryan.  Sometimes Matt and I have gotten into fights, but in a little bit, none of it will matter, because Matt will be given a second chance.  That is a reason why baptism is such an important thing in life.  To me, the first 8 years of our life is spent studying for a test.  The test, of course, is the rest of your life.  The time before your baptism is the time where you can make mistakes, and you will learn from them. You can learn after your baptism, of course, but those mistakes will be counted and will be used against you in your trial in heaven.

  I remember my baptism. I think it’s hard not to once you’ve been baptized.  I remember Dad saying, “Amen” and going down into the water. As soon as I went under, I had an incredible sensation that I don’t quite know how to explain.  In a way, I felt every single sin inside of me washing away, into the water. I hope Matt will feel the same way as well. 

In 2 Nephi 31:5, it says: “And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!”  This means that if Jesus needed to be baptized, we needed to be baptized.

The following verses explain the symbols of baptism: Romans:6:3-5:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 For if we have been planted together in the alikeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

These scriptures say that when we go under the water, it is like we die, we are buried. When we come out of the water, it symbolizes resurrection and the newness of life.

I would like to bear my testimony, that I know the church is true, and that baptism does really give you a second chance."