Sam's Special Day

Our grandson Sam was baptized today. While I try to be very sensitive when I’m discussing my religion on my blog, I couldn’t let this special day pass without mentioning it—partly to let Sam know how proud we are of him and his choice to be baptized, and partly because any day spent with my family is a day worth mentioning!

 We have a couple of baptism-day traditions in the Gardner family. The boys get their first suit, and I have to say that Sam looked very smart all dressed-up, very grown-up and impressive! I participated in the short program, and I just about burst with pride as I looked out at him, listening so carefully to everything that everyone said!

 

The second tradition is that Sterling and I give each of the grandchildren their own set of scriptures (complete with their name engraved in gold on the covers) when they’re baptized. So it was nice to continue with that tradition and present Sam with his personal set of scriptures, which we hope will be very special to him throughout his life.

After the baptism, we all went out to eat lunch. It was so fun to watch all the cousins sitting together and chatting; even the younger ones were well-behaved.

What a beautiful blessing my family is to me—and sweet days like this are just reminders of how important our loved ones are in our life!

Comments

[Judee Pepper]

Shelly, Thank you for sharing this special story with us, you have a beautiful family!

[Bren]

Shelli, I understand why you say you try to "be sensitive" when talking about your religion. But I hope you don't do that because you feel we find it unwelcome!

For any person for whom their belief system is an integral part of their lives, that very system is what makes them the person they are. If there are things in your life that are important to you that DO have to do with your religion than I personally welcome your sharing them with us.

After all, your religion is clearly part of what makes you the way you are and since we all LOVE the way you are, share away where you feel it is appropriate or meaningful!

I will take the opportunity to again thank you for the wonderful example you set for us all! Enjoy your day!

[Kim McAlister]

Dear Shelli,
I also love hearing you share about your beliefs!As a mother, there is nothing more precious than seeing your children be baptized! I am not yet a gradmother, but imagine that must be even more special. You and Sterling have raised children who in turn have raised children who believe in God, and wish to live Godly lives. How immensly satisfying, and how wonderful to share it with us!
I feel like I am a part of your family in a special way. Your continual reminder of what is foremost of all our other responsibilities- our devotion to God and to our families-is a powerful and moving example in my life. I thank God for you and your witness!
Kim

[Sandra Nicholls]

IT IS beautiful to sit in Australia and read about your family. So blessed.

Sandra

[Laura Pinto-Nguyen]

Congratulations on your grandson's baptism!!! My son will hopefully be baptized next month as well..let's keep our fingers crossed.

[Kate Liechty]

My daughter was baptized on Saturday as well. It was such a special day for her, I know you are so proud of Sam. He looks very handsome in his suit.

[Maxine Conrad]

I LOVE reading and hearing anything and everything about your and your cute family, Shelli :) Congratulations to Sam x

[Maxine Conrad]

Grrr I hate typos - you and your :)

[Lynn Hampton]

My grandson was baptized on Saturday, too. It was a special day as all that participated were family. First baptism of a grandchild. Time passes so quickly. So special that his 10 year old aunt, my youngest, and also his best friend participated by giving the opening prayer.

[lisa martin]

STUFF religion Shelli - we visit your blog cos we LOVE YOU! If people dont like it - they will get over it! BLESSINGS TO SAM!!!!!!!!!!

[Tamara Rutledge]

I just wanted to congratulate your Grandson and your family for holding fast to your beliefs, and thank you for sharing especially in this day and age. The majority of my family members are LDS and the persecution they have suffered for having those beliefs is tremendous and indescribable. My oldest Son was baptized years ago and now has the Aaronic Priesthood. I'm proud of him. I have nothing but respect for you, your family and loved ones and everyone else who is compassionate and kind toward others. I wish this world had BILLIONS of Shelli Clones, it would be a much better place to live. Happy Holidays, Blessings and Love to you and your family from Me and Mine xoxoxoxo

[Regina Cornelius]

it seems like your family had a wonderful day! i believe it is a crying shame that one has to feel that talking about their faith is "touchy." shame on those who make people feel that way. after all - no one is making someone else read about a religion in a blog post, right?

thank you for all you share with us - creative, family and faith.

[Leah]

Shelli....I think it is also a shame that you feel you have to sensor yourself when it comes to religion, but I also commend you on it, it's refreshing to see someone who respects and embraces their culture or religion, but doesn't force their opinions or beleifs on anyone else. Thank you for being one classy lady, Shelli. You are a true role model for all of us.

[Genia Richards]

Dear Shelli,

I would be proud to share that news too! I am so happy for him that he is embracing GOD. Do not feel that you should sensor something as wonderful as that. Keep your faith and keep on stampin.

[Donna]

I have to agree with all the positive notes to you Shelli and say that we all need to stand up and praise God for all of His blessings. He would not want any of us to be silent about Him. Please do not feel cautious when speaking of your religious beliefs, we all need to experiance His love through others, and we learn by hearing how others worship. ~Thank you for sharing your special family moments with us!

[Sandee Everett - NZ]

Thanks so much for sharing Shelli! Gods Richest Blessings To You and your family!

[Stella MacKay]

No need to be sensitive to mentioning your religion. It's who you are and I expect (and welcome) to hear about it. The Douglass family all looked gorgeous. LOVE the photo of Sam and Sara kissing his cheek. SO cute. Congrats to Sam on his very special day!

[Grace Bullen]

Shelli, I'm glad you posted about this special event in your family's life. I'm not LDS but know you are and don't expect you to hide that part of you, but appreciate your sensitivity to the fact that there is a lot of religious diversit within SU! demonstrators. The only thing that I don't understand is that there are so few SU! stamp sets that I (and my LDS customers) recognize as having particular LDS significance or appeal, such as the Just Buzzin By set, and NONE that are really overtly LDS. Why doesn't SU! have stamp sets with sentiments related to folks on missions, Temple, the Angel Moroni, Pioneer Day, quotes from the Book of Mormon or D&C, etc.? I know my LDS customers would really appreciate it -- just as my Jewish customers appreciate Jewish-themed sets (more Passover and Rosh Hashanah please!!). For myself, as an Episcopalian Christian, I'm glad SU! has offered several sets over the years with Bible verses, and I can't wait for my next order which will include the beautiful Crosses of Hope set! If you can offer symbols of my faith, why not symbols of yours? And who knows, maybe soon you'll have sets related to Islam or other religions too! People of a wide variety of theological beliefs love Stampin' Up! Congratulations again on your grandson's baptism!
Grace Bullen

[Tai Singleton]

Dear Shelli: Family is very important and I am glad for Sam. Yes, Sam will appreciate his scriptures throught out his life. Your family has really grown since I first joined SU six years ago.

Looking at your family photos gives warmth to the meaning of family.

Tai Singleton

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