My sweet Nolen was baptized today! He was a little nervous but mostly excited. He asked exactly what was going to happen and we went through it all step by step and that seemed to ease his mind. He was worried the water would be cold but luckily, the water was lukewarm. After his baptism he said that he felt, "excited!" I thought that was so cute.
My dad baptized Nolen and Stephen's dad confirmed him by giving him the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was truly a special day. I am so blessed in my life. I remember the pain and anguish I felt when Nolen was diagnosed with autism six years ago. I worried that he might not be able to be baptized because he wouldn't understand. Nolen has been so blessed in his life. He has amazing teachers and friends who help him every step of the way.
My mom gave a beautiful talk on baptism and Nolen's teacher Brother Debuck gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost. He built a stool showing that through the Holy Ghost, Nolen's testimony would grow. It was so cool! I wish I could have taken a photo. It was so spiritual. I am so grateful to everyone who came to support Nolen.
After the baptism, we had a little birthday celebration for Nolen at our home. He had a few friends from school and cross country who came to celebrate with him. We had a friend make him the most AMAZING cake! It was filled with m&m's! Nolen loved it!
AND for your viewing pleasure, a video of an 8 year old.
November
23, 2018
Baptism of
Nolen Barnes
Nolen Barnes
Cottonwood
Heights Ward of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Albuquerque,
NM
Song
Lyrics:
When I am Baptized
1. I like to look for rainbows
Whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty
Of an earth made clean again.
Chorus: I want my life to be as
clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can
And live with God again.
2. I know when I am baptized
My wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve
Myself each day.
Chorus:
Popcorn Popping
1. I looked out the window,
And what did I see?
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!
Spring had brought me such a nice
surprise,
Blossoms popping right before my
eyes.
I could take an armful and make a
treat,
A popcorn ball that would smell so
sweet.
It wasn’t really so, but it seemed
to be
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.
Conducting: Bishopric
Pianist: Sister Skousen
Music Leader: Sister Barnes
Welcome: Bishopric
Opening Song: When I am Baptized
Opening
Prayer: Logan Skousen
Cousin
Talk
on Baptism:
Sister Skousen
Grandma
Grandma
Baptismal
Ordinance: Brother Skousen
Grandpa
Witnesses: Brother Skousen,
Uncle and
Brother
Barnes, Grandfather
Special
Piano Selection:
Talk
on Holy Ghost: Brother DeBuck
Teacher
Confirmation: Brother Barnes
Grandfather
Primary
Welcome: Sister Sims
Bishopric
Welcome: Bishopric
Closing Song: Popcorn Popping
Closing Prayer: Amanda
Skousen
Cousin
Cousin
Please join
us for dessert to celebrate Nolen’s baptism after the service.
