Melanie Brooke Russell's Baptism

This lovely child is the daughter of Matt and Maria Russell. Melanie has a sweet vivacious spirit. She is playful and kind with other children. If I had to guess, her favorite pastime is singing. You can always hear her singing a tune. She hasn't got a timid bone in her body. She's quick with a question or conversation. What a wonderful child!

Melanie was baptized on Saturday, March 28, 2011. The weather was overcast, rainy and cool. There were severe storms later in the afternoon. As you can see in the photo, the dogwoods, cherry trees, and pink magnolias are in bloom, but none were so radiant as Melanie in her white dress.

Melanie's parents, sister,  maternal grandparents, Aunt Angie, her children Sam and Anah, Second Cousins John, James, and  Miles, Great Uncle  John, and Great Aunt Paula were present. James' wife & daughter, Bradie and Ellie, and Miles' wife Ashlyn were there. There were many others there that I did not know. The Oconee River Branch President, Jonathan Roberts conducted the baptismal service.

I felt the Spirit during the service as I thought back on all the baptismal services I had witnessed in that room. All of my children had been baptized and confirmed there. Jimmy's high school friend, Bart Robbins was baptized by Jimmy here. The room was so familiar, and the feelings among family were so loving and kind. I took several photos to capture the day for Melanie and her parents.

Feeling the presence of the Holy Ghost is an unmistakable experience. A great warmth filled my chest, and the reassuring confidence that God was aware of me and my family entered my mind. I realized that my impressions about the Savior, Jesus Christ, could only be had by the Spirit. The people of the world may call faith, or the belief in Christ foolishness, but I am certain that they have not had the experience that I did during Melanie's baptism. 

I am grateful for my life, and the associations I have with my beautiful family, a stalwart husband, three fine sons, a virtuous daughter, two sweet daughters-in-law, a fine son-in-law, a granddaughter full of light, and a grandson on the way. I am grateful for the love we feel among our extended family. I thank God for my testimony of Jesus Christ, I know that he lives, I know that he loves us, he stands by to lift us up through the power of the Holy Ghost. I have felt these truths to my very core.

Thank you Melanie for a beautiful day.

Love,
Aunt Paula

Comments

  1. AshMarch 27, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Loved this. Especially the photo. It was a really lovely day.

    ReplyDelete

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