The Age of Accountability!

I still can not believe I have an 8 year old.  While we were visiting family this summer Jayce who had turned 8 earlier, chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We could not be prouder of the choices he is making.

Two handsome boys!  Love a man in white!

We enjoyed the day with family.  Grandma and Grandpa Geary, Stacey and Jenny Lowe travelled to be with Jayce on his special day.  Grammy and Grandaddy Miller, Grandam Jones, Grammy Mary and Grandaddy Neil, Erica, Nick, Prestley, Savanna, and Lincoln Stallings, Amanda Miller, Katie, Brody, Atalyn, and Sailor Tomazin, Laurie and Cole Shawver, and Hannah Miller were all there. (If I am forgetting someone - please let me know so we can get the story right for Jayce when he is all grown up). 

Jayce, his siblings, and cousins sang a primary song - they did a great job and were so cute. 

We enjoyed yummy food afterward at Grammy and Grandaddy Miller's. 

For those who read this blog that are not familiar with LDS church please go to Mormon.Org for any questions you have or feel free to ask them here and I will do my best to answer them.

Grahm was really there, but cousins are so much more fun than family.  He was already on his way to the family BBQ!

Jayce - your Dad and I are so proud of you!  You make good choices every day and are a wonderful example to your little brother and sister (and to your parents)!  I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.  Pray often for help and guidance and you will always find your way home.  You constantly amaze me with your ability to be compassionate, understanding, and valiant.  I love you!


Some of my thoughts on Baptism!
When someone reaches the age of 8 we believe that they are old enough to be held accountable for their choices. At this point they need the Atonement of Christ to help them return to live with their Father in Heaven. Therefore, they need baptism and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to help them through life and all its tough choices. Some people (including myself) have thought that 8 is so young to be making such a huge commitment to join a church. It is obviously not as young as some churches, but very young. However, my brother-in-law in a wise moment made the comment that even though it is young, they will need the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to ultimately make that choice (a choice that is really made again each day of your life) and to choose good over evil. I also want to point out that baptism is a very serious commitment, but it does not take away free agency. Should anyone at any point after baptism choose to no longer be a member of the LDS church they can make that choice.