A Special Day. . . .

This past Sunday we celebrated the blessing of our son, Savou Ephraim Tu'akoi. :D It was a very special day & one that I always look 4ward to w/all of our children. Where they are given a name 2 be recorded in church records as well as their blessing date & the name of the person who blessed them. :D

There was an article that I read by Elder David B. Haight where he shares this story that touched me deeply & I thought it a great opportunity 2 share it on this post. :D He says:

Last Sunday, Ruby & I attended a sacrament meeting of a ward here in central Salt Lake. The meeting was most interesting because in that ward there is some affluence as well as people who are living in halfway houses. Just before the testimony meeting, a young lady walked up to the bishop on the stand holding a little baby in her arms wanting the baby to receive a blessing. The bishop stepped down & took the little baby, & the baby was blessed.

Near the end of the testimony meeting, when there were a few moments for me at the end, I asked the young lady who had brought her child up to be blessed if she would stand by me, which she did. In the meantime, while the testimony meeting was going on, I asked the bishop, whispering in his ear, "Where is her husband?"

The bishop said, "He's in jail."

I asked, "What is her name?" and he told me her name.

She came up & stood by me by my side, carrying the little baby. As we were standing at the pulpit, I looked down on this little precious baby, only a few days old, & this mother, the mother of that little daughter who had brought her to receive a blessing at the hands of the priesthood. As I looked at the mother & looked at that precious little child, I wondered of what she might become or what she could be. I spoke to the audience & to this young mother about the proclamation on the family, & of our responsibility to our children & the children's responsibility to their parents, & the parents' responsibility to each other. That marvelous document brings together the scriptural direction that we have received that has guided the lives of God's children from the time of Adam & Eve & will continue to guide us until the final winding-up scene."

This is only a small part of Elder Haight's talk that I wanted to share w/you all. I was greatly moved, even to tears when reading this part of his talk. I thought of this mother attending church this 1st Sunday w/out her husband & knowing enough about the gospel 2 want 2 have her baby blessed. I thought of how it might be if I were in this situation & how afraid & lonely I would've felt having 2 walk my baby up to the pulpit & request that my baby be blessed by the bishop. I felt very PROUD of this mother @ the same time 4 being able 2 know of the importance of her baby having a member of record in our church. It also made me very GRATEFUL 2 be surrounded by worthy priesthood holders that put in the work on a daily basis 2 keep themselves worthy of the priesthood which they hold. I, especially, felt very humbled & very lowly in heart that I would be so blessed as 2 be filled w/so many members of my family who are members of the church, but also felt very sad when thinking of those who haven't embraced the gospel in their lives yet. This talk gave me a lot 2 think about & reminded me of how BLESSED we are, as members of the church, 2 have such specific instructions given 2 us that tell exactly what we are to do in how we live our lives on a daily basis & what we need 2 be striving 4 to become an ETERNAL FAMILY. I'm so grateful 2 be a part of a WONDERFUL family whom I love & cherish w/all of my being. The Lord has blessed me greatly & I am truly humbled 4rom all the experiences I go through everyday. Whether they be bad or good. . . .I know that there is something 2 be learned 4rom each & everyone of them. :D

I'd like 2 thank all of our families & friends that were able 2 make it out. Unfortunately, I wasn't able 2 get any pictures of you all, but know that we love & appreciate all the support that you continually show us. I'm going to end on this note, but once again. . . . .thank you all. Strive 2wards eternity. Our kids deserve the BEST in everything. And that includes all the rewards & blessings that come w/all the hardwork & experiences we go through in this life. :D