Koryna Kelsey's baptism

Chris Kelsey was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood Sunday, March 15. The Spirit was so strong and I think it was intensified as Dave had fasted to have for It for the blessing. Chris is on board. He kept saying that this is only the beginning. And I know he's right. And he told me how much he loves Dave. There is a true brotherhood between them.

Wednesday was Koryna's baptism. I wanted to host a dinner for them after the service as I would for my children. I enlisted help from the wives of the bishopric and Trina offered to host the meal. This was a big sacrifice as she was leaving town the next morning early. I made a bunch of chicken broccoli casserole. The funny thing was that I knew after I finished two big trays that I had enough. But then I felt ok about going to the store and buying more ingredients to make a third so that I could sit comfortably in case the invitation to the meal was extended to all those who came to witness her baptism.

So after making the dish all over again, I finally took a few minutes to shower about 2:00. As I was getting dressed, I looked in the mirror scrutinizingly. I decided it didn't really matter how I looked as the evening was not focused on me..... Then I had a horrible start: I was supposed to give a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Whoops!

I repented of my Martha business (though I hadn't felt troubled, just busy) and prayed for Mary's heart to open the spiritual truths I needed to share. I sat down and wrote my talk, substantially from the bible dictionary and the topical guide. I knew when I started reading the bible dictionary what I was to say and I had to pray in gratitude.

Koryna had asked for a blessing before the baptism to settle her nerves. She thought Dave and the bishop were coming to her house and they thought she was meeting them at the church. So we got off to a late start, but the room was full of people coming to love and support them ... and it was full of spirit.

What a spiritual meeting! I knew as I stood up to speak that I was not in charge of my message. The thoughts that I had prepared flowed comfortably, but it was a message given through me rather than by me. It was a powerful experience.

Chris then baptised Koryna. Wow. I don't know what else to say. We are witnessing true conversion and it is the most wonderful miracle!!! I went in to assist her after the baptism and she just sobbed. She said she has walked a long road to this point and it was so special to have Chris baptize her. She told me she really did feel Jesus there. She heard words in her mind assure her, "You're going to be OK, Koryna."

Pause for a moment now. Cambry had a vocal concert that night. So I left Koryna and the meeting to run to see the footnotes choir perform. She was standing on the risers but had not yet started singing when I arrived, and was able to spot me as I walked to a seat. Oh it was so sweet to listen to her choir do so well. I smiled and enjoyed her and her friends who smile back at me. Children expand us in every dimension. No wonder family is so central to God's plan!

After her performance, Cambry and I rushed back home and grabbed the casserolesto meet up with those who were just coming home from the service. Dinner was wonderful (we ate all of the first two casseroles, none of the third) and there was so much love in the room. Chris and Koryna are really a part of the ward family and they know it. But it's not just them, it's Sherrie and Kaylee and numerous others as the ripple extends.