Baptism Party Decorations

My sweet nephew was baptized today and his parents hosted a luncheon afterwards.  My sister-in-law has such a cute style and decorated to the max.

While this party was to celebrate a baptism, most of her ideas could be used for other occasions.  I'm thinking birthday parties, mission farewells, showers, Teacher Appreciation, and so on.

I have to say that all the children loved the "Sweet Treats" section the most.  Well, I did see a lot of adults sneaking candy too.

 I like how she used shredded paper to add height and use less candy in the containers.

Of course her table settings were darling too.  She used colored duct tape to wrap around the water bottles.

Check out this incredible cake.  She had a friend do the fondant decorating.  Only bad part is that the cake was so cute that we weren't allowed to eat it (seriously)!

They served a delicious lunch and used these little chalkboards to write which foods were being served.  My mom-in-law is an artist so she did the writing.  They served pulled pork sandwiches, beans, watermelon, veggies, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, etc.  Something for everyone.

 Feel free to copy any of these cute ideas. I think I'll invite her to do my next party...

Baptism Talk with Kit Kat Reminder

This afternoon I am speaking at the baptism of a sweet nine-year old son who was just adopted into our friends' family.  They asked me to speak at his baptism this afternoon so I wrote this talk this morning.  Our main audience will be children so I know this object lesson will hold their attention and that they'll remember what is said.  Feel free to use this talk.  By the way, I didn't think of the concept of using the Kit Kat, it is "out there" on Pinterest.  I just made the graphics and wrote the talk which was inspired by the Pinterest pins.

There are links listed to access these graphics in PDF format.  PS My son with a sweet tooth will be thrilled with the handouts ;)

This poster can be placed by a basket of Kit Kat's as handouts for after the baptism.  Click HERE to get the PDF.

These signs can be used during the talk as visual reminders to hold the kids' attention.  Depending on your stake, you may or may not be allowed to use visual aids during your talk.  Click HERE to get these pages in PDF format.

These are little handouts that can be printed on a sheet of cardstock at home and then attached to Kit Kat bars.  Click HERE to get the PDF.

Here's the actual talk (feel free to cut, paste and edit if desired):

Do you know that you are just about to participate in your very first saving ordinance and make your very first official promise to Heavenly Father?

Today when you are baptized you will make some promises to your Heavenly Father.

See this Kit Kat bar?  It may look like an ordinary candy but it is a symbol that will help you remember your baptism covenants.

K is for KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. 

When you are baptized, you promise to do your best to follow Jesus and keep all of His commandments.   When you make a mistake, you repent and try to do better.

Talk - The Commandments

I was asked to speak about The Commandments.  A lot of the information from my talk comes from lesson 4 in the missionary book called “Preach My Gospel.”  Since I will be able to go on a mission soon, it was good for me to study from this book.

Since the beginning of time, parents have been giving rules to their children. Rules like not playing in the street or not playing with matches. Sometimes the rules seemed like a burden to kids, like their parents must have invented them to keep them from doing the things they really wanted to do—the things they thought would make them happy. As we grow up we learn how important these rules are, how we could have been seriously injured or even killed if we had not obeyed.

Like our earthly parents, God gives us commandments to help keep us focused on what is most important and how to stay safe. All of His guidance is meant to keep us safe, help us stay close to Him and, in the end, to give us more freedom and happiness.

Understanding the Sacrament Prayers & Renewing Baptism Covenants

I made this for our children to better understand the Sacrament prayers and to help them with their Faith in God goals (Living and Learning the Gospel, #1) which states "Explain how taking the sacrament helps you renew your baptismal covenant. In a Family Home Evening, teach others about things we can do to remain faithful."

Hope this is helpful for you too.

Baptism - One Page Information Sheet

I found this in this Friend magazine article.  It is a simple summary for young children to better understand baptism.

Teacher Appreciation Quotes for IKEA Frames

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up and I am in charge of doing cute, fun stuff for the 70+ teachers at our elementary school.

Well, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these IKEA frames for $0.99.

I've used them myself a ton for parties, showers, wedding receptions, etc. and I knew the teachers would find good uses for them too.  And for $0.99, that is just a screaming deal.  IKEA rocks that way.

So I designed some cute pictures to go in the frame.  The frame fits a 4x6 inch picture and I develop my pictures at Costco for $0.13 plus tax.

I made one picture that says "Please Sign-in Here" and did it in our school's color theme with the school mascot on it (not pictured due to privacy concerns).  The teachers can use those signs for Back to School Night, Open House, Parent Teacher Conferences, etc.  Practical, yet cute and the total cost of frame and 2 pictures is less than $1.50 per teacher.

Then I made a bunch of quotes so that the teachers could display them on their desk for everyday use.  I did a variety of color themes and will let the teachers pick one each (first come, first served).  They could also put family pictures or something else and it is double sided so you can display two pics at once.

I used Stampin' Up's My Digital Studio graphics to design them.  They have a cool program you can use to design cards, invitations, etc.  I highly recommend it and no, I don't sell Stampin' Up and I do not get paid to say that LOL.  I designed my pics on PowerPoint (which I'm addicted to) and just inserted graphics from the Stampin' Up package I purchased.

I know the teachers are going to love these.  You can also use this same concept, with different quotes obviously, for Mother's Day, Young Women, birthdays, baptisms, etc.  Have fun with it!

See THIS POST for how I used these IKEA frames for a wedding reception.

Baptism - Eight is Great Donuts

This is a cute idea that is floating out there in Pinterest-land.  You put two mini donuts in a bag and it looks like an 8.  Then put a cute topper on the bag to seal it shut and give them to your baptism guests.  I wish I had known about this when my kiddos were baptized.

I wanted to copy this creative idea and make pink and blue graphics with this theme.  You fold the paper in half and then staple them on the bag of two mini donuts.  Feel free to use them if you'd like.

Talk - The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know

From an address given by President Boyd K. Packer, on June 24, 2003, at a seminar for new mission presidents, Missionary Training Center, Provo, Utah.

This is one of the best talks I've read about the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  It clarifies that baptism and  confirmation should always be spoken of together.  They are two halves of a whole.  President Packer said, "Missionaries—and parents as well—are to teach both halves: “Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins [and the] Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:4). Make it one sentence. Fix it in the front of your minds so that when you say one, you say the other, and when you think one, you think the other."

Click HERE to read the talk on www.lds.org or read the whole talk below.

My purpose is to teach you through doctrine and scripture why it is that we do things as we do. I will give some direction and suggestions as to how we can do things better in order that each member of the Church will be thoroughly converted and never will fall away.

Joseph Smith said: “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (History of the Church, 5:499).

Baptism - Great to Be 8 Cake

Here's a beautiful cake that was made for my son for his baptism day. It is decorated with white frosting, coconut and little white sparkly sugar balls. It made him feel very special. (P.S. My hubby generously offered to eat the two smaller circles of cake that were cut out of the 8...)

Poem - Baptism (Towel symbol)

We attached this poem to a fluffy white towel to give to people when they were preparing for baptism. If possible it is nice to have the person's name embroidered on it. Another cheaper option is those iron-on letters at Walmart or craft stores. We did that and put the child's initials on the towel (on the flat part toward the bottom). It is a fun tradition but can be costly, especially if you have many children being baptized. If you are doing this as a member of a Primary Presidency ask your bishop if this expense is appropriate for your ward. It is a fun gift for a friend or relative to receive.

This clean, white towel is a reminder for you
Of your baptism day for all the years through.
When you come out of the water, clean and pure,
Dry off with this towel and you can be sure,
That you are as clean as the towel is white
And soon the Holy Ghost can guide you day and night.
For the Holy Ghost is your gift after the laying on of hands
And will be a comfort and guide if you obey God’s commands.
When your towel becomes soiled, remember that we too
Make some mistakes but have been taught what to do.
Just as you can wash your towel so again it will be clean,
Your sins can be washed away and never again be seen.
The price for all your sins was paid by Jesus Christ with love.
Through repentance you’ll be worthy to return to Him above.
You will follow the Savior’s example as you make this choice.
Continue to try to be like Him and listen to the still, small voice.
Your Heavenly Father loves you. Remember to always pray,
And His Spirit will be with you forever and a day.

Poem - Baptism (Soap Symbol)

When I was in the Primary Presidency we attached a cute little paper CTR shield to a bar of soap and added the poem. Some people put it on the actual soap and then put wax on top of it to make it look attached to the soap. I am so busy for that so I just bought the soaps that come in a little white box or sealed in a white plastic bag and glued a CTR shield to the outside. My son still has his special soap and poem in his keepsake box. We gave the soaps to the Primary kids when we passed out invitations to the Baptism Fireside. It is also cute to give to friends when they are preparing for baptism.

I'm just a little bar of soap made especially for you,

I smell good and can make you clean, but I’m a symbol too.

When you go outside and play and get dirty as can be
You come inside and grab some soap to clean yourself you see.

This is how you clean your body of the dirt and grime
You also need to clean your soul to feel happy all the time

When you make mistakes in life and want a better way
You can pray to Heavenly Father and repent every day

So let this soap remind you of repentance and the role

The Savior plays to help you in your life to make you whole.

Poem - Baptism Bracelet

Here is a cute poem to attach to a bracelet and give a young girl as she is being baptized.

Today I’m getting baptized
I recently turned eight.
This bracelet will remind me
Of this important date.

A pearl to mark each year
As I have grown to be,
A precious child of our dear Lord
Poised for eternity.

So Father may I ask thee
To comfort me when weak.
To lift me up and steady me
As fervently I seek.

To do as thou has taught me;
To follow in thy way.
To grow my faith and lift my heart
As reverently I pray.

Talk - The Holy Ghost is a Special Gift (for 8 year olds)

This is a talk I have used when asked to speak about the Holy Ghost at Stake Youth Baptisms. I have also used it at our "Baptism Fireside" at the beginning of the year to teach all the kids about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I used a picture to hold up for each of the BOLD words.

After you are baptized today, you will be confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a very special gift. There are different things that can remind you of the things that the Holy Ghost can do for you.

A MOUTH can remind you that the Holy Ghost speaks in a still small voice.

An EAR can remind you to listen to the Holy Ghost because he will guide you and help you to choose the right.

The Holy Ghost is like a WARM BLANKET because he can comfort you. The Holy Ghost is sometimes called the comforter. He can bring you strength and comfort when you need to make hard decisions in your life or when you are sad or lonely.

The BOOK OF MORMON can remind you that the Holy Ghost always speaks the truth. When you study and pray about the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father can let you know through the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true.

A BOOK can remind you that the Holy Ghost is a teacher. The Holy Ghost can help you understand the scriptures and the teachings of our Prophets and Leaders. It can also help you learn at church, school and home.

The Holy Ghost will light your way like a CANDLE and help you walk along the righteous path that leads back to our Heavenly Father.

The HEART can remind you that sometimes you won’t hear the Holy Ghost, but you will feel a warm feeling in your heart. The heart can also remind you that because Heavenly Father and Jesus love you, they have given you the very special gift of the Holy Ghost to help you to return to live with them someday.

It is my prayer that each of you will try your best to be worthy to have the Holy Ghost with you all the time and that you will listen to the Holy Ghost.

Talk - Baptism (for converts)

This is a talk I have used when I have been asked to speak at convert baptisms. It is way more detailed than the simple talk I use for youth baptisms.

PREMORTAL REALM - Before we were born, we lived as spirit children with our Heavenly Father. God loved and treasured each of His sons and daughters and we were taught many things in His presence. We were very happy living with our Heavenly Father, but we knew that in order for us to continue to progress, we needed to have more experiences.

HEAVENLY FATHER’S PLAN - Heavenly Father presented a plan to us. This plan involved receiving a physical body and coming to this world to gain earthly experience. Each of us in this room, each person on this earth and everyone who ever has lived or will live on this earth accepted Heavenly Father’s plan. We knew that we would be able to learn and grow through experiences here on earth, and that we would be able to progress toward perfection.

AGENCY - God will not force us to be perfect. Before we were born we had our agency (the ability to make our own choices) and we have that ability now. He has given us agency and the chance to grow and learn from our mistakes and trials. Not one of us will make it through this life without making mistakes. But in His wisdom and infinite love, He has given us a way to become clean.

RETURN TO HIM - Heavenly Father wants us to come back and live with Him after our earth life is through. He has given us the ability to obtain eternal life. He has given us the opportunity to be together as families throughout eternity. He has so many blessings that He wants to give to us. He also has given us the tools and guidance we need to be worthy to return to live with him someday.

PRINCIPLES & ORDINANCES - Today, just as in the days of Jesus, there are certain principles and ordinances of the gospel which the Lord said we must learn and obey. A principle is a belief or teaching. An ordinance is a rite or ceremony. The first two principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel. One of the instructions the Lord gave to his apostles was, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20. The second ordinance of the gospel is receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which Brother Johns will talk about.

COVENANT - Today is an exciting day. You are about to participate in your very first ordinance of the gospel and make your first covenant with Heavenly Father. You have shown that you have growing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that you have a repentant heart. I know this because I see your desire and willingness to be baptized and I see peace and purity when I look at you. You will be baptized in a few minutes and then tomorrow you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I feel sure that Heavenly Father is very pleased with you and your decisions.

As I mentioned you are about to make your first covenant. A covenant is like a two-way promise. When you are baptized, you promise Heavenly Father that you are willing to remember and follow Jesus and that you will keep His commandments.

In turn, our Heavenly Father promises that he will forgive you of your mistakes and weaknesses when you repent. He also promises that you can have the gift of the Holy Ghost with you and that you can obtain eternal life someday. It seems to me that we are getting the good end of this deal.

Why should we be baptized?
There are many reasons to be baptized. Here are five important ones.

1) We must be baptized for the remission of our sins. If we repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We need to be baptized to become clean again.

2) We must be baptized to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

3) We must be baptized before we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

4) We must be baptized to show obedience.
Jesus was baptized while he lived on the earth. He was pure and had never sinned, but he needed to be baptized to show us the way and to show us the importance of this ordinance. He said that his baptism was necessary “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-15).

5) We must be baptized to enter the Celestial Kingdom.
All of Heavenly Father’s children need to be baptized. Being baptized is the only way there is for us to return and live with Heavenly Father after we are finished with our turn on earth. Being baptized and going under the water washes you clean. And only people who are clean from all their sins can live with Heavenly Father. Jesus said: “Whoso believeth in me, and is baptized… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” Baptism is the gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom. There is no other way.

How should we be baptized?

Baptism by immersion (or going completely under water) by one having the proper authority is the only true and acceptable way of being baptized. When we are immersed in water and come out again, it is symbolic of death and resurrection. Our sinful life ends when we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. After these ordinances we start a new life.

SACRAMENT – As human beings we are forgetful. It is easy to forget the covenants we make. Heavenly Father has provided a reminder for us to help us keep our covenants. We have the opportunity to take the sacrament each week at church. When we take the sacrament, we renew our baptismal covenants every week. When the sacrament is blessed and passed, it is a good opportunity to sit and think about the promises we have made to our Heavenly Father and the promises he has made to us. I tend to think about mistakes I have made that week and things I need to improve in my life. But most importantly I remember that Jesus died and was resurrected that we might live again some day. And that he suffered in Gethesmane to atone for our sins so that we could live with Him and with our family someday if we repent of our sins, keep His commandments and live worthily.

YOU’RE CLEAN - You are so lucky! After you are baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost you will be absolutely, positively, perfectly clean.  All the mistakes you have made in your whole life so far will be washed away. You have a wonderful life ahead of you.

ENDURE TO THE END - The journey is just beginning though. After you have been baptized (baptism by water) and have been confirmed (which is referred to as baptism of fire), you will still be faced with challenges, trials and temptations throughout your life. But you have the tools to overcome these things. Heavenly Father has given us commandments to keep us safe, scriptures to help us navigate through life’s tough roads, the ability to talk to Heavenly Father through prayer and to have our prayers answered. He has given us a living prophet on the earth to lead and guide us during these challenging times. He has given us Temples where we can make more covenants and be sealed together as families. You will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which will be a blessing and protection unto you. I bear my testimony that these things are true.

Talk - Baptism (for 8 year olds)

Here is a talk that I have used when I have spoken at Stake Baptisms for 8 year olds.

[Address person being baptized] Do you know that you are just about to participate in your very first saving ordinance and make your very first official promise to Heavenly Father?

Today when you are baptized you will promise Heavenly Father that you will do your best to remember and follow Jesus and keep all of His commandments. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that whenever we make a promise to Him, He makes a promise right back to us.

Today Heavenly Father also will make you a promise. He promises you that He will forgive you if you make mistakes and do something wrong if you repent. He also promises that you can have the gift of the Holy Ghost with you and that you can obtain eternal life someday.

When we make a promise to Heavenly Father and He makes one right back to us, those promises are called covenants. Heavenly Father never breaks His promises to us, and we need to try every single day never to break our promises to Him.

Let’s go over once again what you will promise today:
1. To take upon you the name of Christ (D&C 18:21-25)
2. To bear one another’s burdens that they might be light (Mosiah 18:8)
3. To stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places even until death. (Mosiah 18:9)
4. To obey the commandments of God and to serve him (Mosiah 18:10)

God promises:
1. To accept you as a member of his Church
2. To forgive your sins if you repent
3. To give you the gift of the Holy Ghost
4. To bring you into the kingdom of God in heaven as you strive to be obedient

Even though you are only eight years old you know how hard it is not to make mistakes, don’t you. Mistakes like not telling the whole truth, or being mean to someone and laughing about it. It is hard for everyone to choose the right every single minute of every single day. Heavenly Father knows that. So on this day He gives you another great gift - the gift of the Holy Ghost. Someone else will talk about this wonderful gift after you are baptized. The Holy Ghost will help you choose the right.

Jesus also needed to be baptized. Even though Jesus had never sinned, he still needed to be baptized so that He could be a good example to others.

[Show the picture of Jesus and John the Baptist]

Every Sunday you have a chance to remember the covenant you made this day. That is what people do when they bow their heads during the Sacrament. You can remember the promises that you made to Heavenly Father and the promises He made to you. You can think about what kind of person you were during the week between Sundays and if you have been honest, kind, obedient and loving. You can also make a decision on how to do better the next week. But most importantly you can remember that Jesus died and was resurrected that we all might live again some day. And that He suffered in Gethesmane to atone for our sins and understand exactly what we experience and be there as a true friend to support us.

Remember that this is the first day of the rest of your life. It is my prayer that you will always remember the promises you'll make to Heavenly Father and the promises He will make to you.