Draper Temple Dedication (via Satellite)

Yesterday I took Eran to the Draper Temple Dedication with my mom and dad. Before we left to go to the Stake Center, my mom and I were telling her that in a few short years (3 to be exact) she'd get to have the chance to go do baptisms for the dead. I could see the confusion written across her face, and if her head was see through, I know I'd be able to see the wheels turning in there. After a few short minutes, she finally looked at me and asked, "Mom? When I go do baptisms for the dead, do I have to hold a dead person in my arms?" My mom and I laughed hysterically and then explained to her how to works. With a look of relief on her face she asked, "So there's no dead people floating in the water either? Right?" The kinds of questions that a 9-year-old can come up with are just amazing! I don't think I would have ever thought about that at her age!

The dedication was wonderful. After it was over, Eran informed me that it was too long, and then couldn't figure out why my mom, dad and I were crying. Maybe she was too young to understand, but at least it's something she won't forget. Even if to her it was long and boring.

DJ Bawden

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting DJ Bawden. For those of you who don't know who he is, he's a sculptor that has done many projects of Joseph Smith. He had some very funny stories, but also some extremely funny ones. My favorites were when he was asked by the prophet to do a sculpture and he didn't have the money to bronze it, how a catholic hospital in Texas would call and offer him a job to do a sculpture of Jesus for the main foyer. Every time he needed money to make something for the Mormon church, the Catholic hospitals in Texas would call him and ask him to a sculpture of Jesus. He became known in Texas as the Catholic Sculptor. Even though he's a Mormon.
If you ever get a chance to go hear him speak, please do so. You will not walk away disappointed. I know I wasn't.