Grace's Baby Blessing

Since we weren't able to have any family here for Grace's baby blessing, we thought we'd post it to allow those of you who would like too, to read it.  I had several women in our ward try to write what they heard and tried piecing all of their notes together with some help from Nathan.  He always says so many words in so little time it is hard to capture everything, but he did a wonderful job, as usual.  We had several men in the circle to support him, and I think he felt good about it.  We sure missed having family around, although we don't expect anything since we are so far from so many!  Events like that make us wish we were a lot closer!  Maybe someday!  Once I figure out how to get older posts into a book I will be able to add more pics- like the cute one of Grace in her blessing gown- ADORABLE.

"Our Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we take this infant in our arms to give her a name and blessing.  The name which will be given to you is Grace Nichole Clark.  Grace, you are a valiant spirit who has prepared much in the pre-mortal life to come forth in these dark and perilous times to be a beacon of light and truth to the world.  We bless you to feel the joy of your ancestors who rejoice at your birth, and who watch over you, and yearn for you to choose the right and be happy in this life.  You will be blessed with their presence to guide and assist you throughout this life.  We bless you to be faithful and filled with a desire to connect the link of your life and faith to the eternal family chain stretching out to so many who have come before and those who will come after.  You were prepared to be born now and given strength to carry the torch of faith, which is now passed to you, valiantly in these last days.  We bless you to feel the faith of your fathers burn in your heart and ignite a flame of devotion, love and righteousness which cannot be quenched.  We bless you with a sensitivity to spiritual things, to know how to feel even the most and gentle proddings of the spirit and to have the gift of discernment to know what is right and true.  Because you have been blessed with special physical gifts, talents and capacities you will have the opportunity to touch the lives of many in your path.  We bless you to cultivate the gift of kindness, to have the power to reach down to touch the hearts of many, to care for others and help ease the burdens of many who struggle, especially in your family.   You will be able to brighten, cheer, and lift those around you.  As you make it your life’s work and mission to help those around you, you will be blessed with the power of God unto the convincing of men. You have a special gift to excel in temple work and to seek after your dead ancestors and knit the hearts of your family and others who are put in your path as one.  As tumultuous times come and the days of sifting within the kingdom intensify, we bless you to follow the brethren and to see the mantle of the priesthood and its keys resting upon those who lead this church; to be strict in following their counsel and teachings.  You will have special protection and safety as you do so. We bless you to feel the love of God daily in your life, fueling your desire for the things of God and lifting your soul to Him. We bless you to not fear or doubt the uncertainty of the future but to put your trust and faith in the Savior.  These blessings we bestow upon you and do so in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen."