From the Pool to the Priesthood: Finding the Spirit in Every Setting

There are moments, right? Moments that feel so vividly real, so saturated with the Spirit, that you almost have to stop everything and just *breathe* it in. Watching these family baptisms, seeing the commitment, the joy, the sheer love in the air—it hits you. It makes you remember that the Spirit doesn't require the grandest setting, the most perfect circumstances, or even the deepest ocean. It just requires the willingness to follow the covenant.

It was beautiful watching Canyon’s baptism, and seeing the whole family rally around that commitment. It’s a powerful reminder that the ordinances of the gospel—baptism, confirmation, temple work—these are divine, and the Lord provides the means, the people, and the feeling of peace, even when the water temperature is a little cooler than hoped!

The Spirit Follows the Work

What struck me most, as I watched, was the focus on the *meaning* of the day, not just the spectacle. The minister spoke so beautifully about what baptism represents: a promise to be kind, to help those in need, and to try to be like Jesus. And then, the mention of the Holy Ghost—that gift that helps us make good choices and feel peace when life gets hard. It’s like that blanket they showed, right? It warms you when you’re cold, whether that cold is literal or spiritual.

As returned missionaries, we spend so much time preparing for the "big moment"—the missionary discussion, the first meeting, the feeling of standing in the field. But these moments, these acts of covenant keeping, are what truly anchor us. They are tangible proof that the gospel is real. It’s not just something we read about in the Preach My Gospel; it’s something we *do*.

Be Curious and Seek the Lord

I kept thinking about the counsel given to Canyon: "Be curious. Be curious. Seek the Lord in your life as you get older." That’s a mandate for all of us, isn't it? Whether you’re preparing for your own mission, or you’re a lifelong disciple navigating the complexities of modern life, the invitation is always the same: curiosity coupled with seeking. Don't let the noise of the world drown out that quiet whisper of the Spirit.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of these covenants, I highly recommend diving into the LivingBook. It’s a wonderful place to connect with others through Book Clubs or join a Bible Study Group. Sometimes just seeing others wrestle with the same scriptures—like the covenants made at baptism—is the nudge we need to keep going.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Power of Testimony

The best thing I took away from this was the power of the testimony. The minister didn't just recite words; he *felt* them. When we are teaching, especially to investigators, we often get caught up in the doctrine—the 'what.' But remember the 'why.' Your testimony isn't just a nice addition; it's the divine glue that connects the doctrine to the heart. When you share your own story—how the gospel changed *your* life—that's when the Spirit really moves in the room.

If you’re feeling rusty on sharing your testimony, try this: Think of one specific instance in your life—maybe a time you felt lost, or a time you were struggling with a difficult choice—and trace the thread of gospel principles that helped you through it. Keep that story ready. It’s your most powerful tool as an internet missionary.

Where to Connect Next

The Lord loves community, and He blesses us with amazing ways to gather, whether we are in the temple, in a backyard pool, or right here online. If you’re looking for a place to build up your discipleship muscles, I encourage you to join a HolyPlaces group this week. We’ve got some great discussions brewing!

For those of you who are feeling the call to serve, or who just want to strengthen your foundation as a disciple, check out the Disciple Challenge—it’s free, and it’s designed to give you actionable steps for your week. And if you want some excellent resources on how to navigate those tough questions an investigator might ask, don't forget to check out Davee; he's always ready to run through an AI Investigator session with you!