Baptism!

Tim chose to follow the Savior Jesus Christ by being baptized.

It was a sweet, beautiful experience.

Afterward we went to Cafe Rio, one of his three favorite restaurants; (Tucanos and Golden Corral are the others).

Thanks to all who made efforts to come!

The event was only slightly marred by the news that some continue to fabricate stories about us and our choices, then ironically wonder why we choose to avoid such emotional environments.  It is sad that some continue to create stories in their minds or with others with limited or misinformation.  

President Uchtdorf's comment helped us understand: "When we feel hurt, angry, or envious, it is quite easy to judge other people, often assigning dark motives to their actions in order to justify our own feelings of resentment... We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others. Jesus taught: “Forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not … [stands] condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin” and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”  Of course, these words seem perfectly reasonable—when applied to someone else. We can so clearly and easily see the harmful results that come when others judge and hold grudges. And we certainly don’t like it when people judge us. But when it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we too often justify our anger as righteous and our judgment as reliable and only appropriate. Though we cannot look into another’s heart, we assume that we know a bad motive or even a bad person when we see one. We make exceptions when it comes to our own bitterness because we feel that, in our case, we have all the information we need to hold someone else in contempt" ("The Merciful Obtain Mercy," Lds.org).

It is easy to not assign dark motives, one just stops concerning themselves with circumstances outside their realm of responsibility, and in situations within their realm of authority they obtain "pure knowledge" (D&C 121) so they can understand and act appropriately.  The other primary talk that guides our behavior related to potentially emotionally abusive situations is "Judge Not and Judging" by Dallin H. Oaks http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=576).

If these ideas provide comfort and understanding, great; if not, then they probably are not for you. :)