Charm bracelets are a great way to commemorate any special occasion: graduations, weddings, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, missions, etc. This is one I did for a very special baptism.

Some Background: For this post to make any sense, you may need a little background. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the Mormons). In my church we are not baptized until we are at least eight years old. After we are baptized we also receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. After eight we are old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong and can decide for ourselves if we want to take Christ’s name upon us. The decision to be baptized is a very important moment in our lives. I was also baptized at the age of eight and consider it the first major step in my journey to return back to live with my Heavenly Father. My life has been greatly blessed by the decision that I made years ago to follow Christ. Learn More About Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Recently my niece asked me to speak at her upcoming baptism about the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

A couple of months ago I had given a similar baptism talk for one of my favorite little friends and had used objects to represent the different aspects of how the Holy Ghost blesses us. I then wrapped them up in a cute little jar like a gift.

It was a great way to make things more visual and it really held the kids’ attention.

But I knew the items weren’t something she would really keep for a long time and I wanted something that could be kept as a memento of this important day. So I decided to do a charm bracelet. I have one that I got from some of my youth leaders when I was a teenager and I still love wearing it!

At the bottom is the talk I wrote to go with the bracelet. I hope it is something that helps remind her of the wonderful gift the Lord has given her!

Buying a Ready Made Charm Bracelet

I’ve gotten a lot of requests for these bracelets and it can be hard to find all the charms you need from a safe source, so I decided to make some available on my store. Since children use some of my bracelets, I am extra careful about the materials I use. All my charms (unless I indicate otherwise) are made in factories in the U.S., so you don’t have to worry about lead or other dangerous metals. The charms cost me more, but the peace of mind is totally worth it. I also use split rings to attach them. It takes more time, but it makes it almost impossible for the charms to accidentally fall off. Visit my Store>>

I included a little card to go with the bracelet that tells a little bit about each charm. Somebody recently pointed out that there are eight charms! Perfect for turning eight years old!

LDS Baptism Talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost

The other day I was talking to my son about how when we are baptized we promise to follow the Savior. We repent of our sins and promise never to do them again. He got real quiet and said, “But mom, that would be really, really hard.”

And he was right. But Heavenly Father never asks us to do something he knows we can’t do and he never, ever leaves us alone to do it all by ourselves.

Nephi 3:7 “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

So today you have made a very big promise to the Lord, but just like Nephi he has prepared a way for you to do it. He has given you a helper that will be there with you every step of the way. The Holy Ghost. They call it the Gift of the Holy Ghost because it is a gift from our Heavenly Father.

Today I have a much smaller gift for you. This gift is to help remind you of his gift. Each charm represents one of the ways that the Holy Ghost can help you.

The Charms:

Dove: A reminder that Heavenly Father promises us that if we live righteously that the “Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion.” (D&C 121:46)
Sun: Even though there is only one sun, we can all feel its warmth. And like the sun, the Holy Ghost is there to help us feel warm and safe, and to comfort us.
Lantern: A lantern shows us the way when the path is dark.
Joy: The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, and peace.
Compass: Just like a compass, the Holy Ghost will guide you and tell you what you should do. If you have a question, always turn to the Lord and ask for his guidance.
Heart: “When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Ne. 33:1). The Holy Ghost will help you as you testify to others about the truthfulness of the gospel.
Book of Mormon: Prayer and scripture study are an important way for us to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Bell: A tiny bell that rings very, very softly. A reminder to always listen carefully to the still small voice and make sure that the noise of the world does not drown it out.