Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard's Blog

We love serving with the young service missionaries here in Spanish Fork. They offer all their time to serve others in our community. They are amazing young men and women and we love them with all our hearts.

Our grandson Esbern Owen Baadsgaard is born! His parents are John Michael Baadsgaard and Rebecca Hogan Baadsgaard. We are all so grateful that he arrived safely. He weighed in at 8 pounds and 5 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. He has lots of blond hair and has a calm curious spirt. He is beautiful and so fun to snuggle.

Our grandson Esbern Corrin Baadsgaard is born! His parents are John Michael Baadsgaard and Rebecca Hogan Baadsgaard. We are all so grateful that he arrived safely. He weighed in at 8 pounds and 5 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long.  He is named after John's grandfather and Rebecca's grandfather. He has lots of blond hair and has a calm curious spirt. He is beautiful and so fun to snuggle.

Pin It

Pin It

Pin It

by Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard
         The Visitor’s Center at the Oakland Temple announces the acquisition of a stunning newstatue of Jesus Christ. Displayed on a pedestal in the entrance to the center, this inspiring replicaof the famous Christus Statue welcomes all visitors. The original Christus Statue, considered bymany to be one of the greatest sculptures of Christianity, was crafted by Bertal Thorvaldsen inthe early 1800’s and is in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark.           To learn more about the original Christus Statue, click here: A Thing of Beauty: Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus (youtube.com)          This thought-provoking new statue features Jesus in his resurrected body withoutstretched, welcoming arms. As the viewer approaches the statue of Christ, the signs of Hiscrucifixion can be seen as wounds in His hands, feet, and uncovered side. Those who take amoment to pause, feel a sense of reverence as they look up into the loving face of Jesus andcontemplate the transforming power of Christ’s love.          Comfortable benches surrounding the statue, give visitors a chance to be still and listen toa recording of Christ’s healing words in their own language. Those feeling weighed down bylife’s challenges can rest in this space and contemplate what Christ’s mission and teachings meanto them. Being near the Christus helps to recall his words, “Come unto me, all ye that labor andare heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28          Children are always welcome at the visitor’s center and bring a happy curiosity andenthusiasm as they view the new statue reminding observers of Christ’s words, “Suffer littlechildren, and forbid them not to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:4

Eliana points enthusiastically to the new statue of Christ with her parents Selena and Saidu Conteh.
          The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has crafted many replicas of this famousChristus statue and displays them all around the world in visitor’s centers to proclaim churchmember’s devotion to the Savior and his teachings.         
          Elder and Sister Child, Visitor’s Center Directors. Sister Missionaries are eager to assist visitorsElder and Sister Childs serve as the directors at the Visitor’s Center. They along withseveral senior couples volunteer their time to assist visitors.
Young women from all over the world, who speak many languages, also serve there. Why would these senior couples and youngwomen leave their homes and families to serve at their own expense?          “I love my Savior with all my heart and want to serve Him until I take my last breath,”          Elder Childs said. “Each day I see visitors look at the statue, then kneel to pray. After listening toChrist’s recorded narration in their own language, many weep.”          “I feel so honored to serve here,” Sister Childs said. “When visitors come here, they oftentell me they feel so much peace. Others say they have never been in a place where they feel soloved and welcomed.”       
           Prophet and President Russel Nelson, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints, announced a new symbol for the church on April 4, 2020, that features thisChristus statue. This image of the Christus Statue is used by the church on itswebpages and other official publications.