Atley's Testimony

Last Sunday Atley decided that he wanted to bear his testimony.  For those of you who are not familiar with our religion, once per month members of the congregation stand up and talk about what they believe and perhaps experiences that have helped them to increase their faith.  Scott has been trying to help me not OVER PARENT, so I reluctantly agreed to let him go.  First, I asked him what he thought he might say. His reply was, "I don't know mom, but I got it covered."  I was a nervous wreck as he walked up to the stand and waited for his turn. 

Here is Atley's testimony verbatim:

"Good morning Ladies & Gentlemen. Welcome to church today. You really need to read your scriptures and everyone of you should get baptized and start treating eachother a lot better (LONG PAUSE) and never kill anybody.  In the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

Well, the entire congregation was laughing because of the tongue lashing they had just received from a seven year old.  I was laughing so hard tears were rolling down my cheeks when Atley sat back down.  He asked, "Are you crying because you are so proud of how good I just did that?"  Yup, buddy that is exactly why I am crying.

Here are a few of the comments I received after the meeting.

"I was starting to doze off when my wife nudged me and said, 'There's a Butler on the stand.' I knew I better listen because it was going to get good. I wasn't disappointed."

"Hey, I thought your kid was going to start pounding on the pulpit."

"Your son sure has a lot of confidence."

"I loved Atley's testimony today. It is always good to get back to the basics."

"Wow, you really have your hands full!"

YA THINK?