Behold! A Royal Army

There was much excitement in our house after last month’s announcement that the youth would progress to their new quorums and classes on January 1 rather than waiting for their birthdays. Matthew and Nathan have been waiting (mostly patiently) for the Bishop to conduct interviews so they could join their new quorums. Although it has only been a month since the announcement, the wait has felt interminable to them. Interviews were held last week and today was the big ordination day.

We started off the day by attending the ordinations for two of my nephews (Jacob and Drew). Then we dashed back across the valley so I could teach my primary class before Nathan and Matthew’s ordinations. Many family members joined us, and it was an amazing experience. Nathan was ordained to the office of teacher first so that he would be able to stand in the circle as Matthew was ordained to the office of a deacon. The spirit was strong, so strong, and I know that many in attendance felt the power of it. It is one of those experiences that tells me beyond a doubt that the gospel is true. Hopefully my boys will remember this event and allow it to strengthen their faith, even in moments of doubt.

Today it strikes me that these young men, this generation of youth, truly are like the army of Helaman. Their faith is burning bright in a world filled with ever increasing amounts of darkness. Their conviction is leading them toward righteous choices that defy the ways of the world. They are standing strong against an innumerable foe who would drag them down. And the Lord is leading them on toward a victorious end. I stand in awe of all they do, all they are, all they can become. I’m prouder of them than words can express.