A Young Man Prepared

Though a boy I may appear,

Yet a man I soon will be.

If I prepare and live clean in every

thought, word, and deed. 

I will be worthy to hold the sacred priesthood of God.

So I now prepare myself;

I will serve my fellow men. 

Being armed with the truth,

with the scriptures my guide,

I'll go forward, a young man prepared,

I'll go forward, a young man prepared.

Taron has been preparing for this day for many years.  His heart is good.  As a leader to his brothers and sisters, he strives to do what is right by setting a good example.  I remember when Taron turned 8 years old, he was asked to wait for a while so that the person wanting to baptize him would be ready/worthy.  At that time, this would have meant a great deal to Taron.  This grown up decision was placed upon him.  Regardless of how much he wanted this person to perform his baptism, he knew the baptism itself was more important than who actually did it.  This took great courage and honor to follow the plan our Heavenly Father has given to us.

Again at twelve, Taron had to make a decision.  Betz is out of town working.  He won't be home on a Sunday for an uncertain amount of time.  As I asked what he wanted to do, I already knew his answer.  He wanted to be ordained as soon as possible.  Although we both wanted Betz to be here, we prepared for the ordination for Father's Day.

Our family came in support of Taron along with primary teachers and ward members.  

As a mother, watching her first born take upon such a great responsibility is humbling.

I am honored to be mother to such a fine young man.  These are the fine priesthood holders that assisted in the ordination.

Me and my pride.

We were so excited to see Evelyn Buffat waiting in the foyer.  Stephen's parents brought her with them.  She is Taron's great grandmother on Stephen's father's side.

Sadly I wasn't able to get a picture with my family members.  Everyone had meetings to get to.

After we went to a park for a light lunch and Taron's choice of root beer floats.  Sorry Mom I didn't get a picture of you smiling at the camera.

Kids were able to play.

Even the dads.

Stephen gave Taron a beautiful blessing at the ordination.  Strange as it is, I am grateful for the relationship between Stephen and the boys.  I love that he loves my children.  I love him for that.  He is a good father dedicated to working hard to provide and care for them.  I couldn't ask for more.  How special for him to ordain his first born on Father's Day.  I imagine, it truly was a magical day for him.

As I searched LDS.org for talks on the Aaronic Priesthood I found one by Elder Robert D. Hales.  In it he gives advice to the young man and admonishes him of the decade of decisions he has ahead of him.  In brief he says now is the time to

1. 
   
   become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
2. 
   
   prepare for the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion.
3. 
   
   decide who your friends are and to be worthy of a righteous eternal companion.
4. 
   
   prepare for your mission.
5. 
   
   prepare for training, education and an occupation.
6. 
   
   obey.
7. 
   
   safeguard your birthright.
8. 
   
   Finally, be there. Each of us was there in the Council in Heaven to choose the great plan of happiness we now enjoy. Young men, when you have made a commitment to yourself, your family, your bishop, your employer, be there. When it is time to be in church, at Mutual, or fulfilling a priesthood assignment, be there. When it is time to graduate from school or training programs, be there. When it is time to serve a mission, be there. When the young woman you love most kneels at the altar of God’s holy temple, be there (and not as a witness). When your family is gathered in the celestial kingdom, be there. When the Savior waits to greet you as you return with honor from your life on this earth and your Heavenly Father wants to encircle you about in the arms of His love, be there. 

Taron, I love you.  I am honored to be your mother.  I am excited and humbled to have another priesthood holder in our home.  I am well aware that very soon you will be leaving on a mission.  As I watch you grow and learn I cheer you on.  As I watch you grow I want to pull you even closer and rock you in my arms just a few more times. (You are not to big to rock.) 

Tonight is your first young men's activity.  Please don't laugh if I cry as I drive you to the church (as I did at your birth, when you took your first steps, your first day of school and at every other moment I knew you were growing up).  They are tears of joy and gratitude.