Jack's Special Day

Sunday Dec 21, 2008 Jeremy was able to bestow the priesthood on Jack. It was quite a day. We arrived home just after 2:30 AM and unpacked the van and then off to bed. Bailey slept in until 7 AM so I was able to get a bit of sleep. It has been a long time since 8 people needed showers/baths before church and the timing had to be worked out but we all made it. Jack and Jennifer left early to meet A.J. and Jacob at the church. They drove in from Russelville so they could celebrate with Jack. Robert went to church with us and we took up one and a half pews. They had asked me to say the opening prayer and Jeremy to do the closing prayer in Sacrament. I was so proud of Jack when they asked him to stand and we all were able to raise our hand and sustain him in his new responsibilities. It was a nice service and I was able to hold Bailey part of the time. Then afterwards we met in the Bishop's office and talked for a few minutes and then Jack sat down in a chair and those who already have the Priesthood gathered around him and placed one hand on his head and the other on the shoulder of the man next to him. Then Jeremy said a prayer and blessed Jack with the ability to use his priesthood to help those in need. He prayed that Jack would be able to seek out those who would need him in the future and to be strong in his faith. He blessed him to be a bright shining light to those he meets and to bring joy to many people. He blessed him to be in the right place at the right time and to continue to learn the scriptures so he can help others. It was an amazing blessing and then Jack got up and hugged all the men in the room and also ME. He was going to hug all the girls when he got into the hall but I do not know if he did or not. After that we all went to our house and Jack was able to spend some time with his friends before they drove back to Russelville and then on to somewhere south of Fayetteville. I am so very grateful that both of my sons live worthy to have the priesthood and that they take their responsibility seriously. Jack will now be able to help give people blessings. He will start attending the Elders meetings and prepare his papers to submit for his mission. He is hoping to have everything ready for mid march when he is able to submit them. We are all very proud of him and I am very grateful the whole family was there to witness it.