Putting on the Armor of God
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Jarens 12th Birthday
Friends came to spend the day as we celebrated the new milestone in Jarens life. We started the day off with a Service Scavenger Hunt with the thought in mind,
"You are good, but it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
The boys had one hour to complete several service objectives and race back for a treasure. Service was rendered to neighbors and ranged from vacuuming inside of cars, shoveling driveways, reading books to children, doing dishes, and an all time favorite of leaving snowmen in peoples yards, etc.,
The boys were so fun to listen to as they shared their adventures in serving others. Everyone was a winner and everyone came back with a GIANT smile.
Okay, I think Chad sometimes is the BIGGEST kid at heart!
An amazing game of Capture the Priesthood was played in capture the flag style. Snow wars began ....Of Course, Naturally. Watch out! Other games ensued including a game of Charades, Apples to Apples, Angels vs. Joker...
Watch OUT!
The boys had an all out DUEL from swords made of PVC pipe, duct tape and noodles. No armor was given, I had to close my eyes a ton during this part in the party.
Going out into the world---geared up and armor on.
A message was given from the movie, "Putting on the Armor of God", an old Seminary flick that everyone was given a copy of.... The words from the movies struck home to everyone.
As a mom of four, it is very hard sometimes to watch the bad things of the world tug and pull at our childrens lives....things that are there and very real. The total comfort that I have is given when I know that the armor has been put on, and that we can conquer, and also fight the battles of daily life and win the war...
Gratitude is felt when I know that my children have such amazing friends that stand beside each other, help one another and stand firm and tall in remembering who they are and what they stand for. What a blessing.
