Our New Year's Family Tradition Takes a Beautiful Turn

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Since we started our family, it has been a New Year's tradition for my husband, Anatolin, to give a priesthood blessing to me and each of our children. As we prepare to welcome the new year and seek the Lord's guidance for the months ahead, these blessings have become a cherished part of our family gospel culture – a way to invite the Spirit into our home, express love for one another, and set our hearts on things of eternal worth.

We gather in our living room and Anatolin would begin by opening his mouth in prayer, then place his hands upon our heads as he pronounced blessings tailored to each of our individual needs and circumstances – whether it was for a child preparing to serve a mission, for me navigating a new career chapter, or simply for strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead. For years, he has been our steady anchor for our family in this covenant path.

This year was especially meaningful because our oldest son, Ammon Jarom, who was ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood last year, had the opportunity to give a priesthood blessing to his father. Watching them – a young man honoring his divine calling to serve others, and his father humbly receiving the same care and support he has selflessly given us so many times – filled our home with a profound sense of peace and continuity in the covenant.

Ammon Jarom spoke with quiet confidence, drawing on the truths he has learned and from watching his father live out his faith day by day. As he blessed Anatolin with health, wisdom, and joy for the year ahead – and specifically asked for blessings upon his work and our family's efforts to be temple worthy. It was a powerful reminder that spiritual leadership in a family isn't just about one person carrying the load – it's about passing the torch of faith, creating a circle of love and support that grows stronger with each generation as we strive to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

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Family Matters: For Time and All Eternity