Missionary Moment

I am in denial that Ally, Hermana Pack, is actually headed for the mission field today. She has grown into a dedicated, loving missionary during the few weeks she spent in the Mexico City Missionary Training Center.  On Christmas Day we were able to call her and were touched when she said her favorite thing about a mission is the opportunity to wear a name tag with the name of Jesus Christ on it.  She will represent him well, I have no doubt.  

The CCM (pronounced: seh, seh, eh-may)

District 9C with companions Hermana Brey and Morgan

Benji is full swing into college at BYU-Idaho.  He's determined to get a degree in the Neurosciences.  He doesn't get the smart gene from me, mind you.  That would be from the Pack side.  I can tell that "adulting" isn't his favorite thing but he is taking it in stride.  I love having him around the house still (he commutes back an forth from home). He says it makes his social life less complicated. Haha.

In addition to two heroic examples of children growing up I'd have to say that another motherly milestone was to have my last child be ordained a deacon in the Aaronic priesthood.  He has already had the privilege of helping with the sacred ordinance of the sacrament at church on Sunday.  He looked anxious but fulfilled his duty perfectly (even when distracted by someone fainting at the chapel doors).  I see changes in him already as he becomes a more contemplative tween.  It has come all to soon yet I know it will be an incredible blessing to him and our family.

Hyrum (11)

I love the new curriculum offered in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Come Follow Me.  Our family has had multiple, spiritually-stirring conversations.  Seeing my children express their testimonies and share their insights melts my mama heart.  I have even seen a change in myself.  My personal scripture study feels more like a moment with heaven instead of the more typical rushed reading session.  We have been promised by a prophet of God, Russell M. Nelson, "The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families...to transform their home in to a sanctuary of faith."  I think I can safely say I have been given the encouragement to be super-mom now.  But instead of in the ways of the world, in the ways of the kingdom of God.   In turn my children will have the opportunity to become super-disciples of Christ.

The blessings are innumerable. The prophet continues on, "as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining." The gospel surely is the good news!

Fresh New Year

I'm back!  I decided a few days ago to go off social media for as long as my daughter Hermana Ally Pack is on her mission.  I said my goodbyes and determined that I could still keep others up to date on my family's life through this blog (that has sat dormant ever since social media became popular). I look forward to being able to share our journey with you again.

Someone asked me why I would go off social media entirely when I could just limit how long or how many friends I follow.  I told her that no matter the amount of limiting I try to do, I still find myself being sucked into an alternate world. Most of the groups and people I followed were my close friends, family and church groups. I didn't feel bogged down by any negative media, just the opposite. I loved following the comings and goings of so many beloved people.  I loved reading the uplifting thoughts and quotes by admired church leaders.  I didn't want to miss the opportunity to stay caught up with so many dear friends' lives. But then I read one post about someone's recent accomplishment and wondered, "If I had spent the same amount of time dedicating myself to that same goal instead looking at social media, could I have posted the same result? Could I have strengthened a relationship?" That's when I decided it won't be the end of the world if I stop spending so much time on social media.  Instead I want to spend my time communicating, really communicating with others.  I want to stop comparing my world to someone else's. I want to connect with those who are on my mind, instead of with those who happened to post that day.

I made a similar goal when Benji went on his mission.  I committed to reading Preach My Gospel every day while he served his mission in the California Irvine Mission.  I changed my goal the last summer to reading the Book of Mormon to fulfill the plea and challenge of a prophet of God, but I still felt a connection to Benji.  He read daily from both books and was continually strengthened by them.  I was blessed similarly with peace and a clear mind and heart. So here I go with mission challenge number two.  I'm excited to see what blessings will come into my life.

Gratitude fills my heart for the sacrifice my children have made to serve missions.  I can't even count the blessings that have come from their service. They are my heroes.  I'd have to add that all of my children give me reasons every day to call them my heroes.

Almost Hermana Pack and recently returned Elder Pack