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!