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

Cream of the Crop

This year to motivate the kids to read the Conference issue of the Ensign, I used an analogy.  I explained to them that the cream of the milk was always the most prized part of fresh milk.  This, along with other high quality farming goods, gave the saying "the cream of the crop" a place amongst American cliches.  When we use this cliche we are describing whatever is "the cream of the crop" as the best of the best.

General Conference (where the entire body of the Church meets together to listen to the prophet, apostles, seventies and other general officers; occurs bi-annually) is like the cream of the gospel.  While we are learning all the time from the scriptures and Sunday lessons, we get the most important, pertinent counsel for our time in Conference. 

"The Lord will tell you what he wants you to do with your life...the Holy Ghost carries the word of The Lord unto our hearts in terms we can understand...listen to these things, as if from the mouth of The Lord...live them.  He has spoken to help you, to strengthen you, and to lead you home into His presence." (Elder Robert D. Hales, Oct. 2014)

We set our goals and a date to have them completed by.  Once complete we all get to take part in an ice cream feast. Sundaes extraordinaire will be served with all the toppings imaginable!  

The best part is the motivation it gives me.  (I am part Robinson, ha!)  I love the gospel and I love ice cream--this way I get the best of both!