New beginnings (10/14/18)

I keep saying I am going to get back to keeping my blog regularly and updating with pictures and I have not been able to be consistent.  The night time rolls around and all I want to do is crawl into my bed.  But, this has to be a priority for me.  I want these memories of my children and the feelings and experiences I have to be recorded. 

Last weekend was conference.  Of course it was inspiring and there were things I was praying about that were answered during conference.  Nothing profound, but I was shown direction and given reminders of things I need to do in my life to accomplish some of my goals.  Pres Nelson invited the sisters to take part in four things
1) Read the Book of Mormon from now and until the end of the year and look for Christ within the book and then talk about Him
2) Take a 10 day fast from social media or any sort of media that brought negative thoughts/impressions to our minds
3) Develop of a pattern of regular temple attendance
4) Fully participate in Relief Society and read the declaration for Relief Society and the purpose statement

The fast from social media has been good for me.  I have realized that I turn to social media when I am bored or feeling lazy.  During this fast I have found other things to focus my energy/thoughts/time on.  Things that are more meaningful and more gospel/Savior focused.  I have found I don't particularly miss social media.  I have found that social media is good for knowing when someone is in need.  There are people that post things on social media, but don't necessarily reach and tell you directly.  When I find out a need on social media I can reach out to them.  Also, I have significantly minimized my viewing of the news.  The news can be so negative, depressing and scary, so I have been grateful to have a reason not to check it. 
The challenge to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year has been great.  At first I thought, "how can I ever do that?".  Then I committed to read 10 pages a day and highlight all the scriptures that reference our Savior.  This goal has been so good for me.  Some days I can't read all the pages at once, but I have made it a point come back to the scriptures at another time if I couldn't finish it all in the morning.  Before this goal, if I only read two pages or 10 min or whatever I could get in during the morning, I usually wouldn't come back and read it later in the day.  I have found that these invitations from Pres Nelson have helped to focus my priorities. 
I am still figuring out how to develop a pattern of regular temple attendance.  I offered to kid swap with anyone that was interested thinking that I would get to the temple at least twice a month this way, but so far I have only had one taker and I'm not sure if we'll be able to schedule anything consistent.  I am definitely hoping to make this a priority and figure out how it will work.

Collegium Aesculapium Fireside/Dinner 10/4/18

Tonight David and I were able to attend the dinner/fireside with the Collegium Aesculapium. It was held at the Hilton downtown and the quest speaker was Elder Gary E Stephenson of the Quorum of the Twelve.  He spoke about LDS Charities and their mission and the work they do.  It was an interesting perspective because he served as the Presiding Bishop of the church and he had first hand experience.  He spoke specifically of 4 at risk populations throughout the world that the church has focused on and the work that they do specifically among these populations. 
1) Those affected by natural disasters/emergencies
2) Mothers and infants during the 1st 1,000 days of life- resuscitation, immunizations
3) Primary (school) age kids- nutrition and clean drinking water
4) Those with disabilities