Cheryl, Me, Christine
We ran into our cousin Sarcie and Aunt Holly and was able to sit together at a class!
Okay so it has taken me awhile to write this post about women's conference. It has taken me awhile to find any time because I'm trying to catch up on everything. Plus I got sick with my annual flu bug. And then all the kids took their turn. It has been a busy week and I also felt a lot of opposition trying to get me down after my spiritual high. I really hope to be more consistent in my writing. Saying goodbye to my kids was hard. Again I know how lame I may sound. I never leave my kids and it was a big deal for me. I cried when I drove away like I knew I would. My husband was really great about it all. My baby isn't taking the bottle but we worked it out so that she would still get formula in a cup and from her cereal. My sister-in-law who is one of the greatest people I know picked me up and we had a fun ride up to SLC talking about what classes we want to go to. Women's Conference is two days at BYU and they have a main morning session and a closing session each day. The two morning sessions were my very favorite. Sister Pearce (Pres. Hinckley's daughter) spoke the first day and set the tone for the whole event. I felt the spirit so strong on and off during her talk. The second morning was Sister Julie B. Beck general RS president. For me feeling the spirit is sometimes a tingly feeling that goes up and down my spine. Sometimes its just an amazing good feeling inside that makes me want to shout for joy. Sometimes it makes me want to cry because I'm feeling so good.
As you drive into the campus area your already start to feel the buzzing energy while your in women's conference traffic. All these cars with women in them flocking for spiritual uplifting. Their are crowds on the sidewalks as you make your way to the main arena. Its really fun and exciting. While I sat in the Marriott center with thousands of women in there and we are singing and praying and listening, I felt amazing. First of all there is this feeling that we are all connected as women. We are not alone in our struggles and trials and joys. We have this common thread connecting us together, whether we are single, married, with children, without children, empty nesters......
There are a variety of classes to choose from. Some on technology, serving in the community, dealing with lose, being women of God, motherhood, infertility, strength in the scriptures, prayer, pornography, dating.....all kinds of topics.
Some things that I learned:
The world shows a false identity of women and mothers.
To find our identity and purpose takes a spiritual confirmation.
We have a unified purpose with Heavenly Father's sons.
We have a leadership of men's hearts.
We have an inseparable connection to the priesthood.
Home is where the priesthood works the best.
It is my responsibility to make sure that, "Mine is a home where every hour is blessed with the power of priesthood power." (primary song)
I am in the business of salvation.
I need to be a woman of strong faith.
Strong faith in Jesus Christ and in God's plan = Triumph
Difficulties are part of our growth. Then come the blessings.
I will always feel opposition.
Trials will perfect me.
I do hard things.
I will overcome through Strong faith.
God's power should be with me every moment.
Am I aligned with God's vision of me and what He needs me to be?
I should do anything to get on my knees to know what the Lord would have me do.
I am the Guardian of my home.
The mother lion: she is there, she is present, she protects and is in charge of the atmosphere in the home.
Prayers assist our children.
Lionesses are Not afraid. Guard, Protect, Teach, Love, Growl or Prance...if there is a need for it!
Live to lift and build.
Keep a watchful eye.Wake up mothers!
Don't pamper children, teach them to work.
Take Courage - It is Worth IT!
Keep it Small
Keep it Simple
Give it Time
There were so many great things that helped me with my perspective as a wife and mother. One thing that Sister Beck said that turned a light on for me was when she interpreted the scriptures into our day from 2 Nephi 28: 20-22. She said that in verse 22 that flattery and entitlement is something that we struggle with today. She said we aren't owed anything. We aren't entitled to help from our husbands. We aren't entitled to time or blessings. God doesn't owe me anything. We don't need to be flattered to know our purpose and worth. We owe everything to the Lord. Who owes who with the Savior?
A "Mother Heart"
Mothers Who Know
These two talks are some of my favorites, they aren't from women's conference but they were talked about. I can't get the transcripts from the conference yet.
I had a great time. After the first day I felt so filled that the second day I felt a pull to get back to my children and I thought that whatever I gained the second day was a bonus.
It wasn't really a time to socialize. It was very busy. There was a 30 minute break between classes and we ended up skipping lunch both days and tried to snack. I did get a little frazzled when I was trying to find a private place to pump. Christine helped me find an empty classroom and guarded the doors so I could quickly pump. It worked out just fine. We had to rush to the classes we wanted and stand in line. I did run into one of my friends but we only had time to hug and say hi. They also had these service workshops in the evening and a concert, I was so wasted, tired, and hungry I could hardly function we ended up missing that part. I think that it would be fun to stay in the dorms so that you could go rest for an hour if you wanted and then go out again. But of course staying with family is ideal when it doesn't cost anything! It was so beneficial and good for me that I hope to go every year.
I was so excited to see my kids and husband again. They were all happy to see me and I had little gifts for everyone. My husband did such a great job taking care of things while I was gone. Yay!
This post doesn't do any justice to the experience that I had. But it is what it is. Choose God, Feel Joy!
Love and Light~
