Women's Conference

On May 1st and 2nd, Mom and I went to the BYU Women's Conference in Provo. It is held at the Marriot Center. The theme for this year is " Awake, Arise, and Come Unto Him" from Moroni 10:30-32. It was a wonderful experience as always. Mom and I make it a tradition every year to go. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband who lets me go and watches Colton while I'm gone.

We left Wednesday afternoon and headed to Provo, we did a little window shopping. Then we checked into our motel at the Cotton Tree Inn. It was a nice room with a fridge and microwave. We like having a fridge, because we love to take milk and treats with us. We didn't feel like going out that night for dinner, so we had apples and yogurt. Well, mom had apples and cheese. I tried it and I didn't like it. We talked for most of the night and really had a wonderful time.

Thursday morning we got up at 6:00 am and got ready and headed out. It was cold that day, it actually snowed and rained the high was 38 degrees. Which was quite a difference from 57 degrees the day before. We lined up at the door with all the other women. And the staff was kind to us, they opened the doors at 7:45 instead of 8:00 am so we didn't have to stand in the cold. The wind was so strong and cold!! So, we got in and Mom and I sat at the bottom between L and M, right above the tunnel, those seats have more leg room and you can put your feet up if you need to. We liked our seats alot. You could see the speakers good. The opening session was Sister Sheri Dew. She spoke on the theme. Some of my notes- If we are not moving forward our spirits are not happy. We were told to "Awake" to who we are. "Arise" to making our lives His ministry and to "Come" walking away from the world. We are here to influence the world. Are we what we should be? What is one thing that I can do everyday to uplift or share the gospel of Jesus Christ? The spirit was strong and comforting in what I need to do in my life to Awake, Arise, and Come.

Then we had a session on "Lay Hold upon Every Good Gift" addressed by Sister Ricks- member of the Primary General Board and Sister Thompson- Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency. Spoke about our talents and what talents we do have and not being jealous of others talents, because the talents of others blesses our lives. She gave us 3 steps- 1- Discover your gifts 2-Develop your gifts 3- Honor your gifts. Sister Thompson spoke about Discovering gifts and knowing our identity and teaching our children to know their identity.

One of the many sessions that really hit me was from President and Sister Bateman they spoke on fortifying our homes and protecting them from the world. He is the Prove Temple President. He said we should model our homes after the Lord's house, meaning the temple. Have a home filled with soft voices, Everyone is trained in their responsibilities, then they teach , train and assign. We teach, train, and assign responsibilities to our family members in the home. Every shift begins with Prayer and Ends with Prayer, just like our days should be. Everyone is treated with Kindness, love and is a place of service. A place of order- everything is in it's proper place, ready for a new day. It's clean and orderly. Demand Children to keep our homes that way, just as if we were in the temple. I was so impressed by this, and felt very strongly that this is how the Lord would like our homes to be like. As a mother I worry about how to teach my children the gospel and to make sure that they have the foundation that they need to protect them from the evils of the world. The Spirit bore witness that this is one of many ways to help do that.

The other great privilege we had was to hear from our dear, beloved prophet. President Thomas S. Monson was our speaker for the closing session. What an overwhelming spirit. It was an honor to be in his presence and to feel the Love that he has for us and the Love that the Lord has for us. We are each living a life with much to do. Don't let the important things pass you by. There is no tomorrow if we don't do something today. Everyday in your life is a special occasion. Find Joy in the Journey!!! We learn and grow and become polished when we have trials. Instead of Wrooying what should still be done or what we should have done. Stop and pause and think of the good you have done.

The spirit of the Lord was so strong and bore witness to me again that Thomas S Monson is the Prophet called by God on the earth at this time. There were many more wonderful sessions, I just choose a few highlights. I was truly edified and uplifted. Thanks mom, for making this year, probably the best year ever. I am very greatful to have such a wonderful mom who is full of faith, and is a great example to all. I love you and can't wait for next year!!! I hope Amy & Helena & Bean can come next year and enjoy with us!!!

I know the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is the only true gospel on the face of the earth. I know God lives and loves each one of us. I know that our Savior lives and suffered for each of us, so that we may return and live with him and our Father again. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God along with the Bible. I'm so greatful for everything I have been given, for a wonderful husband, who I love and adore. For a beautiful little boy, who is such a joy. I'm greatful for a wonderful family who is loving and very supportive. I love you all.