Women's Conference

What an amazing couple of days it has been on BYU campus with my sisters and thousands of other women, gathered together to become stronger spiritually for the times we are in! The Spirit was so strong, right from the first session. I love being gathered with so many great women and learning from the great things others have prepared to share. I was so thankful my sister Laura flew in from Indiana and that Julie and my mom and I were able to get the time off from work to be there.

Thursday morning we had a powerful experience when Merilee Webb talked to us and led us in rising up together to sing, "Now Let Us Rejoice" with great feeling! Tears were streaming down my face to think of the great work we are a part of and how thankful I am for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Sandra Rogers told us this hymn was written during a time of great difficulty and persecution in the Church. They still had reason to rejoice, and so do we! One thing Merilee told use that has stayed with me is: "When you walk into a room, you either add to it, or take away from it." So true! By being gathered with so many faithful women, there was MUCH added to the spirit of the conference!

Many speakers, thoughts, and feelings of the Spirit touched me. I learned more about purposes for trials, making weak things strong, how to help the youth, scripture stories that can be applied to my life, and our duty and responsibility as women. Sister Julie Beck, the general Relief Society President, is such an inspired woman! Ironically, I learned so much from the sisters who I have never heard of, but humbly shared things they learned from their lives. WE EACH ARE A POWERFUL INFLUENCE FOR GOOD AS WE LIVE THE GOSPEL!

The conference closed yesterday with Elder Perry coming to speak to us. His wife was there and spoke for a few minutes, and Elder Nelson came as well. The day before I got to meet Elder Anderson... 3 apostles in 2 days has got to be a record! He spoke to us about sharing the gospel with the world, helping dispel misconceptions and opening our mouths.  I highly recommend reading these talks to anyone who didn't get to attend!

I think my favorite thing about the conference was discussing with my sisters and mom what we learned. To feel the fire of our testimonies ignited and to talk openly about our feelings did much to speak to my soul. These are the things that bring the most joy! 

I will be referring to my notes and trying to live what I learned for several years ahead! I was grateful I already had an opportunity to come home last night and visit with a sister in my ward who is struggling. I met her on the street and we had a good, uplifting discussion about the gospel. I wondered, "Were these opportunities presenting themselves to me before?" Being more in tune and ready to act on the Spirit help me recognize these chances to help. After this conference, I am more committed to work to build the Lord's kingdom and work hard to fight the adversary!