TOFW

On Friday and Saturday i had the opportunity to attend this amazing women's conference in OKC. Deseret Book puts these on all over the country as a way to inspire and uplift women from all walks of life. i just thought i would share what were some highlights for me.

Michael McLean and Kim Nelson did the friday night seminar. The focus was on how men and women are different but are complementary. Michael sang a song about how being of one heart doesn't mean we are the same or "singing" the same part, but we are actually "singing" our parts in harmony. "You sing you, I'll sing me. Our life song is sung in harmony." Michael McLean also talked and sang alot about being tired of being unhappy all the time. He said when we get sick and tired of being sick and tired eventually it will be enough that we will want to change. He sang a song about being called on a mission to be happy. "i set myself apart...I'm on a mission to be happy and my first convert's gonna be me." He was hilarious and his message was touching.

Hillary Weeks was there again this year. She taught us that she believed being happy is connected to having the spirit in our lives and that the sacrement plays a huge role in that. She sang alot (of course). I love her voice and music. It is so soothing. Whenever i need to calm down i pop in her cd--its great while i am driving. Here she sang a song about believing in ourselves. "Believe in what you do, believe in who you are, believe in who you're becoming. Hold tight to the truth that you're a daughter of God. He does!" PS that quote is probably not exact but close.

Carolyn Rasmus asked us "What are you NOT doing that prevents the spirit of the Lord from being with you?" She said, "Bad things CAN and DO happen to good people." She quoted Boyd K. Packer (?), "A study of the doctrine of the church will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." She said the gospel is NOT insurance against pain. It is a resource. She said we must not "plow along with everything [we] do without acknowledging or asking for His help. We can do nothing without His love. His love is everything...He offers so much more than a morsel. We must come to his banquet of love, given without price...his gift of grace [is] given when i least deserve any gift but that IS the gift of grace." And she refered to Isaiah 49:15-16 and Doctrine and Covenents 6:34,36 "Yes Jesus loves us. Yes Jesus loves us. The Bible, the Book of Mormon, the living prophets, testify it is so. Call on Him. He will succor you, He will literally come running to you..." I hope this grants a little insight into the power of her talk.

Merrilee Boyack taught about caring versus response and asked us to take "5 split seconds" a day for people(s). And jason wright challenged us to hand write a letter to someone and include in it that "i know God lives."

BBB was an angel and hardly made a peep. If one of these seminars comes within a few hours drive of where you live, it is really worth attending. We got these cute little bags too. Just the right size for scriptures and church manual or as a diaper bag or day bag.

Have a joi fuhl day, mates!