Tonight I was able to gather with sisters of all different ages to receive council and encouragement. I love attending Women’s Conference! I always leave feeling uplifted and more determined to do what is right. Like previous years I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes and thoughts. So many of the messages can be shared with women of all faiths, ages, and stages of life. These messages aren’t limited to members of the LDS faith.
“The greatest form of charity may be to withhold judgement.”
Love this!!! We can strive to become more charitable and to withhold judgments. I recent video of a friend of mine went viral. I thought it was a funny video. Just an everyday mom moment. Totally relateable. And I couldn’t believe the unkind comments about what a terrible mother my friend was. While we live in a world that is quick to cast judgments, let’s try to withhold them. Most with what we say and what we think. I have been striving to think more positively about others. And while I am usually very kind I am still working on my thoughts. Sometimes I can’t help but make observations. But I am working on seeing things from different perspectives and giving others grace.
Sister Bingham also shared a story of kayaking and working hard. Later she was able to ride the wind, when it was going the right direction, with a make shift sail and enjoy a rest from the hard work they had done earlier.
“How like that glorious wind can be a sincere compliment of a friend, the cheerful greeting of a parent, the approving nod of a sibling, or the helpful smile of a co-worker or classmate. All supplying a fresh wind in our sails as we battle the challenges of life.”
One of my favorite quotes tonight. Let us use our words to build and uplift. We need more compliments, gratitude, and words of encouragement. I have been working on being vocal and using my talent of observing things to uplift and help others. I know when I say a kind word or give thanks I feel better. These are simple ways we can strive to have more charity.
“Can we rejoice in the accomplishments of others while continuing to work toward our own improvement?”
I love this principal. I am striving to be the kind of women that cheers for others and extends happiness when others achieve great things. It doesn’t mean I have failed. Or that I will let the thief of comparison steal my joy. I may not be accomplished and have everything together, but I hope that others feel better when they are around me. I remember reading a question that says ‘when you walk into a room do you say “Here am I! Or there YOU are!” I want to be a noticer! I want others to be lifted after being around me. I want them to feel my love and the love of our Savior.
And we can still work on our own improvement. It doesn’t say to give up because someone else is succeeding. But while we are striving to do our best let’s cheer for others. And that includes those who are just starting their journey.
I think that sometimes happens with blogging or while on Instagram. I have been going to conferences and trying to learn and become better at what I do. And while I might not be known markers of success I hope even more that I am known for someone who is kind and encouraging. Someone who lifts and supports. That is what it is all about.
“All of us are in the need of the same infinite atonement.”
Sister Stephens talked about needing women of faith! Faith was such a prominent part of Women’s Conference this year. Her talk made me want to strengthen my own faith and the faith of my children. She talked of some of the trials that happen in mortality. And she shared a beautiful story of Josie from Project 444 that illustrated our Savior is always there for us.
“You don’t have to continue to carry the burden of sorrow caused by sin—alone.
You don’t have to carry the pain caused by the unrighteous actions of others—alone.
You don’t have to experience the painful realities of mortality—alone. …
“[He] would do anything to take this from you.” In fact, “[He] already has.”
I felt the desire to “rise up” and become strong women our world needs. And the importance of teaching my daughter her role and potential influence. Her talk was powerful.
“I believe with all of my heart that we sisters … have the innate strength and the faith that will allow us to meet the challenges of living in these last days. …
It will take concerted effort to be converted and to keep our covenants. To do so, we need to be girls and women who study the essential doctrines of the gospel and have an unshakable testimony of their truthfulness. There are three areas I believe are foundational to strong testimonies and that I consider to be essential to our understanding.
First, we need to acknowledge the centrality of God our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, to our faith and salvation. …
Second, we need to understand the need for the restoration of the doctrine, organization, and keys of authority in these latter days. …
And third, we need to study and understand temple ordinances and covenants. …
Sisters, even the very youngest in this audience can rise up in faith and play a significant role in building the kingdom of God. …”
One thing that really struck me is that I need to focus on having my home be a “safe place to ask questions”. My husband and I are pretty frank when it comes to talking to our children about sex. But am I facilitating discussions that encourage my children to think and to ask questions? Do they feel comfortable with the hard subjects? Will they even bring them up. Instead of waiting and hoping I need to talk to my children more about what is going on in the world. And I need to ask them questions and encourage them to ask questions.
I need to help teach my children their divine roles and the strength that comes from doing what The Lord wants us to do. I need help them seek our their gifts and see their true potential. And I need to improve and see my potential as well.
Again the importance of faith. “Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” President talked about what faith CANNOT do. It cannot violate someone’s agency or force our will upon God’s. It can be hard to have faith and to trust God completely. But we must trust in Him and trust that He loves us. He will bless us because He loves us.
“It comes to those who pay the price of faithfulness. …”
He told a story of missionaries who had faith, despite the fact that know one wanted to listen to their message. They approached a tall apartment and no body wanted to talk to them on the entire floor. Or the next floor, or even following floor. Then on the 4th floor, the very last door, a young girl told them she needed to talk to her mom. Her mom didn’t want to, but her daughter persisted. She agreed to invite them in. She ended up reading the Book of Mormon in a couple of days. Their family ended up joining the church.
“God “rewards those who earnestly seek him” [Hebrews 11:6], but that reward is not usually behind the first door. So we need to keep knocking. Sisters, don’t give up. Seek God with all your heart. Exercise faith. Walk in righteousness.”
Whatever our trial let us keep seeking after Him. I love the reminder and the application in our lives that the “reward is not usually behind the first door.” Let us keep being faithful. Let us encourage and help others. Let us extend charity and grace to others. And have faith our reward will come someday.
To make the story even better it turns out a young 12 year old boy noticed the new family at church. He thought, “These missionaries are doing a wonderful job!” Young Dieter at the age of 12 fell in love with the young girl who answered the door to the missionaries so many years ago. They now have been married for 54 years. A reminder that our faith and persistence will bless those around us. We may never know the influence we have over others.
Thanks for letting me share a bit of my heart today. I would love to hear your favorite part of Women’s Conference! I loved coming home to my daughter screaming “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!”. She had been looking for me. (She was napping when I left) I loved being able to share with her what Women’s Conference is all about. I can’t wait until she is 8 and can come with me. I know Conference will help her to face the hard things that will come her way as she grows up.
I am so thankful to all the women who are a fresh wind in my sails. To those who have lifted and encourage me. I am thankful faithful sisters who have set an example for me. And to the missionaries who sacrificed so much so that I can learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ. And most importantly I am thankful for a Savior who has provided a way for my sins to be forgiven and taken away my burdens and have felt my sorrows.
Be sure to check out the General Session next weekend October 1st and 2nd. And if you need breakfast ideas you can click here.
