Thoughts and reflections on Women's Conference 2011

Starting with the Women's Gen. Broadcast the week before General Conference, I tried something different and used my laptop to take notes while I listened.  I felt I was much more engaged, and gleaned some things useful in my own life, and ideas for our extended family as well.  I've always taken notes in the past, but my penmanship is so bad now, I can hardly read it.  Too many years typing on the computer!

Women's Broadcast:  I especially appreciated Pres. Uchtdorf's talk:
Pres. Uchtdorf: In garden, noticed little flower a forget-me-not. Analogy –using it to teach us what not to forget:

1. Forget not to be patient with yourself –Those you think are perfect , are not! Some expectations are impossible to be met… Enjoy your successes, don’t punish self. Be thankful for small success in your home, church callings,

2. Forget not the difference between good sacrifices, and poor sacrifices; dedicating time for lesson is good, -- hand stitching the scripture on a potholder is foolish, time and energy should be spent on things that matter most.

3. Forget not to be happy now. Charlie & the Chocolate factory: Willie Wonka hit message in chocolates. Yearning to find the “golden ticket.” The candy bar itself, can still be enjoyed, even without the golden ticket--key to happiness. Seek after things that are lovely, good report and praiseworthy. Don’t keep looking for glorious roses, and miss the simple elegance of forget-me-nots. While in pursuit of goals, enjoy beauty and joy in each day

4. Forget not the Why of the gospel: Duties that “must” be done vs. following Christ along the path, a light, a pathway, which illuminates the way: The majesty and power of the gospel is the “Why” we committed to as a foundational part of our lives, and then life is no longer a burden; cast our eyes not on ground, but enjoy the beauty of each day.. Find the joy of the Why. The what and how, marks the way, but the Why of obedience, sanctifies our actions. Magnifies small acts of obedience into concecration

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you. You are not forgotten. No matter how overshadowed you may be fears or worries..He loves you with an infinite love. You are loved by the King, you are daughters of his kingdom. “He made man a little lower than the angels..” He loves you sisters, because you are his children. Allow his love into your life, it can heal any heart, soften any sorrow. You are closer than to heaven than you suppose. Treasure the gift of service, strengthen homes and family. Notice the little things that can bring you joy. Don’t wait for a golden ticket, to be happy.

 Julie Beck’s talk

Told of the valiant women of pioneer times who helped in every way possible when others were destitute…[My own gg grandfather Henderson was one of several young men in need in the winter of 1851 when he first came to the Salt Lake Valley.  John Taylor's wife took care of 18 young men. Often she sent them out to hunt and they came back with badgers or crows… It was a long, cold winter, yet she did the best she could.]  Here is the entry:

[From Heart Throbs of the West, Vol 12: Robert finally located in the home of Brother John Taylor. Here with eighteen other young men, he remained the greater part of the winter. He tells how it was for Sister Taylor to secure enough food to supply the healthy appetites of the nineteen rugged young men who were just becoming accustomed to Utah’s high climate. Each boy would try to secure something to eat during the day. Perchance one would bring home a big, black crow, a badger or something that could be eaten. All hands took part in helping to dress and prepare what came. Sister Taylor was a very capable cook. All conditions considered, it was a very well spent winter; for here he attended his first conference in Zion and eagerly assimilated the wonderful instructions given by the church leaders. ]

Sometimes I think we are really sacrificing to feed and entertain 8-12 young singles a couple of times each month.  But Sister Taylor had 19 young singles every day to feed during one whole winter!

She quoted Pres. Monson: Pres. Monson “strive with faith to fulfill—spirit of the law, achieve the miraculous.  Sis. Beck added: I hope my granddaughters will accomplish miracles…that will be recognized by the Lord.  I am sure our granddaughters have that capability too, and I'm so thankful their parents are following the Proclamation on the Family, and teaching all their children to walk in God's ways.

New Relief Society book aligns in unity worldwide sisters of the gospel: who we are, what we’ll do, what we’ll defend…inspiring examples.  We can lead the sisters of the world. Apply principles and patterns of Relief Society.

Sister Allred: Spoke of the establishment of RS in Nauvoo—Apostle Paul, “Greatest of all gifts is Charity"" Vaunted not itself, rejoiceth in truth. These principles have been endorsed throughout world

Pure love of Christ (love as Christ would) List traits, which do I need to work on?
Charity a state of the heart. Charity refines those who practice it…prepares us for the Celestial kingdom…What qualities will help us? Prayer, goodly love, read scriptures daily

Feed my sheep..those in need; compassion for the hungry, sick, Wear the mantle of charity—patience with those letting us down, accepting shortcomings.. Willing to serve when it is not convenient; don’t have to be assigned, it becomes part of our very nature;

Visiting teaching designed to: love, minister, serve others: (What can I do to help ___________?)

Examples: took sister to hospital often, tended child; another taught a sister to read; Chairity is Kind, seeketh not her own…Makes our own difficulties seem less difficult.. “Angles cannot be restrained from being your associates” Small acts of charity have a healing power in lives of others, and in our own lives.
She invited sisters to plea for a desire to be filled with charity..including in "your own family."

Barbara Thomas:

Cleave unto the covenants we have made with the Savior.. She told of cleaning out parents' house, reading their patriarchal blessings. Sisters can find great joy in keeping covenants—examples in new RS book. Baptism covenants: bear one another burdens, mourn with others,
Sisters in Nauvoo anticipated how the temple would bring them out of darkness into the light. We covenant to do and be good. Joy and protection come to those who do this.

Ammon—instruments bringing many others to Christ. “My joy is full.” Even in the face of trials. Couple in Ukraine going to Frieburg temple. 26 hr. ride each way.

When people sift through our belongings will they have a witness of how we kept our covenants? Joy, comfort, peace, protection, help in times of trial..