Yes, you read the title right - I attended a women's conference at BYU. Actually, I am extremely grateful that BYU hosts this event. This is my first year attending this conference, but it definitely won't be my last. I feel incredibly rejuvenated and more spiritually focused after attending this conference. There were so many amazing presenters and thought-provoking comments that allowed me to reflect on my own spiritual journey. There were times in which I felt the need to repent and make changes; then there were other moments when I felt a calm reassurance that I was right where I needed to be and that the Lord approved of my offerings. These weren't opposing feelings. They were complementary. In fact, one presenter (Sister Rosemary Wixom, General Primary President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) made the observation that the more we view our weaknesses, the closer to God we are. She stated that God has asked us to come to Him that He may show us our weakness, so why would we think that because we see all our flaws and shortcomings that we are somehow distanced from Him? It is because of Him and our desire to perfect ourselves that we see our weaknesses so that we may become perfected in Him. The theme from this year's conference can be found in Psalms 84: 11 - For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. It was this scripture that actually sparked the desire to attend, especially the last statement. However, the conference focused a lot on the phrase "the Lord will give grace". Grace is such an intangible term at times. What is grace? What does it mean to have the grace of God? I have come to understand that grace is the enabling power of the atonement. His grace is what heals wounds and binds up broken hearts. It is because of his grace, after all we can do (and that "all" may not be very much at all), that we are saved...or rescued...from pain, disappointment, doubt, as well as spiritual death. I need the Lord's grace. I need to yoke myself to Him that my burdens may be light. I think some days I handle that better than other days. I think I erroneously assume that I have to shoulder my trials or burdens alone. I somehow reason that my problems are so simple when you consider the raging wars, devastating natural disasters, crippling poverty, etc. that goes on in the world. Yet, my problems are just as important to Him as they are to me. He counts all my tears. He knows every crack in my heart. I don't always understand why blessings are withheld (like the privilege to have a child of my own) or why we are called to endure certain trials, but I do know He loves me. I now know (more fully) that with grace, I can be rescued from all these pains and disappointments if I will allow Him to take them. Bottom line, I loved this conference. I needed this conference. I am not perfect, but I am trying to be a little better each day (some days are easier than others). I loved that my little sister, Krystle, was able to join me! It made the experience much more enjoyable. Next year hopefully we'll have more join us!
The conference opened with a talk by Sherri Dew. She is sincerely one of my heroes! I love her ability to convey a message in such a simple yet profound manner. She knows what heart ache is about and she has maintained true to the core.
After the opening session, we went to three different classes before meeting back up for the general afternoon session with the other 15,000 women in attendance (Elder Hafen and his wife spoke then). During one of the sessions, I was able to meet and speak with Sister Linda Reeves, second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency. We talked for about 15 minutes while we waited for the next session to start. I was able to share my story with her and she shared some of her personal experiences. She is such a kind, genuine individual. I felt privileged to meet with her and have enough time to chat.
That evening, the conference provided a concert sponsored by Deseret Book and Shadow Mountain. It was phenomenal! There was so much talent in one show! I saw performances from Jenny Oaks Baker (Grammy nominated violinist and Elder Oaks' daughter), Sandra Turley (Broadway Star who played Cosette in Les Mis), Hudson Lights, Mercy River, and Hilary Weeks (all prominent LDS artists). It was such an excellent way to end my first day!
Jenny Oaks Baker
Sandra Turley
Hudson Lights
Mercy River
Hilary Weeks
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