Today was the General Women's Broadcast by our church. As usual, it left me inspired and renewed. But, better than ever, I got to go with my mom and daughter! It was the first time in the history if Women's Conference that they included girls between 8-11, as opposed to the previous 12+. Ash was excited, but when it dragged past 10 minutes she dismissed her enthusiasm as ignorance and spent the duration playing with miscellaneous items she could find in our pew. She didn't think I was funny when the meeting was over and I told her it was just, "the end of the first session and that we would be coming back after dinner." (Hehe)
The overall message I got was the importance of the gospel and the need to make sacrifices for the important things in our lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a member of such an amazing gospel and for the circumstances of my life. I hope I can make wise choices and enrich and strengthen my life and the lives of those around me.
My mom took notes, (like the amazing woman she is) and sent them to me. They are below (for me... just so I have them in case my phone crashes again and I loose all my data.)
2014 General Women's Meeting-first time since 1992 that all women have met-and first time ever with girls 8🔺
Song-hark all ye nations!
Song-all age/women choir-As a daughter in his kingdom I am of royal birth......
Rosemary Wixom-primary pres-visited Mexico recently and had primary kids hanging on to her, saw YW, knew no Spanish so started reciting YW theme in English, and they united with her in Spanish. Had all primary sing first verse on Teach me to Walk, then all joined in 2nd verse (Ashlyn wouldn't stand up). Baptismal covenants will help us with challenges. Bednar-w/sac, we look to temple. Ordinances lead to our exaltation. Covenant girls and women she has met-liana couldn't speak-but drew Christ in garden of Gethsemane. Youth are drawn to temples. In Lima Peru saw 2 girls in wheelchairs-came from 14 hrs away to watch the only one who could do baptisms. Met a woman in her 90s who has had Trials, afflictions and incomprehensible joy. Endure to the end ye shall have eternal life. Cleave to the covenants you have made.
I am a Child of God video of kids around the world
Bonnie Oscarson-YW pres-strength in our unity. One if the most powerful faith filled assemblies of women in the church, if not the world. To be sisters implies an unbreakable bond between us. Sister Holland-we cannot call ourselves Christian if we continue to judge and compare with others.
When her mother was five she would walk to church by herself because her parents were inactive. When Bonnie asked her why she went she said it was because she had primary teachers who loved her.
Told of an 81 year old just called to YW over Mia Maids.
Marjorie Peay Hinckley "Oh how we need each other" ......inspiration to know when and whom to serve.
Video-how women love and support each other"HANDS"
Linda K Burton-RS Pres-lay aside the things of the world and come unto Him. Sometimes we're tempted to turn back because we think we can't do it alone-and we can't. But the Savior will help us. Our true identity is that of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Mormon was not distracted by the evil that surrounded him. Woman was ridiculed for having food storage. They said if it was needed it would be taken from her-she said at least she would have something to give. Girl in Philippines walked to church from 7 on because knew how important gospel was.
Ways to serve as disciples-"help wanted"....those who...Elder Ballard's clarion call.....
"we believe and we serve Jesus Christ"
Song-Lord I would Follow Thee" (and Love One Another in the middle of it-beautiful rendition)
President Henry B Eyring-pray previous words will go down in your hearts. Offer words of encouragement and testimony-path we must take on journey to Heavenly Father. Joy of keeping covenants. No two of us feel same about day of baptism, but all feel Gods approval.
"Clapped their hands for joy" at baptism. You were tutored by Him before you came into this life of how to live this life and help others. Each of you is a daughter in the covenant. He knew it would be too hard to make the journey without help-thus covenants. With a smile. Ruby Haight-called to teach YW in Palo Alto stake because her husband, the pres, was worried. Thirty years later she would see them and still say "my miamaid". Pres Eyrings wife was one of those Mia Maids. You're more alike as daughters of god than you are different. While satan is tempting sisters at earlier ages, sisters are doing more good.....
We are blessed because of eves courage and wisdom in taking the fruit-Adam was smart to follow. When the way ahead seemed hard she saw the way home to god. She knew the atonement made eternal life possible in families. Trust in the lord with all they heart and lean not to thine own understanding.....
Because he loves you he will help lift you and others on the way back. All the keys that bind sacred covenants have been restored.
Song-Let Us All Press On
