BYU Women's Conference 2012

BYU Women's Conference did NOT disappoint! Although only our local Utah girls were able to go this year, we were small in numbers but mighty in spirit...we still learned a lot & had a great time!

It is always fun being on the BYU Campus. It was a gorgeous Utah spring day...the Y on the mountain always makes me emotional...it brings back such great memories for me.

We met up with cousin Rebecca & Aunt Linda (two of my favorite people that we get to call family) for the closing session on Day 1 & enjoyed a little time with them.

I also shared a class with my Harwell cousin, Kim. We are actually in the same home ward in Coloma & yes, we really are related...we share the same great-great grandfather, Richard H. Harwell. (It was through Kim's family's research that helped me find my Harwell ancestors when I was a student at BYU in 1973-74.) Besides being related...Kim is one of my dearest friends. (BTW, the blonde behind us is Sister Stringham who used to live in the Almaden Ward area. She was there with her daughters, too.)

We have developed some "must have" traditions while at Women's Conference; the mint brownies is one of my favorites & the kettle corn is a must to help you through the long days. Cafe Rio & Kneaders are our favorite places to eat...we did it all.

It's always fun to run into "random" people while on campus. Random meaning you didn't expect to see them. Brianna Toone & her family were in our Stake for years & went to GHS with our kids in San Jose. I had the privilege of being her leader at YW Camp a time or two. Great kid then, awesome woman now! Was fun to get a quick hug, & a chat, & of course a photo!

At the closing session of Day 2, we met up with Becca & Aunt Linda again & Paul's cousin, Pat, & her daughter. It was so nice to be together with family (even extended family) as we enjoyed the lessons shared at Women's Conference.

One of my favorite classes was presented by our dear friend, Nan Hunter, "It's an empty nest, not an empty life!" She was so full of life & energy, she had us all laughing & crying! It was so fun to see her & get a hug.


Here are a few of the things I don't want to forget:

* There is power in prayer. It allows us to experience comfort...a personal message of peace.

* Children need & actually want strong parents...BE STRONGER! No waffling.

* You could be happy everyday of your life if you choose to be...CHOOSE JOY! Abraham Lincoln said, "People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be."

* If you turn your lives over to God, He can make more of your life than you can.

* We cannot change others' behavior, we can only empower change within ourselves.

* Let it be okay that we are not perfect.

* It's amazing how good people look when we look for the good in them.

* Sometimes we focus too much on what we think we can't do...we need to focus on those things we can do to bless the lives of others.

* When you do the Lord's work, He will help you do yours.

* Elizabeth Kubler-Ross said, "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."

* True disciples find a way to be obedient in all things.

* Our lives are the most powerful sermons we can preach.

* We cannot allow our burdens to obscure our blessings.