We had our Stake Women's Conference today in celebration of Relief Society's 168th Birthday. The whole set up was amazing - blue & gold themed: balloons, Happy Birthday sign, table settings, gift bags & presents with inspirational "gift" quotes, RS printed motto and goodie bag for each person as well as a beautiful cake spotlighted at each table that a talented sister took the time to make. It was a lovely sight and it felt so good being there! I didn't feel the need to drag along my camera but I now wish I would have. The room was full - almost 200 women showed for the event and it was so much fun.
First, each ward presented what they were going to contribute for the year as a gift to the Relief Society. So many great talents were shared! Hand made quilts for nursing homes & less fortunate countries, focusing on the less active sisters and how to "feed my sheep", kits put together for those re-entering society after crimes, etc.
We were then introduced to my dear friend (Annette)'s sister - Lori - who was the guest speaker. She recently moved from Utah to the desert in New Mexico. I really enjoyed what she had to say and here are my notes:
The best invitations we receieve come from the Lord. (Example: Come Follow Me.) He needs us to help build the kingdom of God. The Relief Society is one of the largest and oldest Women's Organization in the world, claiming more than 6 million members in over 170 countries and territories. All over the world, no matter where we live, we all share the same things: love, desires and prayers. Women in other countries that don't have the things we do still feels like they have so much when having the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. The Lord always works in our lives when we allow him to be in ours. We may feel that the Relief Society is there for us (and it is), but we are also there for the Relief Society. The Relief Society is a gift to all of God's daughters. If we allow the Lord to mold us, form us and shape us (like the clay and the potter), we can become the women we want to be. Examples of women working and forming the clay in the desert to create pots. Clay and the potter: Isaiah (not sure which chapter or verse) & Jeremiah 18. The advesary will tempt us and try to keep us from doing the important things in our lives but the Lord is more powerful and will never lead us astray, and helps guide us to truth and righteousness. We need to have the light of Christ within us in order to shine that light to others. We can strengthen our testimony through prayer and scripture study. Alma 5:34 - fruit of the tree of life. The scriptures are a spiritual IV. Even on hectic days, make time for the Lord and remember to read scriptures and say a prayer that you will remember the things that you have learned and read. The kingdom of God is within each of us. Invitation: search, ponder and pray. Our ultimate goal: strive for eternal exaltation.
*She said so many more amazing things, but this was all I was able to jot down.
After her wonderful talk, we were treated to a yummy buffet luncheon and cake for dessert. Each time I attend one of these special events, I am just blown away with of all the countless efforts and talents that is put into creating such an amazing get together. I hope you were enlightened with my notes as much as I was being there!
Here are some of the "gift" quotes on the wrapped presents that were displayed across the room:
*Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. ~James 1:17
*Let us share our gifts and talents with others, bringing brightness of hope and joy to them, and in so doing lift our own spirits. ~Robert D. Hales
*I pray that the Holy Ghost will bless you with a greater vision of who you are, why you are here, and the unique gifts you have to bring to the Relief Society organization. ~Mary Ellen Smoot
*Relief Society blesses every woman who accepts the gift of activity in that sisterhood. ~Spencer W. Kimball
*Come unto Christ and lay upon every good gift. ~Moroni 10:30
*Neglect not the gift that is in thee. ~1 Timothy 4:14
*Our opportunities are many: to exercise faith, share sisterhood...and develop individual gifts. ~Ensign Jan. 1993
*His promised gift helps me to find an inner strength and peace of mind. ~Hymns, no. 128
*Relief Society actually came as a gift of God. ~Barbara B. Smith
*To every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. ~D&C 46:11
6 comments:
LOVE it!! You do such an amazing JOB with your BLOG!!
Thanks Heather! :) I try. I naturally have lots to write about. Three main reasons, anyways.
You did an amazing job covering the conference! I sent it to my sister so she could enjoy what you wrote!Thanks for coming and for your constant love and support! You are the BEST!
Why, thank you Annette! (bow) :) It was a great conference and I so enjoyed going! Glad your sister could come out and enjoy some fun time with you - and enlighten us with her wonderful talk! Love ya!
You're so amazing, Leslie, covering the conference like that. I'm glad you took notes of the speaker, which I unfortunately missed. Now I at least had an idea what she talked about. Thank you!! You should send your notes to the stake historian!!
Or Jessica Trask (ward historian) who can forward it to Jylene Keene. They would be very grateful!!
I always enjoy women's conference so it was fun being able to take notes. And since you weren't able to hear the talk, I knew you'd benefit from my notes. It was a fun day, wasn't it? Everyone that put it together did a wonderful job! :)
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