Time Out For Women 2013

Such a fun weekend.  Everyone who gets the chance should attend at least ONE Time Out For Women during their lives.  It's always a fantastic experience and a great time to take a break and get spiritually rejuvenated.  

We were so blessed to hear from so many inspirational speakers and talented musicians.  I told my mom I'd take notes for her since she wasn't able to go, and I thought, "Hey, I might as well share them with everybody!"

My disclaimer is that I know I worded some of these quotes wrong.  Hopefully I'm not putting words in peoples' mouths.  Hopefully what I wrote down and what the speakers actually said share a similar message.  No promises.  These may just be things that comforted my spirit and translated into something I personally needed to hear.

It was Justin Cash who said, "I believe everyone in this room has something they're meant to do."  What is your dream?  Go do it!  God put that dream in you for a reason.

This really hit me.  Just recently I asked Mitch for a priesthood blessing.  In the blessing I remember being told by the Lord something similar.  Even though I desire more than anything to be a mother, the Lord has a different plan for me and a different role in mind for me right now.  I feel like he's pushing me to finding my passions and my strengths.  I feel like I'm supposed to make a difference in another way besides motherhood.  I'm still in the process of finding that desire and that dream I'm supposed to be pushing towards, but this quote gave me a new confidence that I will figure it out and discover what it is exactly that I am "meant to do" right now and how I can contribute to changing the world in a better way.

It was also amazing to hear Chris Williams speak.  Wow!  I can't even begin to describe how much I appreciated his words and how he helped me realize my countless blessings.  I have so much to be thankful for.  It makes me frustrated with myself knowing I get upset about the trials I have to go through.  I have it so easy compared to what others have to experience in this life.

Brett, from Jericho Road, gave a great thought when he said that the new star at Jesus' birth would have had to start shining 30 years earlier before its light could reach the Earth.  Keep shining and someday your light will be appreciated.

Side Note: Jericho Road.

First time I met them… I was 12 years old.  And I was wearing a bright blue snow hat.
 And I was so special.

Second time… They were staying at my aunt's house when they were in town because she owned the church bookstore there.  So, we got to go eat dinner at IHOP together after one of their performances.
I felt extremely special.  

And today…. we were special, special gems.  And I don't regret it. 

Talking about reading General Conference talks in the Ensign daily… 

"A talk a day keeps Satan away"

-Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt

Aaaaaaaaaand my absolute favorite wisdom of the day was from Emily Freeman.  

She told a story about a mother who was telling her children to try and remember during their trials the things that helped them and brought them peace during their challenges.  She said that if you can bring comfort to one other person going through the same trial as you experienced, then that trial was worth it.

The last thing I wanted to share was music by Calee Reed.  So talented.  So adorable.  She had such a bright, bubbly personality.  And this song she wrote for her mother is so precious and makes me cry every time I watch it.