Let Them Be Little: A LITTLE TIME OUT

with some wonderful gals:

Gina and Tanya were able to attend TOFW with me and I was really thankful for that!

I wasn't able to spend the weekend in Denver and thought I might not be able to go this year but I had hoped it would somehow work out. These gals went with me and were happy to travel back and forth together. They also wanted to attend but didn't feel they could stay the weekend in Denver either.

The time in the car with them was every bit as uplifting as our time in the conference (for me). I'm so glad we were able to make it happen.

We did have a few unique moments happen. For instance, while talking through some of our concerns as mothers and in sharing our thoughts and feelings about those concerns, our discussion would end up being continued by the next presenter (we would have to stop our discussion because it was time for the next speaker). It was as if the presenter had been privy to our private conversation and had felt those same feelings and been led to the same conclusions. Such a wonderful thing to have been a witness to the Lord answering the concerns of (other) women in the room in such a unique and personal way. That was a very cool experience.

I was also grateful that a lot of the subjects discussed had been part of my personal scripture study as of late.

There were a lot of things said that seemed to "ring true" to me and make sense. I appreciate people who have a way with words, you know the kind (some of you are those people), those who are able to put into words (just the right words) exactly what is in my mind and my heart.

I won't go on and on about all of the things that were discussed but I do want to share something that I think a lot of you would really appreciate:

Julie De Azevedo Hanks taught that we (as women) are most happy when we are able to become and live as our most authentic self.

Her formula for this:

                                                          Heavenly Father's will

                                                                            +

                                       {our own} Unique talents and gifts

                                                                             =

                                                            Our most authentic self

So, we just need to understand His will for us, add our own unique skills to that and go and live our best life by being our most divine self! Fabulous!

And a little more from another:

Virgina H. Pearce spoke so beautifully and eloquently on forgiveness. This may sound a little funny but I was surprised by her topic. The theme of the conference was "Seek the Good" and as I looked at this darling little lady (who is one of my favorites) beginning to speak on forgiveness I wondered why she would have ever had a need to forgive anyone. Silly, I know. We all have been hurt and I know that. But she is such a kind and lovely person and she seems to have lived her life in such a way that I can't imagine anyone hurting her. But we all are hurt at one time or another. And we are all hurt for different reasons. She has a really good grasp on forgiveness and great insights. She is such a great woman, I really admire her. She is a terrific blend of her mother and father (lucky lady!). :)

She asked that even if we were not at a point where we could forgive," ...to keep forgiveness as a goal."

She talked about the difficult task in forgiving those who have wronged us but have not asked for our forgiveness, or who may seem to have not repented of any wrongdoing.

Sometimes as human beings we want those who have hurt us to pay for the pain they have caused us and we withhold forgiveness, hoping it will hurt them in some way. We all know that doesn't help us to feel better at all.

Forgiveness is between us and the Lord. The Savior atoned for the sins, harm, hurt, pain, etc. of everyone. She shared that we don't have "the right to revenge." That by desiring such, "we rupture our relationship with the Lord" because he atoned for the sins of all.

"Who heals our wounds?" Not the person who has harmed us. The Savior is the only one who can truly heal our wounds.

President Hinckley said of forgiveness, "It will come."

I have found this to be true. As I have sought to forgive in times when the offender has not wished to apologize, it has been possible for me to forgive. It's so hard to hold on to bad feelings toward others. So, I have been able to find a way to forgive.

This ability is understandable and possible through using the power of the atonement to help us. It makes such great sense to me, does it to you as well? We can overcome anything through the aid of the atonement, we can become who He wants us to become also through His power. It is all encompassing.

She reminded us of what James E Faust shared in his general conference address in October 2001, “Keep a place in your heart for forgiveness, and when it comes, welcome it in.”

Such beautiful and freeing words.

Well, that was a little more than I planned on writing here but it was all so good! I could keep going and going.

But guess what else?!

I got a BIG surprise! I mean a HUGE surprise while I was there. 2 of my wonderful cousins were also in Denver. Laylene, from Morgan, UT and Vicki from Ulysses, KS. They met in the middle for a sisters weekend. :) I was lucky and got to see them and enjoy the Saturday sessions with them. They were having such a fun weekend together. I sure do love them!

And here is a funny photo of them:

Sitting on the other side of Laylene, I reached my cell phone over in front of them and snapped a horrible photo. But it cracks me up! So, I kept it. You can tell they are happy, even if you can only see a portion of their faces. And I was kind of excited to get a photo of the lady behind them. She was so animated all day! When a presenter would say something profound or ask a question, she would say whatever was on her mind - right out loud! It was the cutest thing! Reminded me a little of going to some church services in the South (but without the awesome southern accent).