For seven straight years I have attended Women's Conference at BYU. Gonna have to face it, I'm addicted. Totally and completely. Really no choice about whether to go or not. And not once have I regretted the decision or sacrifice to go or had anything less than a fabulous time.
It would be hard to say what my favorite part of the conference is. It might be the amazing feeling of sitting in the same room with 20,000 other women who love the Lord as much as I do. Who face struggles with children, and laundry, and what to make for dinner every day. And yet arise each day with the resolve to try a little bit harder and be a little bit better. And when sometimes you forget this, attending this conference helps you to remember that resolve. I love the feeling of being one as we sing the songs of Zion, especially my favorite - How Firm a Foundation.
My favorite part might be spending time with my sisters. This year only two of them could make it, but we had a great time. Having this time with no husbands or children is kind of precious and something that is hard to put into words. There is something about a sister that is such a blessing in my life.
My favorite part might be the food. Whether it is the warm spiced almonds or the world famous mint brownie, I am just here for the food. The kettle corn is pretty awesome and this year I tried a fresh fruit parfait thingy in a waffle cone that was both healthy and delicious. Here is my brownie that I posted on facebook with the caption "The breakfast of champions." This picture is amazing with the way the light catches the frosting and makes it look like it was a soft as a pillow. The brownie was just the right amount of moist chewiness and the minty filing in the middle is just the best thing ever.
My favorite part might be the opportunity to give service at the group event that happens every Thursday night. It is unbelievable what 20,000 women can accomplish in just 2 hours. And I am proud to be part of the Lord's secret weapon army of sisters who serve. We helped assemble cold care kits that had socks, gloves, a hat, and a blanket, all in a nice little bag. We all know how much I hate to be cold, and the thought of giving the gift of warmth to those that are needing it, makes my heart warm inside.
My favorite part might be the chance to rub shoulders with members of the General Relief Society presidency. I was so excited when we ran into Sister Burton last year. I hurried and got my picture with her, but the wind was blowing and I felt like I smiled too big and for the past year I have been kicking myself that I didn't get my sisters into the picture. I pretty much lost my mind and figured I missed out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. Here is what last year's picture looked like: It is not bad and I do love the BYU car in the background. But still, regrets.
And so you can only imagine my exhilaration when I saw her walking around at the service. I went over to her and she embraced me in the biggest hug. I felt the Saviour's love in that hug, and it was one of the many tender mercies from the Lord that I felt that day. And so I was thrilled when I got a do over to get a picture with all three of us. It is much better, don't you think. Now my regret is that I didn't ask her for advice about being the 2nd counselor in the Relief Society. Well maybe next year.
My favorite part might be the concert that takes place after the service. Even though you are pretty tired by the time this happens, I am never sad that I attend this evening event. Mercy River performed a hilarious song about putting your kids to bed. And my favorite this year was listening to Sandra Turley who has performed on Broadway. She sang "For Good" from Wicked, as well as the most beautiful medley from Les Mis. It was so moving and I was changed for good for having been there that night.
My favorite part might be meeting up with BYU celebrities, such as the actors from Studio C. I adore that show and laugh out loud every time I watch it. I had seen a picture of these life size cut outs and knew I had to get my picture taken with them. They were not out in the lobby, but I persevered and asked around until I found someone who would let me get my picture with them. So funny. I think my favorite would be the one with Matt. He seems to be giving me an appropriately strange/ horrified look. So fun, and one more chance to be on the campus police watch list.
My favorite part might have been the photo booth and the chance to enter all of these pictures in a Women's Conference contest to try and win a free ticket to Women's Conference next year. I entered the most pictures, go figure. I am not too stressed about winning because let's face I will be attending whether I win or not. But it is fun to be in such contests and I think I should win most enthusiastic contestant.
My favorite thing might be posing with our matching tote bags that we only use for Women's Conference. It is fun to pull it out each year and see what goodies are left from the year before.
We had to take a picture to replace last year because it looks like my arm was amputated and that was just not good. This year is better with all of our limbs exposed.
And there you have it, just a few of the reasons that I will be going to Women's Conference for the rest of my life, even if they have to wheel me in on a gurney. Hard to pass up the opportunity to feast spiritually, emotionally, and physically. (I may or may not have gained quite a few pounds, but it was worth every calorie!)
Until we meet again, BYU Women's Conference. Next year can't come fast enough.
