General Relief Society Broadcast

I really cannot explain how much I love the General Relief Society broadcast. I love the gathering of so many women, all there together to learn how to improve our lives and draw from the strength of those around us. Last year, I was in the Conference Center for this meeting. That was a wonderful experience being surrounded by sisters from many different areas of the world. This year, I got to attend at the Stake Center, surrounded by the sisters in my own area.

It all began at 4 p.m., when we went to the Stake Center to tie quilts for the Church's Humanitarian Aid department. We then had dinner, which followed the Utah Relief Society dinner menu to a T--you know, pasta salad (containing chicken and fruit) on a bed of lettuce, dinner roll, small slice of melon, brownie, water. The food was good, although predictable, and I really did appreciate all the work that went into the project.

After dinner, we all sat down together to watch the General Relief Society broadcast. This was the highlight of my evening. I absolutely love Sister Julie B. Beck. During her talk, it occurred to me that I often provide my own "roadblocks" to service. Instead of deciding to serve and then moving forward, I think of why it just won't work today, or this week, or this month. Sis. Beck inspired me to have more faith and move forward in service even though I'm not sure how to work it all out in the beginning.

But, I have to say my favorite talk of the evening was Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's. The subject of his message, creativity, is something that has been on my mind and in my prayers a lot over the past few weeks. It amazed me that this topic, which I thought so insignificant, was important enough to discuss with the largest women's organization in the world. I gained a new perspective on the importance of this quality and that "I'm just not a creative person" is no longer a valid argument. I look forward to following Elder Uchtdorf's counsel and seeing how it will work out for me! (Again--get rid of the roadblocks!)

After the meeting concluded, I didn't feel quite ready to "come back to earth." So, a few sisters from my ward decided to walk down to the BYU Creamery and enjoy some ice cream. We snagged a corner booth, sat down, and chatted for almost three hours! When I got home, my amazing husband had not only done the dishes, but mopped the kitchen floor, and vacuumed the family room. Seriously, ladies, how could my evening have been any better than that!? What a way to end one week and begin another one!