I had a great time at Women's Conference this year. My bible buddy, Raelynn, wasn't able to make it at the last minute so Jenn stepped in and went with me. I have over 15 pages of notes, but I'll try and condense it down to some highlights.

Sherri Dew

• Status quo is uninspiring - it's easier to inspire somebody to do something hard.
• Embedded within our spirit is the desire to become more like our Father.
• Awake and arise (make our lives a ministry) and come unto Christ (walk away from the world)
• Take a little more time to be a little more holy
• We are followers of Jesus Christ and we have loved him for a long, long time.

Loving the Praise of God Rather Than the Praise of Man

Renee Butler, Marie Hafen

• D&C 25:10, how do we let the world go?
• What brings me the greatest joy, what are our highest priorities, how do I use my discretionary time, is there anything I should not be doing? Referenced Elder Scott's talk Ensign 5/01
• Allow time each day for helping others
• Leave time each day for prayer, scripture study
• We have God's love, it's our love for Him that remains to be developed
• Careful what you place in your daily pack, material possessions add weight to your pack but may not be for your good.
• Don't just give grandchildren things - but experiences that will bring them close to Christ.

President and Sister Bateman

Patterning our homes after the temple

• Begin and end with prayer
• use the hymns
• use quiet voices
• teach by example and training
• make it a house of learning
• make it a household of following ordinances

Julie B. Beck

The influence we have (in the world as examples, with our families) comes from our faith

• Moses 1:39 - our job description

scriptures testifying of our day:

• Matthew 24:6 wars, rumors of wars; v. 14 gospel preached for a witness to all nations
• Timothey 3 perilous times, love of self, despisers of that which is good
• Alma 30:16 remission of sins not necessary, false traditions of the fathers
• Alma 30:18 hearts of many lead astray
• if satan can lead the hearts of women away from home and their responsibilities there, he will lead away the rest of civilization.
• 2 Nephi 28:3 eat, drink and be merry, v. 20 rage in the hearts of men (when something good, true is spoken, people get mad about what was said.)

Ways to defend false messages:

• Alma 48:7, prepare minds of the people to be faithful
• Alma 48:8 errect places of resort (home, ward/stakes) Have you protected your home or lowered defenses and let the enemy in (mainly through media)?
• Alma 48:9 put most effort where you're weakest.

What do you do in your home to serve?

The pioneers did not come across the plains for us to have better malls, pedicures -- to be destracted.

In all we do point to the temple.

Making the MTC a review & not a revelation

Jeffery Clayton (former mish pres, Missouri Independence Mish)

• missions are hard (and wonderful at the same time)
• spiritual preparation is essential "Those missionaries that come from homes that have FHE, scripture study, and family prayer are far better than those who don't"
• Faith is the heart of missionary work
• Having a testimony of the Book of Mormon is essential
• Obedience is the foundation of missionary work. Be spiritually worthy, ready to work, obedient - the only 3 things you need to be a missionary - the Lord will make up the difference
• No obedience - no Spirit
• Obedience is best learned in the home.

Mary Ellen Edmunds (happifier)

The reality: more people are born in a day on the earth than joing the church in a year. Teach children the value of work.

• Willing heart + cheerful = multifunction service pill
• Promote family discussions
• Encourage children to learn another language
• Exercise together
• Encourage journal writing & note taking during meetings.
• Mail is like manna when you're away from home
• Do your children know how you feel about the Savior, temple, Joseph Smith? Don't assume that they know. Tell them.
• Include Preach My Gospel in FHE
• Help children to seek, recognize & respond to the Spirit.

President Monson

Common threads that run through all women's lives:

• We all have lives with much to do - don't let important things pass you by, find joy in the journey.
• Adversity - our mortal life was never meant to be easy and pleasant. Scrapped knees and tears are part of our growth & development
• Service, love & kindness to others - pause and reflect on all you do. You learn through your own experiences.