Women's Conference - Whittier Stake

Forget-Me-Nots

Saturday night I attended the Women's Conference broadcast from Salt Lake City.  In essence, it is the Relief Society session of General Conference.  The general sessions begin on next Saturday morning (October 1st).

I have to admit I wasn't in the mood to attend this meeting, but as Mary Beth was picking me up, I girded up my loins, put on a dress, and went.  Later, I was so glad I did.  I enjoyed the meeting thoroughly, not just the wonderful talks by our Relief Society General Presidency, but the inspiring message from President Uchtdorf - and, of course, the delicious dinner.  (I'm always up for a free meal!)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency

I have to admit I have a teensy-weensy crush on President Uchtdorf.  He is tall, handsome, and European.  Sigh.  But putting that aside for a moment, he really had a wonderful message about our personal worth and being positive about the direction of our lives.  He used as examples the tiny Forget-Me-Not flower and the story of the Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  (If that piques your interest, you'll have to check out the text of his message when it becomes available on LDS.org on Wednesday, or watch the video that's already up on that site.)

There were times I felt he was speaking directly to me, as he addressed a few things that have been troubling me lately about my own life. 

Every table had a lovely, unique centerpiece

After the meeting, we adjourned to the cultural hall for dinner.  It was so much fun to see so many friendly faces there!  There are always people, like my old college chum Pam, that I only see when there is a Stake meeting of some kind.

Our Stake Center was filled!

Whittier Stake Relief Society ladies

Ellen, Mary Beth and Marissa

Here is my table.  This was Marissa's first women's conference.  (She just recently turned 18.)  It was fun to have her along, even though I think all us old ladies were a trial for her!  Ha.  She bore it well.

Pickering and La Esperanza Wards provided the tasty enchilada meal

There were women from every part of the Stake

Andrea & Nicole and the beautiful Christus centerpiece

Another large table of our ward members was on the other side of the hall.  They smiled so nicely for my paparazzi camera - it wasn't until I got home that I realized I'd cropped Nicole out of the picture (see below, on the right) - sorry!  I'm not the greatest photographer.  But I enjoyed capturing a little of the feeling of the night.

As you can see, some Priesthood group was actually in charge of serving us, so all the women could enjoy the evening.  That was really nice!

More of our ward ladies!

I love my association with the Relief Society.  These are the best women you'd ever want to meet.  I'm lucky to be one of them.  Thanks, ladies, for a lovely evening!