Time Out for Women

On the weekend of April 9th and 10th. Time Out for Women came to Memphis. My Christmas present, last year from Brandon, was a ticket to go to Time Out for Women. This was my first time ever going to Time Out for Women and I LOVED it! Time Out for Women can be compared to EFY for teenagers. It was wonderful to sit and relax for a day and a half and enjoy the wonderful words of encouragement, love and laughter.On Friday night, Sister Sheri Dew had a video message about what kind of influence you leave on people.

Jenny Oaks Baker played beautifully on her violin. In between pieces she would talk about various topics. One thing I really liked that she said was that you don't have to give-up on something because you aren't perfect.

John Bytheway also spoke Friday evening. He counseled to ask for the Holy Ghost to help guide us through the day during our morning prayers. I also liked how he said that each person has a choice whether to be delightful or not for the day.On Saturday Emily Watts spoke about not abandoning hope; especially mothers' hope. The first hope not to abandon was to Hope your children can progress and grow. The years fly by even if the days seem pretty long. Hope is waiting with patience. The second hope not to lose is the hope that this work we are engaged in is worth it (motherhood) The last hope not to lose was the hope that someone who is smarter than you is ready to help (Heavenly Father).

S. Michael Wilcox also spoke on Saturday and said that if we know where to look we will find hope. He also talked about the importance of teaching your children the gospel; particularly, prayer.

Mariama Kallon talked about what it was like to live in Africa during times of war and how she grew in her testimony. Her story was very touching and amazing that someone could come out of such an awful situation and be the person who she is today.
Amanda Dickson spoke and had a huge amount of energy. She spoke about not letting the fear of disappointment destroy hope. Also, some bad things aren't that bad. Don't assume you may not like the worst things. I loved when she said, you can't change the work, but you can change the Spirit of the work.Mary Ellen Edmunds was the final speaker of the event. She talked about enduring to the end and to not give up in the middle. She also said to stop and appreciate talent and beauty in an unexpected place...don't be too busy.

Through out the day on Saturday, Hilary Weeks played her piano and/or sang. I was so excited for her to be there. I received a CD of her's from my brother for Christmas and have loved listening to it. Like Jenny Baker, Hilary Weeks would also share spiritual thoughts through out the day. I loved the quote she shared from Sister Hinckley, "Be kind. Everyone is facing something difficult." Also, Hilary Weeks shared that the negative thoughts we feel about ourselves do not come from Heavenly Father and to not get too discouraged about them.

There were many fun sisters that I went with from my ward and many sisters from my ward I saw there. The picture below is from the lunch break on Saturday.LtoR Jennifer, Heidi, Whitney, Tami, Emily, Lisa, Me, Starla, and Beth.

If ever I had a chance to go to Time Out for Women again I would in a heart beat.