Time Out for Mommy...

This weekend I had the privilege of going to Spokane for Time Out for Women. It is an amazing woman's conference with some of the most inspirational speakers and musicians within our Church. What made the experience even more wonderful was that I went with my mother and friend Erin.

I have to admit that I was apprehensive at first to be in Spokane, since that is where Jolene lived for the last6 months of her life, that is also where she left this life. Our hotel was only a few miles from Deaconess Hospital, (the hospital Jolene passed away in). Somehow though I feel Time OUT was supposed to transpire there. I think it is because every thing seemed to come full circle, and I felt I was able to have an Eternal perspective.

When my mom and Erin arrived in Spokane, the first thing we did was a session in the Spokane LDS Temple. I had never seen that Temple before, and it was ever so breathtaking. It is a mini temple, but the Spirit that resides there is anything but SMALL!! It was the perfect way to begin our weekend!

The first day was a life seminar that was limited to only 500 women. It was wonderful because it was a smaller more intimate setting. That way we were able to interact more with the speakers. Speaking of interacting with speakers, I had a lengthy conversation with Virginia Pearce (aka President Hinkley's daughter)! I also was able to meet Sherri Dew (for the second time) and speak with her as well. There is something to be said about meeting the people who you admire and inspire you. I think the reason why it is important is because you are able to see that they are REAL people like you and me. It helps me to feel like I can really achieve the desires of my heart, if I but put forth the effort. Their talks were literally life changing, and ultimately inspiring in every sense of the word.

That evening we went to a concert put on by Michael McClain. His music is beautiful and touches your soul in a way that words alone cannot. He is also extremely hilarious! I never knew that about him. He had the arena of women rolling! He performed some of his old songs, and some new ones. I don't think I have cried that hard in a long time. Every song he sang seemed to remind me of Jolene in some way or another. It was bittersweet, and I am grateful that I had my mother to comfort me. After his performance I was able to meet him. I spoke to him about the possibility of writing a song about Jolene. The thought of that gives me goose bumps! :)

The next day we had a full day of speakers, and musicians. To name a few: Mary Ellen Edmunds, Hillary Weeks, Mercy River, and many more. I don't think my hand will ever recover from taking 2 days straight of notes. My right hand is affixed in a claw position, in which I fear it will never fully straighten completely.

It was the BEST weekend. I left feeling absolutely rejuvenated spiritually. I feel as though I can take on the world, (and maybe even my family)! I feel that it helped me to strive to be a better woman, wife, mother, and Daughter of God. It was a life changing experience that I will never forget, and I hope to implement this wealth of knowledge into my own life. The only down fall was that, in the midst of these inspirational talks and music, we had little time for rest. I felt as though I was in Spiritual and knowledge overload, my brain actually hurt! Even several days after Time Out I was nursing a spiritual hangover! I don't remember the last time I had been so tired, but it was a good tired!

I am so grateful for Gospel, and the light, knowledge, and peace it brings into my life.

My mother and I outside the Temple.

Erin took this one of the Temple. It is sad when your friend knows how your camera functions better than you do!

My mom, me, and Erin. Hey mom, look at the birdie!

Virginia Pearce and I.

Here is Virginia and I again. We are tight yo. We are going to have a best friend handshake and everything! Is she not the cutest thing you have ever seen?

Sherri Dew and I. I know that she was quite honored to meet someone of my caliber. he, he!

Michael McClain and I. Do you like how my eyes are all red and swollen? I had to thank him for making me cry like a baby.


Erin and I on the last day. Don't we look all the wiser? :)