Mom Retreat

We are changed. We look different, and we act different. The things we listen to and read and say are different, and what we wear is different because we become daughters of God bound to Him by covenant." 

—Carole M. Stephens

I always wonder how I can be better as a Mother, as a Wife and a friend. I *could* pay money and go somewhere to get “perspective'” on how I can relate to my children and be “PRESENT” in their lives. I could. OR I can use my General Conference Talks as my reference point. My scriptures as my Guide. My RS Lessons as my compass. I love the fact that although we always seem to be seeking for something “more” in life, Heavenly Father has already organized things for us so that we don’t have to spend money on things that are not necessary or important.

I think if I make an effort to allow General Conference to be my Spiritual Retreat for myself AND for my Family I will be much happier. These talks are all SUPER STUPENDOUSLY AMAZING!! I mean, “We are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father” reaffirms my own personal divinity and encourages me to “return to Virtue”.  “For Peace at Home” teaches me principles that will help my family grow closer together and to be happy. “The Hope of God’s Light” gives me encouragement so that when I am feeling down or sad or burdened by the weight of my circumstances I can feel renewed in the Love of my Heavenly Father and focus on what is truly important. “Lord I Believe” helps me by giving me tools to  increase my faith and to recognize the power of the faith that I already have. “Marriage: Watch & Learn” gives me specific ways I can strengthen my marriage and my relationships with others. “Obedience Brings Blessings” is devoted to helping me understand the importance of being obedient to my Heavenly Father. 

For instance, April 2013 General Conference the talks:

Welcome to Conference  Thomas S. Monson   download

These Things I Know    Boyd K. Packer           download

A Sure Foundation    Dean M. Davies         download

We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly FatherElaine S. Dalton  download

The Savior Wants to Forgive       Craig A. Cardon  download

“This Is My Work and Glory”       M. Russell Ballard    download

“Come unto Me”      Henry B. Eyring   download

For Peace at Home    Richard G. Scott  Download

Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness  Quentin L. Cook   download

The Lord’s Way     Stanley G. Ellis   download

The Gospel to All the World        John B. Dickson   download

We Believe in Being Chaste      David A. Bednar   download

Catch the Wave     Russell M. Nelson   download

Stand Strong in Holy Places      Robert D. Hales   download

The Power of the Priesthood in the Boy       Tad R. Callister   download

Your Sacred Duty to Minister     David L. Beck   download

Four Titles       Dieter F. Uchtdorf   download

We Are One       Henry B. Eyring   download

Come, All Ye Sons of God     Thomas S. Monson    download

The Hope of God’s Light     Dieter F. Uchtdorf   download

It’s a Miracle     Neil L. Andersen    download

The Words We Speak     Rosemary M. Wixom    download

Marriage: Watch and Learn     L. Whitney Clayton   download

Obedience to Law Is Liberty     L. Tom Perry    download

Obedience Brings Blessings     Thomas S. Monson   download

“Lord, I Believe”       Jeffrey R. Holland   download

Followers of Christ      Dallin H. Oaks    download

The Father and the Son     Christoffel Golden Jr.   download

The Home: The School of Life     Enrique R. Falabella     download

Being Accepted of the Lord       Erich W. Kopischke    download

Beautiful Mornings       Bruce D. Porter     download

Redemption     D. Todd Christofferson     download

Until We Meet Again     Thomas S. Monson    download

Your Holy Places     Ann M. Dibb    download

When You Save a Girl, You Save Generations     Mary N. Cook    download

Be Not Moved!     Elaine S. Dalton   download

Your Wonderful Journey Home       Dieter F. Uchtdorf    download

Making Conference Part of Our Lives                download

Another great “Retreat” is attending the Temple OFTEN. What an incredible way to remind ourselves of what is important and what our Eternal Goals are and should be and how we can realign ourselves to the path Heavenly Father asks of us.

Do I need to spend money on ANYTHING to buoy up my Spirit? No, the scriptures themselves are full of enlightenment and knowledge that I need to be the best person, daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, visiting teacher –> that I can possibly be.

Do I really need to pay someone to tell me how to be “PRESENT” and “ENGAGED” with my children and family? No, these things come naturally as I strive to do what’s right. There is no counsel more important than that of the Prophets and Apostles that speak to us.

General Conference has just passed. I don’t believe there was one talk that didn’t touch me. I loved them all. I have already watched some of them a second time. I love Conference and the feelings that it brings into my life and the life of my family. It isn’t too early to start planning my General Conference Retreat for April 2014!! Only 6 more months to go!!! :) 

Make it a great one!!

About Tammy: Daughter, Sister, Wife, Homeschooling Mother of 7 (ages: G13, G12, B10, G7, B6, B3, G2). Stepmom of 2. Mother in law to two, Grandma to Peyton, Mattix and Andrew. Writer at BellaOnline. Blogger at Latter-Day Homeschool and JuddzWorld!! Happy & Satisfied!!