Notes

Sister's Conference, January 29, 2013

Ever since Sister Castro joined the church, she desired to be a full time missionary.  Her Patriarchal blessing stated she would be, while she was young.  Yet she married Fernando Castro when she was a new convert.  She was the only member in her family to join and she had zero support from her family.  She figured when she and her husband were much older and their children grown, they would be able to serve.  President Castro said he got very emotional when she was set apart as the mission president's wife as a full time missionary.  When she was getting her medical things all done, a nurse said to her, "You are too young to serve a mission with your husband."  She felt this was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father, helping her realize she was serving a full time mission while she was young. 

Sister Castro, an investigator, was baptized and confirmed by Fernando Castro, a returned missionary.  It was afterwards that they dated and then married.  They are an amazing couple, whom we love, admire, and respect a great deal!  He has his doctorate, but humbly accepts, and says it is more meaningful, to be called "Brother" Castro at BYU-I, and not "Doctor" Castro.  Sister Castro assisted in the typing of his papers -- many thousands of pages -- so he says she earned his degrees alongside him.  They are wonderful examples and teachers.

On their first day in this mission, they were given cell phones.  President says on that day Sister Castro received 17 calls (she handles medical things for the missionaries) and he had 0. 

We need to assess our problems.  Don't let them become bigger than they are.  Nothing is bigger or greater than the Atonement.

We talk too much in the Church.  We need to listen more.  We need to quietly find our place in the kingdom of God.  We don't need to be loud.  We don't need to hold the Priesthood.  Story of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25.  We bring unique qualities in relationships and to the world.  We have the tenderness needed.  The world is pulling women out of their place.  Know your place.  Let the Lord mold you -- and this is ongoing, unending.  Because of Christ's enabling power, we can do things we never though we could.  The world is loud -- we get confused.  Things of the Spirit are peaceful, quiet.  We need to search and understand our own identity.

Impressions:  Sisters have unique qualities to share.  Great faith.  Lifetime of little things that build us.  President Monson - "whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies."  Have courage.  It comes from knowing who we are and being solid in that.

We are queens.  We have deep beauty which shines from the inside out -- spiritual attractiveness -- having the image of Christ engraven on our countenance.  As missionaries, those we teach feel this more than see it.

Clip of President Uchtdorf telling story of the Ugly Duckling.  WE are swans!  We are glorious and eternal sons and daughters of God.

Workshops:  The two sets of traveling sisters and the APs each conducted a workshop.  Sister Lillywhite and Sister Bennett's was "What Manner of Men [and Women] Ought Ye To Be."  Sister Baker and Sister Hunter's was on Unity.  Elder Brodie and Elder Cary's was regarding "Heaven is a continuation of an ideal home."
 
End of Day

3 Nephi 19:24-25  The people were praying to Jesus.  They were given what to pray.  His countenance smiled upon them.
John 11:20-38 (or so).  Story of Lazarus.  Jesus had compassion and empathy for his friends.  He wept. 
Moses 1:1-6  Moses saw God's creations.

We saw a film clip showing the earth, then the solar system, then the galaxy, then far, far beyond. 

Christ created worlds without number, and he knows them all, yet he has compassion, empathy, love for each one of us, individually!  He knows us and loves us.

Then each sister was invited to share, in 30 seconds (approximately) one thing she liked from the day.  We have amazing sisters -- their responses touched my heart.