Weekend with friends...

A couple weeks ago I went with some friends in our neighborhood to TOFW in Ogden. I realize I talked about this event when I attended in Long Beach, Las Vegas and San Antonio, but I have to say this was by far the BEST event I have attended! Seriously, the spirit present the entire weekend was incredible. Of course it helped that 3 good friends were participating, so supporting them made it even better! Thanks to Laurel and her team for all the time and prayers that went into this event! We had such a great time! Thanks ladies for a memorable weekend!!

Kris Belcher, Emily Freeman and Hilary Weeks during the event.

The event theme this year is "SWEET ASSURANCE...the certainty that comes from knowing life's truths." Our friend's Emily Freeman and Kris Belcher were presenting at TOFW for the first time and they both did a FABULOUS job! Emily spoke about the miracle of creating abundance in our lives. She gave us 3 principles from the parable of the loaves and fishes and taught us how we can all have abundance in our lives right now. Kris was born with a rare form of eye cancer and spent most of her life blind in one eye. Approximately 5 years ago, the cancer returned and she was forced to choose between loosing her sight to save her life or the possibility of dying. She spoke about the 4 principles of healing and how all of us no matter our circumstances can be healed through the grace of our Savior. Emily is the author of The Ten Virgins, 21 Days Closer to Christ, God Bless Your Way, and most recently Women at the Well. Kris has a new book coming out in March which tells her story - Hard Times in Holy Places. If you want to learn more details for each of these principles you will have to find an event where Emily or Kris are presenting - you will NOT be disappointed!

Hilary performed at the event Friday night and Saturday. I posted about Hilary when I did the CD giveaway back in November and this was by far the BEST performance I have witnessed so far... She continually amazes me with her talent and sense of humor. If you haven't had a chance to see her perform in person YOU MUST! She is traveling to several of the TOFW events this year. Find one in a city near you and go! There are a couple fairly close if you live in UT - there are events in Pocatello & Boise, ID as well as St. George, UT this year.

Here are some pictures from the events.

Kenneth Cope, Wendy Ulrich, Emily Watts and Emily Freeman.

Kim Nelson, Hilary Weeks, Kris Belcher, DeAnne Flynn and Brent Top.

Hilary and Kris

We also heard from S. Michael Wilcox, Ardeth Kapp, Mark Mabry, Jenny Frogley, Abe Mills, Michael McLean, Brad and Debi Wilcox, and Chris Stewart --all fantastic!

Jenny and Abe put on an amazing concert Friday night. You can check out Abe's "Boy band tribute" here. It was very entertaining.

Shelly, Emily, Kris, Josephine, Tasha and Me after the event!

A few memories from the weekend... in no particular order.

• Waiting for our lunch at Wingers, paying for it, leaving to get back to the event and then returning 3 hours later to eat it. (we did get free dessert - can't complain about that)
• Jo yelling at our server to get her brother - I can't even remember what we needed!
• Angela falling - Tasha saying... "I saw you...then you were gone!"
• Umbrella basics - If 3 people are trying to walk under the same umbrella and one is blind then the one that is blind needs to hold on to both of the others' elbows instead of just one.
• Lots of RAIN!
• Listening to "I'll Sing" during each break both days.
• Chocolate covered cinnamon bears - Thanks Shelly!
• Sophie getting us lost and Emily talking to her like a person.
• Tasha trying to find the "correct" parking lot in the fog.
• Kris throwing a pillow at Tasha while she was trying to go to sleep.
• Angela almost running Kris into a pole and Shelly saving her. Sorry Kris!
• Tasha telling Kim Nelson he was svelte.
• Slurpee's and ice cream cookie sandwiches...yum!
• Tasha being our chauffeur - Thanks Tasha! She kept us from getting drenched!

Ladies feel free to correct me on any of the details or add a memory to the list!

Here is actual feedback on the event from a few that attended:

Your experiences~

This was the most amazing experience. I have been to a TOFW event previously, but this was far and away the best one! I have had many many struggles, and it was through this event that I finally feel like I am getting better. Thank you.—Jana


My friend and I went on the 23 and 24! It was so wonderful! I'm so glad I took the opportunity to try something new. Every speaker and music number touched me in some way. I had to hurry home and journal all my notes into complete thoughts. I won't ever forget it, and will make it a tradition. I don't want any of my friends to miss out on this again!—Rebekah


Wonderful time. So inspirational. Great time to listen to great uplifting music and presenters with friends and family. Thank you for coming to Ogden. Hope you come back again. I also helped volunteered and just have to say the TOFW team is awesome to work with. Thank you for the opportunity. —Nicci


Wonderful. There are so many words to describe my day(s) at Time Out for Women. It is an experience that everyone needs to attend. I was on such a spiritual high for the next day... and continue to be. I wish I could go every weekend! Thank you for creating the tour. Until next time!—Melissa


This was my fifth time to attend TOFW and they have all been awesome! Every woman in the church should take the time to attend your events. It is uplifting, fun and a great way to spend a day with your friends, sisters or just any female that you value. I bought my friend a ticket for Christmas and took her. She hugged me and thanked me many times for bringing her with me! THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS AVAILABLE and keep them coming!!!! —Jan

Definitely something you should try to attend if you are able. It is great to get away from the worries in your life and just focus on YOU! And of course spend some quality time with a few close friends or family!