An AWESOME Opportunity

Caylee and I were able to volunteer at Education Week this past week and would strongly recommend anyone to go take some classes next year! What a powerful, motivating, and exciting five days this was! Now I have topics, talks, books, and lessons to learn from until next year!

We volunteered for four days (in four hour shifts each day) as we were able to meet and help others attending classes for the week...and as a bonus, we were able to go to as many classes as we wanted for FREE! (You may sign-up at: http://educationweek.byu.edu)

Our favorite class was one called, "You are stronger than you think you are" given by the amazing, Mrs. Merrilee A. Boyack. She recommended "Satan's War on Free Agency" by Greg Wright as her most recommended book for all people. Also, Carrie M. Wrigley was phenomenal! (You will read much of my insights in the next blog...)

But these were some of the greatest tips I received:

1. Discuss expectations you have with your spouse/spouse has for you. This was one of the most awakening/important things Peter and I have done. What a stress reliever! You will probably find what you are spending most of your time on are of least importance to your spouse. (I would read the 5 Love Languages together, even before you are married, to help strengthen your relationship and help you see what is most important to them)
2. When on the phone with a friend when husband gets home say, "Oh, my husband just got home. I need to go." This is huge to them.
3. Fight to be cheerful every day. I get to choose my attitude!
4. Susan Easton Black, best story ever told--The Christmas Story
5. Have a firm prayer asking for the Spirit every day--it's amazing how things are brought into perspective!
6. Ask your husband/significant other if you can talk (especially if it is difficult or takes longer than 10-20 minutes) and set a time or when a task will be finished. (i.e. can we mow the lawn together tomorrow at 8:30? It should only take about an hour.)
7. Men bond around an activity--women bond around conversation. It's been interesting noticing this with Peter and I :)
8. "You have been brought to this moment because you have done this before! Your strong voice is needed. The weight of your stance may be enough to tip the scales in the direction of truth.
9. 5:1. Five times more affection, humor love than criticism. Give a long hug without saying anything.
10. Focus on the first 5 minutes you get home and before you leave...make sure your greatest priorities are known. Show love and appreciation.
11. Life SPA--Special Positive Activity to read, meditate, enjoy the arts, learn something in history, listen to peaceful music, daily prayer walk, nature.