Some sound advice from Sis. Beck

I had the opportunity to go to a tri-stake Relief Society meeting, where Sis. Julie B. Beck spoke. It was an amazing experience, one that I won't forget anytime soon. The entire chapel and gymnasium were filled with sisters. My mom and I were fortunate enough to sit in the chapel on a side bench because we got there early enough to claim a "good" spot. Sis. Beck was friendly, open, and down to earth. She let us ask questions and she would answer them. Here are a few highlights:

• We need to protect the Spirit from other influences that will drive it away.
• Make every day a scripture day. She mentioned that she had "failed" all programs to read the scriptures until she decided to read something everyday. It didn't have to be a whole chapter, a specific set of scriptures, or following a reading schedule. And through the simple act of reading something, she developed a love and gave more time to scripture study. 
• Just do the best you can with your priorities: there are essential things, necessary things, and nice-to-do things.
• If you don't have a testimony of visiting teaching, now is the time to get one.
• Greatest danger to young mothers is escape. Don't run from your responsibilities when it gets too hard.
• If you're comparing yourself to other women, you're using the wrong measure.
• How good is good enough? The only one who can tell you that is the Lord.
• We're competing against unreal identities—and we can't run away from the divine calling and eternal identity of mother.

Sis. Beck is one of my personal heroes. If I can be like her, then I've accomplished something good in my life.