Talks

I think I mentioned that President Jones, our stake president in Ventura, challenged us to write a General Conference-quality talk, right?  Well, I had every intention of doing that, and then we were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting on September 23rd -- and we were given a topic.  Wait a minute!  That assigned topic certainly isn't the one I had been thinking of to prepare my other talk -- the "big" talk!  So, now I need to prepare yet another talk!  I better get on it!  Because we are supposed to have it almost ready by General Conference, then listen carefully to see if we get further insights on our topic.  Sigh.  (No, I'm not ready yet.)  You're right -- I should be working on my talk instead of updating my blog.  Sigh again.

Elder Mecham and I both spoke on the topic of "General Conference" last Sunday.  We took up the entire allotted time and didn't really cross over into each other's talks.  Amazing.  My talk went okay and I felt pretty good about it.  I talked about President Monson's promises he gave in his opening remarks last Arpil at the beginning of General Conference and discussed ways we can be prepared to partake of the feast that will be laid before us October 6th and 7th.  Then I sang, "If I Listen With My Heart," which I felt went well with our topic.  My voice wasn't 100 percent, but it went okay.  (Today, Wednesday, I'm still coughing some.)  No, it wasn't my idea to speak and sing on the same day. 

I put this link out on facebook and email, but it really is such a great site which contains other helpful links. Just in case anyone is interested.  Wish I'd had this kind of help when I was raising my kids :)

http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2012/03/general-conference-activity-notebook.html

Elder Mecham gave an awesome talk about the history of conferences - it was so interesting.  He shared a  personal experience he remembered from when Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke at our stake conference in Pocatello when Elder Mecham was in the stake presidency.  At a dinner between Saturday sessions, Elder Oaks had a few minutes and said he would answer any questions.  Someone asked him if the apostles and others were given topics for their talks at General Conference.  He said they were not.  They rely completely upon inspiration.  Then he said he often has impressions come to him as to what he should speak on for the next General Conference as he is sitting quietly in General Conference.  Elder Mecham commented that none of us has any idea what is going to be happening in the world six months from now, but Heavenly Father knows, and he sees that his chosen leaders are inspired to give us the counsel we will need at that time.  What a testimony of our Heavenly Father's love for us, his children!