Clammy and Sweaty...

Sunday, Oct 17, 2010

Last week, Jeff and I were asked to speak in church on our favorite General Conference talk. We didn't hesitate at saying yes. I was so excited to speak! This was the first time since I'd been home from my mission, not that I hadn't been asked to speak up til this point, this was just the first time that the military didn't conflict. Jeff also hadn't spoke in quite some time, but definitely not as long as I, nor was he excited as I was. Because it had been so long for myself, I wondered if anything had changed for me, if I still got nervous speaking in large groups in front of a pulpit, or if I would cry when I felt the spirit. I was excited to speak, especially now as a married woman, another category to add to the list.

Since neither of us had watched or listened to Conference, it was a good excuse to catch up and to pick a favorite. The two talks we chose were: "Be an example of the believers" and "Faith- the choice is yours"

I was grateful that Jeff wanted to go first, I was excited, but not THAT excited! Plus he wanted to get it over with, he was nervous, so nervous in fact that his palms were all sweaty, cold, and clammy, plus it felt like his heart was going to pump right out of his chest! By him going first, he was able to introduce us and the "baby on the way"... a lot of people grinned at his witty charm, and I couldn't help but smile.

He did very well, he didn't sound at all nervous, he sounded very prepared, calm, and comfortable. I was starting to get a bit nervous now because I hadn't entirely figured out what I was going to say to introduce my talk... but I pushed that feeling away and tried to listen intently on my husband and listen to the spirit. It calmed me right down, a moment of rapid heart beats and baby kicks does not help anything!

He was finished and I was up... Honestly, I don't remember much, other than feeling very comfortable up there and knowing that I could have spoken for another 15-20 minutes easily. I've got lots of stories! In some ways I think I may have over-prepared my talk, but I am grateful for it, I'd rather have too much than not enough. Plus the other two speakers were glad that I took up some time- and good time it was!

I am grateful the opportunity we were able to give talks, I'm grateful that both Jeff and I accepted to speak without hesitating, I know that the Leaders of the Church appreciate that. Since my dad has been Bishop, he has commented to me on how difficult it is to find speakers in church, and I think, really, Why? it's like any other calling, you just DO IT, no hesitation. The Lord will qualify you to speak- especially if you aren't very good at it in the first place, and practice makes it easier and makes you better at it... I'm just sayin'

Also, we were extended the call to teach the 15-17yr olds in Sunday School! We are both so excited! Jeff is so good with the youth, he just has a way with them that gets them to listen and obey. I think it is in part that he too is a big kid! hopefully that'll be the case this time around too... :) We are just pleased for all the good that is happening in our life, the Lord does Love us, and we Love Him TOO!