Talk

Today Zach and I talked in sacrament meeting. I always get so nervous and really dread it, which is sad cuz I feel like I use to not mind it much as a teenager and it didn't really stress me out. I didn't even use to really type much when I would give talks just write a few notes and go on the Spirit, for some reason since we've been married every time we're asked to speak, maybe it's cuz I start typing up our about us info., I always type my whole talk and just plan on reading it. Last night I was thinking my talk wasn't that great and my much more spiritual husband said just think of your topic and add personal experiences of how it's touched it. It was about midnight and we were in bed and I realized my talk was lacking any personal experience it was just basically repeating the talk I was assigned to talk on in my own words. So I started jotting down notes on my finished typed talk. I was so nervous my talk was going to be a big mess and I'd loose my spot if I tried to add stuff but I prayed hard that I would listen to the Spirit and be able to do well. I think I succeed, I realized why I got into the rut of just typing my talk it's cuz I must be more emotional now that I'm a mommy and as soon as I feel the Spirit I just start crying. Which makes it hard to get out what I really want to say so in my mind it's easier to just read it but that's not really getting as deep and spiritual as I know I could, so the congregation had to be patient and watch me shed a few tears but I think it was worth it. There is such a feeling of satisfaction after you give a talk when you feel like you listened to the Spirit in sharing. So once the giving of the talk is over I really do like doing it. Any way today made me realize what a strong testimony of the Relief Society I have because my talk was on a talk given at the last general Relief Society meeting by Sister Julie B. Beck, Daughters-in-My-Kingdom: The-History-and-Work-of-Relief-Society. I have never really felt or understood the real power there is in Relief Society until now. I have just recently started doing my visiting teaching consistently and it has blessed my life so much. I know Relief Society is truly an inspired program that is here to bless all of us. Here are a few quotes from Sister Beck's talk that I really enjoyed and used in my own talk today. 
"The purpose of Relief Society is to prepare daughters of God for the blessings of eternal life as they increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. The history of Relief Society teaches us that our Heavenly Father knows His daughters. He loves them, He has given them specific responsibilities, and He has spoken to and guided them during their mortal missions.” 


"Relief Society clarifies our work and unifies us as daughters of God in defense of His plan. In this day of mistaken identities, confusion, and distraction, Relief Society is meant to be a compass and guide to teach the truth to faithful women. Righteous women today seek an outpouring of revelation to resist distractions, fight evil and spiritual destruction, and rise above personal disasters by increasing their faith, strengthening their families, and providing relief to others.”


Isn't Sister Beck so great, I love, love, love her.  I know the Lord has shaped Sister Beck and all of the past Relief Society presidents to be the perfect women for the job at just the right time and I know he will also shape each of us, if we desire him to, to be the right wives, mothers and daughters of His kingdom in our day and with our own families. That is why Joseph Smith was inspired by Heavenly Father to organize the Relief Society to help shape each and every sister and help us to prepare for the blessings of eternal life.  Just thought I'd share a little of my talk and testimony with you here on the blog so I can have it forever. Happy Sunday!