I went to a stake fireside of one of my good friends, Lori Taylor. She knew i was interested in motivational speaking and so she invited me. The lady who spoke was Meg Taylor and has been paralyzed since 2004. She first started her talk by talking about the girl and boy who messed up during the musical number. the girl who messed up kind of laughed about it, and she used that to talk about how if everyday was perfect, we would not have much to look back at our life and remember. it the quirks, the mess-ups, and the odd awkward moments, that help us remember certain experiences and challenges in life.
Here are a few quotes from her I really liked.
Don't covet because I have given you more. --The Lord's answer to her prayer
The Spirit seems to only speak the language of awkward.
I know it's the Spirit [I'm feeling], and I'd rather be wrong. --in reference to doing something uncomfortable
Actions mean more to the Lord than words.
Arise and Shine! Arising is mandatory, shining is not. --D&C 115
Do. Act. Be.
You can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you can't count the number of apples in a seed. (In reference to what and who a member influences and brings into the church)
Oct. 21, 2012 (Endure to the End-Road to Construction)
So today at Ward Council, the bishop and 1st counselor approached me and said, "You know how you said you would speak if someone canceled? Well we need you to speak on Enduring to the end. My mind flashed to all the talks I had prepared and bingo! I had one in mind. I went home and in the next few hours weaved together a beautiful talk. It made me nervous and excited to be able to speak at the drop of a hat. I do pretty well under pressure, but I know it is only through the Spirit that I am able to convey the message that is meant. (Audio of it to come soon!)
Oct. 2012 (Primary Program-Choose the Right)
The summer I got my wisdom teeth out (2011) I could not sleep at night. One night I had the inspiration to write a talk about choosing the right. Months later, I found out the Primary theme for the year was "Choose the Right." I was so excited. I knew I would get to share it. I just didn't know it would be in the Primary program. Whitney was in charge of the program and I mentioned I had a talk ready if there was extra time, and the children did a beautiful job at their program, but still had ten-fifteen minutes. So I gladly took the time.
Aug. 2012 (Father's Day-The 4 D's)
They finally had the new Primary Presidency speak. We got to speak on Father's day and I have always liked that letter my dad sent me when I was in the mission field. It was the four F's of what to be as a missionary. Well my dad decided to keep a notebook together. He has done 4 R's for Rabe, 4 M's for being a mom, 4 F's for Fred being a father, and I have done the 4 S's for scripture study, and the 4 D's being a dad. I decided to share the 4 D's for being a dad. I didn't have enough time to prepare this talk and I wasn't as satisfied with the result.
Sept 2011 (Missionary Work)
I was called into the Primary Presidency soon after I was asked to speak the first time. I was so excited and thrilled. I was asked to speak on missionary work.
Sept 2011 (Trial and blessing of raising children-Brother of Jared Analogy)
President Christensen called on my cell phone, and I knew he was going to ask something important. He asked me to speak in Stake Conference I was so thrilled and excited. Then he asked me to teach on raising children, and I realized this might be a little harder. And it was. Fred and I were reading the Brother of Jared story one night although and this analogy came out to me as we read it. I thought it would fit in perfectly in my talk. I have never spoke in front of that many people before, and it was a little scary. My voice shook a little, but I felt I did my best. I felt the Spirit as I talked, and many people commented to me about it.
Aug. 2011 (Baptism-Welcome to Disneyland)
When Fred and I first went to the Rock Cliff 3rd ward, we knew we would asked to speak right away. When I found out it was baptism, I immediately thought of Dawn. I remembered back to all the lessons and experiences we had with her. I knew she would be a great way to lead into this talk. The talk was perfect...and even though I wasn't perfect at giving it, I felt satisfied afterwards. Many people commented on how well I did.
Meeting Joanne Hibbert Hamilton (2010)
Today I was picking up some books through someone on Freecycle, and I saw she was getting rid of some motivational tapes. They were of Joanne Hibbert Hamilton. She had also done a tape that was popular when I was in High School- How to Get a Date. I told Holly how much I loved this lady and she said she grew up with her. She was in her ward and grew up hearing her speak. I was awed and she noticed.
She asked me if I would want to meet her and I readily agreed. I was so excited to meet my first motivational speaker. She was older and had to stay in a wheelchair, but her mind was bright and active. She sounded the same. She said a lot of the same phrases I has heard in her tape.
She was just as amazing and funny and spiritual as I had remembered. She was exceptionally sharp. She told me a little a bit about her process in getting into public speaking. I'll list a few tips she gave:
-Go to Education Week and attend the youth talks
-Listen to other speakers
-Start preparing and gathering in a file (blog)
-Start with what you are passionate about (missionary work, dating, patriarchal blessing)
-Stay positive
-Funny is not as good as spiritual
-Don't let disappointment get you down (Joanne applied 3-4 times for Education Week and was denied)
It was an awesome experience and it was a great motivation for me to get prepared. I really want to do this. Fred is supportive of me and that helps.
No comments:
Post a Comment