Oct 26, 2011

High Council Speaking Assignments


Today (May 17, 2009) I have just completed an assignment typical for High Council members of an LDS Stake. I gave a talk in the 166th ward at BYU. It reminded me that I have a story to tell about this type of event.
When I was a primary age boy (3 to 8 years old) I would often travel with my father as he would go on assignments to the different wards in the Duchesne stake. I went to Fruitland, Tabiona, Hannah, Utahn and Bridgeland. I remember it being long and I got quite bored but each time I was asked if I wanted to go I would do so and quite excitedly. I think I got to know the youth in those areas of the basin and in my high school years had many friends in those areas because of those early experiences attending primary with them. Anyway back then I only remember my father giving possible one talk to the ward he was visiting.
Later in my life when I was called to be on the Mapleton Stake High Council I received assignments nearly every month to talk in one of the 12 wards in our stake. I learned then that there is an art to speaking as a member of the high council. You have to prepare for a 45 minute talk in such a way that it still makes sense if you cut it to a 2 and half minute talk because the other speakers took way to long on their talks. It is not an art but rather it is being alert to the whisperings of the Spirit as to what should be said in the amount of time remaining. I am so very thankful for a Heavenly Father that has helped me every time in not only preparing the talks but in giving them as well. I have felt his spirit many times as I have spoken n his behalf as a member of the high council.