Not only is next Sunday, Mother's Day, it is also the week that our family gets to speak in church. Waaaaa!
Speaking in church seems to be a way to be welcomed into a ward. It gives us a chance to introduce our family, and it gives our ward the chance to see just how cuh-razy we are.
We weren't given a specific topic to discuss, but since it's Mother's Day...
What would you like to hear on Mother's Day? Stories about how perfect and wonderful I am as a mother? Stories from the scriptures about other perfect mothers? Ways to become a better mother? People who have helped me on my journey of motherhood? Ways in which I am failing to be a good mom? A plee for help? Stories about bad mom behavior at the grocery store and library? That sad poem about which child loves mom the most? Jokes about moms? Skip the whole mom topic and discuss Baptism?
I know some women get all wierd about Mother's Day, but I'm fine with it. I don't want to hurt any feelings or leave any non-mom's out, though. Have you ever had to speak at church on Mother's Day? Do you have any tips for me - good talks you've heard, or embarrassing things to avoid? Should I use Annie's list of mom-jobs? What? Help me out here.
I'll be back...
15 comments:
Personally, I love when folks give an example from the scriptures but intermingle that with plenty of experiences. Things you have learned, want to learn. I'm all for people telling what they've done well (without gloating) but that needs to come from your kids, not yourself. :-)
I was envious of you last night. Amazing Race was in Hawaii and hit Kamaka Air Hanger, Lanai, Kamalapau's Harbor. Talk about beautiful country! How blessed you are to live there for a time....
Wendy, you are a terrific mom and could definitely teach them a thing or two.
I love Mother's Day. I don't get why some mom's get 'weird' about it. My sister, who is not a mother and will never be a mother, has had to speak several times on Mother's day. I'm not sure what direction she took with her talk. Probably similar to what Sherri Dew talks about, we are all mothers in some way.
Good luck, whichever direction you go I'm sure it will be great!
Hmmm....Mother's Day talk huh? Well, you could do a talk about being a Godly woman. That would include all females at any level.
I like Deanne's suggestion. That way any women that aren't moms wouldn't feel left out.
I also love humor in talks, even on Mother's Day. You could tell funny endearing stories about your own mom or share some fun stories of your own experiences as a mom.
Good luck! I always get so nervous speaking in church, even after all these years. I know that's cuh-razy, but that's just how it is! :)
I'm not LDS, as if you didn't already know, but I think talking about what women influence you, be it real life, historically or from the scriptures would be very acceptable for Mother's Day!
I agree with all of the above comments! Amber, Deanne and Toni got it right on the money IMO. A combination of all of these AND your own ideas = awesomeness!
I used the be a "weird about Mother's Day" weirdo. The reason (my lame reason) was that my ex made it a miserable day for me, hence I declared war to it. I told my husband I hated Mother's Day and it was just a dumb day. DUH! Pretty pathetic if you ask me.
For the last 11 years DH has worked very hard to make it a super day for me. He un-lamefied me
I think the above ideas are great. Deanne wins for saying my thoughts before I even typed them! A caution: sometimes the whole "even if you're not a mom, you are like a mom" business felt rather patronizing when I wasn't one. Humorous stories, good scriptural examples, perhaps a Sister Hinckley story for good measure, and be yourself because you are da bomb.
You could start your talk saying, "Notice I have a shakey voice right now because I'm nervous. It's a family trait. Thanks a lot mom, happy mother's day to you too!"
Mary - the shakey mom voice is a given. I like the idea of attributing it to my mommy.
NCS, Toni, Deanne - I love the Godly/great women idea. I think I will focus on that. I've had my bible out today, making notes. Titus 2 is excellent.
Amanda - Sherry Dew - love her. I have a feeling your bookshelf has all the info I need.
Amber - I have a list for Hannah of nice things to say about me... I did not see Amazing Race. Maybe I can find it online and use it in a future Aloha Friday - you should totally go on that show!
Suzanne - I get nervous, too. I just hope I don't start crying and then do a big ugly snort into the microphone.
Good luck! Giving talks is not my most favorite thing. Did they give you a topic? Our bishopric seems to always assign topics, even if it's a holiday like Easter or Christmas or Mother's Day.
I say do some of each -- a few scriptures, some real life examples, and you certainly can't go wrong with a well-placed and well-told joke.
:o)
You could read that book, I'll Love You Forever, so people can cry. I spoke on Mother's Day a long time ago. Good luck, I think I'd opt for the root canal
Heather
My father-in-law is speaking in church this Sunday too, he is going to use my article!
I love it when people tell personal stories, I can read "a talk from the last conference" anytime.
I did a sharing time on Mother's Day. I had different women come in and tell about themselves- only they were playing a part of a Latter Day Prophet. Obviously you couldn't have different women come in, but you could speak about women like Lucy Mack Smith, Ada Bitner Hinckley, etc... Most people don't know a lot these women. Just an idea... :)
I meant to say playing the part of a Latter Day Prophet's MOTHER. Oops.
Tori - it was fun to imagine them dressed up as men. That gave me a little laugh!
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