1 00:00:00,095 --> 00:00:00,135 - 2 00:00:04,045 --> 00:00:07,095 - Attention Youth Leaders, if you have recently been called 3 00:00:07,155 --> 00:00:10,775 to lead the rising generation, I have a next step for you. 4 00:00:11,195 --> 00:00:14,015 Listen to an awesome presentation by Yvonne Hubert 5 00:00:14,035 --> 00:00:16,535 and Peter Vidmar, who are both respective members 6 00:00:16,555 --> 00:00:19,215 of the young Women and Young Men General Advisory 7 00:00:19,295 --> 00:00:20,375 Council for the church. 8 00:00:20,825 --> 00:00:23,935 Their presentation really helps clarify ways on how 9 00:00:23,935 --> 00:00:25,695 to effectively lead the youth using 10 00:00:25,755 --> 00:00:26,975 the Children and youth program. 11 00:00:27,485 --> 00:00:30,855 They also cover topics like Youth-led groups, how to lead 12 00:00:30,855 --> 00:00:33,775 through personal ministry, how to meet youth, where they are 13 00:00:34,535 --> 00:00:36,615 identifying the youth strengths and capacities. 14 00:00:37,125 --> 00:00:38,535 This presentation is part 15 00:00:38,535 --> 00:00:40,175 of the Young Saints Virtual Library, 16 00:00:40,475 --> 00:00:42,895 and you can access it at no cost by going 17 00:00:42,895 --> 00:00:45,655 to leading saints.org/fourteen. 18 00:00:46,385 --> 00:00:48,535 Again, simply click the link in the show notes 19 00:00:48,535 --> 00:00:51,015 or go to leading saints.org/one four. 20 00:00:58,235 --> 00:01:01,295 So my name is Kurt Frankham, and I am the founder 21 00:01:01,395 --> 00:01:03,415 and executive director of Leading Saints, 22 00:01:03,435 --> 00:01:06,175 and obviously the host of the Leading Saints podcast. 23 00:01:06,395 --> 00:01:09,935 Now, I started Leading Saints back in 2010. 24 00:01:09,935 --> 00:01:12,735 It was just a hobby blog, and it grew from there. 25 00:01:12,835 --> 00:01:16,575 By the time, uh, 2014 came around, we started the podcast, 26 00:01:16,835 --> 00:01:18,215 and that's really when it got some, 27 00:01:18,595 --> 00:01:20,015 uh, traction and took off. 28 00:01:20,075 --> 00:01:24,455 Uh, 2016, we became a 5 0 1 C3 nonprofit organization, 29 00:01:24,595 --> 00:01:26,175 and we've been growing ever since. 30 00:01:26,195 --> 00:01:28,535 And now I get the opportunity of interviewing 31 00:01:28,555 --> 00:01:31,335 and talking with remarkable people all over the world. 32 00:01:31,715 --> 00:01:34,575 Now, this is a segment we do on the Leading Saints podcast 33 00:01:34,715 --> 00:01:38,335 called How I Lead, and we reach out to everyday leaders. 34 00:01:38,335 --> 00:01:41,615 They're not experts, gurus, authors, PhDs. 35 00:01:41,615 --> 00:01:43,575 They're just everyday leaders who've been asked 36 00:01:43,595 --> 00:01:45,815 to serve in a specific leadership calling. 37 00:01:45,835 --> 00:01:48,215 And we simply ask them, how is it that you lead? 38 00:01:48,475 --> 00:01:50,295 And they go through some remarkable principles 39 00:01:50,295 --> 00:01:53,015 that should be in a book that should be behind a PhD. 40 00:01:53,405 --> 00:01:54,695 They're usually that good. 41 00:01:55,115 --> 00:01:57,055 And, uh, we just talk about, uh, sharing 42 00:01:57,055 --> 00:01:58,135 what the other guy's doing. 43 00:01:58,435 --> 00:02:00,975 And I remember being a leader just simply wanting to know, 44 00:02:01,165 --> 00:02:02,695 okay, I know what I'm trying to do, 45 00:02:02,715 --> 00:02:03,815 but what's the other guy doing? 46 00:02:03,815 --> 00:02:06,375 What's working for him? And so that's why every Wednesday 47 00:02:06,375 --> 00:02:09,575 or so we publish these how I lead segments to share. 48 00:02:39,485 --> 00:02:42,015 Rebecca Smart from Ottawa, Canada. How are you? 49 00:02:42,755 --> 00:02:43,855 - I'm well, Kurt. How are you today? 50 00:02:44,145 --> 00:02:46,815 - Great. I'm so glad to make our way north 51 00:02:46,815 --> 00:02:48,455 of the border here in the United States 52 00:02:48,595 --> 00:02:50,895 and, uh, learn about the church in your area. 53 00:02:50,995 --> 00:02:52,255 So, I mean, if people were 54 00:02:52,255 --> 00:02:53,575 to ask you what's the church like in 55 00:02:53,735 --> 00:02:55,015 Ottawa, uh, what would you say? 56 00:02:56,095 --> 00:02:57,815 - I would say the church is true everywhere. Oh, 57 00:02:57,815 --> 00:02:58,255 - Good. 58 00:02:58,615 --> 00:02:59,615 - . 59 00:02:59,615 --> 00:03:01,485 So that's the best thing. Uh, you know, it's wonderful. 60 00:03:01,535 --> 00:03:02,645 We're in a stake here. 61 00:03:02,785 --> 00:03:06,205 So Ottawa is, uh, in the eastern part of Ontario, 62 00:03:06,385 --> 00:03:08,885 and we border with, uh, Quebec, 63 00:03:08,885 --> 00:03:10,205 which is our French province. 64 00:03:10,565 --> 00:03:12,885 Hmm. And so our stake has eight units. 65 00:03:13,025 --> 00:03:15,765 We have one single, one young single adult branch. 66 00:03:16,705 --> 00:03:21,445 Uh, we have a one single adult ward, sorry, uh, one branch. 67 00:03:21,585 --> 00:03:23,325 And then we have a French ward as well, 68 00:03:23,325 --> 00:03:24,565 that's based on the Quebec side. 69 00:03:24,985 --> 00:03:27,405 - Wow. Yeah. And, uh, do you speak French yourself? 70 00:03:28,425 --> 00:03:31,245 - Not, no. No. I don't at all. So Nice. 71 00:03:31,365 --> 00:03:32,405 I didn't grow up here. I've lived, 72 00:03:32,485 --> 00:03:34,685 I lived in Ottawa for about 10 years. Oh, 73 00:03:34,725 --> 00:03:35,725 - I gotcha. 74 00:03:35,725 --> 00:03:36,765 Gotcha. So, um, 75 00:03:37,265 --> 00:03:41,685 and what is the, like what's the, the multilingual, 76 00:03:41,745 --> 00:03:44,045 you know, French dynamic look like in, in a stake? 77 00:03:44,115 --> 00:03:46,605 Like is state conference there's interpretation 78 00:03:46,605 --> 00:03:47,885 available, or how does that work? 79 00:03:48,175 --> 00:03:50,245 - There is, so we actually have state conference this coming 80 00:03:50,245 --> 00:03:52,205 weekend, and there will be, uh, 81 00:03:52,415 --> 00:03:54,685 talks will be given primarily in English, 82 00:03:54,865 --> 00:03:56,565 and there will be French translation as well 83 00:03:56,565 --> 00:03:57,565 as Spanish translation. 84 00:03:57,865 --> 00:04:02,085 Oh, nice. We have, uh, saints from all over the world, um, 85 00:04:02,225 --> 00:04:03,925 of course, a lot from Quebec, 86 00:04:03,925 --> 00:04:06,405 but many from Africa, a large contingent from 87 00:04:06,615 --> 00:04:07,765 Latin and South America. 88 00:04:08,105 --> 00:04:10,085 So we're growing with lots of people 89 00:04:10,085 --> 00:04:11,685 who come into Canada. It's wonderful. 90 00:04:12,145 --> 00:04:14,125 - Now, I've completely lost track of 91 00:04:14,125 --> 00:04:16,165 where temples are or where they're being built. 92 00:04:16,305 --> 00:04:17,925 So what's the closest temple 93 00:04:17,985 --> 00:04:19,645 or soon-to-be Temple to you? The, 94 00:04:19,665 --> 00:04:21,245 - The closest temple to us is Montreal, 95 00:04:21,295 --> 00:04:22,765 which is a couple of hours away. 96 00:04:23,235 --> 00:04:25,605 - Okay. Nice. But, and no, no announcements 97 00:04:25,705 --> 00:04:26,885 yet for Ottawa . 98 00:04:27,225 --> 00:04:30,125 - No , sadly, no. All - Right. Well, that 99 00:04:30,125 --> 00:04:31,125 - Would be wonderful. 100 00:04:31,145 --> 00:04:33,925 - You know, if, if we're on this 2020 temples every 101 00:04:33,925 --> 00:04:36,365 conference, I think, uh, at some point they're gonna have 102 00:04:36,365 --> 00:04:37,565 to get to Ottawa, you know, so 103 00:04:37,595 --> 00:04:38,645 - Well, that would be exciting. 104 00:04:39,325 --> 00:04:42,325 - I bet. Awesome. Then, uh, maybe take us back 105 00:04:42,325 --> 00:04:44,485 to when you were called as the state primary president. 106 00:04:44,485 --> 00:04:45,645 What, what, is there a story behind that? 107 00:04:46,435 --> 00:04:49,205 - Well, sure. I actually served as the first, uh, 108 00:04:49,205 --> 00:04:52,445 first counselor in the state primary for almost three years 109 00:04:52,445 --> 00:04:54,445 before I was called a state primary president 110 00:04:54,445 --> 00:04:55,685 during the middle of Covid. 111 00:04:56,285 --> 00:04:58,445 Hmm. So I had the call with, uh, the member 112 00:04:58,445 --> 00:04:59,605 of the state presidency 113 00:04:59,665 --> 00:05:02,165 and said, well, you probably know why we're here. 114 00:05:02,165 --> 00:05:03,965 And I said, no, tell me . 115 00:05:05,025 --> 00:05:06,445 And so I hadn't expected it, 116 00:05:06,445 --> 00:05:08,525 but it was, uh, really a blessing 117 00:05:08,525 --> 00:05:10,325 to be called at a very tumultuous time. 118 00:05:10,325 --> 00:05:11,325 We've had lots of change 119 00:05:11,325 --> 00:05:13,085 and lots of wonderful things happening. Yeah. 120 00:05:13,425 --> 00:05:15,965 - And I imagine had you served at, on the ward level 121 00:05:16,025 --> 00:05:17,645 as a primary president before this? 122 00:05:17,825 --> 00:05:19,325 - No, not at all. Oh, really? Nice. 123 00:05:19,325 --> 00:05:21,005 Most of my church service has been in 124 00:05:21,005 --> 00:05:22,045 relief society, actually. 125 00:05:22,355 --> 00:05:23,525 - Okay. All right. Uh, 126 00:05:23,525 --> 00:05:24,725 - I've never served in young women's, 127 00:05:24,725 --> 00:05:26,885 but, uh, lots of relief society. 128 00:05:26,915 --> 00:05:29,085 I've been a primary secretary 129 00:05:29,085 --> 00:05:30,085 and for a very short time, 130 00:05:30,165 --> 00:05:31,765 a music leader when I was about 18 131 00:05:31,765 --> 00:05:32,765 - Mm-Hmm. 132 00:05:32,765 --> 00:05:34,365 . Yeah. And so what was, what was 133 00:05:34,365 --> 00:05:37,525 that transition like, uh, going from counselor to president? 134 00:05:37,525 --> 00:05:39,045 Did you feel like you just picked up 135 00:05:39,045 --> 00:05:40,605 where the last president left off 136 00:05:40,605 --> 00:05:42,285 and he kept moving the football down the field, or, 137 00:05:42,545 --> 00:05:44,245 or what do you remember about that transition? 138 00:05:44,905 --> 00:05:47,165 - So, the last State primary president was amazing. 139 00:05:47,265 --> 00:05:48,925 She was a mar remarkable woman 140 00:05:49,105 --> 00:05:51,725 and taught me a lot about, about leadership. 141 00:05:51,905 --> 00:05:53,445 And so I learned a lot from her. 142 00:05:53,445 --> 00:05:55,205 And I think the biggest change now is, 143 00:05:55,305 --> 00:05:56,485 uh, just some more meetings. 144 00:05:56,665 --> 00:05:58,775 Mm-Hmm. I participating in state council 145 00:05:58,875 --> 00:06:00,495 and things like that, which I didn't do before. 146 00:06:00,885 --> 00:06:02,895 Yeah. Um, but I've been blessed 147 00:06:02,895 --> 00:06:04,655 to have really amazing counselors 148 00:06:04,875 --> 00:06:06,575 and we just keep moving forward 149 00:06:06,955 --> 00:06:08,655 and we are so excited for all the changes 150 00:06:08,685 --> 00:06:11,055 that have been here with the Children and Youth Initiative. 151 00:06:11,115 --> 00:06:13,535 And, uh, we've really worked to embrace that 152 00:06:13,535 --> 00:06:15,175 and support, uh, 153 00:06:15,635 --> 00:06:18,335 and we've been working on growing leaders, you know, 154 00:06:18,385 --> 00:06:20,935 supporting our primary presidents to be stronger leaders. 155 00:06:21,405 --> 00:06:23,255 - Yeah. And, and what does that look like as far 156 00:06:23,255 --> 00:06:24,775 as focusing on growing leaders, 157 00:06:24,775 --> 00:06:26,335 especially those primary presidents? 158 00:06:26,335 --> 00:06:28,095 What do you do in order to facilitate that? 159 00:06:28,965 --> 00:06:30,135 - Well, there's a lot of things we do. 160 00:06:30,675 --> 00:06:33,295 Um, specifically, you know, we meet with them regularly 161 00:06:33,395 --> 00:06:36,135 and try to visit the wards as frequently as we can. 162 00:06:36,235 --> 00:06:37,975 Our stake is spread out, right? Mm-Hmm. . 163 00:06:37,975 --> 00:06:40,055 So for me to get to where our stake center is, 164 00:06:40,055 --> 00:06:42,695 is about a 40, 40 minute drive in good traffic. 165 00:06:43,355 --> 00:06:45,255 Um, but the furthest point is about an hour 166 00:06:45,255 --> 00:06:46,935 and three quarters away, and there's another building 167 00:06:46,935 --> 00:06:50,455 that's, you know, about 45 minutes to an hour away. 168 00:06:50,555 --> 00:06:53,255 So, you know, visiting is not as easy 169 00:06:53,315 --> 00:06:54,735 as just , you know? 170 00:06:54,735 --> 00:06:57,655 Yeah. Traveling to a different building one day, um, 171 00:06:58,235 --> 00:07:00,495 you know, 'cause it's only a 15 minute drive or something. 172 00:07:00,595 --> 00:07:02,295 So, uh, we work with that, 173 00:07:02,355 --> 00:07:06,155 but we, um, uh, plan, you know, plan trainings 174 00:07:06,155 --> 00:07:08,275 and try to engage as much as possible in having, you know, 175 00:07:08,475 --> 00:07:10,595 building relationships is really important. 176 00:07:11,575 --> 00:07:14,275 Um, but in terms of leadership, we, 177 00:07:14,295 --> 00:07:16,635 we talk a lot about needs and what are the needs. 178 00:07:16,815 --> 00:07:18,715 Mm-Hmm. . So understanding, you know, going 179 00:07:18,715 --> 00:07:20,075 beyond the, the duties 180 00:07:20,185 --> 00:07:22,035 because leadership isn't just about 181 00:07:22,035 --> 00:07:23,555 administration and fulfilling duties. 182 00:07:23,555 --> 00:07:25,955 Right. It's about, um, you know 183 00:07:25,955 --> 00:07:27,115 who you are and who you work with. 184 00:07:27,215 --> 00:07:31,605 So we, we try to encourage leaders to think bigger, um, 185 00:07:31,625 --> 00:07:34,605 to have a bigger perspective and to, to explore that 186 00:07:34,625 --> 00:07:36,565 and work to meet the needs using their talents 187 00:07:36,565 --> 00:07:37,565 and abilities Yeah. 188 00:07:37,595 --> 00:07:39,165 That they, you know, they uniquely have. 189 00:07:39,825 --> 00:07:43,925 - And so when you visit a, a primary, uh, uh, 190 00:07:44,305 --> 00:07:45,925 what's the overall approach? 191 00:07:46,035 --> 00:07:48,285 Like, uh, are you just trying to be present? 192 00:07:48,465 --> 00:07:49,485 Are you trying to be helpful? 193 00:07:49,705 --> 00:07:51,085 Are you trying to meet with them, 194 00:07:51,185 --> 00:07:52,205 you know, after the meeting? 195 00:07:52,345 --> 00:07:54,005 Or what does that look like? Uh, 196 00:07:54,175 --> 00:07:56,005 - Often I try to meet with them after the meeting 197 00:07:56,005 --> 00:07:58,045 because we don't get a lot of face-to-face time. 198 00:07:58,315 --> 00:08:02,005 Yeah. And I usually start by asking a question, like, so 199 00:08:02,005 --> 00:08:03,405 what do you think is going well in your primary? 200 00:08:03,875 --> 00:08:06,325 What do you like about your calling? Mm-Hmm. No. 201 00:08:06,325 --> 00:08:07,925 And how can we support you? Mm-Hmm. 202 00:08:07,965 --> 00:08:09,085 what, you know, what goals do you have? 203 00:08:09,085 --> 00:08:12,045 And, and really taking the time to listen. Mm-Hmm. 204 00:08:12,085 --> 00:08:13,765 . Yeah. You know, we can observe what's 205 00:08:13,765 --> 00:08:15,325 happening in primary, how things are going. 206 00:08:15,635 --> 00:08:18,725 Usually try to go and visit one of the classes, see how 207 00:08:18,725 --> 00:08:21,125 that's going, you know, visit the nursery, um, 208 00:08:21,385 --> 00:08:23,525 but ask what they think is going well. 209 00:08:24,075 --> 00:08:25,445 Yeah. Because that's the most telling. 210 00:08:26,225 --> 00:08:27,965 - And are there typical responses 211 00:08:27,965 --> 00:08:30,205 that you hear more often than others when you ask that? 212 00:08:30,705 --> 00:08:32,125 - Um, that's a great question. 213 00:08:32,305 --> 00:08:34,845 And a lot of times we hear, well, we have great teachers, 214 00:08:35,025 --> 00:08:38,285 or Uhhuh, we need more teachers. . Yeah. 215 00:08:38,695 --> 00:08:40,445 - Right. You know, - The teachers we have are great, 216 00:08:40,445 --> 00:08:41,645 but we can't get people called. 217 00:08:42,735 --> 00:08:44,615 - Hmm. - That's the biggest challenge. 218 00:08:44,795 --> 00:08:47,655 - And that, that that sort of passive aggressive, uh, battle 219 00:08:47,655 --> 00:08:49,655 between primary presidencies and the Bishop Rick. 220 00:08:49,655 --> 00:08:51,215 Right. As far, because they're staffing, 221 00:08:51,215 --> 00:08:54,055 primary presidencies are staffing the largest organization 222 00:08:54,075 --> 00:08:55,165 in, you know, in the ward. 223 00:08:55,745 --> 00:08:59,805 And so that can be, uh, uh, you know, some tension 224 00:09:00,275 --> 00:09:01,645 between that, that relationship 225 00:09:02,135 --> 00:09:03,135 - There can be. 226 00:09:03,135 --> 00:09:05,845 And that's why it's so important, you know, I, I'm a big fan 227 00:09:05,845 --> 00:09:07,645 of following the handbook and knowing what's in there. 228 00:09:07,645 --> 00:09:09,125 Right. Yeah. Because there's so much power in it. 229 00:09:09,425 --> 00:09:11,805 And so when we know that, uh, bishops 230 00:09:11,805 --> 00:09:13,925 and counselors are supposed to work really closely 231 00:09:14,115 --> 00:09:16,405 with primary, then they're there 232 00:09:16,465 --> 00:09:17,725 and they see what's going on, 233 00:09:17,725 --> 00:09:18,885 and they see what the needs are. 234 00:09:19,275 --> 00:09:21,405 Yeah. You know, they can know the names of every child. 235 00:09:22,675 --> 00:09:24,085 Yeah. And that makes a big difference. 236 00:09:24,675 --> 00:09:26,085 - Yeah, for sure. Um, 237 00:09:26,825 --> 00:09:29,845 and then, so you're, you're visiting then, 238 00:09:29,845 --> 00:09:32,045 and then you said you do some, some trainings, 239 00:09:32,225 --> 00:09:34,325 uh, on a regular basis? Or how does that work? 240 00:09:35,295 --> 00:09:38,155 - Uh, so we of course do leadership at least once a year. 241 00:09:38,155 --> 00:09:39,275 Mm-Hmm. and try and do, 242 00:09:39,285 --> 00:09:41,675 we're looking at doing some virtual meetings just to see how 243 00:09:41,675 --> 00:09:43,875 that goes, if that, if there's a need there for it. 244 00:09:44,455 --> 00:09:48,995 Um, but our in-person, leadership's always, uh, mean a lot. 245 00:09:48,995 --> 00:09:50,595 We strive to make them really valuable. 246 00:09:50,835 --> 00:09:54,275 I am a big fan of having meetings that are useful, 247 00:09:55,135 --> 00:09:59,915 and meaningful, and not just full of, um, you know, fluff. 248 00:10:00,025 --> 00:10:02,035 Like, let's get to the meet, let's get to the heart of it. 249 00:10:02,545 --> 00:10:04,075 Sure. Yeah. And so when we do that, we, 250 00:10:04,095 --> 00:10:05,355 we strive my presidency 251 00:10:05,355 --> 00:10:07,115 and I council really closely together to strive 252 00:10:07,115 --> 00:10:08,475 to meet needs Mm-Hmm. 253 00:10:08,515 --> 00:10:09,755 to understand 254 00:10:09,755 --> 00:10:10,875 what they are and meet them. Yeah. 255 00:10:11,295 --> 00:10:13,435 - And then tell me about just working with your presidency 256 00:10:13,455 --> 00:10:16,235 as far as coordinating who's going where, as far 257 00:10:16,235 --> 00:10:18,475 as visiting, and I'm sure you're sort of rotating 258 00:10:18,615 --> 00:10:20,995 to counselors are going to a certain place so 259 00:10:20,995 --> 00:10:22,875 that you don't both show up at the same location. 260 00:10:23,075 --> 00:10:24,075 , I don't know. I mean, how do you, how do 261 00:10:24,075 --> 00:10:24,555 you manage all that? 262 00:10:25,215 --> 00:10:29,795 - So we do our best. Um, so I actually just lost, uh, a, 263 00:10:30,115 --> 00:10:31,595 a counselor who was called as the primary 264 00:10:31,595 --> 00:10:32,715 president in her wards. 265 00:10:32,855 --> 00:10:35,235 So I'm thrilled for that because I can't imagine anyone 266 00:10:35,235 --> 00:10:36,315 better trained to be there. 267 00:10:36,515 --> 00:10:38,075 - . Yeah, sure. - Uh, so I, 268 00:10:38,075 --> 00:10:40,635 hopefully we'll have a new counselor coming quite soon. 269 00:10:41,135 --> 00:10:42,275 Um, so we're spread out. 270 00:10:42,275 --> 00:10:43,555 We've been spread out around our state. 271 00:10:43,615 --> 00:10:47,275 So for example, we have, um, we always visit the state pri 272 00:10:47,295 --> 00:10:49,515 or the primary sacrament meeting presentations, 273 00:10:50,125 --> 00:10:51,755 which is, uh, a highlight. 274 00:10:52,375 --> 00:10:56,835 And last year we had five presentations on one day. Wow. 275 00:10:57,675 --> 00:11:01,555 . Yeah. So we do, uh, we try to be very strategic, 276 00:11:01,575 --> 00:11:04,395 you know, so I might go to the one that my children are in, 277 00:11:04,975 --> 00:11:07,635 and my one counselor will go where her children are, 278 00:11:08,095 --> 00:11:09,475 or where her, you know, another one 279 00:11:09,475 --> 00:11:10,515 where her grandchildren are, 280 00:11:10,655 --> 00:11:12,635 and we'll, we'll just spread out 281 00:11:12,635 --> 00:11:14,075 and make as much happen as we can. 282 00:11:14,145 --> 00:11:15,675 Yeah. So it's a lot about coordination. 283 00:11:16,105 --> 00:11:17,555 - Sure. Yeah. And that's the other thing. 284 00:11:17,595 --> 00:11:19,355 I mean, you sort of, there's probably a counselor 285 00:11:19,355 --> 00:11:20,395 that lives closer to 286 00:11:20,395 --> 00:11:21,795 that building that's an hour and a half away. 287 00:11:21,795 --> 00:11:23,355 Right. Uh, and so Exactly. 288 00:11:23,485 --> 00:11:24,755 There may be, they frequent 289 00:11:24,785 --> 00:11:26,595 that primary a little more often, I'd imagine. 290 00:11:26,615 --> 00:11:27,835 Mm-Hmm. . Awesome. 291 00:11:28,295 --> 00:11:30,515 Um, and your first principle you already touched on as far 292 00:11:30,515 --> 00:11:32,235 as, uh, the power of, of listening. 293 00:11:32,335 --> 00:11:34,035 Uh, anything else that we haven't 294 00:11:34,035 --> 00:11:35,155 covered around that principle? 295 00:11:36,125 --> 00:11:39,115 - You know, listening is such an incredible tool, right? 296 00:11:39,215 --> 00:11:41,635 We, and we listened in so many different ways. 297 00:11:41,745 --> 00:11:43,795 It's about listening with our ears to what's said, 298 00:11:43,855 --> 00:11:45,315 but also what is not being said. 299 00:11:45,495 --> 00:11:46,715 Mm-Hmm. . Right. 300 00:11:47,215 --> 00:11:50,035 Um, sometimes there's a fear that the stake is gonna come in 301 00:11:50,035 --> 00:11:53,155 and tell us what to do or, you know, reprimand 302 00:11:53,245 --> 00:11:54,245 or offer criticism. 303 00:11:54,705 --> 00:11:56,245 So try really hard not to do that, 304 00:11:56,305 --> 00:11:59,645 but to just, just to listen to what's there. 305 00:11:59,645 --> 00:12:00,885 Yeah. And then offer feedback. 306 00:12:01,625 --> 00:12:04,415 Um, and of course, listening to the spirit, 307 00:12:04,555 --> 00:12:05,615 that's the most important. 308 00:12:06,135 --> 00:12:08,255 Hmm. To be able to be guided, you know, the spirit comes 309 00:12:08,255 --> 00:12:10,255 to us all in such different ways. 310 00:12:10,255 --> 00:12:14,775 Right. So modeling that and, and be worthy to, to listen 311 00:12:15,155 --> 00:12:16,215 and to have the inspiration 312 00:12:16,215 --> 00:12:18,335 of the Holy Ghost is a big game changer. 313 00:12:18,965 --> 00:12:21,975 - Yeah. And that's the thing, you know, I mentioned that, 314 00:12:21,975 --> 00:12:23,775 you know, that relationship between the stake in the war, 315 00:12:23,775 --> 00:12:27,895 that they're, I don't think any stake leader wants to be, 316 00:12:28,395 --> 00:12:31,015 um, perceived as someone who comes in with a mandate, 317 00:12:31,355 --> 00:12:33,655 and here's what you're gonna do, what you're not gonna do. 318 00:12:34,035 --> 00:12:35,455 Uh, but you wanna be a resource. 319 00:12:35,595 --> 00:12:37,935 And that process of listening, I mean, 320 00:12:37,935 --> 00:12:40,215 that's the first step in being a resources Mm-Hmm. 321 00:12:40,255 --> 00:12:41,975 , you don't, you can't be a resource 322 00:12:41,995 --> 00:12:43,095 to problems you don't know 323 00:12:43,155 --> 00:12:45,095 or understand that they're experiencing. 324 00:12:45,115 --> 00:12:47,335 And so that's really the first step of, of, 325 00:12:48,035 --> 00:12:49,815 of establishing that relationship. 326 00:12:49,955 --> 00:12:52,055 I'm listening that you're a stake leader that's willing 327 00:12:52,055 --> 00:12:55,095 to come sit and listen to what they're experiencing. 328 00:12:56,045 --> 00:12:58,655 - Well, and it requires a fair amount of humility, , 329 00:12:58,675 --> 00:13:00,495 you know, which is something I'm always working at 330 00:13:00,495 --> 00:13:03,535 developing , uh, because you don't know what's best. 331 00:13:04,075 --> 00:13:06,135 The worst thing is when someone comes in from the outside 332 00:13:06,195 --> 00:13:08,295 and thinks, okay, you know what we're doing, 333 00:13:08,295 --> 00:13:10,895 and we see this in the corporate world and, and all over. 334 00:13:11,395 --> 00:13:13,935 And it's not ideal. So what's, what's going on? 335 00:13:13,935 --> 00:13:18,415 What are the needs? And, you know, what are the unique gifts 336 00:13:18,415 --> 00:13:19,535 that this president has 337 00:13:19,555 --> 00:13:22,895 or this presidency that they can offer that they bring? 338 00:13:22,915 --> 00:13:25,415 And, and how they, they use things, you know, 339 00:13:25,475 --> 00:13:28,775 how they use the, the resources available to them. 340 00:13:29,205 --> 00:13:30,735 Yeah. It's really beautiful to see. 341 00:13:31,545 --> 00:13:34,925 - It is for sure. Anything else around the, the principle 342 00:13:34,925 --> 00:13:36,685 of, of power of listening? Yeah. 343 00:13:36,685 --> 00:13:38,485 - Just being quiet, . Yeah. 344 00:13:38,485 --> 00:13:40,485 Which is not always easy for me to do. . 345 00:13:41,075 --> 00:13:42,805 - Nice. Uh, all right. 346 00:13:42,805 --> 00:13:44,645 The next, next principle you put down is strength 347 00:13:44,945 --> 00:13:47,445 of combining knowledge and personal revelation. 348 00:13:47,585 --> 00:13:48,845 Mm-Hmm. Unpack that for us. 349 00:13:49,425 --> 00:13:51,125 - Uh, what I love, so, gospel learning, 350 00:13:51,125 --> 00:13:52,925 when we look at the children and youth initiative, 351 00:13:53,265 --> 00:13:55,405 gospel learning is the foundational piece, 352 00:13:55,865 --> 00:13:57,445 and all the rest comes off of it, right? 353 00:13:57,445 --> 00:13:59,645 People get confused and they think, oh, well, 354 00:13:59,645 --> 00:14:00,845 there's service and activities, 355 00:14:00,845 --> 00:14:02,205 and they focus on the activities, 356 00:14:02,225 --> 00:14:03,805 or there's this goal setting program, 357 00:14:04,425 --> 00:14:07,005 but really the heart of it is gospel learning. 358 00:14:07,145 --> 00:14:09,965 And that is the home centered church supported, of course. 359 00:14:10,825 --> 00:14:13,765 And that's where we get the knowledge to be able 360 00:14:13,765 --> 00:14:15,445 to act into the things that we need to do. 361 00:14:16,425 --> 00:14:19,885 So the power in learning comes from understanding, uh, 362 00:14:19,965 --> 00:14:21,805 a bit about the gospel, right? 363 00:14:22,385 --> 00:14:24,405 But also understanding our role as leaders, 364 00:14:24,585 --> 00:14:27,085 as primary presidents, understanding what's in the handbook, 365 00:14:27,195 --> 00:14:28,685 knowing what the program is. 366 00:14:29,265 --> 00:14:32,405 So then, first of all, it saves time and energy 367 00:14:32,405 --> 00:14:33,765 because you're not reinventing the wheel, 368 00:14:33,905 --> 00:14:35,125 you know, what's there, ? 369 00:14:35,125 --> 00:14:36,685 Mm-Hmm. . And it's, you can do that. 370 00:14:37,145 --> 00:14:39,765 And then you can seek the inspiration that's required 371 00:14:39,865 --> 00:14:43,385 for your specific calling and capacity 372 00:14:43,685 --> 00:14:45,025 and what the needs are at that time. 373 00:14:45,445 --> 00:14:47,505 So you can adapt what's there when you know what's there. 374 00:14:48,005 --> 00:14:50,185 And you can be in line with doing, you know, 375 00:14:50,185 --> 00:14:52,485 doing things in the way that the Lord has set out. 376 00:14:53,145 --> 00:14:55,165 And that's where the power comes. Hmm. 377 00:14:55,315 --> 00:14:56,885 Instead of running around like a chicken 378 00:14:56,885 --> 00:15:00,405 with your head cut off, we all can have wonderful ideas 379 00:15:00,705 --> 00:15:04,765 and be inspired, but are the ideas, um, you know, 380 00:15:04,765 --> 00:15:05,805 what, what needs to happen? 381 00:15:06,145 --> 00:15:07,445 And we know what's supposed to happen, 382 00:15:08,225 --> 00:15:09,725 and we seek the Holy Ghost. 383 00:15:10,265 --> 00:15:12,285 That's where there's incredible power. Mm-Hmm. 384 00:15:12,325 --> 00:15:15,325 - . Do, does any experience come to mind as far 385 00:15:15,325 --> 00:15:18,765 as, uh, seeing, you know, that that process in in action? 386 00:15:19,465 --> 00:15:21,605 - You know, I'll talk about the children 387 00:15:21,665 --> 00:15:23,325 and youth initiatives specifically, 388 00:15:23,345 --> 00:15:25,685 and this'll be my own personal experience. 389 00:15:25,865 --> 00:15:28,485 So it was released, of course, in 2019, just 390 00:15:28,485 --> 00:15:30,165 before the pandemic, um, 391 00:15:31,105 --> 00:15:33,205 Canada shut down a little earlier than the States. 392 00:15:33,205 --> 00:15:35,965 And we had a lot more restrictions, uh, where I live than, 393 00:15:36,395 --> 00:15:38,805 than I know, uh, were experienced in many other places. 394 00:15:40,185 --> 00:15:42,965 Um, and so a lot of people kind of felt it got lost a bit. 395 00:15:44,025 --> 00:15:48,765 And as I've seen, um, study happen around that, 396 00:15:49,025 --> 00:15:50,525 that's where lives has been changed, 397 00:15:50,615 --> 00:15:52,965 where parents have been able to focus on, 398 00:15:53,585 --> 00:15:54,685 you know, the gospel learning. 399 00:15:54,825 --> 00:15:55,965 That's where there's blessings. 400 00:15:55,965 --> 00:15:57,285 And I've seen that in my own children. 401 00:15:57,945 --> 00:16:00,725 You know, my daughter is, uh, four and a half, almost five. 402 00:16:01,345 --> 00:16:03,885 And the other day she came home from school 403 00:16:04,625 --> 00:16:06,805 and it was, it had been beautiful weather here. 404 00:16:06,805 --> 00:16:10,125 So she was wearing shorts, and she was covered in mud 405 00:16:10,125 --> 00:16:13,725 and had sand in her hair and skin knees, you know, . 406 00:16:13,725 --> 00:16:16,405 Yeah. Just skin, knees. And so she had a bath right away 407 00:16:16,405 --> 00:16:18,325 because, uh, she was very dirty. 408 00:16:18,985 --> 00:16:21,325 And of course, getting the water on her skin 409 00:16:21,325 --> 00:16:22,405 knees was so painful. 410 00:16:22,995 --> 00:16:26,085 Yeah. And so afterwards I was getting her clothes back on 411 00:16:26,085 --> 00:16:27,525 and getting her ready, and she was 412 00:16:27,595 --> 00:16:29,005 sobbing, you know, big tears. 413 00:16:29,065 --> 00:16:30,885 And I, you know, a child can, 414 00:16:30,905 --> 00:16:34,045 and she said, mommy, can we, can we say a prayer 415 00:16:34,065 --> 00:16:36,205 to heavenly Father that he'll help my niece feel better? 416 00:16:36,465 --> 00:16:38,565 - Oh, wow. - And I said, of course we can. 417 00:16:39,115 --> 00:16:43,415 Because that's where the gospel learning is, right? Yeah. 418 00:16:43,475 --> 00:16:45,175 The Heavenly Father will be there for me. 419 00:16:46,255 --> 00:16:48,555 And it's not just for children, but for adults as well. 420 00:16:48,555 --> 00:16:51,955 Right. Because how many times in our adult lives can we say, 421 00:16:52,495 --> 00:16:54,275 oh, heavenly father, just help me feel better. 422 00:16:55,515 --> 00:16:56,925 Yeah. That we have a need for that. 423 00:16:57,065 --> 00:17:01,245 So, um, for me, learning those basics, focusing on the, 424 00:17:01,265 --> 00:17:03,605 the gospel, learning and teaching 425 00:17:03,605 --> 00:17:07,655 and working to teach my own children, um, that's 426 00:17:07,655 --> 00:17:09,135 where there's power and a blessing, right? 427 00:17:09,245 --> 00:17:11,655 Yeah. They set a firm foundation like Hillman talked 428 00:17:11,655 --> 00:17:13,295 about at Firm Foundation. 429 00:17:14,325 --> 00:17:15,855 - Love it. Alright. 430 00:17:15,915 --> 00:17:19,015 The next principle is seeking and using spiritual gifts. 431 00:17:19,555 --> 00:17:20,695 How do you go about that? Mm-Hmm. , 432 00:17:21,415 --> 00:17:25,015 - I love the idea, the, the principle that everything is 433 00:17:25,015 --> 00:17:26,575 so closely connected, right? 434 00:17:26,575 --> 00:17:27,775 That our spiritual 435 00:17:28,395 --> 00:17:31,935 and our emotions, that everything is tied so close together. 436 00:17:31,995 --> 00:17:34,535 And we think sometimes that things are separate, right? 437 00:17:34,535 --> 00:17:35,735 That there's talents and abilities, 438 00:17:35,795 --> 00:17:37,335 and that's just what I was born with, and that's it. 439 00:17:37,355 --> 00:17:38,855 And, and all the rest is separate. 440 00:17:38,855 --> 00:17:40,975 But really, they're so linked closely together, 441 00:17:41,635 --> 00:17:44,305 and heavenly father wants to bless us, right? 442 00:17:44,725 --> 00:17:46,585 He has all these things waiting to bless us, 443 00:17:46,685 --> 00:17:48,625 and there's talents and gifts, 444 00:17:49,145 --> 00:17:50,485 and I don't even think it's worth 445 00:17:50,485 --> 00:17:51,645 kind of separating them out. 446 00:17:52,025 --> 00:17:53,165 If we just put them all together 447 00:17:53,165 --> 00:17:55,365 and think of them as spiritual gifts, then it's amazing. 448 00:17:55,425 --> 00:17:58,835 And how do we wanna use them? How do we wanna use them? 449 00:17:58,835 --> 00:18:00,955 And then what do we need? So there's a chance to pray. 450 00:18:01,345 --> 00:18:03,235 What do I need? What do I need now? 451 00:18:03,695 --> 00:18:05,915 And then all of your life experience comes in 452 00:18:06,415 --> 00:18:07,595 and all of those talents 453 00:18:07,595 --> 00:18:09,395 and says, well, I can use it in this way. 454 00:18:10,155 --> 00:18:12,575 We have, uh, two of our primary presidents are artists, 455 00:18:12,955 --> 00:18:14,975 and it's amazing, and they can bring in all kinds 456 00:18:14,975 --> 00:18:17,815 of things from their perspective, which is wonderful to see. 457 00:18:18,125 --> 00:18:19,975 There's another one who is, uh, 458 00:18:20,595 --> 00:18:22,655 an an early childhood educator in her career. 459 00:18:22,655 --> 00:18:24,055 So she brings that understanding, 460 00:18:24,515 --> 00:18:26,815 and it's always exactly what the kids need at 461 00:18:26,815 --> 00:18:28,705 that time, right? 462 00:18:28,805 --> 00:18:31,985 So they can, they can utilize those things that they have, 463 00:18:32,165 --> 00:18:34,865 and then we can pray for more, you know, heavenly father, 464 00:18:34,865 --> 00:18:36,025 what do I need right now? 465 00:18:37,305 --> 00:18:41,245 And it may be, it may be as simple as, well, you need 466 00:18:41,245 --> 00:18:43,685 to be able to ask right now, you could have the gifts 467 00:18:43,685 --> 00:18:46,645 of gift of asking, and then you can have the gifts 468 00:18:46,645 --> 00:18:48,525 of listening, or you could have the gift of acting. 469 00:18:49,575 --> 00:18:50,885 Those are all connected, right? 470 00:18:51,305 --> 00:18:54,725 Um, it could be the gift of learning or understanding 471 00:18:54,865 --> 00:18:57,125 or seeking knowledge around your calling 472 00:18:57,185 --> 00:18:58,645 or wisdom on how to do things. 473 00:19:00,125 --> 00:19:01,495 They're there for us. 474 00:19:01,505 --> 00:19:03,415 There was an amazing quote, I don't have it right now, 475 00:19:03,475 --> 00:19:07,335 but, um, from George Q. Cannon, he talked about 476 00:19:08,255 --> 00:19:09,335 spiritual gifts and how we have a 477 00:19:09,335 --> 00:19:10,615 responsibility to seek them. 478 00:19:12,255 --> 00:19:15,395 And I think that it is, um, you know, really quite, 479 00:19:15,445 --> 00:19:17,195 quite fantastic when we think about it. 480 00:19:18,255 --> 00:19:19,585 Just the help that is there. 481 00:19:20,115 --> 00:19:21,825 We're not alone, we're not islands. 482 00:19:22,405 --> 00:19:25,095 And I always thought, it's so incredible. 483 00:19:25,315 --> 00:19:27,535 My prayers have been answered when I've asked 484 00:19:27,555 --> 00:19:28,855 and simply said, you know, what do 485 00:19:28,855 --> 00:19:29,895 I, I don't even know what I need. 486 00:19:30,015 --> 00:19:33,135 I know I need something. What is it? And the answers come. 487 00:19:34,435 --> 00:19:37,765 Yeah. Which goes back to the gospel learning of well, 488 00:19:38,105 --> 00:19:39,965 you know, knowing that I can ask, knowing 489 00:19:39,965 --> 00:19:41,605 that I can receive personal revelation, knowing 490 00:19:41,605 --> 00:19:42,805 how I receive revelation. 491 00:19:44,075 --> 00:19:45,325 - Yeah. Yeah. 492 00:19:45,325 --> 00:19:48,245 And I love that doctrine because it's so empowering in a, 493 00:19:48,625 --> 00:19:50,845 in a faith community where we, uh, you know, 494 00:19:50,845 --> 00:19:52,045 we have such a strong tradition 495 00:19:52,045 --> 00:19:53,645 of lay leadership where mm-Hmm. 496 00:19:53,685 --> 00:19:55,085 , we get called into these roles, and our 497 00:19:55,365 --> 00:19:56,685 capacity seems so limited. 498 00:19:57,425 --> 00:20:01,725 And what a wonderful opportunity to step into, uh, 499 00:20:02,075 --> 00:20:04,645 some spiritual gifts or request and, 500 00:20:04,705 --> 00:20:07,285 and submit to the Lord what spiritual gifts you, 501 00:20:07,305 --> 00:20:09,525 you would hope to have or develop during this time. 502 00:20:09,585 --> 00:20:12,725 And, and, and once these callings are over with hindsight, 503 00:20:12,725 --> 00:20:15,325 after a few years, it's amazing to see just 504 00:20:15,325 --> 00:20:16,965 how we develop those spiritual gifts. 505 00:20:17,065 --> 00:20:20,365 And they continue to bless the, our, you know, the church, 506 00:20:20,505 --> 00:20:23,245 our communities, our families, even beyond the calling. 507 00:20:24,685 --> 00:20:25,765 - Absolutely. And you know, one phrase 508 00:20:25,765 --> 00:20:30,285 that I never use ever is, uh, he or she is doing their best. 509 00:20:30,865 --> 00:20:33,325 - Oh, - Yeah. Because I think it is so limiting. 510 00:20:33,875 --> 00:20:36,485 - Yeah, right. That's true. - Because it's limiting in 511 00:20:36,485 --> 00:20:39,125 terms of it, it implies judgment, right? 512 00:20:39,225 --> 00:20:40,925 I'm judging what their best is. 513 00:20:41,765 --> 00:20:43,085 I have no idea what their best is, 514 00:20:43,385 --> 00:20:47,245 and I especially don't know what their best is when combine 515 00:20:47,755 --> 00:20:48,805 with the powers of heaven. 516 00:20:49,445 --> 00:20:50,445 Hmm. 517 00:20:50,765 --> 00:20:51,975 - Yeah. - So I don't use that. 518 00:20:52,865 --> 00:20:54,395 - Love it ever. Love it. 519 00:20:55,055 --> 00:20:56,755 Um, anything else around seeking 520 00:20:56,775 --> 00:20:57,955 and using spiritual gifts 521 00:20:57,955 --> 00:20:59,475 that you wanna make sure we, we cover? 522 00:21:02,695 --> 00:21:05,435 - Do you know? It, it's a process over time, right? 523 00:21:06,015 --> 00:21:09,035 We start out and, um, I 524 00:21:09,995 --> 00:21:12,135 did a talk a couple years ago where I talked about the, 525 00:21:12,195 --> 00:21:14,055 the mustard seed, and, you know, it's 526 00:21:14,055 --> 00:21:15,215 so tall, so tiny, right? 527 00:21:15,235 --> 00:21:16,575 And, and for kids, I explain it, 528 00:21:16,575 --> 00:21:17,975 it's like a little sprinkle , you know? 529 00:21:17,975 --> 00:21:19,175 Mm-Hmm. that you would find on a donut 530 00:21:19,275 --> 00:21:20,375 or a cookie or something. 531 00:21:20,695 --> 00:21:22,215 , that tiny little sprinkle 532 00:21:22,315 --> 00:21:26,485 and how big it can grow is not it, you know? 533 00:21:26,505 --> 00:21:28,965 So it can be considered like this huge tree that's like 534 00:21:28,965 --> 00:21:32,605 as tall as, um, two, two basketball courts, 535 00:21:32,645 --> 00:21:34,445 I think put together is how tall it can grow. 536 00:21:35,025 --> 00:21:36,445 Um, but it's not actually tree. 537 00:21:36,445 --> 00:21:37,485 It's just a really big plant. 538 00:21:37,985 --> 00:21:40,365 And it can do that under just the right conditions, 539 00:21:40,465 --> 00:21:42,245 and we can create those conditions for ourselves. 540 00:21:42,895 --> 00:21:46,615 Right. And it doesn't happen that kind of growth overnight. 541 00:21:46,675 --> 00:21:47,975 Mm-Hmm. it's bit by bit. 542 00:21:48,435 --> 00:21:51,015 And so it's so important to just review the progress of 543 00:21:51,015 --> 00:21:52,095 where we were yesterday. 544 00:21:52,775 --> 00:21:54,205 Right. I love, I love that saying 545 00:21:54,205 --> 00:21:55,805 that comparison is the thief of joy. 546 00:21:56,585 --> 00:21:57,965 So where am I today? 547 00:21:58,305 --> 00:22:00,485 And how does that compare to where I was before? 548 00:22:00,545 --> 00:22:01,965 So I can examine my own growth? 549 00:22:02,705 --> 00:22:04,445 And then looking forward, where do I wanna be? 550 00:22:04,915 --> 00:22:07,245 What do I need to do to get there? Yeah. 551 00:22:07,265 --> 00:22:08,685 And what gifts do I need? Yeah. 552 00:22:09,225 --> 00:22:12,365 - That's powerful. Um, I, I wanna maybe shift over 553 00:22:12,365 --> 00:22:15,165 to just your experience on the state council. 554 00:22:15,745 --> 00:22:18,205 Um, Mm-Hmm. , I mean, how, how is it done? 555 00:22:18,235 --> 00:22:20,085 What works? How do you approach those meetings? 556 00:22:20,505 --> 00:22:22,325 Uh, you know, anything come to mind? 557 00:22:22,355 --> 00:22:24,845 Just your experience attending, attending those meetings? 558 00:22:26,105 --> 00:22:29,445 - So we were, uh, taught, I think by Elder Bednar that, uh, 559 00:22:29,835 --> 00:22:32,965 that meetings are a revelatory experience, you know, 560 00:22:32,965 --> 00:22:35,485 so I strive to meet them from that perspective. 561 00:22:35,665 --> 00:22:37,285 So of course, our stake is spread out, 562 00:22:37,285 --> 00:22:39,005 so we usually meet in person once a quarter, 563 00:22:39,105 --> 00:22:40,565 and then the rest of the meetings are virtual. 564 00:22:41,365 --> 00:22:45,205 Hmm. And, um, you know, I strive to come prepared, 565 00:22:45,205 --> 00:22:48,245 like I review the agenda, what's there, you know, 566 00:22:48,265 --> 00:22:49,365 do I have anything contribute? 567 00:22:49,425 --> 00:22:53,445 And then I, I think about it, and I always, uh, pray 568 00:22:53,445 --> 00:22:56,605 before the meetings for myself to know heavenly father, 569 00:22:56,605 --> 00:22:59,965 help me to know what I need to say, what I need 570 00:22:59,965 --> 00:23:01,165 to be prepared to contribute. 571 00:23:01,825 --> 00:23:04,835 And sometimes it's nothing. And sometimes it's a 572 00:23:04,835 --> 00:23:06,195 lot Mm-Hmm, , right? 573 00:23:06,195 --> 00:23:07,515 Depending on what the topic is. 574 00:23:08,215 --> 00:23:11,475 Um, we have a stake presidency that's really welcomes 575 00:23:11,495 --> 00:23:14,475 and encourages counseling together and discussion. 576 00:23:15,115 --> 00:23:18,135 And I think that's an incredibly valuable thing 577 00:23:18,885 --> 00:23:23,335 because we have people from, um, you know, from all over 578 00:23:23,335 --> 00:23:24,495 with different perspectives. 579 00:23:24,995 --> 00:23:27,575 And when you welcome that discussion, um, 580 00:23:28,595 --> 00:23:32,185 then you can make good better decisions, right? 581 00:23:32,495 --> 00:23:33,545 - Yeah. Yeah. 582 00:23:33,645 --> 00:23:34,985 - So I'm awesome. I'm, I'm never shy 583 00:23:34,985 --> 00:23:37,025 to speak up in state council. 584 00:23:37,805 --> 00:23:39,025 Uh, yeah. It is really good. 585 00:23:39,805 --> 00:23:42,545 And, um, I've, 586 00:23:43,625 --> 00:23:45,845 I found it a very supportive, welcoming environment, 587 00:23:45,905 --> 00:23:48,485 and I really encourage primary presidents to speak up 588 00:23:48,485 --> 00:23:50,885 because, you know, in ward councils 589 00:23:50,885 --> 00:23:53,845 or branch council, when the primary children are talked 590 00:23:53,845 --> 00:23:55,925 about, first, the entire family follows. 591 00:23:55,925 --> 00:23:57,685 But if we only start by talking about adults, 592 00:23:58,105 --> 00:23:59,285 the adults are the only ones talked 593 00:23:59,285 --> 00:24:00,965 about, seldom does it trickle down. 594 00:24:01,715 --> 00:24:04,125 - Yeah. Yeah. That's, that's really helpful. 595 00:24:04,315 --> 00:24:06,965 Then you might as well start there, right? Yeah. Cool. 596 00:24:07,265 --> 00:24:08,605 Uh, you mentioned, obviously, uh, 597 00:24:08,695 --> 00:24:11,685 we're recording this in October of 2023. 598 00:24:11,685 --> 00:24:13,965 Mm-Hmm. . And so we're in the thick of, uh, 599 00:24:13,965 --> 00:24:15,285 primary program season. 600 00:24:15,385 --> 00:24:18,245 And, uh, you mentioned it's been giving you busy as well. 601 00:24:18,525 --> 00:24:22,925 Anything, any, uh, like is there any connecting point 602 00:24:22,995 --> 00:24:25,525 with your pri your state primary presidency 603 00:24:25,525 --> 00:24:27,925 and how primary programs are run? 604 00:24:27,985 --> 00:24:29,925 Or what advice do you hear going around 605 00:24:30,065 --> 00:24:32,365 or, you know, how do you any, any involvement there? 606 00:24:32,365 --> 00:24:33,365 Maybe there's not, but, 607 00:24:34,305 --> 00:24:36,445 - Uh, so we, we just let them do their thing 608 00:24:36,445 --> 00:24:38,045 and say, tell us when to be there. 609 00:24:38,545 --> 00:24:40,805 Oh, cool. You know, we train, we train on what's in 610 00:24:40,805 --> 00:24:41,925 the handbook and what's available. 611 00:24:42,275 --> 00:24:44,525 Yeah. Um, but it's always wonderful to see. 612 00:24:45,025 --> 00:24:48,245 And coming outta the pandemic, we had some real, uh, 613 00:24:48,785 --> 00:24:50,205 you know, varieties of what happened. 614 00:24:50,205 --> 00:24:52,845 And even across the pandemic, some did them, some didn't. 615 00:24:53,425 --> 00:24:57,225 Um, the most powerful thing 616 00:24:57,885 --> 00:24:59,785 is when the children have a chance to share 617 00:24:59,785 --> 00:25:00,825 what they've learned. 618 00:25:01,375 --> 00:25:03,305 - Yeah. - You know, to bear testimony. 619 00:25:03,365 --> 00:25:04,545 And that's where the strength is. 620 00:25:05,325 --> 00:25:08,345 And, uh, a year, year ago, I think, 621 00:25:08,345 --> 00:25:11,905 or maybe two, one of the wards ended with, uh, 622 00:25:11,905 --> 00:25:14,385 the primary children singing the first verse of, I'm a child 623 00:25:14,385 --> 00:25:16,145 of God and the congregation joining in 624 00:25:16,145 --> 00:25:17,305 for the rest. Mm-Hmm. 625 00:25:17,345 --> 00:25:19,905 - . - And the spirit was so strong 626 00:25:20,135 --> 00:25:23,105 because the children had testified all the way 627 00:25:23,105 --> 00:25:24,345 along about what they'd learned. 628 00:25:25,535 --> 00:25:28,155 And it was simple, but they testified, 629 00:25:28,335 --> 00:25:31,835 and then we celebrated that knowledge of our divine worth. 630 00:25:33,625 --> 00:25:35,515 Yeah. And that's, that's the gospel learning, 631 00:25:35,815 --> 00:25:37,595 that's the thing that transforms our hearts 632 00:25:37,595 --> 00:25:38,915 to bring us closer to Christ. 633 00:25:40,105 --> 00:25:42,075 - Yeah. That's powerful. Mm-Hmm. . 634 00:25:42,075 --> 00:25:45,395 Well, Rebecca, any, any other principle concept story that, 635 00:25:45,415 --> 00:25:47,235 uh, we need to make sure we fit in here? 636 00:25:47,235 --> 00:25:48,555 Or do we, do we cover it all? 637 00:25:49,725 --> 00:25:51,665 - Uh, do you know, I actually think it's really important 638 00:25:51,665 --> 00:25:53,465 to talk about counseling with counselors. 639 00:25:54,185 --> 00:25:55,225 Hmm. And what that looks like. 640 00:25:55,425 --> 00:25:56,625 I know that Elder Ballard, of course, 641 00:25:56,645 --> 00:25:58,105 has talked about that quite a bit. 642 00:25:58,885 --> 00:26:00,385 Um, but it's overlooked. 643 00:26:00,485 --> 00:26:02,985 You know, I know that sometimes presidents come in 644 00:26:02,985 --> 00:26:05,585 and they either are afraid to make a decision 645 00:26:05,645 --> 00:26:07,425 or they come in with all the decisions made 646 00:26:07,425 --> 00:26:10,225 and just want the counselors to kind of come along with it. 647 00:26:11,245 --> 00:26:14,785 And I think, um, I have sort of a very democratic approach 648 00:26:14,785 --> 00:26:17,705 where I am very comfortable in making a decision. 649 00:26:18,565 --> 00:26:23,545 And also I strive very diligently to seek, um, 650 00:26:23,685 --> 00:26:25,785 the, the feedback from my counselors. 651 00:26:25,885 --> 00:26:28,425 And often our, um, high counselor who's assigned 652 00:26:28,425 --> 00:26:30,105 to primary will attend our meetings as well. 653 00:26:30,365 --> 00:26:32,385 And we bring in the advice of our secretary 654 00:26:33,045 --> 00:26:34,745 and go from there, 655 00:26:35,715 --> 00:26:38,005 because everybody brings, uh, 656 00:26:38,005 --> 00:26:39,525 such a diversity of experiences. 657 00:26:40,015 --> 00:26:41,925 Again, that's where this humility comes in, right. 658 00:26:41,925 --> 00:26:42,965 Where you can listen. 659 00:26:43,445 --> 00:26:46,125 I had an idea recently that I thought was gonna be terrific, 660 00:26:46,705 --> 00:26:48,125 and my counselors were like, hard, 661 00:26:48,145 --> 00:26:49,565 no, not, not terrific. 662 00:26:49,675 --> 00:26:51,445 This would not be okay for me, . 663 00:26:51,445 --> 00:26:53,565 And I was surprised because for me, I was like, 664 00:26:53,685 --> 00:26:55,325 I felt this was a great idea. 665 00:26:55,345 --> 00:26:57,885 You know, it was something I'd been, uh, you know, 666 00:26:57,925 --> 00:26:59,125 I thought had some inspiration 667 00:26:59,125 --> 00:27:00,565 that could be really meaningful. 668 00:27:01,195 --> 00:27:03,805 They were like, oh, no, I would have a issue with it for, 669 00:27:03,945 --> 00:27:05,205 for this, this, this, something 670 00:27:05,245 --> 00:27:06,365 I totally didn't think about. 671 00:27:07,185 --> 00:27:08,565 And I was like, oh, okay. 672 00:27:08,565 --> 00:27:11,005 And it took me a minute to kind of bring myself 673 00:27:11,005 --> 00:27:12,805 and say, oh, okay. 674 00:27:13,005 --> 00:27:15,285 I need to rethink this. And even though I really like it, 675 00:27:15,285 --> 00:27:16,605 and I can see how it would be good 676 00:27:17,425 --> 00:27:19,845 if they're saying, I don't think so. 677 00:27:20,765 --> 00:27:23,845 I need to listen to that. I need to pay attention. Yeah. 678 00:27:23,855 --> 00:27:26,325 Right. Because we want everybody to be comfortable . 679 00:27:26,555 --> 00:27:28,125 - Yeah. I think that's a good indicator. 680 00:27:28,205 --> 00:27:29,925 I remember, you know, in different CIE 681 00:27:30,015 --> 00:27:31,685 where I've been the president or the bishop 682 00:27:31,785 --> 00:27:34,405 or whatever, where I walk into a meeting thinking 683 00:27:34,965 --> 00:27:36,285 I know the direction it's gonna go. 684 00:27:36,505 --> 00:27:37,965 And then by the end of the meeting, 685 00:27:37,965 --> 00:27:39,125 we've gone a different direction. 686 00:27:39,225 --> 00:27:41,965 So it's sort of a good indicator to know that, you know, 687 00:27:42,035 --> 00:27:44,725 that maybe, you know, if you're listening enough 688 00:27:44,725 --> 00:27:46,565 or asking enough questions that, you know, 689 00:27:46,585 --> 00:27:49,845 how often does the, does the direction 690 00:27:50,225 --> 00:27:52,565 or the result of the meeting end up in a very different 691 00:27:52,565 --> 00:27:54,125 place where you, where you thought in the beginning, 692 00:27:54,185 --> 00:27:55,565 you know, I think that's a good indicator 693 00:27:55,565 --> 00:27:57,125 that something is happening. 694 00:27:57,125 --> 00:27:58,445 People are being heard and, 695 00:27:58,745 --> 00:28:00,805 and other opinions are being considered. So, 696 00:28:01,265 --> 00:28:03,045 - And we're always, I mean, I'm always learning. 697 00:28:03,165 --> 00:28:05,085 I love learning. So I'm seeking, you know, 698 00:28:05,085 --> 00:28:08,805 best practices about counseling together, about listening. 699 00:28:08,985 --> 00:28:13,025 And, um, you know, the biggest thing for me, 700 00:28:13,065 --> 00:28:15,865 I talk a lot about needs assessments, listening 701 00:28:15,865 --> 00:28:17,385 to figure out what the needs are. 702 00:28:18,225 --> 00:28:19,905 I had a wonderful meeting with a, 703 00:28:20,065 --> 00:28:21,945 a primary presidency a few months ago 704 00:28:22,645 --> 00:28:25,665 and said, so what, what needs do the children have? 705 00:28:25,975 --> 00:28:27,225 They started listing some things. 706 00:28:27,225 --> 00:28:28,945 And I said, and, and you're right, those are all needs, 707 00:28:29,205 --> 00:28:30,305 but those are adult needs. 708 00:28:30,305 --> 00:28:31,545 What needs do the children have? 709 00:28:32,725 --> 00:28:36,345 - Hmm. - Oh, you know, started to think 710 00:28:36,345 --> 00:28:37,865 and said, I'm, we're not really sure. 711 00:28:38,535 --> 00:28:42,655 Said Great counsel together about it. 712 00:28:43,315 --> 00:28:44,855 You know, pray about it. 713 00:28:44,995 --> 00:28:47,495 Figure out what the needs of the children are. Mm-Hmm. 714 00:28:47,535 --> 00:28:48,585 - . - Mm-Hmm. . 715 00:28:48,765 --> 00:28:50,545 And it's a different way of approaching things, right? 716 00:28:50,545 --> 00:28:52,785 Because we get stuck. It's easy to get stuck in the, 717 00:28:53,925 --> 00:28:57,795 or bogged down in the administration, right? 718 00:28:57,795 --> 00:28:59,035 Yeah. 'cause there's so much of it. 719 00:28:59,035 --> 00:29:01,435 The day to day or the ideas of 720 00:29:01,435 --> 00:29:02,835 what way we've always done things 721 00:29:02,895 --> 00:29:04,315 or the way we want to do things. 722 00:29:04,785 --> 00:29:06,115 What is that meeting the needs? 723 00:29:06,215 --> 00:29:08,115 How do we know what the needs are? Mm-Hmm. . 724 00:29:08,255 --> 00:29:09,715 Mm-Hmm. . I'm really focusing on that. 725 00:29:10,725 --> 00:29:12,615 - Yeah. That's powerful. Love it. 726 00:29:13,005 --> 00:29:14,815 Well, Rebecca, this has been fantastic. 727 00:29:15,115 --> 00:29:18,455 Uh, I need some excuse to, to head up to your part of the, 728 00:29:18,475 --> 00:29:20,415 the country there and and, uh, and visit Visit. 729 00:29:20,415 --> 00:29:23,215 - You're welcome. Anytime. - It's, uh, I've been there, uh, 730 00:29:23,715 --> 00:29:25,855 not a few times and it's always beautiful 731 00:29:25,915 --> 00:29:27,455 and it's an incredible culture there. 732 00:29:27,475 --> 00:29:29,335 So, uh, last question I have for you, Rebecca. 733 00:29:29,355 --> 00:29:32,255 As you reflect on your time as a leader in the church, 734 00:29:32,355 --> 00:29:34,415 how has being a leader helped you become a better 735 00:29:34,415 --> 00:29:35,695 follower of Jesus Christ? 736 00:29:37,335 --> 00:29:39,375 - I love this question. I love that you ask it, 737 00:29:39,375 --> 00:29:42,125 because I think it requires so much, um, 738 00:29:42,715 --> 00:29:44,005 insight and self-reflection. 739 00:29:44,145 --> 00:29:46,245 And I've, I've considered this a lot. 740 00:29:46,945 --> 00:29:50,685 Um, and I think that it makes me a better follower 741 00:29:50,685 --> 00:29:54,805 of Jesus Christ because I have hope, um, 742 00:29:54,805 --> 00:29:57,485 because I have hope that I can change, 743 00:29:57,835 --> 00:29:59,125 that other people can change, 744 00:29:59,265 --> 00:30:02,125 and that we can transform to become more like Jesus Christ 745 00:30:02,865 --> 00:30:04,725 and experience Zion where we are. 746 00:30:05,905 --> 00:30:07,005 And you know, and then there's the 747 00:30:07,005 --> 00:30:08,045 hope and the atonement, right? 748 00:30:08,045 --> 00:30:09,885 And that all of it comes through Jesus Christ. 749 00:30:10,105 --> 00:30:13,165 So I think that having hope helps to 750 00:30:14,715 --> 00:30:17,645 move me forward and hopefully bring others along with me. 751 00:30:26,825 --> 00:30:29,565 - And that concludes this how I lead interview. 752 00:30:29,885 --> 00:30:32,005 I hope you enjoyed it. And, uh, I would ask you, 753 00:30:32,005 --> 00:30:34,605 could you take a minute and drop this link in an email, 754 00:30:34,665 --> 00:30:36,525 on social media, in a text, 755 00:30:37,165 --> 00:30:39,165 wherever it makes the most sense, and share it with somebody 756 00:30:39,165 --> 00:30:41,605 who could relate to this, this experience. 757 00:30:41,785 --> 00:30:45,125 And this is how we, how we develop as leaders, just hearing 758 00:30:45,125 --> 00:30:47,445 what the other guy's doing, trying some things out, testing, 759 00:30:47,635 --> 00:30:49,245 adjusting for your area. 760 00:30:49,465 --> 00:30:51,445 And, uh, that's, that's 761 00:30:51,445 --> 00:30:53,045 where great leadership's discovered, right? 762 00:30:53,065 --> 00:30:55,845 So we would love to have you, uh, share this with, uh, 763 00:30:56,125 --> 00:30:57,205 somebody in this calling 764 00:30:57,265 --> 00:30:59,725 or a related calling, and that would be great. 765 00:31:00,025 --> 00:31:02,965 And also, if you know somebody, uh, any type of leader 766 00:31:03,225 --> 00:31:05,805 who would be a fantastic guest on the How I Lead segment, 767 00:31:06,145 --> 00:31:07,205 uh, reach out to us. 768 00:31:07,225 --> 00:31:09,005 Go to leading scenes.org/contact. 769 00:31:09,295 --> 00:31:12,005 Maybe send this in individual an email, letting them know 770 00:31:12,005 --> 00:31:14,325 that you're going to be suggesting their name 771 00:31:14,425 --> 00:31:15,445 for this interview. 772 00:31:15,495 --> 00:31:18,765 We'll reach out to them and, uh, see if we can line 'em up. 773 00:31:18,765 --> 00:31:21,005 So again, go to leading saints.org/contact. 774 00:31:21,425 --> 00:31:23,285 And there you can submit all the information 775 00:31:23,625 --> 00:31:26,005 and let us know, and maybe they will be on a feature 776 00:31:26,065 --> 00:31:28,285 how I lead Segment on the Leading Saints podcast. 777 00:31:29,645 --> 00:31:30,965 Remember, check the show notes to listen 778 00:31:30,965 --> 00:31:33,725 to the powerful presentation by the general young men, 779 00:31:33,725 --> 00:31:35,525 young Women Advisory Council members, 780 00:31:35,945 --> 00:31:38,365 or go to leading saints.org/fourteen. 781 00:31:44,585 --> 00:31:47,645 - It came as a result of the position of leadership, 782 00:31:47,645 --> 00:31:51,845 which was imposed upon us by the God of Heaven, 783 00:31:52,025 --> 00:31:55,165 who brought forth a restoration of the Gospel 784 00:31:55,345 --> 00:31:56,685 of Jesus Christ. 785 00:31:57,265 --> 00:32:00,845 And when the Declaration was made concerning the own 786 00:32:00,945 --> 00:32:02,005 and only true 787 00:32:02,025 --> 00:32:04,525 and living church upon the face of the earth, 788 00:32:05,185 --> 00:32:08,645 we were immediately put in a position of loneliness. 789 00:32:08,865 --> 00:32:10,685 The loneliness of leadership 790 00:32:11,435 --> 00:32:14,325 from which we cannot shrink nor run away. 791 00:32:15,545 --> 00:32:19,365 And to which we must face up with boldness and courage 792 00:32:20,185 --> 00:32:20,805 and ability.