I'm speaking in church next Sunday. My topic is: Gaining a testimony of and sustaining church leaders.

I've had a really good time searching the scriptures and pondering about the subject. I'm thinking of focusing my remarks on the potential difficulties of following and sustaining a leader who - for any number of reasons, from personal philosophy, lack of organizational skills, lack of diligence, the list goes on and on  - does not perform as we think they should.

I think it's one of the most interesting components of the LDS faith. You hate scouts, don't think you relate well with young men, are allergic to anything green or living...and this guy asks you to be a Scoutmaster, or an Elders Quorum President who you think doesn't work very hard at his calling, meets with you and asks you to be a teacher when you hate speaking in front of people and you know several other elders who would be better teachers....and you're supposed to believe that they have been called of God to be able to extend you that calling.

Any insights? Or perhaps more importantly, any good jokes I could use?

I don't write out my talks word for word, but maybe I'll write up my outline when I'm done.

Useful Statements

I've decided to come up with a list of phrases that you can add to your statements to be able to say whatever you want without the other person getting mad. Does that make sense? Picture the following scenario.

Two guys sitting on a couch watching Sportscenter. One says to the other:
"Dude, your girlfriend is ugly."
Obviously that's not going to go very well.
However, if that guy would have just added one of the following phrases, he would have been just fine.

- Bless her heart

Your girlfriend sure is ugly, bless her heart.
 
- I hate to say it, but...

I hate to say it, but your girlfriend is ugly.
 
- Not gonna lie, ...

Not gonna lie, but your girlfriend is ugly.
 
- Somebody's gotta say it:

Somebody's gotta say it: Your girlfriend is ugly.
 
- I'm sorry, but...

I'm sorry, but your girlfriend is ugly.
 
- Don't take this the wrong way, but ...

Don't take this the wrong way, but your girlfriend is ugly.
 
- No disrespect, but...

No disrespect, but your girlfriend is ugly.

If you're online, then simply add a smily emoticon.

Your girlfriend sure is ugly :)

If any of you have any others to add the list, please let me know. I know there are plenty more out there.

You got Jimmered....

I've never been so proud to be a fan of BYU Basketball.

It's not just Jimmer. (As much as anything can be more than "just Jimmer." I have been impressed with how the BYU population (student body and alumni) has responded to Jimmer.

Case in point: Michelle Peralta, a current student, wrote a letter to the Daily Universe (The BYU newspaper), accusing the BYU students of idol worship. She played the Nephi card, the idolatry card, and my always-favorite from the sports hater crowd, the "Get A Life" card.

Here's the actual letter: http://universe.byu.edu/node/13756

Now something like this was bound to happen. "Angry" letters to the editor at the Daily Universe is one of the many great things about the BYU. I'm actually surprised we didn't see it earlier.

I love how creative was the response of BYU's students and alumni. Michelle made the mistake of also mentioning it on her facebook wall. Someone found out...commented...told their friends...and BAM

http://vrusp.com/jimmered/

Read it...it goes on and on and on....

I read through all of them. (Slow day.) I was amazed at how consistently funny they were. The comments aren't really that angry, no profanity, no one questions her sexuality or race or really accuses Michelle of being anything other than someone who doesn't appreciate sports. It's just funny comments from funny people. Yet another example of how unique an institution that BYU is. I love it.

The Front Row Fanatics even offered her a seat on the front row.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSXAehrJCig&feature=youtu.be
If I had been smart enough, I would have done this myself just so I could get front row tickets.

So kudos to you, BYU. Not only do you have Jimmer, but you have a student body that appreciates and is worthy of Jimmer.
======================================================
One of my favorite comments: "Michelle, I want to be your friend, because that's what Jimmer would have me do." Haha.

Oh and I love how after her initial facebook post: "Just wrote another irritated letter to the editor of the BYU newspaper. I hope this doesn't turn into a habit" her I suppose it's her husband responds an hour later. Oswaldo: "What happened now?" hahahaha. As if he's saying "oh no...not again....what is it this time?" hahaha.

Ok I'm done now. Go Jimmer. Go BYU.