Connecting the General with the Individual | An Interview with Reyna and Elena Aburto

Reyna Aburto studied Industrial Engineering in her home country,
Nicaragua, and holds a degree in Computer Science from Utah Valley
University. She owns a translation business with her husband. She
has served as the second counselor in the General Relief Society
Presidency and is the author of Reaching for the Savior. Elena was
born in Utah and served a mission in Modesto, California. She
graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Music from Brigham
Young University-Idaho. Currently she is working toward her masters
at Utah Valley University, works at a junior high school, and
teaches piano. Reyna and Elena co-host the Consecrating Your Life
Podcast. Highlights 01:15 Introduction to the episode 03:00 Reyna
and Elena introduce themselves and their backgrounds. 05:30 Reyna
getting called as a counselor in the General Relief Society
Presidency 10:50 Getting started in her new calling in the General
Relief Society Presidency 12:30 Reyna’s advice to presidencies and
the bishoprics working together Put your personal agenda aside Say
what you feel in the counsels but then let it go 14:40 Elena shares
her perspective on her mother’s calling and they talk about how it
changed their family. 17:50 The process of writing a talk for
general conference. 21:30 Elena’s shares about her mental health
struggles and how it led Reyna writing a talk on mental health.
25:00 All talks must be submitted three weeks before conference.
The last three weeks before conference she would prepare
physically, mentally, and emotionally because the delivery of the
talk is also important. 28:30 It’s much easier to relate to your
leaders when they are vulnerable and open up. 38:00 Counsel WITH
people and not ABOUT them. Go directly to the people and
organizations and ask them what they need and want. 41:00 How would
you like me to pray for you this week? This is a question that
actually helps people open up and be vulnerable. 44:30 Sit down as
friends or as family and counsel together on how you can help a
family member or friend. 45:50 Getting assignments as a counselor
in the General Relief Society Presidency. Reyna shares the purposes
of those visits and sitting down with area presidencies. 50:00
Preparation for speaking at devotionals and stake conferences. It’s
different from general conference. Reyna struggled to prepare but
has learned to use an outline and rely on the Spirit. 55:10 Being a
general leader but wanting to be a personal leader Get there early
to greet and hug people Stay at the end if possible and continue to
talk with people. Sometimes a hug or small conversation can make a
difference for people. 56:50 Elena talks about being an FSY
counselor 1:00:00 Be inclusive with your words as you are talking
with people and giving talks. By changing a few words you can
include everyone. 1:03:15 Elena and Reyna started a podcast called
Consecrating Your Life. 1:05:30 Final testimonies on the importance
of leadership Links 2023 NorthStar Conference Consecrating Your
Life Podcast "Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!"
Reaching for the Savior Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch
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