The Visiting/Home Teaching Dilemna

Since my conversion in 2009, I have never had an active Visiting Teaching partner and have never done a VT with someone assigned to partner with me. At first, I was ill at ease to do my visiting teaching by myself.  I thought being a convert, I’d be paired up with someone more ‘seasoned’ if you will. After a while, I accepted it and in the past year, I’ve worked alone and did the best I could with making time for the sisters I’m assigned to teach. Some months it’s a card or a letter, maybe just a phone call…but I try because I look forward towards my visit teachers visiting/teaching me and to be honest…it’s a pretty cool gig.

Earlier today when I called to schedule my meetings, one of my households asked who my partner was. This took me by surprise as it’s been quite apparent I didn’t have one. She gave me a tsk tsk…and said I should have one. I MUST  have one.

I hung up the phone with a knot in my stomach. Sighing, I wondered why something which carries many blessings have to be so difficult?

Sometimes things aren’t going to be exactly the way they’re meant to be. That’s called life. Usually, I only have one teacher visit me, but I never doubt either of their compassion or love for me. Schedule conflicts, time restraints, family duties…it isn’t always the ideal scenario in which the Church instructs for us. You do the best you can and hope for the best

I always brag about my visiting teachers because both have taught me many things in very nontraditional ways. I never felt their visits or  speaking with me during church breaks were ‘dutiful’. It has been my hope and prayer that the ladies I teach feel the same way about me as I look forward towards visiting with them.

Of course, being I am a paranoid and insecure person, I immediately thought the woman who tsk tsk me doesn’t like me or perhaps I offended her? We all seek wisdom and guidance from others and I’m the least knowledgeable between the two of us.  I can totally understand her wanting  to have someone else there, preferably a person who didn’t sound like Mae West.

I guess the entire thing took me by surprise as I am one of those people who feel we are all doing the best we can do. Knowing the ward list for visiting teaching is a never-ending chore as members move in and out all the time, I didn’t want to nag my district supervisor about having a partner. She-along with the entire RS presidency knows already and have been working on it.

As for home teaching, I’ve had two visits from my home teacher since my joining the ward in 2009. The two visits are from my current home teachers as I went the first two years without home teaching. (If I had  home teachers, I was not aware of them.) I’ve toyed with the idea of casually suggesting new home teachers as one is a good friend and there is a huge schedule conflict between the three of us, but I keep thinking it will all work out.

But it hasn’t…and this is why:

I am in a place in my life in which  I need to surround myself with as many spiritual leaders as I can. I need more spirituality from leaders in the church…as being married to a non-member, it is easy (and quite justifiable) to find reasons and excuses that go against church doctrine. I often find myself feeling as if I’m treading water and at any moment the beginning of a leg cramp is going to take me under.

So dear readers, I ask you: How do you handle visiting teaching and home teaching? Life is busy and conflicted for so many…how do we remain influential when we ourselves are at times struggling?

Truly a Gift

“Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society has been written for you.  We hope you unwrap it, we hope you open it, we hope you read it.  This gift is a record of the legacy of women in the Church.  It also tells about how Relief Society is truly the restoration of an eternal pattern of discipleship.  It is a witness of the divine identity of our Heavenly Father’s daughters.  Daughters in My Kingdom contains inspiring examples and timeless truths, and we hope you have a profound personal experience with it.”

~ Julie B. Beck

Women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should each have their own copy of Daughters in my Kingdom. If you do not have your own copy and would like to read it, you can read it online here.

I was excited to receive my own copy of this wonderful resource and introduction to the Relief Society this past Sunday. Sister Beck has encouraged us all to read this book cover to cover and I plan on doing just that. I will chronicle my impression and thoughts on this site.

I’m not sure why this video wasn’t presented in the recent General Relief Society meeting, yet, here it is below. Enjoy.

Forget-Me-Not

With October only being days away, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are thinking of a special event: General Conference! This is still an amazing event for a convert such as myself who finds this special opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the upcoming one. During the time prior to General Conference, I find myself redirecting my attention towards things directed and centered on family and strengthening my testimony. It is a time of contemplation and evaluating the things in my life that are spiritually fulfilling and eliminating the things which take away from the glory of Jesus Christ.

Saturday evening, I watched the Relief Society Broadcast in our Stake Center. Each talk resonated and spoke to my heart. I was uplifted and inspired, ready to face the world with my shoulders back, head held up high, exclaiming by my demeanor the prestige of being a daughter of God.

My favorite talk of the evening was from President Uchtdorf with his analogy of the forget-me-not flower.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

Third, forget not to be happy now.

Fourth, forget not the ‘why’ of the gospel.

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

“My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven that you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.””

Read complete summary of President Uchdorf’s general Relief Society address HERE.

LDS.org: General Relief Society Meeting Highlights