the book of mormon musical

in the 1920’s my great-grandfather stanley marshall met the missionaries of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints in england. he was interested in this book i hold, the book of mormon and took a copy to read for himself. he, along with his family, moved to salt lake city, utah where my own mothers father was born. thanks to his decision and the faith of my grandparents and my own parents, i am now raising fifth generation members of that same church. i was raised to believe the teachings of the church as a child, as an adult, i know of their truth.

last night doug and i went to see the book of mormon musical at crown theatre. would i recommend you see it? probably not. but, i am aware that by making a decision to openly tell people that i am a mormon, that over the next few months, i’ll be asked over and over whether i have seen it and what i thought.  well, here’s what i think...

i hope that all of you who are not members of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints are aware that this musical is a satire. i hope you know we have nothing to do with frogs, or plastic spray painted plates, that spooky mormon hell dreams aren’t a thing (at least not for anyone I know…) that missionaries as a rule cannot sing or dance and that we are not in fact part of a cult. 

there is however we are the fastest growing religion in the world and if you want to know why, don’t watch the book of mormon, read the book of mormon, because our version is a litttttle bit different. my own husband, two of my older brothers, plus many of my friends have spent two years of their lives sharing the message of the gospel and the contents of this book. 

the cover may have changed over the years, but the message inside is still the same, it is another testament of jesus christ, not meant to replace the bible, but to tell more of christ and his ministry on the earth. so, don’t take the musical as doctrine, ask me or one of the actual missionaries. you’ll be able to tell they are real, as they won’t be singing or dancing.

i am so grateful every single day to have the gospel in my life. i know of it's truth and know that you can find out for yourself if you only have the courage to ask.

let us oft speak kind words: a relief society first sunday council

LET US OFT SPEAK KIND WORDS

The adult human body is 60% water, the brain is 73% water. So keep that in mind while you watch this video... (what is rice cooked in? water!) harsh or kind words will have an effect on our bodies over time!

Have we thought of the effects our words have on others? 

Words have been found to affect water crystals. Japanese researcher and healer, Dr. Masaru Emoto, conducted experiments on water molecules. These experiments showed human thoughts and intentions can physically alter the molecular structure of water. Specifically, the water crystals were altered simply through conscious intention.

Water from bottles labeled with positive messages had intricate structures and diamond-like reflectiveness when frozen and magnified. Water labeled with negative words had collapsed structures with yellow edges when frozen.

Dr. Emoto demonstrated that words have a vibration and will actually alter the structure of water crystals. He found that uplifting, positive, and encouraging words created beautiful, balanced and symmetric crystals. Destructive, hateful and evil words had the opposite affect on the water crystals. The visual evidence is breathtaking.

We use the transformational power of words every day. You control this incredible force because your thoughts become your words. You are the master of your ship, guiding it to safe lands of prosperity, abundance, happiness, and freedom. Choose your words wisely and be the agent of positive change in a world that desperately needs you.

Using words is a major key to the effect we have on others. It is implemented into everything, boldly and subtly, in our daily lives. We must believe in the power of words. As we consistently hear hopeful and uplifting words, their influence brings hope and joy to our thoughts. By changing the words we think, speak, act, write, listen, read, and wear, we can improve ourselves and others. (Source: https://www.samson.life/blog/effect-words-water)

How do you feel when someone is unkind to you?

How does it feel to be constantly belittled by someone over a long period of time?

How do you feel when you’ve been unkind to someone?

Johnny Lingo - Mahana became a beauty when she was told she was beautiful. For those who aren't familiar with the story, you can watch it here.

mahana whilst she believed she was ugly and useless 

Our words and actions must uplift – not tear down

One thing we often tend to overlook is the power in our words and and actions and how they might affect the people around us or even our feelings about ourselves. Mahana’s Father conveys this powerfully as he speaks about her in preparation for the negotiations. He says: “She’s as foolish as she is ugly… I’m ready to give him a cow just to have him take her off my hands”

Imagine being the butt of all the jokes as everyone gathers to witness the negotiations regarding your worth. Your already tender feelings are only exacerbated as you overhear the villagers make fun of you and the impending proposal. Your father thinks you are foolish and ugly and even goes too far so as to say that you have no worth. You would need to be sold – or so he thinks, for you to be married. The travesty in this is not that everyone else thinks this of you, including your own father – but that you are probably starting to think that about yourself too!

This is heartbreaking – especially when it comes from the people who you love the most. It makes sense that we let their words have so much power over us. They are people that we love and the ones we assume love us too, so what they think and say and feel about us matters!

Be careful with your words and especially with your actions. Be one who builds up and uplifts. Use your words to help make someone feel good about themselves. Be generous with your compliments and sparing with your criticisms. And remember – Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth!

Many things can happen to make a woman beautiful. The thing that matters most is what she thinks of herself. 

(Source: https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/nextlevelmormon.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/3-lessons-from-johnny-lingo/amp/?source=images)

mahana once she believed she was beautiful and loved ♥

moral of the story: let us oft speak kind words to each other!

temple saturday

saturday morning started the best way possible by going to the 7am temple session with my mother in law. this picture was taken at 6:43am... after getting up at 5:45am, which for me was a trial in itself because i am not a morning person... at all.

but it was worth it, of course and it made the rest of my day a breeze.

"When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.

I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness than worshipping in the temple?" (quote found here)

since i made a commitment to attend the temple once a month in january 2016, things have been different. i know where i am meant to be and throught making a commitment, making sure i am there is easier. ♥

ministering changes

with all the ministering changes that are going on... i feel like i am going in circles explaining myself to the sisters who ask over and over what's happening. 

to my understanding it's not all that different! it's simply more about really getting to know each other and although visits are still encouraged, it's more about being there for other things. getting to know each other better...and being what she needs!

this is the best handout i've found so far... which i found online, so hopefully i can use it for the sisters in our ward sometime in the near future. 

speaking at stake conference

i received an email that was a huge surprise to me a few weeks ago... i was asked to speak at the saturday night session of our stake conference! totally unexpected, but i was thrilled to be asked. i was given a topic of how i as a mother, sister and daughter in the gospel could implement the principles in the evenings theme, which was based on two talks:

reducing and simplifying by elder lynn g. robbins and

good, better, best by president dallin h. oaks

sounds like a mouthful right? but it wasn't too bad. i felt very strongly about revisiting a relief society lesson i had given last year and it worked perfectly in with the theme. so for those of you who missed it, here you go! 

*********************************

Good evening brothers and sisters. What a lovely surprise it was to be assigned to speak this evening! I have been asked to focus my talk around how I, as a mother, sister and daughter in the gospel can implement the principles from the talks “reducing and simplifying” and “good, better, best.”

As a teenager I had a teacher who used to recite a little saying over and over, which stuck in my head. It was the first thing that sprung to mind when I received my speaking assignment: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is your best.” It’s something that I’ve kept in my mind, hoping to be able to continuously improve myself.

When I was called as our ward Relief Society President almost two years ago, I wondered how the heck I was supposed to do all that and be a wife and a mother. Then came the sweet words of reassurance as I was set apart in my calling, that I was first and foremost a mother. That my responsibility would be first to my children and my home and that everything else would fall into place. Guess what?… It HAS!

President Gordon B. Hinckley pleaded that we “work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact everything in life does count on it.” Sister Joy D Jones the Primary General President said, “Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.” As parents, the very best thing we can do, is to quite simply, “fill our lives with light!”

When asked what they do, many women in todays world will respond with some variation of “I’m just a mother” Excuse me? JUST a mother? There is no such thing as JUST a mother. As women, we have an opportunity not given to all. To lead and guide, teaching our children to love the Lord and to follow his example, allowing them to find true happiness in this life and the life to come.

In The Family: A Proclamation to the World, the First Presidency called on parents “to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place in this God-given responsibility.” They further declared that “however worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform.”

I can speak from the viewpoint of a mother and a woman in the gospel, but so that my talk is relevant to all, in his talk “Good, Better, Best from 2007, President Dallin H Oaks said “I ask you men, particularly, to pause and take stock of yourselves as husbands and fathers and heads of households. Pray for guidance, for help, for direction, and then follow the whisperings of the Spirit to guide you in the most serious of all responsibilities, for the consequences of your leadership in your home will be eternal and everlasting. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”

Simplifying our lives, increases the probability of achieving the most important things in life—the best things. In 2^nd Nephi 25:4, Nephi said, “My soul delighteth in plainness”. While Nephi was referring to keeping writing simple, the virtue of simplicity will help us to avoid cluttering our lives. One who has mastered the virtue of simplicity defends the best things in life from the intrusion of too many good, but unnecessary things.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf also spoke of the wisdom of simplicity. “Sometimes,” he said, “the truth may just seem too straightforward, too plain, and too simple for us to fully appreciate its great value. So we set aside what we have experienced and know to be true in pursuit of more mysterious or complicated information. Focus on the basic doctrines, principles, and applications of the gospel. I promise that God will guide and bless you on your path to a fulfilling life, and the gospel will definitely work better for you.”

Last year I gave a lesson in our ward Relief Society encouraging the sisters to simplify. To go “back to basics” and to focus on the most important things in their lives, to allow us to better live the gospel.  I feel as though with our busy lives these days, time is simply flying by and sometimes we forget the simple things we should be doing. The idea for the lesson came whilst watching the Sunday morning session of the April 2017 general conference, during Elder L. Whitney Claytons talk, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!” He recalled an experience speaking with a bishop who had suggested that members of his ward struggling with every day trials and issues do simple things to help, but that they thought the things he spoke of didn't apply to them! He then spoke about how Naaman was told to do something so simple to be healed, but that he didn't want to do it, because it seemed too easy! It really stuck with me and I felt that I should focus on those "simple and basic things"

So what are some things we need to do in the gospel? I am sure you all know the standard answers to every question in primary.

PRAY

READ YOUR SCRIPTURES

GO TO CHURCH

ATTEND THE TEMPLE

PAY YOUR TITHING

FAST

HAVE FAMILY HOME EVENING

KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS

and my husbands favourite, BE GOOD TO YOUR MOTHER. This is always a good idea.

So if I may, let’s briefly cover them. I feel like writing these down a year ago and focusing on them changed things for me. I truly believe that by simplifying our lives to ensure we do these little things, our lives will gain greater insight and purpose and we will draw closer to our Father in Heaven day by day.

1.      PRAYER

We all know what prayer is. It is our method of communication with our Father in Heaven. We can speak and he will listen. We can pour out the desires of our hearts, our gratitude for our blessings and draw closer to him. As parents, we can help safeguard our children by arming them morning and night with the power of family prayer. Children are bombarded every day with the evils of the world. We can protect our children from daily worldly influences by fortifying them with the powerful blessings that result from family prayer. Family prayer should be a non-negotiable priority in your daily life.

I was told once, “If you are too busy to say your prayers and read your scriptures, you are busier than God ever intended you to be!”

2.      SCRIPTURE STUDY

We are forever being reminded of the importance to daily study the scriptures. Our beloved prophet President Monson’s very last instruction to the world took the time to remind us of the importance of studying the scriptures, in particular, the Book of Mormon.

He said “The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated. We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. I maintain that a strong testimony of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far.

Elder Richard G Scott said: Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!

3.      GO TO CHURCH

This is pretty self-explanatory. Church is not a museum for saints, it is a hospital for sinners. Go to church not for others, but for yourself. It enables us to renew our covenants each week by partaking of the sacrament and allows us to learn more of the gospel and the teachings of the Saviour. If for any reason you cannot attend every week, go as often as you can. The Lord knows our hearts and understands our circumstances.

4.      ATTEND THE TEMPLE

Go to the temple. We all know there is no more peaceful place on this earth than in the House of the Lord. If you don’t have a temple recommend, qualify to get one. When you have a recommend, use it often. Make it a goal to have a recommend at all times, even if you cannot make it to the temple for any reason.  Schedule a regular time to be in the temple, for example, once within each calendar month. Do not let anyone, or anything prevent you from being there.

Raise your children to love the house of the Lord. Ensure they know where you are headed. Take them to the grounds so they also become familiar with the temple, talk about it in Family Home Evening. One of the most wonderful experiences of my life was taking my daughter to visit the Salt Lake City Temple last year and watching her stare up at that amazing building with pure awe in her eyes.

5.      PAY AN HONEST TITHE

The basic purpose for tithing is to provide the Church with the means needed to carry on His work. The blessing to the giver is an ancillary return, and that blessing may not be always in the form of financial or material benefit. The scriptures tell us in Malachi 3:10 that by faithfully paying our tithing, “the very windows of heaven will be opened unto us, to pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

I can testify to the blessings that come from tithing. My husband and I certainly are not rich, but we have always had enough. I know it is from faithfully paying our tithing, even during the hard times.

6.      FAST

One Sunday each month Latter-day Saints observe a fast day. On this day we neither eat nor drink for two consecutive meals. All members who are physically able should fast. When we fast each month, the Lord asks us to help those in need. One way we do this is by giving through the proper priesthood authority the money we would have spent on food during our fast. We should give as generously as we are able. Through our fast offerings we become partners with the Lord in assisting with the needs of our less-fortunate brothers and sisters.

7.      HAVE FAMILY HOME EVENING

There are so many awful things in the world today, beating down our doors and trying to sneak their way in, to destroy our homes and families. To strengthen your family and cultivate peace, remember this tool: weekly family home evening. Decide that on Monday (or another appropriate night) your family will be together at home for the evening.

Sister Linda S. Reeves boldly declared: “I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening. These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives, and add protection to our homes.”

8.      KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS

There are 10 of them. Some rules and regulations if you will, that God gave us to make sure we are safe. I am sure you are familiar with. It’s not that hard. I often like to refer back to something a Sunday School teacher in my teens said, “They are called the 10 commandments for a reason. If God wasn’t that fussed over them, he would have called them the 10 suggestions.”

I am certainly not suggesting that all of life’s struggles will disappear simply by simplifying your life and doing these things. We came to mortal life precisely to grow from trials and testing. Challenges help us become more like our Father in Heaven, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to endure those challenges. I testify that as we actively come unto Him, we can endure every temptation, every heartache and every challenge we face.

Brothers and sisters I urge you to simplify your lives, focus on and do the things that will bring you closer to your Father in Heaven so that the harder things become easier… and the difficulties in your lives seem bearable. Please do what you can, when you can, and build yourself up as you follow the Saviour and fill your lives with the light of the gospel.

I know of the truthfulness of the gospel. I know that blessings come to those who come unto Christ and allow him to shape their lives. I am truly grateful to be a wife and a mother and to have the gospel to guide the way I go about it. I would be lost without the simple guidelines that our Father in Heaven has given us and am so grateful to know that I never have to do this alone.

sunday, the best day ♥

sundays can be super hard. to get up, get kids ready, and to get to church on time... then to be really be present, while you're there. doug has been working a lot lately and has done sunday after sunday after sunday. sometimes it's hard!! the kids won't eat their breakfast, don't like the clothes i've picked for them, don't want to get in the car... and i wonder why i bother. but once i am there it always seems to be okay. i guess heavenly father knows i can do this... and will bless me when i put my head down and just do it.

for that reason, this quote from president nelson really stuck out to me from the recent church broadcast (that included the announcement of the new first presidency) "to each member of the church i say, keep on the covenant path" 

i am trying to keep on the covenant path, 

i'm doing the best i can... and that's all i can do! ♥

this little piggy: a relief society additional meeting

tonight we had our latest relief society additional meeting, with the topic being

"this little piggy"

i totally swiped the idea from one of the worldwide rs presidencies pages i am on, there are some amazing ideas out there, just waiting to be found!

the focus of the evening was going with the old nursery rhyme:

this little piggy went to market

(budgeting and meal planning to get the most out of your money)

this little piggy stayed home

(tips and ideas for holding regular family home evening)

this little piggy had roast beef

(simple and quick meals)

and this little piggy had none

(how to cope when you're running on spiritual empty)

and this little piggy went wee wee wee, all the way home

(or in our case, off to eat!)

we had assigned a lot of food on the night, so that there was samples of many of the recipes that had been discussed. i think it gave it that extra something, because it certainly encouraged sisters to try them at a later date! we also had printouts of the recipes available (and a list to make them available via email after the evening) which was a great decision, there was so much enthusiasm for all the speakers and the recipe stacks were gone before that presenter had even finished!

one of our girls is so clever... here is a pig in straw haha! it make me have a giggle

our pink juice... the evening was decorated beautifully with pink accents all over the place. 

i didn't have an assignment on the evening, (which was such a nice change!) but unfortunately the girl who was presenting the section on family home evening ended up unwell and i had to step in last minute... thank goodness we actually have family home evening, or i would have been at a total loss! so for a little look into our evening, here is what i spoke about:

What is Family Home Evening? I know you all know this already, but here we go again… Family home evening is a time to strengthen family ties. We do this by learning the gospel together, by listening to each other’s feelings, thoughts and ideas, and by enjoying activities together. It is usually held on Monday evenings.

The practice of learning the gospel in the home began all the way back with Adam and Eve. It has continued throughout the generations, as prophets counselled parents to teach their children to love God and follow His ways.

Family home evening is a time to enjoy each other and have fun together. Through simple activities—games, service, sharing talents, visits to local sites of interest—families create connections and build unity.

Family home evening is for everyone. Recently married couples, fathers and mothers with children, single parents with children, couples who have no children at home, single adults in home evening groups, and those who live alone or with roommates can all be blessed by holding family home evening.

So why have family home evening? Prophets have promised great blessings to those who follow this counsel, including greater faith in the hearts of the youth, increased ability to resist temptation, and greater peace, love, and harmony in the home.

So… who here has FHE regularly? Do you follow a particular format with the evening? I know as children FHE could go one of two ways. Even though we knew our assignments (thanks to my dad’s handiwork, a wooden FHE house with each of assignments listed...) It was either a magical night full of fun, or a disaster that ended with stressed parents and fighting children. I’ve learned now that I have my own children, that it really it comes down to one thing, whether or not we are organised. If I haven’t planned the evening, don’t have dinner ready early enough for us to have it afterwards, it doesn’t always happen and gets put off for another night.

In our home, we generally have a simple gospel lesson, often could be reading one of these books which the Goodlet family have had since the 70s, could be a video on youtube, or a discussion about something we thing the kids need to learn about. We read scriptures together, we started from the simplified versions, but this year now the kids are both in school we’ve moved to the family version, which is the full book, with some illustrations, background and definitions along the base.

One idea that we stole from a friends house when Madeline was a baby, that has stuck with us, was to begin the evening telling our “good news and bad news.” Sometimes it’s hilarious, sometimes it just helps you get to know any visitors a little better. Let’s have a round! Hi everyone I’m Jade. My good news is that I’m here with you all having a good time at our additional meeting. My bad news is that I had to replace Kate and I am sure she would have done a much better job! Now… a few of you? Can I have a volunteer? If not, I’m going to pick people at random! (which i did...) Okay thanks guys. Maybe try that one at your house. I promise it’s a lot of fun!

The most important thing we need to remember is to tailor FHE to our own family and our needs. If your kids are young and don’t have a long attention span, keep the lesson short! Focus on one principle and make it something that will stick in their mind and that they’ll think about later. If they are older, make it a little more in depth. A few weeks ago we watched the press conference (I figured it was worth a shot!) where they announced the new first presidency and I was amazed that the kids asked questions and took it all in. Remember it doesn’t have to be a Monday either. Sometimes you have to do what works for you, anytime is fine, as long as it’s set aside and a regular thing. Being organised and making FHE a priority will make sure it happens.

A few ideas:

• Involve close friends or extended family. We have FHE with the Pinker family once a month and it is a hoot. We all love the time together and have so much fun.
• If you are older and it’s just you and your husband? Find a topic and have a discussion. Watch a movie together. Have date night. Take a walk together? The possibilities are endless.
• If you’re single and it’s just you? Have a little gospel time once a week. For the rest of us? Invite people around for FHE. Seek out someone that you think could use some family time and invite them over.

I would just like to leave you with a quote from President Thomas S. Monson, “We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest.”

as always, thanks to our committee, it was an awesome well planned evening. i remember when i first was called as the relief society president, the additional meetings weren't very well attended, now it seems that each time we have one, more and more sisters are attending! it makes me so happy to see that, because we as women, need to spend time with other women! to be uplifted and strengthened and just to be us! i am so grateful to be around the sisters in our ward, they are an awesome bunch!

visiting teaching changes 2018

we'll be having a relief society "lesson" in the new format: the council meeting, on the first sunday in february. we constantly have questions and concerns about visiting teaching and being that the format of that has also changed we thought we would use our first one to discuss it.

there will no longer be a prepared message from the ensign for you to use each month when visiting. the new idea is to simply “do what she needs.”

sister bingham, relief society general president told the church news, “We want to help sisters understand how to really care for and strengthen each sister.” “The Church handbook doesn’t talk about our responsibilities to teach a lesson. It talks about how ‘visiting teachers sincerely come to know and love each sister, help her strengthen her faith and give service. Visiting teachers seek personal inspiration to know how to respond to the spiritual and temporal needs of each sister they are assigned to visit.” The changes are meant to help visiting teachers look beyond a universal prepared message and figure out what the sister they visit personally needs. “What are we supposed to do?” asked Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. “Do what she needs.”

and thanks to the internet (once again) i even found this amazing hand out to give to the sisters in the lds relief society presidencies facebook page. thank heavens for the internet! it certainly makes lesson planning easier. here's hoping it all goes well! 

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update: late feb 2018

we had our council meeting, which went so well. i began with a few little readings, (it was our first one as our january one was taken up with a special pacific area wide lesson, so i thought it best to ease into it) then asked the following questions, we had to cut time at the end, because people had so much to say. phew! 

Sister Bingham, Relief Society General President told the church news, “We want to help sisters understand how to really care for and strengthen each sister.” “The Church handbook doesn’t talk about our responsibilities to teach a lesson. It talks about how ‘visiting teachers sincerely come to know and love each sister, help her strengthen her faith and give service. Visiting teachers seek personal inspiration to know how to respond to the spiritual and temporal needs of each sister they are assigned to visit.” The changes are meant to help visiting teachers look beyond a universal prepared message and figure out what the sister they visit personally needs. “What are we supposed to do?” asked Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. “Do what she needs.”

Close your eyes and raise your hands... this will be completely anonymous, only I will know how you have answered

Who LIKES VTing?

Who likes being VTaught?

Who DISLIKES VTing?

Who DISLIKES being VTaught?

I have had a few questions regarding visiting teaching... so I’m going to do a quick Q&A. If you asked these questions, don’t worry, I’m keeping this anonymous too. 

1. Are we still required to visit Sisters in their homes? 

YES! We would encourage you to visit in your sisters homes at LEAST once a quarter. If you can visit monthly, that’s great! If you can’t, that’s okay too. Some of you are able to visit more often, we love you for it.

2. Is any form of contact counted? 

YES! The new way of visiting teaching as of Jan 1st this year was to “BE WHAT SHE NEEDS.” If your sisters need a cuddle hand one over. If you feel like they need a night off of cooking? Do that! Passing and saying “hi how are you?” in the hallway is a nice thing to do, but is it helping you know their needs and how you can personally ease their burdens? Get to know them away from the noise, in a quiet secluded space is the best way to do so.

3. Do I NEED to report my visiting teaching? 

YES YES YES A MILLION TIMES YES. This is how we know which sisters are being contacted and who we need to be aware of. Let us know your sisters needs PLEASE! Tell us what we can do to help, what they need, anything that concerns you, we are here to help. You can also tells us random facts like what their favourite colour is, how many pairs of shoes they own, what their cats name is... I’m interested. I actually know quite a lot of people’s pets names. 

4. Do I HAVE to cook for them? (Okay for your amusement, this person then asked who Kate and Valerie visit teach (well known excellent cooks in our ward). Asking for a friend of course...) Absolutely NOT. But if you’re a good cook, it is always appreciated! No one ever took offence from a lovingly baked treat

BE WHAT SHE NEEDS. But please don’t forget that the visiting teaching program is inspired! You might not think you are suited for the round, area, Sister (even companion!!!) you have, but a lot of prayer (AND even more juggling!) goes into getting these rounds right over and over again. 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do your visiting teaching. Don’t treat it as a chore, or something you need to check off. Get to know your sisters... and you’ll love them more than you know! 

The most important thing you need to remember is DO WHAT YOU CAN!

• What motivates you to VT?
• What stops you from doing your VT?
• What are some creative ways we can VT? There are so many ways you can do your visiting teaching! (take a walk together, meet for a hot chocolate, see a movie, text each other, write an email, send them an uplifting talk or video via the Internet, let them know you miss them when they aren’t around, send them some notes from the Sunday lesson they may have missed and/or keep an extra handout, call them after church! Plus I found this idea online and thought it was perfect: I wanted to share what I asked my VT to do for me when I was in the middle of a very busy “season” in my life & I rarely had time for visits. I asked each of them to prayerfully select a conference talk for me and email it - then I could read it when I had time and I could be spiritually fed. It worked great for me - maybe this will work for some of your sisters.

• How is visiting teaching a two-way street?
• What’s the best thing a VT ever did for you?
• What do you wish a VT had done for you?
• What things keep us from serving and seeking out others needs? What can we change to fix this?
• What does it mean to minister?
• How do we stop worrying about what “counts” in VTing and focus on what the sister needs?
• I know that RS is trying to get away from what “counts” in VTing, but what do we report?