Did you know that you can share any quote, message or “principle you that will bless the sisters you Visit” Teach? With so many different; personalities, trials, talents, circumstances, ages, likes, preferences, careers, etc… There is not one sister who is exactly the same temporally, emotionally or spiritually. You don’t have to stick to the monthly message. Each sister may need a different message at a different time or month in her life. The leaders of The Church select these specific topics and messages which they feel will help all of us become more like our Savior and they help to keep us focused and organized on 1 theme or topic. And of course they will, there is always room for improvement when we’re not perfect. However, some sisters may need a bit more help in other areas too. We know our sisters best, or so we should, and Heavenly Father has entrusted them to us so that we can be His instrument in helping our sisters reach their full potential. So sky’s the limit, let the spirit guide you in selecting a quote, message or principle which you “feel” will help her become the woman Heavenly Father would want her to become. You’re her Visiting Teacher, you should know her best!

Just 1 example: I shared the First Presidency message with one of my sisters and she appreciated it. I also knew her Home Teachers hadn’t been assigned yet, so that was perfect.

Have you ever shared a different message? Have your ever wanted to share a different message but couldn’t? (It says we can, just before every message.)

Here is an excerpt of a talk by Silvia H. Allred, titled “Feed My Sheep,” found in the Nov 2007 Ensign as a basis for this visual aid.

In John 21:15–17. The Lord asked Peter, “Lovest thou me … ?” Peter answered, “Thou knowest that I love thee.” And the Lord replied, “Feed my lambs.” The Lord asked him the second time, “Lovest thou me?” Peter again answered, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” The Lord said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” The Lord asked a third time, “Lovest thou me?” Peter answered, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.” Jesus said unto him, “Feed my sheep.”

As disciples of Christ, we too declare that we love Him. So how do we go about feeding His sheep?

One of the ways Relief Society sisters can feed His sheep is through visiting teaching. “The purposes of visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to offer support, comfort, and friendship.”2 To accomplish those purposes, visiting teachers should:

1. Visit each assigned sister regularly (where feasible, in her home every month).
2. “Learn of the spiritual and temporal needs of the sister and her family.”
3. “Offer appropriate assistance.”
4. “Give spiritual instruction through a monthly message.”

The Lord has blessed women with divine attributes of love, compassion, kindness, and charity. Through our monthly visits as visiting teachers, we have the power to bless each sister as we extend our arms of love and kindness and give the gifts of compassion and charity. No matter what our individual circumstances are, we all have the opportunity to edify and nurture others.”

Here’s a PDF sheet full of 20 Sheep to print at home and make your own “Feed My Sheep” poster. Just print it as many times as you need to onto cardstock and cut out the sheep in 2 inch circles or cut out the sheep themselves.

Let me know if you use this idea and send me any pictures of how your posters turn out. Good luck!

“Good visiting teachers know the sisters they visit. They love them, serve them, and help them learn the gospel by the Spirit. They focus on fortifying homes and lives. There is no greater privilege than to watch over and strengthen another person—it is truly the business of salvation.”*

Sister Julie B. Beck Relief Society general president when asked: “How does Relief Society make a difference in the world?” Replied by saying, “…We have many organized groups of women, called Relief Societies [as of Dec 2007 we had 27,827 Relief Societies all across the world**]. We send the Church Handbook of Instructions to the president of each group. The women gather together often to study the gospel and to learn how to care for their families.
The president divides the Relief Society women into pairs that visit the women in their homes, where they assess needs. Is anyone sick? Do they have enough food and clothing? Do they have the education they need? After the visits the women report what they found. Someone needs shoes, someone is having a baby, and one of them needs work. They ask if within their group they have the needed resources. Most of the time they do. That is what we do for our women.”*

That’s us, the Visiting Teachers! I guess the Lord does require a lot but, “For of [her] unto whom much is given much is required.” I hope we can all remember that even though they have been entrusted to us, they are our sisters and we all have the same Heavenly Father. We must watch over each other so we can all return to live with Him someday.

* Quotes from: Julie B. Beck, “Focusing on the Lord’s Work of Salvation,” Ensign & Liahona, Mar 2009

** I added these fun stats so you all could get an idea of how many Relief Societies there are all over the world who each have Visiting Teachers assgined to Visit Teach the sisters within their wards or branches. Stats for the end of 2008 have not yet been announced or published.