Lesson for November 24, 2013

Relief Society Lesson for November 24, 2013 Today our lesson was given by Jessica Lewis. From President Thomas S Monson’s conference talk on home teaching. She wanted to relate it to visiting teaching. President Monson started out by telling the story of going up Provo Canyon to stay as a family in the summer. He told of seeing sheep in the canyon being driven by dogs with a shepherd in the rear. In Munich, Germany he saw a shepherd leading his flock and everywhere he went, they went. He likened this shepherd to Jesus Christ, acting as our shepherd. Amy Young said that the new program has the RS presidency sits down together and puts together their callings and present their decision to the bishop. It seems to work out because God is involved. Joyce Garner said it helps to have inspiration with prayer. Irma Lopez emphasized how important it is to have the Lord’s help. Another sister said that when she was in a presidency, she prayed about a position and had the Lord tell her to call someone she did not get along with, but she was able to have it work out beautifully. It’s interesting how the Lord works. When one sister had was a visiting teacher and had a sister taken from her group and put in another. She wondered why and realized that Amy had felt the inspiration to move the sister. Another sister said we should just do it—that visiting teaching is a wonderful. Sister Bell said that our responsibility is to become a friend to the sisters. Jessica said that one of the most important things is to develop a relationship with the sisters so that we can ask and give help. President Monson had some ideas on what the best ways are to build relationships. He said Abraham Lincoln said that if you want to win someone to your side, you should make him your friend. We should be friends. One sister said that after a divorce and starting in her career, she moved to Utah County and joined a singles ward and the first person who said hi to her was her visiting teacher and became her friend. Jessica said that one of her best friends became her friend because they were visiting teachers together. She said she also was a visiting teacher with Claudia and she will love her til she dies. She saw a gentler side of Claudia and how caring she was. It was a testimony to her of how important a friend is. Another sister said that the best visiting teachers she has had see what she needs and then do what she needs. President Monson said we are wise if we learn and observe the needs of our sisters and just do what is needed. Jessica said that in the Gospel Principles class that the teacher said he once needed a plunger from his neighbor who just gave it to him. He said it would not have been appropriate if the neighbor had gathered his family together and prayed first. Claudia Laycock said it is important for those being visited to help schedule visits. You can’t become friends if they don’t let you come in. Jill Judd said that there was a time when she was ill when her visiting teachers arranged for a priesthood blessing without asking first, but had them there for her and she was grateful. We have to notice when we can help. Sister Bahr said if she doesn’t get a response from those she visits, she sometimes just shows up. Her visiting teachers actually brought her a box of goodies and spiritual thoughts that meant a lot to her. If you can’t reach people, you can take them goodies. One sister said she learns from those she visits and it is a blessing to her. President Monson said that a visit is more effective sometimes if you schedule. He had his home teacher showed up when President Monson was entertaining other apostles. So the home teacher was allowed to give a lesson to apostles and he left hurriedly. Not the best. Sister Judd said her best home teachers were those fresh off their missions who used missionary teaching methods. Another sister said it worked for her to print off a lesson and leave it even though she couldn’t get in the door for one sister. Erin said we should help our husbands do home teaching. She said her husband followed her example in caring about our ward family and taking care of each other. President Monson said that home teaching answers many prayers. One man, Dick Hammer, was home taught for years and finally was baptized in his ninetieth year and a year later took out his endowments. His home teacher said it was worth every moment and effort spent. President Monson said that over the years we will have many opportunities to give service and make friends with those we visit. He also said that even if we have not been diligent, we have the opportunity now to improve and become committed. He said the work is ongoing and will go on, so we should do so faithfully. He closed with an example, Jesus Christ, who was the greatest teacher and the most dedicated to our happiness. The Biblical account said he went about doing good. We will be come true shepherds by following him.