Visiting Teaching in Order--Good Practice

Today I thought my appointments for Visiting Teaching were scheduled for both today and tomorrow. The only problem is that I flip-flopped them and had the times reversed in my mind only. It was a little embarrassing to discover my later afternoon appointment I thought was tomorrow was actually today. I can plead dyslexia here though. No one else has had that happen have you????

I was prepared though, which is a good thing. I had read a conference talk by Sister Susan Tanner and was ready to give it about feeling delight in the gospel. My companion called me to pick me up to go to our sister's house close to the time we were supposed to be there. Everything worked out just fine since I just needed to confirm with myself and double check my emails! I communicate with a sister who likes to get emails instead of phone calls. Hmmmm.

Now I can be more prepared for tomorrow's visits and then focus on my Relief Society Lesson for next Sunday. I get so "into" my lesson after reading it several-to-many times to get a better sense of how it should be presented. I rely on the promptings of the Spirit and it all seems to work into a finished, polished product that I live and breathe it all week before presenting it.

Teaching is a joy to me and I am appreciative of the time I can spend in studying about Joseph Smith and his mission. It has been too long since I had the opportunity to teach the sisters. I get to bear my testimony each month besides when I teach, which I love doing anyway.

Last month I presented the "Everlasting Priesthood" lesson in Family Home Evening for the family. Ella, Aislyn & Parker loved helping with the pictures I used for visual aids. The pictures were like the ones I used to use for my children when they were growing up. But, they got the condensed version (15 minutes)and it was meaningful at the same time for Aaron and Candice. I read them my prepared testimony as well. They seemed to like it.

I can recall my first teaching calling as a new convert of about two months. I was called to teach in Primary Merrie Misses. It was at first a challenge as a new member to consider to have to stand in front of anyone to teach. But my attitude was to not fear having a calling because it would mean that the calling was from the Lord, and I knew He knew I could do it.

I always prayed and asked for His divine guidance and I trusted in that in perfect faith and felt the support of the Holy Ghost as I taught. My prayers were always answered, so I never doubted my ability with His help. My "confidence waxed strong," as they say.

That is not say I didn't get butterflies in my stomach, or that I didn't get nervous. I just tried to relax more, without a pre-conceived negative outcome and did the best I could with what I had to work with. Me. So I don't recall any dreading on my part about an assignment. Bearing my testimony often also gave me more confidence in myself and ability to share it often. It gets easier really. Try it.

"That which you persist in doing becomes easier. Not that the nature of the thing has changed but the power to do is increased," by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

That is a quote someone in our Arizona ward shared with each of the ward sisters and I knew it was a true principle. She had made a small plaque with that quote and some Tole painting on its face. It became a great builder in my self-esteem and self-worth and somehow I was the recipient of that great quote by being present.

"Heavenly Father, are you really there? Do you hear every child's prayer?"

When I was a child, did you know that I used to be so scared of the dark? I would hold my breath and run through a dark room, or place and knew the "Boogey Man" would try to get me! I prayed that away too, so I overcame that fright of being in the dark. Good thing.

I know I was able to feel the hand of God in my young life and was taught to pray, which I did often. I still feel those hands and marvel at the grace and goodness of those tender mercies in my behalf.