This week we will celebrate the 170th anniversary of the Relief Society, the organization for women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We’ll be posting (and re-posting) some posts on the topic of Relief Society. This post was originally published in 2008.

-by Michelle

I recall one of those days several years ago when I went visiting teaching. I must confess that I was not excited to go. I was tired. I didn’t feel good. I hadn’t had much downtime with my children because we have had lots of craziness (errands, doctor’s appointments, car troubles, dad out of town). More than anything, I just wanted to be cozy and comfortable at home. “Visiting teaching is never convenient,” I found myself thinking. (Truth be told, service is often not convenient.)

I printed out the lesson and mused over the title: “Blessings of Belonging to Relief Society.” I found myself wondering about why the lessons in this particular year (2006) had focused on Relief Society.

I felt the Spirit teaching and touching me during the next hour and a half, in spite of the bad start to my service. I was able to repent of my attitude and receive a clear answer to my question.

Both of our sisters had forgotten we were coming. (That happens to me almost every time my visiting teachers come!) One sister was up to her eyeballs in a big project. Even still, both sisters graciously invited us in. (Note to self: Opening my heart and my home to my visiting teachers makes it possible for the Spirit to visit, too!)

We did the usual chatting–about life, about our holiday plans (this was at Christmastime), about recent travels, about family. The conversation quickly turned to gospel discussion, and the Spirit filled our hearts with that peace that “passeth all understanding.”

The Spirit also granted understanding. It became so clear, especially during our second visit, why the lessons focused on Relief Society: to help us understand the vision and purpose of Relief Society. Since there might be some people out there wondering about what Relief Society is all about, I wanted to include some highlights of the visiting teaching messages from this particular year (usually there is a focus or theme that is woven throughout the monthly messages in a given year). 

President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918): “This organization is divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of women and of men. … Make [Relief Society] first, make it foremost, make it the highest, the best and the deepest of any organization in existence in the world. You are called by the voice of the Prophet of God to do it, to be uppermost, to be the greatest and the best, the purest and the most devoted to the right” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 184).

Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president: “We have been given an organization to build our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to feel his love, and to extend that love to all. The Relief Society is that organization” (“Transforming Transitions,” in The Rock of Our Redeemer: Talks from the 2002 BYU Women’s Conference [2003], 45).

Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), former Relief Society general president: “What is the object of the Female Relief Society? I would reply—to do good—to bring into requisition every capacity we possess for doing good, not only in relieving the poor but in saving souls. United effort will accomplish incalculably more than can be accomplished by the most effective individual energies” (“Female Relief Society,” Deseret Evening News, Apr. 18, 1868, 2).

Reading these quotes helped me feel more deeply why Relief Society exists. We care about service, we care about lifting the downtrodden — and we care about faith, spiritual growth, and helping others work toward salvation.

How Can You Enjoy the Blessings of Belonging to Relief Society?
Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “When the sisters of Relief Society look ‘with an eye single to the glory of God’ (D&C 4:5), they can experience rich spiritual insights and share deep spiritual strength together. … Connections forged among covenant women in Relief Society can indeed enlighten, enliven, and enrich the journey of life because we can help each other learn how to put the Lord first in our hearts and in our lives” (“Walking towards the Light of His Love,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 112–13).

2 Nephi 25:26: “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, … that [we and] our children may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Who can gauge the miraculous effects upon the lives of millions of women whose knowledge has been increased, whose vision has been extended, whose lives have been broadened, and whose understanding of the things of God has been enriched by reason of countless lessons effectively taught and learned in meetings of the Relief Society?” (“Ambitious to Do Good,” Ensign, Mar. 1992, 4).

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “The Relief Society curriculum is focused on basic doctrine and will give you the opportunity to study the gospel and increase your spirituality. … All sisters … need to be ‘remembered and nourished by the good word of God’ [Moro. 6:4]. Doctrine will strengthen you and help you to develop the spirituality necessary to overcome the challenges of life” (“You Are All Heaven Sent,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 111).

Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “Each of us … can move forward without fear, finding our way to Him as we personally feel the blessings of His infinite Atonement. I know that one of the supernal blessings of Relief Society is our connection to women who also bear testimony of our Lord. My prayer is that we will ever walk side by side towards the light of His redeeming love” (“Walking towards the Light of His Love,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 113).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “Intelligence, light and knowledge … are part of the promise given to the sisters by the Prophet Joseph Smith. … Relief Society sisters see the fulfillment of that promise daily as they teach children at home, in Sunday School, and in Primary, in Relief Societies, in sacrament meetings, and in daily conversation. … We encourage all our sisters to take advantage of their opportunities to receive light and knowledge in school, in personal study, and in Relief Society” (“Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 4).

I really liked what Sister Pingree said about having our eye single to God. Relief Society is more than casseroles and crafts; it is an organization designed to help us gain “rich spiritual insights and share deep spiritual strength together.” The purpose of activities and service opportunities are opportunities to bring us together as sisters, to increase love and faith.

I am grateful that the Spirit helped me catch that vision yesterday as I was visiting teaching. I felt spiritually nourished and strengthened. In the end, these are the potential fruits of visiting teaching…but how easily I forget! I’m grateful that we have this opportunity to visit sisters every month, and I find that my life is blessed when I do my visiting teaching. It’s a simple program with wonderful purpose and potential. And there are countless ways that Relief Society has blessed my life.

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~by Michelle

I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them. – Elder David A. Bednar

It only took a matter of minutes for everyone in my family and my sister’s family to have their fill of the pizzas they’d picked up on the way to our house. Half of each of our families was going to a football game, and I had the blessing of watching her littler ones. (Actually, my girls did most of the watching while I just delighted in the cousins’ interactions. We love having them here!)

As the football fans scurried out the door and things settled down a bit, I realized that we had a pepperoni pizza left over. But all of us left at the house were of the preferring-cheese-pizza variety.

I started scanning my brain to see if I could think of someone who’d enjoy some food. I called my neighbor, but they were already eating dinner.

And then the thought came to call my visiting teaching sisters.

I tried the football fan friend first.

“Hi, S. Is your family coming over tonite for the game?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Well, I have a pizza left over from our dinner and I wonder if you would like it.”

I wasn’t expecting her stunned response. “You won’t believe this,” she said, “but I just made homemade pizza and realized that we only have enough for each person to have one piece. I had just put on my shoes and put my purse over my shoulder to go back to the store when you called.”

Embedded in this tender mercy (what timing!) were two clear messages for me. First, I’m reminded that God really is aware of the details of our lives. (Moments like this are anchors for me at times when things are hard.)

Secondly, I was reminded of something Sister Julie B. Beck said in a talk a couple of years ago about the importance of visiting teaching:

A sister in this Church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching.

I feel that God wanted me to learn something through this miracle: If I I put the women I visit teach high on my list (second only to my family in the order of my priorities for service, if I’m reading Sister Beck correctly), He will be able to better bless them. (And bless me!)

I’m grateful that this lesson came at a time when the need for my friend was not critical. After all, S would have been fine having to go back to the store last night. But *I* needed to learn more — feel more — about what visiting teaching means to God, and about what it should mean to me as a covenant follower of Christ.

President Spencer W. Kimball taught…: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” Brothers and sisters, we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did—to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us. – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in April 2011 General Conference

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Ask a Mormon Woman: What is Visiting Teaching?

Read more on the topic of visiting teaching

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~by Becca

Several years ago, when my children were all very small, it was a very busy morning.  I was trying to get my four little ones dressed and ready to be out the door so we wouldn’t be late dropping one off for pre-school.  I was bent over in the closet trying to find a matching pair of shoes that my daughter would be willing to wear.  Behind me I could hear little voices with different needs and then the phone rang.  I felt frustration as I stepped out of the closet to run get the phone. It was my visiting teacher.  She asked how I was doing, and I responded in my best voice. “Just fine, how are you?” I really did think I was fine, since some mornings felt hectic, like this one did. She told me she was well and asked again, “How are you really doing?” Again, I said, “Fine.” Her response surprised me when she said, “That’s not what I’ve been told.”

I quickly wondered who she had been talking to, and even glanced out the window wondering if a neighbor could see in my window as shoes were being flung from the closet. I said, “Oh! Who have you been talking to?” She said, “Heavenly Father. You see, every morning I pray for you. I ask Heavenly Father to bless you to have a good day and that your needs might be met. This morning, I felt that you might need a little extra help today. Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you. I am also here to help you in any way. I would like to bring dinner over tonight. What time is good for you?”

I blinked back the tears as I felt so overwhelmed and amazed. Even though this was a happy and good time in my life, some days were hard and overwhelming, just with the daily responsibilities.  Heavenly Father wanted me to know that he loved me and was aware of me and my needs. This dear sister was in tune to the Spirit. She brought dinner over to my family that night and once again reminded me that she loved me and was willing to help me out anytime. She also told me how much Heavenly Father loved me.

A few weeks ago I ran into this dear sister. I told her that I had been reminded of this experience that involved her. To my surprise, she didn’t remember. As I thought about our conversation, the experience I had years earlier became even sweeter. I felt good knowing she had been an instrument in God’s hands to help me, but to her, it was another day. She had not served me to receive recognition, blessings, or other rewards. She truly had acted on inspiration. Sometimes life is like that!  We are impressed to help someone out. It can make a huge impact in their life, and we go on never knowing how inspired we were in our acts of service.

The post Small and Simple Things — Visiting Teaching Service in Day-to-Day Life appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

The shock was evident — both on her face, and in her voice — as she hung up the phone.

“Sister F. just died,” my friend said.

My friend was Sister F.’s visiting teacher, and the Relief Society President had just called to share the news. (Visiting teachers are often among the first to be informed of things like this.)

And now I — who just happened to be in my friend’s home as her visiting teacher — was part of this poignant moment. We reflected on how fragile life is. (No one expected Sister F. to go; it was her husband whose health was failing.) I couldn’t help but think of my former visiting teaching companion who had sat by me month after month, sharing messages of faith and chatting on this same couch with our friend. This companion died a year and a half ago. I still miss her fiercely.

The following Sunday, our Relief Society President stood and tearfully held up a plant (pictured above). Her visiting teacher had given her the plant when she was first called to be our Relief Society President, as a show of support at an overwhelming time. (Every local congregation has a Relief Society President, who has a great deal of responsibility, caring for the temporal and spiritual welfare of all the women in their congregations.)

Guess who was the visiting teacher who showed such loving support?

It was Sister F.

As our Relief Society President talked tenderly of Sister F. and the love she had shown, I couldn’t help but reflect on how women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often present to help and support each other at the crossroads of life. It’s not unusual for visiting teachers and/or other Mormon women in Relief Society to bring meals in when a woman has a baby. Mormon women are there to help families plan funerals when loved ones pass, and they help prepare and serve the traditional family meal after a funeral. (I’ll never forget the impact such service had on me after my grandma died.)

As with Sister F. giving our Relief Society President the plant at a time of transition in her life, visiting teachers work to be aware of the lives of the sisters they serve and try to offer help and support and encouragement.

I have several recent examples from my own life of the way Relief Society sisters seek to serve. I was sick for much of the summer, and I’m facing a surgery here in a few weeks. Through this time, I have received meals and phone calls and emails. Because of my health, I’m unable to attend my ward (mornings are very difficult, so I attend a ward in the afternoon). I’m not sure if that is the reason why (I miss being with my ward family!), but for my birthday, a woman in the ward — I’m not sure who — invited sisters to send email messages of love. I received around two dozen email messages. (And I still have a raincheck for a lunch date with my visiting teachers once I get an appetite back!) Another friend has done so many little things here and there that I feel forever in her debt.

And I could go on.

Sometimes we as Mormons joke about the casseroles and jell-o that are often passed around as Mormon women serve. (Elder Holland, one of our apostles, quipped about this recently, too). To be sure, these things are part of Mormon culture that have come to have some comical quality for us and others.

But, I share Elder Holland’s thoughts:

Smile, if you will, about our traditions, but somehow the too-often unheralded women in this church are always there when hands hang down and knees are feeble. ¹ They seem to grasp instinctively the divinity in Christ’s declaration: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these … , ye have done it unto me.” 

At another time, I want to talk about the way that Mormon men have used their priesthood service to bless the lives of others, so this notion of help and kindness is certainly not limited to Mormon women.

But I’ll always remember the quiet yet powerful thoughts that came to me as the Relief Society President held up that plant. I think it very significant that Mormon women make it a point to be at significant crossroads of life, particularly those that have deep doctrinal meaning for us as Latter-day Saints. As we support each other as new life enters the world, and seek to mourn with those who mourn the loss of someone who has left the world, I believe we are doing the Lord’s work. I believe it’s about a lot more than casseroles and jell-o.

I also believe that as we seek to be there at other moments in each others’ lives, I think we can sense — and share — the kind of love Heavenly Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ, have for us. And our hearts can be knit together more.

I’m grateful to be a part of a church that encourages this kind of watchcare. I know we as Mormons don’t have the corner on what it means to serve and care for others, and I know we could often do better, but I do think the home and visiting teaching programs are pretty amazing at the core. I’m not sure we who are Latter-day Saints always realize what an impact it can all have.

Reflecting on this makes me want to be a better visiting teacher. It also makes me want to be a better neighbor and friend to others who may not be part of my faith. We all need to know people care.

What have others done to help you in times of need? How could others better help you in your needs? If you are Mormon, what has the home/visiting teaching program meant to you?  

The post Mormon Women: At the crossroads of life through visiting teaching appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Several years ago, when my children were all very small, it was a very busy morning.  I was trying to get my four little ones dressed and ready to be out the door so we wouldn’t be late dropping one off for pre-school.  I was bent over in the closet trying to find a matching pair of shoes that my daughter would be willing to wear.  Behind me I could hear little voices with different needs and then the phone rang.  I felt frustration as I stepped out of the closet to run get the phone. It was my visiting teacher.  She asked how I was doing, and I responded in my best voice. “Just fine, how are you?” I really did think I was fine, since some mornings felt hectic, like this one did. She told me she was well and asked again, “How are you really doing?” Again, I said, “Fine.” Her response surprised me when she said, “That’s not what I’ve been told.”

I quickly wondered who she had been talking to, and even glanced out the window wondering if a neighbor could see in my window as shoes were being flung from the closet. I said, “Oh! Who have you been talking to?” She said, “Heavenly Father. You see, every morning I pray for you. I ask Heavenly Father to bless you to have a good day and that your needs might be met. This morning, I felt that you might need a little extra help today. Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you. I am also here to help you in any way. I would like to bring dinner over tonight. What time is good for you?”

I blinked back the tears as I felt so overwhelmed and amazed. Even though this was a happy and good time in my life, some days were hard and overwhelming, just with the daily responsibilities.  Heavenly Father wanted me to know that he loved me and was aware of me and my needs. This dear sister was in tune to the Spirit. She brought dinner over to my family that night and once again reminded me that she loved me and was willing to help me out anytime. She also told me how much Heavenly Father loved me.

A few weeks ago I ran into this dear sister. I told her that I had been reminded of this experience that involved her. To my surprise, she didn’t remember. As I thought about our conversation, the experience I had years earlier became even sweeter. I felt good knowing she had been an instrument in God’s hands to help me, but to her, it was another day. She had not served me to receive recognition, blessings, or other rewards. She truly had acted on inspiration. Sometimes life is like that!  We are impressed to help someone out. It can make a huge impact in their life, and we go on never knowing how inspired we were in our acts of service.

The post An Experience with My Visiting Teacher appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

As a woman in my Church I am part of the Relief Society. It is the largest women’s organization in the world. To say that it is highly organized would be an understatement. One of the ways that we reach out and fellowship other women in our congregation is through visiting teaching. Every woman has designated visiting teachers (usually two, in a companionship) who visit or call regularly, ideally at least once a month. This inspired program links each woman to other women in her congregation. It can create friendships, provide opportunities to serve, and help everyone involved learn about and grow closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am the first to admit that I have sometimes had a bad attitude about going visiting. Sometimes it really feels like one more thing to check off my list each month. Then there are the moments when I realize that there is a reason for me to go and that I know that the Lord knows who I am and knows how I need to grow.

Recently my visiting teaching assignment changed. I have a new visiting teaching partner and I visit one woman that I had never met. I have to admit I was nervous to go and visit this woman that I knew nothing about.

Luckily, I have a friend that I get to go and do visits with. She is fearless and volunteered to go and find about more about this lady before we went to see her. I am so grateful for her fearlessness! She found out that sweet Jane lives in an assisted living home and is suffering from dementia. My partner’s father also has dementia so she is very comfortable with sitting and visiting with Jane and she quickly set up a time for us to go. So now we (my two year old daughter, Agnes, my visiting teaching partner and I) go each month to visit Jane, even though she has no recollection of us. We pet the funny dog they have at the assisted living center and we smile and chat with the others that live there. Agnes searches for the cat that has been banished to the backyard. We have the chance to chat with the lovely woman who runs the home. Last week she kept me entertained with stories from her childhood in Romania.

After we left Jane’s house last week I was happy. Visiting Jane brings me joy. Seeing Agnes run and smile and entertain the women I teach gives me joy. Teaching my daughter that visiting teaching can change lives (even if just for a moment) brings me joy. Becoming comfortable in a situation that I would normally avoid brings me joy. Continually learning and growing in the gospel of Jesus Christ gives me joy.

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Do you have inspiring stories to share from visiting teaching? If so,  send them to mormonwoman(at)gmail(dot)com.

The post Ask a Mormon Woman: What is Visiting Teaching? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

I have been married for 61 years. We have four sons, four daughters-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grand children (with two more coming). I have been a member of the Mormon Church all my life.

My career is my family. I went through High School and then to University for only 1 semester. I have worked out of the home for a total of about 1 year. It was mostly before I was married. I have had many opportunities to serve in the Church. At this time my calling [volunteer service assignment] is Visiting Teaching to three women. I also work online on the computer doing name extraction for The Family Search Indexing Program [volunteer family history work, transcribing information from paper records to a searchable online format].

I love to do crossword puzzles, jig-saw puzzles (which my husband and I do together), and keep in touch with our family. I have been a member of a Friendship Ladies Club for over 50 years. We still meet once a month at each other’s houses.

My testimony and belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ has grown over the years. One time, my Visiting Teaching Companion and I were visiting one sister and I had a spiritual impression that we needed to hurry to the next appointment. We were early but the feeling was very strong that we needed to go. We went to her home and got no response when we rang the doorbell. We tried the door–it was unlocked so we went in. The dear sister was sitting in a chair in her kitchen; she was slumped over and we could tell immediately that she needed medical help. We called 911 and then called her son, who lived with her but was away at work. Soon we had the help from all parties. She was rushed to the hospital where she got the help she needed. She recovered and was home again in a couple of days. Had we not responded to the prompting from our Father in Heaven she most likely would have died. All went well and we visited her for many more times. Her family was very thankful for what we had done. This experience is only one, but I have a firm testimony that we are led by a loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is a way of life. I have been spared many trials that others seem to go through. It is such a blessing to have a plan of happiness. I know where I came from and why I am here and where I am going when I pass on. I do not fear death. At my age it is coming soon, probably. My health has been very good, though. I give credit to the Lord for giving us a plan of health [sometimes called the Word of Wisdom] to live by. Our children have not had troubles with liquor or tobacco related illnesses, they haven’t had trouble with the law; they are good people and try to do unto others as they would have others do unto them. We are blessed every day. My children love me, my husband loves and respects me because these are all principles we are taught in our Church. I thank God every day for my blessings.

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