February's Visiting Teaching Message

Dear Sisters,
February's message is "Understand the Divine Roles of Women". I know sometimes we get caught up in life and don't focus on the fact that we are divine and that we have a strong purpose for the Lord. There are five quotes that focus on this message, and I'd like to share two of them because I feel that they pertain to us directly regarding visiting teaching. The first one is by Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: "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." What a wonderful blessing visiting teaching is to us! Not only can we give to our sisters, but we receive so many blessings by being obedient to this calling. The second one is by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The basic doctrinal purpose for the Creation of the earth is to provide for God's spirit children the continuation of the process of exaltation and eternal life. Although there is simply not a more significant contribution you can make to society, to the Church, or to the eternal destiny of our Father's children than what you will do as a mother or father, motherhood and fatherhood are not the only measures of goodness or of one's acceptance before the Lord. Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God." In response to this quote, I want to comment that the Lord is aware that not all of us will be mothers or wives in this life, but we can all make a difference in the kingdom of God. We are told to go to the temple often. If you don't have your recommend, meet with the bishop to see how you can be ready to go to the temple. So many important and special covenants are there waiting for us each time we go. It's a wonderful blessing for us and a refuge from this world.
I leave this message with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Love, Sister Ray