Topic Idea for a VT Workshop Talk

Topic Idea for a VT Workshop Talk

Topic idea for a VT workshop talk
Kathleen L Johnson

After working for a few weeks on this talk for tomorrow's visiting teaching workshop, I finally figured out my perspective.

Psalm 23: A visiting teacher's perspective.

For example:

1. MY VISITING TEACHER IS MY SHEPHERD (she knows her sisters, and cares for them individually)

2. I SHALL NOT WANT (needs are known...and are taken care of. She is compassionate)

3. SHE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES (Scriptures = place of rest & nourishment. A visiting teacher brings a gospel message into the home.

Interestingly, sheep will only “lie down” in pastures if they are free of fear. As a VT’er do you allow your sisters to feel safe enough to confide in you? Also, do you bring a sense of peace into her home as you visit with her?)

There you have it. My whole talk is the symbolism between a shepherd vs. sheepherder and their sheep. And I am interweaving the symbolism while I "remake" Psalm 23! Yay! :
Kathi

FOLLOWUP – THE ACTUAL TALK:

The workshop meeting went very well....and the Stake RS president was asking for copies of all the readings and notes, so that was nice. It felt great to have sisters there (about 30). I have a better appreciation for my calling now!

In every talk I write...and in every calling I hold...I always start by mentioning/remembering that everything I do is based on the atonement of Christ. Thus, what I "teach" (or discuss) must be based on that most important premise. Hence, why it is listed first... Also, I usually write notes rather than write out a talk, so this is in note form for that very reason.

Here it is................

ATONEMENT = at-one ment. To be at one with Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ. Christ = Shepherd Church = Sheep VT’er (being at one with Christ) = Shepherd, Her sisters = sheep

John 10:2-5 “He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep (entering signifies choice...you accepted the assignment to become a visiting teacher). To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them (leading by example), and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (Are you known to your sisters?) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers. (Would you share your troubles with strangers?)

"Know the sisters well. Getting to know those we teach is a vital part of being able to love and bless them. As President Benson explained, `You can't serve well those you don't know well.'

SHEEPHERDER    SHEPHERD

hireling    sheep are his    **God’s work vs “just another church job”

drives them    leads them    **Willingness vs “feeling overburdened”

does not know each one    knows them by name    **Personal relationship with each sister

runs away in time of trouble    gives his life for the flock    **Sacrifices time/talents, compassion

Rides a horse    Walks with his flock    **Do as I say not as I do vs. I am with you

The shepherd is not the owner of the flock, but the one to whom the care of the sheep is entrusted. So Christ as Mediator is the One appointed by the Father to act as shepherd. (Jn. 10:29)

The shepherd never leaves his flock. There is only one exception to this, and that is when he commits them into the care of the "porter" of the sheepfold; and that is at nightfall. How suggestive is this! During the night of Christ's absence, the Holy Spirit has charge of God's elect! Do we allow the Spirit to guide us as we teach our lessons and nurture our sisters’ needs?

Psalm 23 (A visiting teacher’s perspective) Psalm 23 was written by David, a Shepherd.

MY VISITING TEACHER IS MY SHEPHERD (she knows her sisters & cares for them individually)

I SHALL NOT WANT (needs are known...and are taken care of)

SHE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES (Scriptures = place of rest & nourishment. Interestingly, sheep will only “lie down” in pastures if they are free of fear. In Palestine, where David wrote this Psalm, most of the land was brown and dry. A Shepherd had to be diligent to find green pastures. Sometimes, you will have to work diligently to create a bond with your sisters. Do you allow your sisters to feel safe enough to confide in you? Also, do you bring a sense of peace into her home as you visit with her? Do you bring a gospel message into her home? )

SHE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS (water= eternal life, truth of gospel, testimony)

SHE RESTORETH MY SOUL (lifts up one who is discouraged)

SHE LEADETH ME IN THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, (gospel = path to eternal life with Christ. A VT’er guides her sisters towards truth).

FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE (We go in the name of Christ)

YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ARE WITH ME (We bear one another’s burdens as we walk through the difficult times together)

THY ROD AND THY STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME Rod = a long, stout stick with a knob at one end. Coming "under the rod" not only meant coming under the shepherd's authority but also under his close examination and care (rod parted sheepskin to check for wounds/infection). The rod represented the shepherd's protection and authority, the staff represented his guidance and tender compassion for the sheep.

THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES (Rejects gossip and slander, a visiting teacher uplifts those she teaches. Also preparing a table is what happens before a feast. Do you feast on the Word of God in your own studies?)

THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL (Priesthood authority by home teachers. Also, this can relate to the “anointing of the Spirit” which refers to teaching by the spirit.)

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER (Visiting teaching and service blesses both the giver and the receiver)

SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME (when we receive service, we often “give unto others” what we have once received. Hence, the chain of kindness is passed on)

ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE (We don’t give up on the lost ones....)

AND I SHALL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER (An inactive sister can come back into the fold...a new sister increases her testimony.... what we do has meaning)

Kathi

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