February - Visiting Teaching Message Printable Handout

This months message is 'Marriage Is Ordained of God'

I am sensing a theme here already this year!

This month I was particularly impressed by the thought that, no matter our situation, we can all 'contribute to the divine plan' and we can all 'be defenders of the Lord's plan'.

Each of us faces our own challenges, heartbreak, loss, loneliness...

We all face them though, at different moments, in different ways.

As I have hurt I have not always felt like I can be a defender of this plan!  I have felt like this ideal is unattainable, I have felt like it's just a bunch of hogwash!  

When we are hurting it is hard to see clearly, except when we turn to the Savior.  

As I partake of the atonement to heal, my faith in this principle has increased, despite my pain, despite any confusion, despite hurt caused... and I believe that applies across the board, to any situation.

In my own life I have chosen to be a 'defender of the Lord's plan' in my marriage.

I have struggled, greatly at times, with my husband leaving the church and regular marriage stuff.  

There have been times I have wondered about this covenant I made to God and him.  

We have both wondered, at times, if it would be best to find someone else better suited for each of us.

Still we press on, together.  Because, despite our differences us we both feel fundamentally, the best thing we can offer our kids, and ourselves, is the foundation of our family to stand on.  

All religion aside, I believe marriage and the family fulfills us the most and is the most gratifying. 

(Of course because I am religious I believe this is part of a loving Heavenly Father's plan for us!)

So, we keep working, keep talking, keep laughing, keep trying, keep loving... for our family.

I believe this life is for us to gain experience, so we can learn, change, evolve and ultimately progress.  

The family, beginning with the marriage of a husband and wife is the great learning ground for all of that.

My sister gave me a plaque with this saying on it years ago.

As my own faith has been tried, as I have knelt in prayer, as I have searched for my own answers, for my situation, I have gained a sure testimony that my Heavenly Father loves me, and will take care of me, as I stay faithful to my covenants and Him.

Things may not be how we thought they would, we may not have the opportunities we desire, we may struggle our whole life, BUT, this is not the end!  This is the proving ground.  

I am happy today.  I have a wonderful life.

I have full confidence that my joy will be made complete as I continue on!  The things that desire, the areas where I am not complete will all be made whole, through my Savior.  I have absolute faith in that.

So, we are asked to defend marriage and family, even if they aren't in the cards for us, even if they aren't perfect for us, even if they have fallen apart.  

As we stay faithful to this promise and covenant... 'the Lord's plan', we will be rewarded, because 'for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.'

Here is the handout for this month both individually and in bulk if you print them for your RS sisters!