July 2017 Visiting Teaching Message handout and bookmarks

Have you ever wondered why I call this blog, Visiting Teaching Surprise?  It is because it is filled with all kinds of surprises for you to give to your Visiting Teaching ladies to surprise them too.  Feel free to save them to your computer and print from there.  Be sure to go through my archives, as there are lots of fun things to find for other occasions besides Visiting Teaching.  I'd love to hear from you and know what you think about these Surprises.  You can find the Visiting Teaching message from the Ensign tat this link:  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/07?lang=eng  Enjoy!  Katie Gauger 

Relief Society and Visiting Teaching in Action--- Pay if forward.

I had whole knee replacement surgery, the day after Christmas, which was only 10 days ago. I have to say that other than having children, it has been the most painful and difficult thing I have ever undertaken. But setting aside the pain, I have to share with you, the love and sisterhood that has come my way.  I have had many prayers offered on my behalf, as well as I have had my name put in the temple by several of my sisters.I have had countless short calls, several short visits, many calls that my husband took, on my behalf.  Besides that I have had cards in the mail, and more meals and offers for meals,  that we can eat.  I know this kind of loving response, doesn't always happen, though I wish it would, I just had to share with you, why it has helped me so much.  I am even adding some of the photos I have taken of myself, during my recovery process... hopeing to see the progressess in future photos, but because I want to show you that this is ME, a real person, and tell you of the blessings that have come my way through kindness of so many.

No matter how much we as women, like to try to do it all ourselves, and try to recover from things, without letting others in to help us, we do need others.  We need our family and extended family... neighbors, friends, Visiting Teachers, and Relief Society sisters..... we just do.  I tried my best to let others know that my husband would be preparing all our meals, as we are both on diets, and trying to only eat what we are able... you know yucky diet food.  Well, they didn't listen and I am so glad because even though we have had lots of meals brought to us that are on our diet, they tasted so much better than the ones we cook, because that special ingredient they use, and add to flavor it so much better.   You know... "love".  Love makes everything taste better1

While I was preparing for this difficult surgery, I reached out to several sisters in my ward to help me understand just what I would be going through.  I wanted to be prepared, and those sister helped me to know what is important to do in preparation for the surgery, and afterwards, when the really hard part begins.  One neighbor brought over a little pedal machine for me to use, and explained that after she was over the biggest part of the pain, she would sit in a chair and slip her feet into the pedals, and pedal, while watching a movie, reading a book or working on her computer.  She said that she had let others use it after their knee surgeries too.  How kind, and what a thoughtful and helpful act of service. 

I have a darling sister I visit teach.  She has been inactive for many, many years, though loves to visit with and welcomes her Visiting Teachers.  I told her about my surgery and that I would probably have to miss a visit during January, because I would most likely not be driving or walking good enough by then to get it in.  Before I could suggest another option, like a telephone visit, she spoke up and said, "'Well then, I guess if you can't come Visit teach me, I will just have to come and Visit teach you!" ..... Now guess who was knocking at my door this morning, bearing gifts, and came for a nice visit?  You guessed it, my wonderful sister, who is also my wonderful friend.  I was so gratified by her visit, you can't imagine... actually maybe you can.  Visiting Teaching was the seed  that was planted and bloombed into a wonderful friendship. 

I can't walk without a walker, and I am going through some really painful physical therapy, but one day, my knee will be all healed and I will be out walking to my sisters homes, doing my Visiting teaching. 

I have heard from all of those sister I visit teach either by"checking up on your" texts, meals, or visits. Usually I am posting  on my blog of why it is important for you to get out and do your Visiting teaching, and  providing little handouts to make it easier to get there, but this time, I am getting pay back, even though it was never the motivation.  The love, concern and kind words that I have been given, is the best kind of pay if forward that I would ever even wish for.  I feel such gratitude.  Now if someone would just create the handout for this month for me.... any takers? Ha, Ha.

Being a Visiting teacher who develops REAL friendship with all those they teach is so important, and what our Heavenly father wants us to do.  My side of the story had to be shared, and I have such gratitude in my heart for the sisterhood that I feel as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I hope you can feel the other side of the story in your own live too.  It us usually the giver side I share with you of things you can do to get the job done, but the receiver side is just as important.  NOW make sure you get your sisters needs met.  Get to know what their needs are, and do something.  Become their friends, instead of just an associate.  Love them and serve them... for that is what our Heavenly Father desires for us.  Set your New Years goal high and never miss an opportunity to serve in this wonderful sisterhood, or wherever you are called, or anywhere else the opportunity arises.  Don't have to be a member of this church, or an active member to reach out and serve, or to be served by those who are.  Fill in each others gaps, and be the crutch under the arm to help bear one anothers burdens.  In doing, develop wonderful friendships in the process. 

I love my sisters!!!!  Each and every one of them.  Best loving regards, Katie G.

Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching

A couple weeks ago, a member of my ward's Elders quorum presidency, made an announcement in Relief Society.  This man is such a handsome man, not to mention a very good man, and every woman's eyes were on him as he made his announcement, or should I say "plea".  He asked the sisters to help their husband in their assignments to get their home teaching done.  He mentioned that we know how to do it because the women in our ward get the job done, but the men need some help.  My husband isn't an Elder, but I knew that I could do something to help the other men in the ward with their home teaching, much like in the ways that I try to encourage and help the women to do theirs, through this blog.  So... here you go... this is for the Elders, High Priests, and Relief Society Sisters alike.  Here are some cute door hangers, to remind the families that you visit of what shepherding is all about, from the master shepherd.  The other hanger reminds us through the words of our Prophet, about the true spirit of Christmas.  The other ones, are some that I came up with that I thought would be fun to give out as well.  MERRY CHRISTMAS and go out and get your Home teaching, and Visiting Teaching Done!  Your families are waiting!

These are intended to be printed out on an 8.5 x 11 piece of white card stock or photo paper.  Right click, save to your computer and print from your computer. 

Enjoy!  Katie G

 

The Good Shepherd

Merry Christmas, and I pray for each of you that as you follow the example of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, that you too will draw in the sheep that are not of this fold, or those that are, and let them feel of your kindness and love.  Serve them, love them, do as He did and become their Shepherd.  Let your kindness not only last throughout this glorious Christmas season, and throughout the entire year.  The job of Shepherding is never over, because there will always be sheep who will stray, or need you to draw them in with your friendship.  Find them, let them know your voice and serve as Visiting Teaching shepherds.  Best wishes, Katie G

Handout for September 2012 Visiting Teaching

These are printable note cards, that go along with the message that suggests that you could maintain contact with the sisters that you teach in different ways.  This particular way focused on the suggestion of writing notes of encouragement.  Here are your printable note cards.  Save to your computer and then print on white card stock. See the message on my other blog at http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com

Enjoy!
Katie G

February 2012 Visiting Teaching Message

Can you believe that I finally created a project of my own?  I am going Visiting Teaching tomorrow and wanted something cute to go with this darling little journal that I bought from Hobby Lobby today. for $2.50 each, to give to the sisters that I visit teach.  So... I thought a bookmark would do the trick, and save the page that they last journaled in.  I think you will be able to see the tie in that the journal has with the message, which I have posted the link to on my http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com blog. Click on the image to enlarge it, then right click and save as (a particular file on your computer) and then you can print from there.  .

 .Enjoy and Happy Valentine Day!  Love, Katie G

New Ward, new ideas "It's the caring that counts!"

My ward was once again divided and this was the 4th time in 4 years.  Yes, this area that I live is definately growing.  With this divisions came changes.  We have a new Relief Society President and she recently attenede General Relief Society training in which she had the opportunity to visit with Sister Julie Beck.  As she listended to Sister Becks admonitions and message, our this new president picked out the message and brought it home to our ward.  With this inspiration from Sister Beck our Relief Society Visiting teaching is making a few changes and these have come via some points made in Sister Becks message to the Presidencies from all over the world. 

So, I am going to post this letter that was sent via our R.S. email list to all the sisters of the ward....I have received permission from our R.S. President to share this new way of reporting our Visiting teaching with you. 

Dear Sisters,

We appreciate everyone who made it to Sunday’s lesson where Juleen introduced “It’s the Caring that Counts” Visiting Teaching Program.  For those of you that were unable to join us, we want to briefly review the program.

Instead of just reporting if the sister’s visit was a phone call, letter or personal visit, we are asking that you answer these three questions on each of the sisters you visit:

A.      Are there any needs or concerns that she has?  If so, how are you helping to resolve the issue(s)?

B.      Have you seen her in Sacrament Meeting?

C.      Is there any good news she has to share?

Attached is the sheet we would like you to complete that addresses these three questions. By completing and returning (via email or handed directly to your supervisor)the attached document, we will be able to better track the needs of each sister and ensure we are giving them the support they need.  If you have problems saving and emailing this document back, you are welcome to answer the questions in the body of your email and send the information that way.  If you feel an issue one of your sisters is dealing with is particularly sensitive, please feel free to contact President Jackson directly. 

The opportunity we have to serve the sisters in our ward through visiting teaching is an important calling and plays a critical role in ensuring that everyone’s spiritual and temporal needs are being met.  As a visiting teacher, you are on the front line, and the Relief Society Presidency depends on your watchful care to identify and meet the needs of each sister. We are confident that as all visiting teachers put forth some additional effort to document and address the needs of the sisters in their stewardship, that our entire ward will be strengthened.  We appreciate your dedication, diligence, and, most importantly, the caring that you provide your sisters.  

  This is the attachment actually it looks better than this as it is on a printed page with g raphics, but I dont' know how to convert a PDF to a JPEG, and this blogger won't accept PDF's so here is the simple version of what is on the attachment  These questions are what Visiting Teachers are to find out about their sisters and then report them to their supervisor each month:

Here is the link that will take you to this sheet:  https://www.dropbox.com/gallery/57771560/1/Caring%20that%20Counts%20Visiting%20Teaching%20report?h=7912d7

How I connect with the sisters I

visit. ..

VISITING TE.ACHERS:

SUPERVISOR: MONTH:

SISTER

# 1:

A) Are there any needs ar concerns that she has? If so, how are you helping to resolve

the issue(s)?

B) Have you seen her in Sacrament Meeting?

C)

Is there any good news she has to share?

SISTER #2

:

A) Are there any needs or concerns that she has? If so, how are you helping to resolve

the issue(s)?

B) Have you seen her in Sacrament Meeting?

C)

Is there any good news she has to share?

SISTER #3

:

A) Are there any needs or concerns that she has? If so, how are you helping to resolve

the issue(s)?

B) Have you seen her in Sacrament Meeting?

C) Is there any good news she has to share?

IT'S THE. CARING THAT COUNTSI

Cute Easter Ideas

I have been so swamped with so many other things to create my own ideas for Easter, so I have found some cute ones that I wanted to pass on to you.  Darling ideas, and the links to them. 

This is the link to this darling "Carrot" filled template.  Easy to create!  http://emilyburnette.blogspot.com/   How cute would this be to take as a little Easter Visiting Teaching gift?  I think I am going to use this template for my visiting teaching.  My sisters and I are going to lunch at Olive Garden to get to know each other better.  Over lunch I will give the lesson, and then this will be a fun and cute take home for them to enjoy.  I want my sisters to feel loved.  I wrote Emily who is the author of the website that this idea was founded, and I found out she is LDS too.  Isn't it fun to find sisters throughout the world with the same goals, and efforts to serve others.  Thanks Emily!

SMORES IN A JAR can be found at this site: http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/03/smores-in-jar-for-easter.html   At this site, she had many ideas that are great for Easter.  I love the cute marshamallow bunnies that are being made now in different colors anf flavors.  Of course I am a Peep lover, and would probably use peeps.

Now speaking of Peeps, if you go back into my archives you can find all kinds of great ideas to use Peeps with.  Click on this link  http://visitingteachingsurprise.blogspot.com/search/label/Easter  and it brings up all my Easter and Sprintime ideas. 

Now lookie what I found.... Templates to make Easter Baskets.  The first one is created by "Tracy" and she use to design for Digichick, but I can't find a link to her.  The second one can be found at http://kelleighratzlaff.com/headline/the-easter-basket-template-set-and-cutting-files/ She has a template and other darling baskets that she made including a Birthday basket. 

They can be made up so cute with the darling digital or other scrapbook papers that are available now.  I just suggest that you get one that is printed on cardstock so it will be more durable.  Wouldn't it be sad if you went to all that work to make such a cute basket, and it broke because the paper wasn't strong enough.  There is a solution if you find just the right print on paper..... if you use spray glue and glue it to a piece of cardstock, then it would be heavy enough to use for an Easter basket.  Here is one freebie template link http://guidinguk.freeservers.com/Easter-basket.html and another one that is pictured next comes from

http://jannekesmit.blogspot.com/2010/04/free-easter-basket-template.html  Jannie who is the designer at this site, encourages you to make up her template and then take a photo of how it turned out and send it to her.  That would be a nice way of saying Thank-you for using her template design for free.

I could go on and on with Easter ideas to give to the women you Visit Teach or to Friends, neighbors, your own children, parents, or whomever, but my time is gone and I need to clean my house, lest my husband return and say... "Did a tornado go through today?"  Just kidding, he is really patient with me as he knows my love for creating cute things, but I do need to stop now.  Hope you enjoy these ideas and if you have a cute one and would like to share.... please let me know.  My email is listed on the right column of this blog.  Happy Easter!  Katie G.

Bookmark on rededicating our lives in Service to the Lord

If you want the spiritual thought that I wrote to go along with this bookmark, go to my other blog at http:visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com  This is the corrected scripture reference... that is the for the words in "Quotes".

Printable recipe cards to go with the Soup exchange

I am making up a bunch of cute things to give out at the Soup exchange that I am doing, and thought I would share.  Here are three pages of tabbed fall recipe cards.  The reason I am tabbing them is so that the different soups will be able to be found easier, as I find that my recipe cards kind of get stuck together after a while so... with tabs they can be seen and separtated easier. I was also thinking that they could be tab coded with the left tab for Brothy soups, the Middle tab for Creamy soups, and the tab on the right could be for favorites or whatever else you would want it for. 

Once again... how can I relate this to Visiting teaching?  Ok.... do you have a great soup recipe that you might like to share with someone you Visit Teach, or maybe even that you would be taking to a Relief Society night meeting?  Here you go.....  What I will be doing is printing out a bunch of these cards so the the ladies can write down their favorites off of the master that will be displayed on the table.  Fun idea huh?

Enjoy and happy cooking!!!  Katie G.

Be sure to scroll down for the invitation idea that I have below of the Soup label to invite friends over for a soup exchange.

Soup exchange



Soup exchange soup label invitaiton to fill in the blanks.
 Don't use this one if you want to send out as an invitaiton
because it has some typos.  Use the blank version below.

 I have been really busy this past month, trying to catch up with some fun things to share with you sisters to do with those you Visit teach, for Relief Society Night activities, or even just neighborhood friend activities.  I think you are going to really like this one.  My daughter got me thinking about this one as she and her friends in Park City, do freezer meal exchanges.  I thought that would be such a great idea, but hard to do with a very large group.... so.... I have this neighborhood Lunch Bunch group and I thought I would take another turn at hosting it at my home.  I decided to do a soup exchange since it is beginning to be fall weather, and soup is something that warms up everyone.  Anyway... I created a soup exchange and made an invitation that looks like a soup label.  I also created the directions of how this exchange would work to eliminate any misunderstandings about what constitutes soup. (Homemade is the only soup and it isn't home made from Costco, or from Campbell's, but made from scratch in the home.)

This is the one that you should use to print and send out.  You
can use the top one to show you how you can fill in the
gold label with the date, time, place etc.





I thought that this was such a fun idea that I wanted to share it with you.  Please feel free to share my blog ideas with your friends, neighbors, ward members, because I believe that these ideas should be shared with everyone.  They will create fun times, and friendshipping experiences, which is what it is all about.  Enjoy and if you use this, please drop me an email or comment so that I feel loved!  Best regards and have a SOUPER time.... Katie G.

Visiting Teaching Motto Bookmark

This is my very own motto, that I loved so much when I first started blogging about Visiting Teaching about 4 years ago.  I  thought it was about time that I took James E. Faust's quote and put it into a bookmark. 

This isn't the official R.S. motto, as that is Charity never faitheth."  When I was reading the talk that this quote came from, which can be found on my other blog, I loved so much the message and decided that this is how I felt about Visiting teaching and added it to my blog at that time.

I made these is fall colors, so that you can give it out anytime this fall, or even in the winter.  I made each one different so they will be fun for you to pick which design is your favorite.

Enjoy!  Katie G.

Heart and Soul Skit ( my rewrite)

Some months back, I offered to mail out copies to those who had wanted them of the rewrite of the "Heart and Soul" program that I rewrote to fit an Adult Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching night that was held together for all adults.  It turned out really cute. Anyway, I finally scanned it with a new and really cool tool that my husband just bought me, and put this play on my Visiting Teaching Surprise storage blog. ( It is too many pages to put on this blog ) Here is the link and feel free to copy it off for yourself to use. BUT... if you do, I would love to know, so please write a comment. 

Here is the link http://visitingteachingsurprisedocuments.blogspot.com/2010/09/visiting-teaching-skit-heart-and-soul.html

Now for the really cool tool my husband bought me.  He knows that I love genealogy and also knows of my frustration of making copies of things I find at the library or family history center.  They usually turn out dark, and then I have to rescan them to put them on my computer at home.  ANYWAY... He and I took a little fun weekend trip and stayed a couple of days in SLC, and road trax, and went to all the touristy places in SLC.  We went to Gateway and while there we went to Brookstone, looking for something that he wanted to find.  While he was looking, so was I, and I found this really neat hand scanner that is only about the size of a hair straighter, or curling iron.  What you do is scan down the pages of whatever you are needing to scan, and it saves the image in a tiny little micro memory card.  This tiny card holds well over 100 scans.  Then when I got home, I put that micro card in the memory card converter case and inserted it into the memory card slot on my computer.  The rest is history, with saving all my scans on to my computer.  WOW was I excited!!!!  No more crappy copies!!!!!  Anyway, I love to pass on good tips, so I thought I would let you know about this one.  ( It was what scanned the copies of the above Heart and Soul skit)

It is a Portable Document and Photo scanner ( scan receipts, letters, recipes, photos and more) 
iConvert makes it and Brookstone sells it.  I think I paid somewhere around $100, and I feel like it was well worth the price to get the quality of copies that I want.  Here is the link to Brookstone http://www.brookstone.com/portable-document-photo-scanner-handheld.html?bkeid=compare%7Cmercent%7Cgooglebase%7Csearch&mr:trackingCode=69CAEFAC-3E30-DF11-AE5B-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA

I don't have anything to do with the selling of these great scanners, but I definitely would become a spokesperson for these.  When I went down to the library in the Genealogy and old records room, they would not let any of these books be checked out.  There were many of these books loaded with family history of my family and ancestors, with photos and newspaper clippings, clipped obituaries and such.  Well after I found this great scanner, I went back to the Library and opened up the books and scanned to my hearts content.  I will show you an example of something that I scanned....  These are some old checks that my Great Great grandfather signed back in the early 1900's for Lehi Roller Mill, which is my Robinson side of the family. 

I even found an old newspaper clipping of myself many, many, and I won't tell you how many years ago. I am the one at the bottom of the stairs.  It was so fun to remember about the good old days.  This was right in the binding side of the old Newspapers that the library keeps, and I was able to get this scan right up to the edge of the binding.  Anyway.... I think you can see the possibilities.  Once again... I like to pass on good tips and t his one is a really good one. 

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The Visiting teaching message for the month of September, 2010 suggests that you take a copy of "The Family:  A Proclamation to the World" with you and give to each sister you teach. You can find it at the following links:

For some reason, this link will not automatically come up for me so you have to copy the link and paste it into the address bar in order for it to come up on your screen.  Don't know why  but we don't always know these mysteries.  This PDF has crop marks on it so that you can cut it and paste it to come pretty paper to give to your sisters.
http://lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf

This one looks just like the Proclamation that is pictured above on this post.

http://lds.org/messages/images/fr09oct14_sharing.jpg

ALSO... I finally had to redesign my Word document design of the Proclamation because the link from Google docs didn't work so... I have rededigned it and made it a jpeg so you should be able to just click on my design and print it out now.  Sorry for all the troubles getting it here.  I simply didn't have the time, and I am on my way again sooo happy visiting theaching. 

Thanks,  Katie G

2010 May Visiting Teaching message

For the information on this months Visiting Teaching message please refer to this link http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/may-2010-visiting-teaching-message.html

April 2010 Visiting Teaching Handout

OOOPSIES!!!!  Thanks to a reader, who pointed out that I had attributed the quote on this handout to the wrong person... it has now been changed and proper credit is now given to President Boyd K. Packer for his wonderful quote in this months visiting teaching lesson...... Now... read on......

If you will go and read the message on LDS.org you will find out that the April 2010 message is on Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation.  I wrote a story about my daughter and granddaughter that goes well with this message on my other blog at this link http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com  The quote that I used to make this bookmark handout comes from President Boyd K. Packer that says "Prayer is your personal key to heaven.  The lock is on your side of the veil".  Don't you love that quote?  To me it means it is up to us and we hold the key to personal revelatio and communication with the Lord.  Once we insert the key into the keyhole, we unlock the door to the inspiration and guidance we seek.  Heavenly Father is willing to provide it to us, but He will never force it upon us, so we need to exercise the key we are given, which is prayer, and ask for His guidance and divine intervention in our lives.

Bookmark:   The top page is obviously side one and the next page is the paper to print on the backside of the bookmark.  I always print on white cardstock and then I cut them out and laminate them.  They turn out very nice this way!  This beautiful paper came from veralimdesign and the pack is called "Grateful".  I just love these wonderful designers that share their paper creations with all of us!  Here is one little tip from me... you can buy a ream of white cardstock at Walmart for cheap and it will last you through so many printings.  I can run this weight of cardstock through my personal HP photosmare inkjet printer, as well as my husbands big color lasar printer.  It looks best in lasar though, especially if you don't laminate them. 

Hope you will take advantage of this freebie from me to take with youVisiting Teaching this month. 
Enjoy!  Katie G.

Cute Printable Visiting Teaching Candy Bar Wrapper

I just found this cute candy bar wrapper for anytime use for Visiting Teaching. They came from this site http://lds.about.com/library/bl/aids/blbar_vt1.htm# and that site also offeres tons of other pre made wrappers for many, many other topics that can be found here http://lds.about.com/od/visualmusicalaids/a/bar_wrappers_3.htm They even have wrappers for the mini candy bars too. Very cute!!!

My Valentine For you

Happy Valentines Day! Love, Katie G.

My Valentine Post Card

I made these Valentines up to give to my friends who are coming to visit for a Valentine luncheon. I invited my old girlfriends from highschool and on one of the little cute
Valentine gifts I have for them, I have put these cards. By the wasy if you are wondering
they were made 2 per page and are not the normal size post cards. Anyway, I thought you might like to use them for the sisters that you Visit teach or some friends as well. Make sure to sign the backside of the card with all your contact information.

Enjoy yet another Katie G. creation and Happy Valentines Day!!!

Note at door or door hanger templates

I designed this cute door hanger to help you with your Visiting Teaching efforts. I suggest that you cut out the hanger, leaving some black boarder, and then select the message that best fits your attempted visit. Also, if you have tried many times to contact your sister, and have had no success, then make sure to attach a copy of the monthly Visiting Teaching message to the door hanger so that she can get a chance to read it when she returns. Click on the jpeg image and you should be able to save it to your computer, size it if needed, and then print it off. This blank door hanger, would let you customize it. You could get a piece of Cute scrapbook paper, draw the template on the paper and then either use one of my ready made messages from the template above this one, or customize one including your own little message. I also thought that you could print up one of the quotes from the Message, and put glue it on the backside of this door hanger. Lots of choices and options for you! Enjoy! Katie G.

For this template go to:
http://www.craftideas4kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/do-not-disturb-door-hanger-template.jpg

For this template go to:
http://cdn1.cuddlybuddly.com/freebies/7/kem-doorhanger.jpg

Do you ever have the problem of having a sister to Visit teach and you can never reach her? Do you have an appointment made and when you get to her door, she doesn't answer or isn't home? Do you have a sister who has said she would be willing to have Visiting teachers, just as long as they don't share a message when they come? I think most of us have had these issues and more in our roles as Visiting teachers.

I have experienced this very thing lately as my Visiting Teaching partner and I have tried to get an appointment with a woman who doesn't want a message but says we can come by for a visit. The problem is that she won't pick up the phone when we call and her phone won't let us leave a message. Our only choice is to drop by her home and hopefully catch her for a brief visit. This past month, I have to say that we didn't get catch her home, and she probably doesn't even know that we tried to see her. So to not let that happen ever a gain, I have decided to make a little door tag to hang on her door, just to let her know that we dropped by and were thinking of her. Love Katie G.