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So, I'm pregnant. When I found out, I bawled, and my husband said it was the type of tears I reserved for disasters. Yes, this was not planned. In fact, we were done. It was a conscious decision to be done and we were planning out the rest of our lives. Part of the issue is one of our other children has cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic roll of the dice. Everyone we know in the CF community who has lately dared for more kids has been unlucky with the odds. It's been a week now, and I am struggling to feel any sort of happiness. I understand surprise pregnancies can be emotional, so I'm hoping this will pass. I know babies are blessings. I know women who would love to be in my position. I just didn't think I'd be so miserable.

I can somewhat understand. My two boys were both born with hypospadias. Our first was so severe, the doctor and nurses thought he was a girl when he was born. They are androgen insensative, which means their bodies don't respond very well to male specific hormones. Both boys have already had multiple surgeries and the older one will have more when he's closer to puberty age. They will need to get testosterone shots. After our second son, we didn't want to bring more genetically defective people into the world. A couple months ago, my wife was a week late in her cycle and we went through a lot of similar feelings that you described. After a day, I felt better about it, even excited. After it was clear she wasn't pregnant, it was a little disappointing. We even started talking about adoption. I'm sure you'll find joy in your pregnancy and your new child. Have hope and trust in the Lord.

Learn from some troubles I've seen! - If you're dispensing drinks from big water coolers on tables in the cultural hall, put a dang towel on the floor under it. Not a bunch of paper towelettes from the bathroom, not a washcloth, but at least a dishtowel-sized towel - larger is better. Otherwise, old people will be breaking hips and little kids will fall on their noses. Lemonade and basketball court floors don't mix. - If you let them, the kids will go through the line first and take all the good stuff. A good solution seems to be to call folks to the food line by table. Or have someone manning the tables to tell the kids "Go through the line with your family". - Buffet-style is probably the best option. Make it so people can go down both sides of the food tables. Stacking the tables against the walls means the line moves half as fast. If someone wants to get fancy and make plates and serve them, you'd better have at least 10 people manning the kitchen and 30 servers, or it will take an hour just to get everyone their food. - Have someone assigned to empty garbage cans during the event. Don't let the ward building look like Colorado Marijuana Day at the park.

God wants us to go back home, to be in his presence, to live with him forever. He sent Jesus Christ to perform the ultimate sacrifice so that we would have a way to take the decision to want to go back to his presence. Through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will rise from the tomb and conquer death, disease, illnesses, and every aspect of mortality once and for all. The atonement has such great power in every person’s life that can transform us from bad to good and from good to better, it can also help us heal when we are hurt and forgive to those that hurt us. Through the atonement, the prophet Joseph Smith was delivered many times from the hands of his enemies. We can also put off the natural man and be more pure and worthy of the blessings we are entitled to. The Prophet Russell M Nelson has said “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” How do we improve spiritually? Primarily, by being worthy of the spirit who will guide us, we should pray to the Lord that his atonement will cleanses us. We have been given the opportunity to come down to earth and receive a body through which we should learn from mistakes and improve, it is a time for probation to see if we will follow God’s commandments. It is up to us what actions we take to each problem or decision we choose. One day, the Lord will call us to be judged by our actions, thoughts, words, etc. Alma42:4 Is it possible that God will point his finger at us saying that we did things wrong? Maybe, the following is my personal belief: I think that on that day, the only judge that we will receive is from ourselves. We will have a perfect memory of all our life knowing that we are before a perfect and pure being (God), therefore, we will judge ourselves according to the life we chose to live here. Let us celebrate that we are still alive, that we can change and improve our lives. The Lord will help us out on the way if we are faithful.

Yesterday was Veterans Day. I joined the military about 55 years ago during the Vietnam Conflict. I joined out of choice and the purpose and reason for that choice is in part why I am creating this thread. I was young and naïve. I thought that the world was trending towards another World War. I saw no other resolution to the arms race and the Cold War than eventual War. I desired to know enough about war to be able to survive and protect those I love. But, like I said, I was very young and naïve. I came to the very quick conclusion that military service is not about an individual or individual survival. I concluded that it is somewhat similar to a school of fish. If they act in unison (together) the school will survive. Those that wish to preserve their individuality will endanger themselves and others. I learned that it is “better” to work together than to be “right”. Being a part of something (like the military) has both advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is putting up with the stupidity and incompetence of others. It is easy to put up with one’s own stupidity and incompetence – we learn that with every experience of our choices. But putting up with such things in others is an art form that I do not believe is taught anywhere else. Joining the military was a very big mistake – but it is a mistake that I believe should be required of everyone before they should be allowed to be a citizen of a country. I was in the military (Vietnam era) when there was no honor for it. We did not wear our uniforms while on leave – it would cause problems that were not worth it. I did not include my “service” on my resume or job applications (with the exception of the job I got after college working for the Defense Department.) I was asked yesterday about my military service. I prefer to call it an obligation rather than service. Especially, within the church it seems we like to talk a lot about our blessings because we live in such a blessed (Promised) land. But blessings and promises are more associated with privilege and entitlements than responsibilities, obligations and sacrifices. I believe current trends are too much leveraged towards individual aggrandizement, accomplishment, contribution, blessings and so on and responsibility is no longer a virtue. Even religion has become an obsession about obtaining some individual glory, salvation and privilege before G-d that other can not or will not. I have come to greatly prize my military experience, despite that I was unable to achieve any intended purpose in joining and being a part of it. I use to tell the joke “What is the difference between the Boy Scouts and the military?” - Answer – the Boy Scouts has adult leadership. But sometimes our greatest lessons are not the things that bring us as an individual any lasting benefit – or even for the society in which we live. For me, I learned a lot about life in a pursuit of obeying stupid orders that made no sense and did no one any lasting benefit – for no other reason and fulfilling an obligation. The Traveler

Wait, are you saying that congresscritters are using the power of their office to dig up dirt on a rival 2020 candidate? I'm told that's an impeachable offense.

It can be very frustrating to have things not go according to plan, especially when you have very good reason for the way you wanted things to go. As someone who is a big planner who has seen his plans get completely derailed here is how I make sense of it and adjust. I have plans for me... The Lord has a better plan for me but I can rarely see it or understand it until afterwards... I want the Lord's plan over my plan, but when the Lord's plan overrides mine or even appears to counter it... It can be a hard thing to accept. I need to take a step back... Say "Not my will Lord, but thine be done" and then work the new situation. And yes that some time means making plans to deal with issues you had originally planned to avoid. That can be very very hard. That is a good time to double down on your faith and trust that the Lord knows what he is doing... Even if we can not see or understand it now. Sorry you are going through this... but there is a light at the end of this Trial and that light is Christ, lean on him and he will get you through.

That's the beauty of procreation: It's only a next-generation problem. I don't have to worry about whether or not the earth can sustain 5 generations of growth, or even your "forever" growth. I only need to be concerned whether or not the earth can sustain one more generation. And @anatess2 has already posted a video that says, yes, the earth can sustain the next generation of growth. Add to that the fact that Wisconsin farmers are paid by the government to dump their dairy and plow produce back into the ground, and I'm confident that there's enough in the US to sustain another generation. All this lends strength to the Lord's witness that "there is enough and to spare" and that the global problem are one of distribution, commanding that "man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart ... his portion". <shrug> science raises a warning, engineers find a solution. We should be grateful for those that raise the awareness so the solutions can be found before there's a crisis, but let's not pretend that the doomseers have the only solution.

My wife was put in charge of our ward Christmas party, just wanted to get some advice on what others have seen work, and what to stay away from? thanks

I know exactly how you feel. Been there, done that (though without the CF component). It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. It will pass. Some things that helped me was letting people in my life know that I was pregnant. They are great people, and their reactions were perfect and helped me remember the joy of it. Also, the Savior knows how you feel and can help you bear the burden. Rely on Him. And remember that these things will give you experience and be for your good.

Memeworthy. Here you go.

I get a little of the stress. I watched my mom wither away and die horribly of multiple sclerosis. Learning that there's a hereditary component to it, that it occasionally skips a generation, filled me with anxiety when thinking about having kids. God bless and hugs.

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time and I understand why you are upset. I am praying for you and I hope you will be able to find some peace and strength from the Holy Ghost.

When I was activities chairman in my ward we always did a ham dinner. The ward provided the ham. I then had a budget for potatoes to do baked potatoes. I bought the potatoes and the foil and got volunteers to bake them for me. Oh also the butter, plates, utensils etc. We had potluck on everything else like salads, desserts, vegetables etc. We just did water for a drink. I did have some money for some centerpieces. We had a contest to see who would get to take those home. I put numbers randomly on the bottom of the paper plates. If they had a number that corresponded with a number on a centerpiece, they got to take it home.

Leave Santa at the mall.

Didn't read all the comments so this may have been mentioned. I see this as an age issue, not a religious one. To me, once a child is married (or of age to have graduated college), they're on their own* so I wouldn't feel guilty about helping the 18 year old and not the older set. You can still support your daughter … with letters and watching over the house (if that's feasible). Regarding concern over treating them differently, you can solve that by having things even with an inheritance. *in case anyone thinks this is cold/harsh: - you have to cut the apron strings at some point and as long as everyone understands when that will be, there shouldn't be an issue - I know someone that still pays for some things for her adult and married daughter as if it's a way to have some control/say in her life - not healthy for any of them

It is my understanding that our primary purpose in coming to earth was to experience for ourselves the difference between good and evil in order to have knowledge of the same. And to also gain a physical body. I believe that our character was tested in our pre-existence and will continue in this mortal existence and then into the spirit world after we die. That our eternal quest to exercise our agency concerning the Plan of Salvation will not be completed until we stand before G-d at the final judgment and are so resurrected. The Traveler

The Democrats will do whatever they wish in the House with no effort to appease any Republicans. It will be partisan in the House regardless of any Republican effort. The idea that the Democrats want the process of impeachment to continue (including in the Senate) into the 2020 presidential campaign (requiring any Senate Democrat running for president to be absent from active campaigning) would be politically unwise for their party - let alone the country. The only thing worse than turning over impeachment to the Senate during the 2020 presidential campaign would be to fail to reach any impeachment articles to be turned over to the Senate in over a year of the House committee efforts. In short I am suggesting that the Republicans allow the Democrats all the rope needed for them to hang themselves on this as their primary issue - for running the government or their presidential campaign. The Traveler

This is a narrow path to navigate and could be difficult to make the right choices. Temple Recommend questions have this...though recently changed... and These used to deal with groups that promoted things that were not in line with the church as well. My thoughts would be if you were supporting a Baptist Church or a Baptist Mission simply out of your own volition, that would not be in line with being a Faithful Saint. HOWEVER...as it is your daughter...I still would not feel you would be in line to simply support a Baptist Mission. ONCE AGAIN...HOWEVER...IT IS YOUR DAUGHTER and as such you have obligations to support them. This is not just financial obligations, but also with love and as a parent. Because it is your daughter, I would say you are obligated to help her in financial situations if you can help her (normally if one needs help in our church we also advise them to see if they have family that can help them prior to looking at other alternatives). If this means she has food and housing wherever she is going in the world, even if that happens to be a Mission with another church, at least you are helping to keep her fed and housed. This can also mean supporting them emotionally as a parent to a child. Many times our children do not choose what we choose, but we still love them (or hopefully we do). As we love them we may not support their choices they make, but we can still support them with love. I think it would be up to you to discuss it with her about how far and what you feel right about supporting her in life and with her choices. I think you could absolutely support her in regards to a mission financially when it comes to being able to have food and other necessities similar to what one may pay for when supporting an LDS missionary. This does not mean that you should support her buying personal tracts or other such items that promote their religion, but many mission expenses are not paying that. They are paying the necessities of life such as food, shelter, and other items. IN this, it probably depends on the church they attend and what it or they spend their resources on for the most part. Most mission funds spent are for the necessities of life or to help others in need that are on those missions. As it is YOUR CHILD, I would expect that you should help them if they are in need. This is the way I think that you can justify supporting them on their mission, not because you are supporting their mission for another church specifically, but because you are supporting your child and their needs in life. Every parent should support their child if needed, and in this I would think there should be no exception. However, make sure that you are doing it out of love and support for your child, not to support another church specifically, and I think you should be okay in the choice to support your child in another country, even if they are on a mission for another religion.

Fox news has an excellent article on impeachment - here is the link: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/impeachment-question-trump-andrew-mccarthy and a quote: The process of impeachment is not jurisprudence by intent but rather "POLITICAL" and to be carried out entirely in the congress. The House defines the articles of impeachment (by a majority) and the Senate (by determines if the president is removed - by 2/3 majority). Republicans are complaining that rules of justice are not being followed - they are wrong. The Democrats control the House and can produce the articles of impeachment by what-ever means they will. But impeachment cannot be moved to the Senate until the House has voted on the articles. It is my opinion that the Republicans should shut up and let the Democrats do what they will. If and when that articles are presented to the Senate (where Republicans have control) they could hold public hearings under their control and make public what they will - first cross examining the Democrat's witnesses and then calling their own witnesses. The Traveler

I had plenty of non-LDS family members who gifted me money when I left on my LDS mission; and I’ve always figured I’d do the same for them. If their ministry were explicitly anti-Mormon, I might elect in lieu of cash to give them something they could personally use no matter what they were doing (a good pair of shoes or a winter coat or luggage or something like that) . . .

I've always liked the ones that include service of some kind. Something like a clothing drive, or putting toiletry bags together. I think it helps bring a real Christmas spirit.

Hi @drewK, I'm an LDS lady very happily married to a Baptist / non-denominational dude. Our daughter is not yet old enough to 'pick' for herself. We have family all over the religious spectrum. Generally speaking, most people are respectful of each other, and get along. There are a few axe-grinders, but with those individuals we just tend avoid the subject of faith and have an otherwise good relationship. The subject of faith should not be one to destroy relationships. Having said my background, I'm going to say that there's a lot of nuance to your question, and ultimately this is going to be a "consult the Holy Spirit" situation. I heard a great quote today: Moses, Peter, and Nephi all had water obstacles in front of them, and each had a different way from God to cross it. Sometimes answers on how to best do things are unique for each of us. Some thoughts I would have here-- -- Mature persons should be able to have relationships with others despite religious difference and in no way dependent on money being given. Money is a great gift to help, but love should never be conditional based on it. -- I would not consider a person who's honestly preaching Christ: His birth, life, and resurrection to be an enemy-- whether they be an LDS Christian, a Baptist Christian, a Catholic Christian, or whatever. If the message is focused on Christ, and inspiring people to walk in His ways, then that is a Good thing. I will 100% celebrate any person who's never heard of Christ coming to Him, even if it's a to a non-LDS Christian church has is missing some pieces. Celebrate every step a person makes to Him and Truth, even if they're not all the way to perfection yet. -- Spreading hate mail is not Christ-centeric. It's just not. I could never support a person going about other people's worship times to focus on "here's all the reasons' we think you're wrong and you're going to Hell". No. Just no. That is not focusing on Christ, that is not of Christ, and only serves to paint God as an abusive person. Bring people to Him by spreading love and truth, not threats. ...so, @drewK, I can't tell you how to cross this (metaphorical) water obstacle in your path. It's really going to be something you're going to have to pray and consider on your own. And how you cross this water obstacle may be different than how you approached the last one. God is a God whom loves each person individually, and gives us individual instruction. Seek Him.

Not sure this clarifying question helps, but here goes: Are they going to Bolivia to be Baptist missionaries and spread the word as they understand it, or are they going to Bolivia to teach Bolivians about the "evils of Mormonism" or some such? Because the first isn't really spreading a contrary gospel...

Perhaps a non-LDS perspective would help here. First, I would never expect an LDS member, family or not, to support my ministry. Likewise, I doubt that many LDS members would ask their non-member family to support their missionary work. If donations are offered, that's special and great. As for donated across denominational lines, it depends. If a church is opposed to LDS teaching--and frankly, most are--then it would be difficult for a member to support that church's work.Personally, I believe you would be justified to only support LDS missions. If a child acts upset about being treated differently I suspect that is a tactic. As a funny aside, I've been watching youtube videos in which children come out to their parents...as conservatives. They claim it's much scarier than the gender-related stuff.

Sounds like Elder Gong is a good guy.

Speaking as a woman: I go for the guy that is so good they can make me change my mind about not dating co-workers.

How about just asking her out today on a date for the day after you leave the company? That way, she won't be dating you when you're employed together. That's what I'd do in that position, anyway.

I wouldn't send anonymous flowers. To me that would be a little awkward... encroaching on creepy. If I were in your situation, I would go to her and say in a joking voice “I know you have a thing about not dating co-workers... but come on... look at me, I’m clearly an exception. There is this sweet axe throwing place around the corner, wanna go with my Saturday night?” Now that is just me and my personality, may not turn out well for everyone. But I would say definitely do no send anonymous flowers.

She’s moving the Overton window. The Dems are very good at this, and we dismiss this sort of stuff at our peril.

Even more dangerous for them is that if a President is removed from office in a manner that most people (yes, especially independents moderates) consider partisan and overreaching, then they may punish the perpetrators in the next election cycle.

On a routine basis my life and our business are touched by either: govt. city planning departments, building/permit officials and OSHA. If we played by every rule they produced we would be utterly crippled as a functioning business, to the point of almost non-existence. Call any of them out on double standards, rules that contradict, inspectors who don't know building code, etc. - they simply rotate officials. Sorry, rant, now, over.

lol aoc I wonder if she knows her only purpose in the public eye is to make Nancy Pelosi more appealing.

I’m not in the armed forces or anything, but I thought this was pretty funny when I saw it