countrygirl66

My adopted mom and dad (angels). Their goodness and how they made me beleive that life could be good and so could people. My 15 brothers and sisters from 3 families. They have given me such a wide view of life and experiences. My husband. He hangs in there with me always and he has had a job our whole marriage. My great grandma and grandma and grandpa. These 3 gave their whole lives to physically save 8 of us. The gospel. I never would have been able to work toward forgiving those I have without the help of Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of the savior. Mercy. The reason that I get up everyday and keep trying, because mercy gives me hope. My children. They have blessed my life with a kind of love I had never thought to experience in this life. (unconditional) Animals. I always had animals that loved me even when noone else did. Stubborness. My blessing and my curse. It helped me to keep surviving even when noone said I could. Good people. Those that just do what is good because it is who they are. Freedom. I sleep at night and enjoy my world because of those that protect me and my country. Life for me is really good. I feel like a glutten at times because my life is so good and I have so many joyous moments in it. Great thread thanks.

Had to post my apolagies (that is wrong). I mess up spelling often and my grammer can be even worse. Thanks for your patience. I missed a lot of this type of learning because my mind was elsewhere in school and my brain goes faster than my fingers. So far noone has highlighted my errors but I know they are everywhere. Thanks. Oh also maybe you can give me the correct spelling on words I often use at home. I try to not sound so redneck online. goodnuf - woosher - ubecha - ferrude - mahap - gits - nuuh - gimmy - yup (there are more but I think I may have lowered your IQ's enough for now).

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! Ok I am frustrated. I have been watching the auto makers in Japan or japanese run auto companies in the US. They have a plan. They are not in huge amounts of debt. Are they losing money right now? yes (but a small amount in comparison to us automakers) Are they still moving forward? yes Why? Because their losses are in line with a bad economy, they will be able to ride it out. They have the philosophy that the workers building the cars etc. are the most important part of the company. The executives make a reasonable salary. If the workers take a pay cut so do the executives. One executive was asked how he was making it with the pay cut he had taken? He said I am doing what my employees are doing, cutting back using money I have in savings, why should they suffer and not me. One I heard about yesterday was a guy in the us working for a japanese run auto maker. He said he felt like "Charlie in the chocolate factory" and he had a golden ticket. They had to shut down his plant for a few weeks. (what did the company do?) Had him and the other workers do community service for those weeks at full pay from the company. Is he worried about getting laid off? no Why? Because the executives feel like the sucess of the company is a matter of honor. The people depending on them is a matter of honor. (not filling their own pockets with cash.) I think a lot of executives not just car makers could care less about the companies they run or the people depending on them. I say let them go broke. Will it hurt? YES But maybe someone will buy the factories that actually knows how to run them and cares about the people working for them. (I see nothing where these guys crying for a handout at our expense have done anything to move forward they just keep doing the same old thing and hope it works) WHEW! That was quite a rant. I feel better now. thanks:)

I have a couple of thoughts. My mom used to make boxes with a few groceries to take to the elderly widowed sisters in our ward growing up. (if you have someone like that on your list) We would take the box to the door and then come in an visit for about an hour. I can testify that the sharing of our time to visit with them meant more than the food. I remember one sister especially. (she had very little and was about 85) We sat in her little kitchen and I remember her putting an extra peice of wood in her cook stove because I was there. She gave me sugar cubes and I watched my mother laugh and visit with her. (so don't run away if it is someone lonely) (IMO) As for what to put in the boxes. The church has a christmas video that is free and maybe some other things. Also maybe talk to the primary about recording the children singing songs of Christmas. You can burn a whole bunch of cd from this for really cheap. We don't have as much to donate this year so we are doing the following. I am letting the kids pick some things out of the food storage to make a couple of baskets. Then we are going to use some of our Christmas decorations we already have to decorate them. If they are going where kids are I am taking something out of our Christmas gifts we have already and put in there. Good luck. Also a lot of grocery stores (if you decide to do grocery store gift cards) will give you a discount if you talk to the manager or they can tell you where to get one. As far as books (ask around your ward, I know I have several that look like new that I have read and just sit here) It is a huge responsibility to be entrusted with such sacred funds. It sounds like you have a lot of families in need. Pray and you will know what will be best for each family. (it can be a difficult time of year) My kids are having a second hand christmas this year, it is really interesting all the little projects going on in the house. Take care and good luck.

A bishop I had for 5 yrs when I lived in WVC was put in as bishop and lost his job the next week. He couldn't find a permanent job the entire time he was bishop. He loaned a bunch of money to a brother and the brother wouldn't pay him back. He was married with 5 kids. I have been thinking of him a lot lately. He was not of a patient nature. He taught me so much. He told me many times that he would find a job and things would get better financially when the lord was ready for it to for him. He counciled the ward often that god's purposes cannot be thwarted by man. Shortly after he was released they moved and he found a great job in Idaho. I have thought about him often because of the economy. I will be losing my job in a few months and am not sure what I will do. But I am trying to have faith that the lord has a plan. I am glad you had the experience you did. Hope and faith are most important.:)

So are you saying everyone that told me to get rid of my cars (that are paid for) that use a lot of gas and (finance) a gas efficiant care may have been wrong. After all everyone told me with gas at 4 - 5 $ a gallon it would have paid for itself in 5 years. It is just fun to be right for a change (doesn't happen often)

If doomsday is comming can you please talke to Gore and make it happen on a monday?

Wow it sounds like you guys have had a really difficult time. I am sorry for the loss of your baby. The only advice I would give you is this. Me and my h are soooo very different. In emotional situations we get him through it and then he is ready to move on. I have to pretty much demand that he gets me through it too. (not fair) I have found the best way for me to accomplish this is by writing him letters. Sometimes they are 10 pages long, but it helps me to get my feelings out and to feel heard. I don't know your situation exactly, but counciling may be a good idea. Maybe your h is having feelings that he isn't sharing with you. Maybe because you had to be the strong one. Take gentle care.

Maybe your Mother in Law is hoping santa will bring one that says "Son in Law in trunk!";)

I feel sad that you are struggling so much. My h and I have had our ups and downs. Here are a few things that helped me. During difficult times I have prayed to see my h the way heavenly father sees him. This also helps me to look at myself differently. Instead of seeing just his faults or stumblings I am able to see the areas where he really excells. (supporting us financially, being faithful and loyal to me, trying to stay on the path) Also (for me) fighting over prejudice or cuss words or driving (communications?) never solves anything or changes anything. Instead if I find a quiet moment to present my feelings in a way that he doesn't feel attacked it helps. I get really defensive if I feel attacked myself. ex - I shared an experience of my grandmother being treated poorly because she was a (white trash indian). I told him how sad I felt about it. Talked about the blessings promised her in the scriptures and asked him if he thought heavenly father would still bless her even though she was never into organized religion. It gave us a chance to talk about prejiduce. We still have many different opinions on things, (even sometimes the gospel practices). But I have seen him and me grow and progress over 23 years of marriage. I have realized that sometimes being worthy means that you are trying and learning. I think Heavenly Father knows us perfectly and what is in our hearts. I also find it helps to remind myself of the things I love about him and remember why I fell in love with him. Is he worthy? IDK It is something that is between him and the lord. (In my case my h has a fobia about giving blessings, so I get them few and far between). Does that make him a bad priesthood holder? no It means he is learning, just like me. Good luck I hope you find some peace. :)

Just a thought, but would he have family prayer with you every day? Family prayer can invite the lord into the hearts of your family and touch each of them in a different way. Take care.:)

I have a dear friend in your financial situation right now and i feel for you. Pay your tithing and the lord will bless you. If you can't budget to pay it right now, go to the bishop and ask about food or other assistance so you can free up some money to pay your tithing. I know it can be terribly uncomfortable, but we are all there for each other. I am thankful for the blessing of tithing everyday. It gives me a way to get the blessings I need by obeying a simple law. The blessings are equal weather you are rich or poor. Good luck and congratulations. :)

unless you can't find him. Then you have to do newspaper postings for a period of time (depends on the state). If nothing happens you go forward. (way too much experience with missing/hiding fathers)

seriously seriously check out the state of washington. (especially around portland) It is said to have low unemployment, lower cost of living, etc. I don't know about other careers, but I know if you go to work for a large bank (even as a teller or collector) you can go to night school and they will pay for your classes. Also look into the medical profession. You can work as a cna/etc. and because of the current nursing shortage they will pay for your schooling. The only thing is most will have you commit to working in their hospital for at least 2 years after graduation. Hope you find some answers soon.

1 - I think (I know many won't agree) that the father should have rights, but the child should go for adoption. I know it is hard for me knowing that the day I was born there were curses (no shouts of joy). I was a mistake (or a product of sin). Children have a right to have the opportunity to be raised in a family with two parents. I do feel that the father should have say over the abortion as much as the woman. (there were both there and they will both have to pay if she keeps the child) 2 - It is amazing that I have to be fully notified if my minor child breaks traffic laws, sluffs school, is arrested, needs glasses etc. It is idiotic that people think a minor should be able to have an abortion without parental consent.

I think heavenly father sends us the kids we can influence the most and in the best way. My son that I was talking about is 18 and lives in an apartment with friends. The band he is in is a rock band. Would I personally go to a band practice on sunday? no. I realize though that my son is living on his own and will have to use his agency to make his choices. I was so happy though that he made it there. That is what was important to me. I know there were a few there that saw how he was dressed and were bothered by it, however I think it is something between him and the lord. I think most "chose the better part" and made him feel welcome. Sometimes you have to look past the jeans, peirced ears, and colored hair and see the child of god that is learning like we all are.

Thanks for your story. I was at the culminating event with two of my 3 teens the other day and my oldest called and said I'm not dressed up but I can get there if I leave streight from band practice. I told him I just wanted him there. He showed up in jeans, sneakers a hoodie and his lovely peirced ears. The important thing. He was there and heard the words prepared for him. I think our job is to give people the information and then let the savior touch their hearts and they will make the changes they need as directed by him. :)

1989 fire engine red chevy suburban (or mormon assault vehicle), 1988 ford f350 4wd white truck, 1987 ford f250 4wd brown truck. No gun rack in the back windshield (darn). I am not sure but I might be a bit of a redneck.

Hi Kyra Thought I would add my own experience. Hope it is of some use to you. I have 7 bio brothers and sisters. I am sealed to my adopted family. Noone else is sealed anywhere. One brother can't bear the thought of being sealed to our (stepmonster) so he isn't sealed to a mother and father. My some other siblings couldn't bear the thought of being sealed to our bio mom, let alone their father/doners. My question that I have pondered over the years is "Why don't we get to be sealed together as brothers and sisters?" We didn't do anything wrong, we didn't break any rules. The only answer that I have come to is this. (my answer not doctrine) Heavenly father loves all of his children equally and intends for heaven to be a joyous reward for us. I feel that I will somehow have my brothers and sisters there. I feel that we will be a heavenly family in a way that we can't comprehend here on earth. Imagine no bad people or behaviors. Imagine remembering each other. I also "feel" (not doctrine) that we had a prior relationship with people we know in this life. I think that we all really loved my bio dad - bio mom - and step monster. I don't think the lord will withold any relationship or blessing from us in the eternities if we live worthy. I feel for your h. It can be so hurtful to think of those you love not being a part of your eternal family. I just for myself don't think it will work in heaven like it does here. Take care.

welcome

Thank you all for all your ideas and resources. I am feeling much more hopeful. Sometimes it is hard after meetings like the one I just had. It leaves you feeling that there is nothing you can do and it is what it is. Thanks again. I feel like I have new ideas and resources to move forward.

I understand what you mean. I was wondering if you had a reason for this or if it is just in general when you read a book about the last days and prophecy.

Thanks for your thoughts. I try really hard to make sure info I have is reliable because there is so much that is speculation. I was reading about the wars of desolation and was wondering about what is going on in darfur and the congo, the tootsie and hutu genocide that happened seemed to be more of the other type of war (to me). I would love your thoughts. I am just an elementary student in gospel learning so my thoughts and ideas that I discern from what I read could easily be incorrect.

Maybe I know him. I have been saved twice by a biker guy in leathers. The other time was at lake powell in a storm. I had two little kids in the boat and my h was trying to keep it by the dock. The waves were so bad that everytime I would grab the dock the waves would rip it out of my hand. There were some special (male) people standing there watching and guess who comes to my rescue. "Biker Guy" I have never been so happy to see someone. He grabbed our boat and held it with no problem while I got me and my little ones out. He then offered to help my h trailer it. So now when I am looking for help guess who I look for? That is right a biker guy.

I am reading a book written by him entitled Prophecy Key to the future. I want to know if anyone knows anything about him. I know he was a member of the church and this book was published by bookcraft inc in 1962. I am enjoying the book, I would just like to know more about the author if anyone knows. Thanks