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Ah, the CSI thing....I work at the high school where the creator graduated. The theater is named after him. We have forensics classes. I even use a CSI format when I work with classes on research projects. Everything on TV looks so glamorous/dangerous. Reality is a completely different story. You'd be surprised at how many students want to be crime scene investigators, or doctors, but they hate math and science, or they want to be lawyers, but they hate to read. Geesh, what are they thinking? Anyway, good luck in finding the right educational program and career that you'll enjoy!

Beautifully done. You sure can't say that the Lord isn't mindful of you! Trust in Him, dear trulykiwi, and He won't ever let you down. We humans are a completely different story.

Do you want to do something on the business side of construction? Unless you're planning on being a brain surgeon or an astronaut I think online schools are fine. Just check the credentials to be sure. Good luck!

Why don't you take a survey to determine what career meets your abilities and interests? In Nevada we have an online survey called Nevada Career Information Systems. I think most states have a version of this. It's quite eye-opening. I'm not sure who'd you'd ask about this....maybe a high school librarian (like me). I'm actually supposed to be a film director (tee hee). I just want you to pick a career that you will enjoy! I don't think the online thing makes much of a difference!

Little wimp woman says that changing it up challenges the muscles. Do Ben's way for a couple of months, then do something different for awhile, then go back and do Ben's way, etc. Signed, The no longer, but needs to work out wimpy librarian (who has read about these things, no really, I have. Actually I had a fabulous trainer once, who later became Danny Gans trainer. You'd know who D.G. was if you lived in Vegas Ü).

And before we fry these girls....they could have been laughing at something else when they looked over at you. Let's not prejudge them. I don't think it's possible to be liked by everyone (some will dislike you just because they think everyone else likes you Ü). You are only in control of yourself. You be confident, genuine, and loving and you'll be fine. If these girls are mocking you, it only shows their lack of true self-esteem. Don't worry about them. Reach out to others, and as Ben says, they'll reach out to you (or be a friend and you'll have friends, or whatever he said so eloquently). We all think you are lovely and sweet and wise. So there!

I love all the advice so lovingly given you. Remember this: it's not about you. As everyone has said, it's about the Lord working through you. Don't doubt what He can do, put your trust in the Lord and you'll be just fine. You'll never know how many prayers will be offered in your behalf. You won't be out there alone!

My suggestion is to tell your bishop/RS President or home/visiting teachers how you feel. They can gently, without spelling it out to the world, probably help you in belonging without being smothered, overworked, or neglected. We all want to be on the path, but we're not all in the same place at the same time. That's okay. Let's just learn to love each other with our similarities and our differences. Please come back. Please. We don't want to be the reason you don't come partake of the Spirit. You can do it; my kids did and they're so grateful that they did!

Dear Prison Chaplain, I've always said that 'you' don't know what it's like to be Black until you wake up and find a Black face in the mirror. There is prejudice you don't notice all around us unless you're affected by that prejudice. After the last year, in particular, with all the rage against Mormons and how we are not Christian, an evil cult, and far more such nonsense, sometimes we get a little defensive. We are not perfect as individuals, nor do we claim to be. In our church we don't dismantle or berate other Christians, but many do so to us. I know. I have a fundamentalist sister (I'm a convert) and a teacher at school who actually brought in dvds and pamphlets their church handed out to tell them how to attack our beliefs. Really? Is that the best use of your Sabbath Day worship, I wondered. Please be patient with a group of misunderstood, misrepresented individuals who are trying to follow the teachings of our Savior and Redeemer in whom we place our hope, faith, love, and trust.

Aha, the media did not condemn Reagan. Well, there you go, they reported and did not condemn. Imagine that - they did their job. I wish they'd continue to do that. If I want opinions on politics I'll listen to pundits, etc. If I want news I want it reported, no opinion. Give me the facts and I get to decide to condemn or applaud. Reporters are not supposed to show any bias. Just report! Ah, the good ole days. We haven't had a perfect president yet. We won't now. Let's respect our leaders, pray for them, and stand very strongly for what we think is right (whatever that might be) in policy. I'm thinking Obama is not the Savior or the Anti-Christ - he's the president.

I certainly didn't say Obama said that. Please.

Hey, I'm buying all the bumper stickers! I am pro America, pray for the president, and live in a country where I'm free to agree and disagree with policy. I'm hoping for good things! Hoping in the spiritual sense, not the wish upon a star sense.

Guess I'll be stopping by Deseret Book on the way home from work tomorrow. Time to stock up!

In the spirit of unity this was the closing of the inaugural benediction: Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- (laughter) -- when yellow will be mellow -- (laughter) -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- (laughter) -- and when white will embrace what is right. Wha???????????????????

So, it's okay to spend lots of money in difficult times if we really want to celebrate? I'll tell my husband.

Was it Palerider who said it's going to be time for the handouts? I was thinking get ready for inauguration day, get your wallets out and get ready to pay! I say, we must all pray! What can I say....my Republican governor wants to take 6% from my salary (I'm a TEACHER) so he doesn't have to raise taxes in the state (Nevada). Pray for them all...power corrupts. Chocolate corrupts too, but in a much more pleasant and fulfilling way. And hey, because someone doesn't like someone's political agenda surely doesn't mean the person is racist!!! Obama is half white....that's probably the part I don't agree with. Remember the joke during the Primaries: if you want someone Black, female, and Mormon - elect Gladys Knight (she lives a mile or so away from me - way nicer neighborhood, to put it mildly, very mildly).

Glad CatDad is here with us. I believe it's true that ALL intelligent people love cats!!!!!

Dear momof2, Much of what you feel is pretty normal. Reality: the grass is not greener elsewhere - you need to see if you can nourish your own little family garden. You might very well talk to the bishop and get counseling. Then let your counselor know you'd like some one on one with him/her. Advice: journal what you feel; it will help you identify some core issues, pray to the Lord who knows and loves you no matter what, read your scriptures everyday (my daughter has found a significant difference in her relationships with husband and 2 boys since she started doing this [even tho we did it as a family her whole life]), learn about what to expect from 4 year olds. You might want to read up on parenting and marital relationships. You're going to have to find a way to communicate with your husband. Although you need to make sure you keep your family foremost in your mind and heart make sure you take time and do some things for you to keep you of sound mind, develop your own talents and gifts, fill your pitcher so you can fill their cups. Besides talking alone to a counselor you might need to have marriage counseling for awhile if your husband doesn't respond to attempts to communicate. Fight for your marriage and family as long as the Spirit tells you to do so. Always listen to the Spirit over your daydreams.

Dearest Kelly, My prayers are with you as you make this life-changing decision. I'm happy to see that you are willing to follow the Lord, even though that path will bring some persecution and loneliness. As you go through baptism you become a member of a ward....a new type of family. You will get out of your new ward family what you put into it, just like you did in the Catholic Church. Although your Catholic friends will give you a hard time, hopefully in time they will accept you and respect your decision. I'm not sure how many LDS people live where you live, but there are many that home school as well. My greatest concern would be the 10 year old. How much has she been involved in the missionary lessons? I would pray with her for guidance in feeling the Spirit. Read the Book of Mormon with her and all your family (there are even helps for young children). Explain how you feel about the teachings you are learning and how much joy that brings you. Take all the good and truth you've learned and experienced in Catholicism and add to it. Talk about the temple and the possibility of being with your family forever. Don't make her get baptized if she doesn't believe. She needs to believe it and want it. I joined (by myself) when I was 9. I knew it was true. She's certainly not too young to feel the assurance of the Spirit. Friends come and go, families are forever. If her friends would shun her if she joins the church then they are not truly her friends. Have you visited your ward? Please go both to church and activities and help her get to know the young people in the ward. Make sure she understands that she will still love her Catholic friends and have open hearts to them. She can't determine what anyone else does, but if she's doing what she feels Heavenly Father wants her to do she will never be alone. Be patient. Hold Family Home Evening. Study the scriptures and fast and pray. I know your family would bless the Lord's kingdom and that He has great blessings in store for you! Going through challenges and difficulties builds our character and our trust in God, if we let the Spirit work through us. My prayers are with you!

Yea for you, Manxboz! Welcome to the site. Feel free to ask questions and share experiences!

Thank you! How do you get friends around here?

TurkeyRun, I was very touched by your story. I'm so glad to hear that you're on a spiritual journey, even though it's not such an easy thing in your family circumstances. My mother didn't like 'Mormons' so much, but she always loved me. I joined when young and I think my parents both realized that I was a stronger and happier person having the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Call the missionaries (I have one serving in Georgia) or just show up....however the Spirit directs. My husband's family is from North Carolina. We have family and/or friends in Greensboro, Cary, and Asheboro (we lived there 12 years). Please let me know if you are in any of those places and would like a connection. I hope your wife sees the love and light that comes into your heart as you let the Spirit direct and comfort you. My prayers are with you. Seriously!

Well said.It's all about wanting His will in our own lives. I know that He shows His power as He works through weak and simple things. I am humbled to know that eternally He is my Father.

Two tiny comments: 1. No matter what God makes of me eternally he will always be my God. That will never ever change. 2. I could never limit what God can do, even with little ole me, or what he can say.