nzorient

Hi HoosierGuy, When I was around 12, I was a victim of bullying at school which has a deep negative influence on me. Particularly my self esteem. For many years I have carried the burden of negative thoughts, even long after high school. At one stage I had a nervous break down because I couldn't cope well as I was too depressed. I was afraid to do things because I was too worried about what people thought about me. I went through a series of things, which I won't mention because of the pain. It gets tiring feeling gloomy all the time. But what I do know is that I recovered from it by first working on my own image, like I started to go to the gym. After a while it helped me feel good about my appearance. I changed my hair style to come out of my comfort zone. I choose to eat healthier. I soon found myself getting stronger and feeling more confident. More positive thoughts were coming to me about myself, or at least I was not so much paranoid about the little things. I started to set goals to do some of the things I've dreamed of when I was younger, I accomplished many of them and it made me less depressed. Along the way, I made new friends, one who was a member of the church introduced me to the missionaries. Finding a testimony of Jesus Christ finished the healing process for me. There was like a huge hole in my heart, empty, and coming to know the Saviour had filled the emptiness. I still had some negative thoughts until I learned to love myself (just accepting the way I am) and to find the things I loved to do. I also feel lucky I found really good supportive and positive friends. They helped alot. Nowadays whenever I feel down, it is easier to pick myself up again. Sometimes not enough sleep effects positive thoughts, I try to get to bed early so I can get enough rest for the next day. I didn't take any drugs, my body seemed heal it self. I'm not sure if it is the same for you but there is hope if you go out to look for it. Surround yourself with positive people. The ones who you can just be yourself with. If not, lots of people in this forum are really supportive and good people. I hope this was helpful.

Hey, I used to have a short fuse towards mum too. I couldn't stand her coz she was always so backwards. She also works really hard and gets stressed. But until I went on my mission I started to realize that I couldn't live without mum (and she missed me too). My love and appreciation grew for her because I started to understand the things she does was for my good. And I feel so selfish because I never thanked her for any of it. A lot of the time, mum was trying to have a better relationship with me but I was too stubborn to see that. Why don't you surprise her by packing a boxful of food and say 'come on mum, let's go out for a picnic today'. It might be a good chance for you to have a good one-on-one chat and establish that daughter & mum relationship. Tell her you're tired of all the yelling and you want to change. You'll have to swallow your pride but it might be the start of a brighter friendship. It's definitely worth a shot anyway. Good luck.

I just want to say this is all eye opening for me and I'm thankful to have read everyone's experiences. They are so heartfelt and edifying. For JXD, I would like to share with you something our Mission President's wife told us during a conference, and that was whatever happens with our partners - we are still responsible for our own salvation. I share this because you must not let life end because of this event and don't let your emotions let you become weak in faith because this is what Satan desires. As everyone else has said, it's a good chance to review where things are at and slowly take it from there. It's important you be gentle on yourself and don't beat yourself up. I can some what relate to how you are feeling because I've been through ups and downs in our marriage and it is easy to panic over things when they go wrong and if you let yourself boil up, it can lead you to make the wrong decisions. Make sure you get a chance to cool down and take a deep breath and be brave to take the big steps to rebuild things back up. Know that Heavenly Father is fully aware of how you're feeling and the tests of life can really be unfair. Be patient my brother and give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His will to you. Be strong.

Hey CM, good to see you here! I'm sure you'll find a lot of info on this site as well as lots of opportunities to testify! I just found this site not too long ago and have enjoyed reading everyone's posts.

Hi all, Having served a mission in China, Hong Kong - Leaders there advise the Saints to not drink the chinese tea, for one reason is because of the tannic acid which breaks down marrow in the bones. I used to drink chinese tea (before my conversion) because my parents drank it but didn't feel any benefits. I stopped drinking it to obey the Word of Wisdom and found my body and spirit was much better without it. My wife who also used to drink chinese tea stopped after she joined the church and agrees that it was doing some harm to the body. I see my relatives drink chinese tea all the time, they're addicted to it and I don't see them any healthier. In fact they seem more prone to sickness. I believe there are more benefits from naturally squeezed juices, smoothies or just plain water. Thanks... Just my 2 cent comment

I'm still trying to understand why the middle east are always having war. I see it on the news all the time but don't really get what's going on. Is this a sign of the second coming?

Hey, good to see you!! I'm so glad to know there are still genuinely genuine people out there. Isn't it great to know that when you're sealed to your loved ones, Heavenly Father has given us a way to reunite with them. That is the true nature of family. That is a genuinely genuine loving Heavenly Father.

Hey there, What prompted me to serve a mission was this scripture found in Jacob 2:18 & 19 (BOM): But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. I loved serving a mission because you'll meet so many different people, you get to help people and make eternal friends. You'll experience things that'll make you see life differently. It's a very full on but fulfilling duty. I would suggest start by enrolling in Mission Preparation Class at Institute, get more clued up in the Book of Mormon and pray often to get close to Heavenly Father. If it is right, he will prepare the way before you. You are so lucky to have the freedom to serve. Myself, I had to contend with my parents (who are not members) to allow me to go on a mission. There was so much heart ache when they kept saying I was not allowed. But I stayed close to the Lord through prayer and scripture study. When the time came, their hearts were softened and I was allowed to serve. I know it was the workings of the Lord. I returned with so much knowledge and experiences I couldn't wait to share with my family. Now, my parents are glad I had been a missionary. I still keep in touch with all the friends I made. But most of all, I have come to a better understanding of our Heavenly Father.

Hey, good to see you here!! This site is great because you'll get to meet members of the Church from all over the world and read everyone's personal experiences. All our warmest regards to you from New Zealand!!

Hey, you're definately a unique spirit. It reminds me of what I was like at 18. Anyway, 8 years later I'm still learning... This Gospel is amazing, I have found so much knowledge about God I have not found elsewhere. I'm grateful for the experience you've shared! Be strong...

Hey, good to see you here!! The Sister Missionaries always seem do better than the Elders... It must be the glow. Good luck in your preparation!!

Hey, I also found this site not too long ago searching the web. I've read through some interesting things in the forum and found some good advice. It's helped strengthen my faith and testimony. If you ever need to let out something, I know there are a bunch of supportive people here to support you.

We had a discussion in Sunday School about this one time. Although we do eat meat, don't waste it. So only cook what you can eat (sparingly) and keep the rest in the freezer for later. I read in a book that talked about how "cave men" survived in the early days. During winter, it is harder for them to find food so they would eat up as much as they can during times of abundance (they would get fat) and during winter, the body would naturally eat the fat tissues as a method of survival. So relating it back to this, maybe the Lord reveled this because back in those days it may had been harder to get meat during winter so it was more wise to store as much meat as possible to last you through the season. (This is just my theory, not official doctrine)

Hi everyone. This site is awesome! There is so much wealth of experience and advise on here, it shows this world is so vast and lots to grow and learn. Anyone here from New Zealand?? One of my dreams is to visit the Great Salt Lake City. I started a group called Pet Pals. Please join it if you have a pet. My son enjoy looking at animals!! Also want to say HI & HEY to anyone not LDS and having a browse through the church. My advise is to Read and (try to) Understand the Book of Mormon, Ponder on it and Sincerely in prayer ask Heavenly Father for advise about any questions you have. When the time is right, God will give you your answer. You will have a peaceful and joyful feeling and a clear knowledge that it is right, that is the Holy Ghost trying to tell you something. Just as I have witnessed. You will feel the love of our Saviour round about you. Although I can't save the world, feel free to message me for anything you need Take care everyone

Hi there, I'm grateful I found this site, it's my first time here and there is so much support and information as I've read through many posts in this forum. I'd be grateful if someone could answer this question, if a couples gets sealed in the temple but one goes inactive, is the active member still entitled to enter into the Celestial Kingdom? I know someone in this position and the active member is trying hard to live the gospel but I can feel there is a sense of sorrow - I really want to give them some comfort. There is probably unrevealed doctrine about this but if anyone could give insite, would be helpful. Thanks in advance!