lost123

So, how did it go?

I agree LDSJewess. It is shocking how so many details are revealed of personal transgressions on this site. I think it is probably because it is an anonymous posting and whereas people wouldn't tell people openly about such issues they feel like they can anonymously. I think you would find the same thing posted for those of religions who hold a high moral code. For those religions who don't, many will openly (and sometimes proudly) discuss such transgressions in parties or amongst peers. Sadly so. It is true that most every post of such a nature here shouldn't really be discussed here but with their ecclesiastic leader and the Lord. Those are the ones that have jurisdiction in the repentance process. Yet, every person's journey to become clean is different. The medication of the Lord's sacrifice and atonement is the same. To get to that point, some are confused, in the dark, afraid and need encouragement and/or clarification of how to proceed. The underlying theme seems to be the same - the desire to be in alignment with the Lord's commandments. Therefore...if this forum provides that encouragement to get there then it is one step in the right direction for these people. The truth is that in this world of sin, no matter what religion you are in there are going to be cases of transgression. This is no different in the LDS faith. Yet, the beauty of it all is that Christ paid the price for each one of us if we just turn to him, repent, and let his grace be sufficient to be made whole again. To the young woman from BYU-I....the message I hope you get from this is that as you take responsibility for your actions, turn to the Lord, and seek help to do this through your Bishop, you will be able to bear the consequences. The consequences are there to help you - not to hurt you. It may be a long hard road but the sooner you are on it.........the sooner the relief......and the faster the blessings of the gospel will be yours. Don't deceive yourself by waiting. Don't heap sin upon sin by deceiving those at the school when you know that your very character rests upon your integrity. Have courage.

Might I just add....go talk to your Bishop about your desires to be re-baptized. Seriously. It is within reach...even if your wife does not desire it. It will take repenting of those things that got you to that point BUT it is within reach. It sounds like you have the desire. KEEP THOSE DESIRES but a more tactile way to make it happen is by contacting the Bishop and letting him know. I don't see there is anything wrong with you keeping it as a reminder. It doesn't appear you are making a mockery of it. That's just my two cents worth.

Thanks all. I had a good laugh at some of them.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson When we realize that what lies within us is God's then, and only then, can you understand what you are talking about properly. I have come to find in life's journey that those people who get stuck on themselves and their talents as though they are gifts of self entitlement do a lot of self-stroking. It is a selfish and wicked pride. The truth of it is that when people start realising that all things whether they came in the spirit or not are gifts of God and belong to Him. To have the opinion that we are more than someone else or are entitled to more than someone else OR that our talents belong to us is ludicrous and dangerous. If anything, one should take into account that the Lord will hold us more accountable for what we do on Earth to serve him based on our opportunities to serve. We all came in spirit with different levels of intelligences. That matters not, What is important is that we fulfill the measure of our creation and put them in use for the glory of God. Think of the war in Heaven. Satan thought he was entitled. That was the reason Satan fell.

I apologize if you were offended by my statement. It wasn't intended as such. I was just light-heartedly expressing that I don't think it really matters whether or not gifts came with us or not. I believe it matters only that we do all we can with what we have to help serve the Lord's purposes. There is nothing wrong with discussions that make us think. You have done that successfully. But in thinking I think we must be careful "not to look beyond the mark." However, you have made me take personal stock about my own stewardship as a member of the church. If you look at the context of the scripture in section 82, it appears that Joseph Smith is referring to the blessings and responsibilities associated with the gospel...as he follows "Unto whom much is given much is required;" with "and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation." I think gifts of the priesthood can be applied here, as is gifts of the atonement, gift of charity, spiritual gifts. He is the giver. We magnify it. The glory is His...not ours. In the same section he shares with us about the law of consecration. So...I think that can be applied here: Where much is given much is required.

I just want to know what is protocol.

To counsel about personal matters.

Personal interview.

I have an appointment with the Bishop. It isn't on a Sunday. Do I wear church dress or is it okay to go in street clothes?

Talents was referring to money in this parable which is important to visualize the parable correctly. But in teaching how it relates to the gospel, the Lord was telling his apostles that the Talents are symbolic for "gifts" given of God. AGAIN...we might not be good at them but we are expected to develop and invest in them. Or we may be good at them and we are still required to develop them and magnify them for the Lord's purposes. To be clear, it does not matter if we came with them in our spirits or not. All of God's purposes are to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man". If we invest all our time and focus on things that do not bring about God's purposes then I guess it is safe to say those are not gifts but distractions. In the parable it refers to "gifts" and does not state whether or not we are good at it. Therefore I think that the wise steward takes all gifts (whether they are good at it or not) and magnifies it (invests it as you would money in the parable so that you can multiply it for the purposes of God). (Money is only symbolic). "This is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy." "Lose yourself in the Lord's purposes and you will find yourself." (not directly quoted - look up scriptural references...but you get the gist). If we know some things come naturally to us and we do nothing with it I think it would be safe to say we are slothful servants. If we know that some things don't come easily or naturally to us and don't develop them then we are still slothful servants. In the parable the Lord gave different amounts to different people. I think the key is that we use all at our disposal (whether or not we are good at it) to magnify the Lord's purposes. This is fulfilling the measure of our creation. This is ultimate joy. This is being obedient. This is being a wise servant. The wise servant seeks out to invest their gifts so it benefits the Lord's purposes...not their own. Then if we are "faithful over a few things" he will "make us ruler over many things". In the gospel we are all given much so every member of the church has a HUGE responsibility: WHERE MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED. This again refers to all things (gifts) whether we are naturally good at them or not. It is our faithfulness in magnifying these "gifts" that matters. Remember ALL that we have (whether we were pre-disposed to them through our pre-earth life spirits or not) are given of God. We are to develop all gifts. Boy this is sounding trivial. LOL. I think it is safest to say that we just need to get out there and WORK. :)

Please allow yourself to have this experience. When I had this experience with my grandmother I remembered the job of those who wrapped Jesus's body for burial and what an honor and privilege it was to do something so sacred. I have been to many many funerals and have to say that I love what I learn from each one. I grew up in a country where the whole family sleeps in the same room as the deceased body and where it is common place to give a kiss on the forehead to the deceased out of love and respect. I guess for me, it is comfortable and common place. There is nothing scary, in my opinion about it. It is a new experience for you and so feeling uncomfortable is natural. But instead of thinking of your own comfort...think of the love of the person who is deceased and the love you have for the family in mourning. Besides, when you realize that the body is something sacred - it helps you appreciate the situation. My advice...think of not being self centered in this situation. Think of it as a privilege. What can you expect. The body is generally pale, has some makeup put on to give some color, is cold (at least I think it does). It will smell a little of fermaldahide (spelling?). Drown out your thoughts of all this and remember the life of the person and the love you have for them. IMO, I think it helps in the grieving process to be involved in the handling of the body or to be able to be part of viewing the body. It is paying your respects. I am happy you have this opportunity.

It is important to understand that in the parable of the Talents that Talents is not referring to talents (as far as what we are naturally blessed with). Talents in this parable refers to money. The one that had more Talents (money) went out and learned how to double it as did the next steward. The one that had 1 went and buried it and did not invest it to make more. What is the parable? Talents in this parable refer to "gifts" given from the Lord - things we are given that we may not be good at at all but we are required to learn them and to multiply them and to be wise stewards of it. This lesson was in a recent Gospel Doctrine lesson from this year. Gifts of the Spirit (as found in the Doctrine and Covenants) are some of them (i.e. Gift of Tongues, Gifts of the Spirit, Faith, etc.). Others, Bruce R. McConkie says, are listening, bearing one anothers burdens, Gift of the Holy Ghost, priesthood, etc. It is important to know that the gifts are not something we are necessarily good at BUT we are expected to develop those gifts and to multiply them. That is the wise steward. I hope this helps.

PLEASE talk to your Bishop.

OKAY - I am going to do some BIG REVISING of my post due in large part to reading your first post surrounding your situation and your child who was taken from you. Your situation is slightly different. What you will find here in this forum are opinions. I am sure you have gotten plenty of opinions from those around you of what to think or what to do. Mine is probably no different. But I hope that you take in consideration some advice I hope to offer. You MUST seek legal counsel. GET A LAWYER. The biggest mistake someone can make when dealing with the law is to go about it on their own. You would be wise to seek representation. It doesn't matter how right you are...when facing the law you want someone who knows the system. It is expensive. It is inconvenient. It is a process that often takes time BUT YOU CAN NOT AFFORD NOT TO. Try to find reputable representation (lawyer) who has experience and background in this type of thing. A lawyer will let you know what your rights are and will educate you about how the courts go about sorting this type of thing out. Child and Famiy Protective Services have laws to follow. You need to know what they are and the process so you can understand that they are obligated by law to do their job - even if they sometimes get it wrong. In my opinion, whatever you do DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY if you indeed are NOT GUILTY. Listen to your lawyer. Ask questions. If you feel you are not being represented properly, seek advice from another lawyer as to whether you should be troubled by this representation. Remember your lawyer is there to give you legal counsel and represent you according to the law. Keep a journal to help let your feelings come out. It is therapeutic and can be a good source of expression. It also helps to see things on paper. When we re-read it we sometimes think differently OR down the road we can read it again to see how far we've come, lessons learned or patterns of problems we need to break that we haven't overcome. I SUGGEST ALSO to take a piece of paper. At the heading write FACTS. Write all the facts (not opinions, feelings). This will help you see things more logically and for what they are. Here are some examples (change for accuracy) FACT (SITUATION) Baby (2 broken ribs, retinol damage, bleeding brain) Baby in custody There is a process in working to get child back I only have partial knowledge of the law. Husband claimed responsibility and recanted I do/don't have a criminal record I do/don't receive information from Child and Family Protection Services I do/don't have enough money to survive doing what I am doing I do/don't have a lawyer There is a court date July 8 I am pregnant I am/am not divorced My husband is estranged/not estranged I don't/do have (and can show) I have support for my child when I get her back etc....... I know/don't know all the resources available to me I have/have not kept a record of all the conversations/court filings involved I have/have not taken parenting classes I have/have not followed what the law or Child Protection services has asked of me FACT (SUPPORT) I do/don't have family support emotionally I do/don't have home teachers that visit I do/don't have visiting teachers that visit My bishop is aware of my situation The bishop has offered this type of support ___________________ I have/have not met with my Stake President I do/don't have a professional counselling services I do/don't have enough food to eat I do/don't have enough money to survive I am ___ years old FACT (EMOTIONAL) I have/don't have the symptoms of depression I do/don't exercise regularly etc. FACT (SPIRITUALLY) I have/have not sought spiritual guidance from Bishop He offered this support and counsel _____________________ I have/have not followed the counsel he gave I have/have not sought help from the Stake Pres. I have/have not followed that guidance I do/don't read my scriptures daily I do/don't pour out my sould to God I do/don't attend church I do/don't hold a valid temple recommend I do/don't have access to a temple I do/don't go to the temple regularly etc... I have a friend who helped me see things more clearly when I was able to compartmentalize the facts from my emotions. It made problem solving and a course of action much more effective and was able to help me not get lost in feeling sorry for myself but doing ALL I can within my power to do something practical and effective with the facts. Sometimes we get so lost in our emotions that we can't think clearly and often see things for much worse than they are OR not give attention to the things that need it most. My suggestion: WORK ON WHAT IS FACT AND NOT SPECULATION. The first effective step is to accept the situation you are in and do everything in your disposal to use the facts to help you effectively address the situation. It also helps you be pro-active about the situation which helps prevent the awful affects of harboring anger and resentment. I know I am not aware of everything in your situation. This is just a suggestion. Please remember that. I hope it helps. ONE THING YOU MUST MUST MUST address is your HUSBAND. Is he in your life or out of your life? If he is in your life, he could pose your biggest obstacle to getting your child back. Accept the things you do know and accept that you don't know everything. Accept that you are in this situation. Stick to the facts and I think you will find/see more results - see things more clearly. Try not to focus on your emotions. They can render you a complete wreck. BUT ... DO seek help in your ward. Keeping it secret is not always the best. Some people may not help you but there will be those who do. Don't worry about what people will think about you. SEEK THE LORD'S HELP and KEEP THE FAITH. A VERY GOOD BOOK THAT YOU SHOULD TRY TO ORDER ONLINE or CHECK OUT FROM THE LIBRARY WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY. It was written well over 50 years ago but is a gem. "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend reading it. I wish I had years and years ago. It would have saved me a lot of hurt and wasted time. It addresses how to stop worrying about even the most difficult of circumstances. Do something for yourself every day: have a hot bath, read a good book, etc. - you need to take care of yourself somehow. It doesn't require money. TO WRAP UP: 1) KEEP TO THE FACTS 2) GET LEGAL COUNSEL 3) TALK TO STAKE PRES 4) PRAY PRAY PRAY 5) READ "HOW TO STOP WORRYING AND START LIVING" by Dale Carnegie 6) DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF EVERY DAY Whatever you do...remember that bad things can happen to good people. It is not a reflection on you as an individual. That's just the way life is. So begins the process of realizing that our allegiance is with the Savior no matter what. Keep the faith. REMEMBER all that is here is opinion and advice. Each circumstance is different. Hope it helps.

Anger and resentment is spiritual poison and can do a lot to damage one's mental, spiritual, physical and social health. I REPEAT...NOTHING WILL DESTROY YOUR VERY CHARACTER AND SPIRIT FASTER THAN ANGER AND RESENTMENT. IT IS POISON. It is natural and sometimes (IMO) healthy to have feelings of anger. But we must let it only be temporary and not let it eat our souls. Anger absorbs your thoughts, tends to make you believe everything else is unjust in life, make you faithless, and allows you to believe what Satan would have you believe. Satan's rebellion came out of anger. We have no need to become as he is. For a very long time I harbored what I thought was righteous anger. Though what I had a right to be angry about was valid, hurtful and incredibly damaging I had no idea the life I wasted on harboring that anger. IMO it is okay to be angry temporarily but we must give it FULLY over to the Lord knowing that the other person is covered by the atonement too. We must let it go. We require the atonement also to forgive those who have transgressed against us. For study helps on the topic here are some links from lds.org: http://lds.org/study/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng Here are some other helps: -try to compartmentalize the action that made you angry from the person -write it out! You might see it for what it really is. -know that anger is probably causing you much more damage than the offending person is feeling about it. So don't let it. -President Monson said, "Never let a problem to be solved be more important than the person to be loved." -say and study "The Lord's Prayer" say it often -GET OVER IT. Seriously. MOVE ON. Accept that it is what it is. -Nobody can make you feel a certain way. We do have agency over our thoughts. -If you have depression, seek professional assistance -It helps to talk it out with a reasonable and sensible individual or counselor -Focus on improving your ownself and doing what you can of value to keep from feeling offended -Elizabeth Stuart (kidnapped) said that she didn't want to give more time to her perpetrator than he'd already taken from her -get a blessing -STOP THINKING ABOUT IT -Beware of self righteousness -Take a boxing class, exercise to physical expend the emotional anger -SAY YOUR PRAYERS. Pray for understanding, for forgiveness, for help. -DON'T BECOME BITTER -GET A WORLD VIEW. When you realize that your problems and things to be angry about don't light a candle comparatively to other things that go on in the world then you might see the problem for what it really is -THINK LOGICALLY and not emotionally. Is being angry going to solve the problem? Whatever you do, please focus on what is right in the world and right with that person. If someone has violated a law then do what is necessary to report it. Leave it up to the judicial system. COMPARTMENTALIZE IT MENTALLY. Don't let your emotions take over logic. PRAY. GOOD LUCK.

Know of good things to come. Take courage in knowing that God is there for you. I have felt so terribly abandoned by church members before when I needed them most. It isn't intentional but I did wonder if God had forgotten me. Keep on keeping on, seek legal counsel, talk to your Stake President and remain faithful. Things will get better...even if they seem to get worse first. Watch this: We are praying for you.

Okay. If someone you care about very much does not see a trait they have developed that is negative - do you tell them? I would want someone to tell me if it is something they could see would improve my life. Is that part of being our brother's keeper?

It is interesting stuff but I have come to realize that we spend way too much of our energy studying on things of speculation and far too little time on things of importance to our salvation. I think we tend to get lost in details or knowledge and don't pay enough attention to the doctrines of salvation. Just me. I am not trying to criticize your Bishop. He may have had spiritual reason to share things of trivial speculation. To recognize signs is helpful and important - but what is more important is that we are living righteously so that it doesn't matter when all these events happen - we will have our lamps full and reserves to spare. What I am trying to say is that we often get lost in things of knowledge and disregard wisdom.

Here's a great letter written by an Elder in Alaska. Thought you'd enjoy reading it. http://http://homertribune.com/2011/06/lds-missionary-workers-want-to-serve/

I think it is more of a maturity thing than it is a pressure thing from parents. We tend to try to hide our weaknesses and sins or to cover them up because of pride and/or embarassment. That is the natural thing to do. We are sometimes not sure if what we do are small indiscretions that we can manage and handle on our own. The reality comes down to maturity and submissiveness. To take responsibility for our actions, to openly disclose to our priesthood leaders, to seek counsel from our parents....those are all signs of maturity....not because we feel obliged to...but because we want to be like Christ. We should let our Bishop know in any question with worthiness. Your testimony has yet to grow but as you exercise humility it will grow much faster. The fact that you are seeking counsel about this self-stimulation problem shows a sense of maturity. You will be even more mature by picking up the phone and calling your Bishop to meet with him. The mature person discloses everything no matter the consequences. The mature person accepts responsibility for his actions and takes the recommended course of action. The purpose of this life is to see if we will do whatsoever thing is commanded of us. See Abraham 3:25 & 26. By being obedient we can obtain true joy ("Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy"). You may not have to wait to go out but if you do...take it well. Don't worry about what others think. Just let them know that you felt you are excited for your mission but needed more time to prepare. In which case if you are held back then that is the truth. You don't have to give any more reason than that. If they talk about you...who cares? BUT>>> for crying out loud.....DON'T DELAY TALKING TO THE BISHOP. Waiting is not going to help your situation and could prolong your call. Clear this up now or it will haunt you as you go out to serve....and that could be a BIG problem. You are a mature person. Go sort this out with your Bishop. He is there to help you. Disclose it all so you don't have to keep re-visiting it. You will still go out to serve (even if it means you may be delayed). And there is a possibility that you might not have to wait at all. Go sort it out with Bishop. As for the Bishop remembering...Who cares? He cares more about your salvation, your humility, your willingness to overcome your problem than he does thinking that you are perfect. Truth of it is that he has a lot of people in his ward with lots of problems. Don't feel like yours is the only one. As embarassed as you may feel, be humble and repentant. He is more concerned about and proud of people who change than those who sit behind false facades. Enough said. You will be a great missionary if you can rid yourself of pride. Go talk to Bishop. If, at that point, you still don't feel right about it, disclose that to your Stake President. Much better now than later. By the way...as for being ready to go out and serve. There's definitely things we can do to prepare but I don't think anyone is truly ready for what they are about to experience in the field. It is important to be as ready as we can be. Worthiness is critical. A desire to serve qualifies you...but...sometimes that desire grows as you proceed. Your attitude and humility will help.

Thank you Angel333. Try, if you can, to exercise faith in his decision to go. Try to put fear aside. Commit to his decision to go -even if his decision is half hearted. If he brings up not wanting to go again, ask him what he is afraid of? Share your testimony. I may agree with SQUARE about having him talk to the Stake President. I want you to know that what your son is going through is not that abnormal. There are many missionaries who go out who don't want to but find a change of heart through the process. Some never do. Some come home. But I do find that Satan works hard. At the age of 19 many boys don't know what they want yet and they tend to take a while to kick into gear. Not all boys- but it is common. Don't expect that he will come home early. Pray for the Lord to work on his heart. I had two brothers who gave my parents stress about going. One didn't want to and the other just was taking his merry time doing nothing. My parents wondered if they would really go. They did. One struggled more than the other but they both went and both finished and both look back on it with gratitude for going. One of my older siblings had a son who came home from the MTC early. That was hard on them. Though disappointing and stressful on them, they learned a lot from the situation. He did go back out a year later and is out in the mission field now. In the end (if worthiness isn't an issue) it all comes down to choices and commitment. Commit to his commitment (though his commitment may be of a low level). Take it. Run with it. Pray. If you keep doubting his commitment he will most likely doubt it too. If in the event he does come home early...I agree with SQUARE...keep him moving progressively in something. I think SQUARE speaks some wisdom when he writes "If he decides not to go, then continue to support him to go to school, etc. Maybe he will come around in while, if not continue to support him as long as he is involved in productive activities to better his future. If the commitment is made to go on a Mission, once he has gone off to the MTC and his perspective area, if all goes well than just continous support and encouragement is needed. If he ever makes an (Adult) decision to come home early, then you remind him of his (Adult)Decsion/ commitment that he made, and that if he wants to come home early, that he will have to make his own (Adult) living arrangments and living expenses for himself. You let him know that you will allways love him, but that this is going to be a life changing decision. (This has worked in past practices)." Every situation is different but I think there is some wisdom in that. Just know that sometimes they just need to get out there if they are sitting on the fence. Some may come home. But you will know that you supported him in that direction the best you could. As a mother you can do your part by exercising faith. Put fear behind you. You may benefit by asking for a priesthood blessing too. I am excited for your son. Hopefully his commitment will strengthen as he moves ahead. Sometimes it comes quickly. Sometimes it doesn't. Either way spiritually strengthen yourself as best you can by serving others and being obedient to the commandments and blessings will come as will the power of inspiration. Keep hopeful. Keep faithful. "Doubt not, fear not".

Dear Missionary Mother, This must be a difficult time for you. You have a son who has been called of the Lord to serve Him, to bring people unto Him. In losing himself in the work he will come to find himself. Yet you are plagued by fear which is reasonable because you see his hesitancy and attitude. You want him to go out because he wants to. You are afraid of him coming home early. You are afraid of disappointment. "Peace, be still." Exercise some faith, pray, fast and share with your son all the things you hope he will get out of his experience but let him know that he is the only one who can make the choice of his attitude. Encourage him. Let him know you love him. Let him go...even if it means he is going with a bad attitude. Jonah didn't want to go - but after being swallowed by the whale he finally had a change of heart. So might your son. If you have a husband and he holds the priesthood, have him ask your son to receive a Father's blessing. Those experiences he will look back on with gratitude. Give him the letter below, if you feel appropriate. Dear Elder, You are going on a mission. You have been called of the Lord first and foremost to serve Him by bringing people unto Him. You will notice this in your mission call. It states "You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Then it states "You are assigned to labor in the ___________ Mission". You are first and foremost called to serve as a missionary. That is of utmost importance. Where is only secondary...it is an assignment. BUT to be called as a missionary - that is your utmost responsibility. As a teacher in the MTC, I worked with a couple of hundred missionaries. Missionaries all came in with different levels of preparation and different levels of attitudes. It is a difficult journey for many. Satan works hard. He does not want missionaries to succeed. There are high emotionals highs and some very low emotional lows. It is not always easy. That is a normal feeling. BUT, if you stick it out and humbly seek to learn and to grow you will look back on it with gratitude. I saw missionaries go home...some out of unworthiness...some out of fear...some out of stress...some for medical reasons. Please commit to stay no matter how hard it gets. Exercise humility, faith and tolerance. As President Hinckley's dad said in a letter ot him on his mission "Forget yourself and get to work." I am going to be honest in letting you know that missions can be so hard. Sometimes I just wanted to go home. There are intense emotions you feel as a missionary. BUT...your commitment should see you through. Stick with it because you are committed to the Savior. I want to also let you know that missions are an awesome experience that you will never be able to get in any other way than by going. It prepares you for life. It will bless your life. It will bless others' lives. At the end of my mission I didn't want to go home. I finally got it. When you forget about your wants and focus on the work then does the love and life of the mission come alive. We learn to become like the Savior. So Elder, you may have doubts. That is normal. You may have ideas of what you'd rather be doing. That is normal. You may struggle. That is normal. BUT...if you commit yourself to stick with it no matter what and "forget yourself and get to work" you will have blessings come from it that you never imagined. If you have any question as to your worthiness...pick up the phone and call Bishop now. If you don't, commit to commit and be obedient and humble. Learn to be selfless. I know that if you do those things and make effort to read and pray and do what is asked that you will find your mission to be the best experience thus far in your life. Sincerely, Lost123

Your brother is lucky to have you. Continue to fast and pray as a family. There is true power in that. I think it is important to talk to him about his emotions and depression. He will need support through the repentance process. Ask your brother if it is okay to talk to his Bishop after he has (or even before). I am not insinuating that you should confess for him as that's his place ... but I think it might be helpful to talk to the Bishop about his depressive episodes and his progress and your fears and if there could be a support system in place while he walks the road of repentance. Just a thought. It might be good to ask the Bishop to follow up with him frequently. Most of all...you can be a source of support...by listening to him...loving him...and encouraging him along the path. Hopefully he doesn't let what he has done devastate or define his life. "Today is the first day for the rest of our lives". Seek for guidance too from the Lord, and as necessary from your Bishop (who does not know him).

What can you do...some suggestions: 1) Continue to read and pray 2) Learn to love people the way Christ does. This starts by serving them. Start with your family. Go out of your way to help your mother and/or other members in your family. Then seek to help your neighbors. A mission is in large part all about serving others. 3) Keep a journal about how excited you are and your spiritual experiences. A mission is a very stressful time with highs and lows so if you have something to lean on in the hard times to remind you why you are serving helps keep you grounded. 4) Prepare yourself emotionally. When you learn to love others you can learn to love yourself which means to forgive yourself. On your mission you will see the miracle of forgiveness and change in those you teach. You would hope that they will press forward in the gospel and not dwell on their past and become a force for good. Do the same for yourself. People are proud of you. When we dwell on the past we tend to not live in the present. It is okay to let the past remind you when needed to stay on the right path and to use wisdom in present day issues but remember it is what you are doing today that is most important. 5) Prepare yourself emotionally and mentally. Learn not to be offended easily. Learn to deal with rejection. Learn to communicate (take a class on communication). Find strategies to deal with discouragement effectively. Learn patience. All these things will help you with a mission. Most often times, companions are the most difficult part of a mission. Some will be lazy. Some will be negative. Some will be disobedient. Some will try you in every capacity. Learning to prepare yourself emotionally will help. 6) Start studying the "Preach My Gospel" study guide for missionaries. 7) Go on splits with the missionaries. Just to let you know...a mission is an awesome experience. It is also one of the most difficult experiences you will experience (for most missionaries) but it is an awesome preparation for life. If you start to think on your mission that this is not what you thought it would be (normal feelings)...stick it through....you will find that it will be what it needs to be in the end. Just remember that when you lose yourself in the service of God then is when you find yourself. Good on you. I am excited for you. Above all else...stay positive. And....Satan would that he would have you so any area of weakness or temptation you may have he will try to find. Be on guard. Put on the armor of righteousness, be humble enough to seek and listen to the counsel of others. Rely on the Lord. Have fun while doing it. Laugh often. Okay. Is that enough?! LOL! :)