classylady

I agree. There are consequences to every decision we make. I regret the need to work while my children were still in school. The consequences in my case were not good. My children suffered from having a mom who was worn out at the end of every day. They did not get the same attention when I was working such as help with school work, emotional drama with friends, Halloween costumes, volunteering in their classroom, and even spiritual matters. I think, in our case, anyway, it was a detriment to them. And, then again, maybe it’s just “mom” guilt. I tend to take the blame for the failures of my children.

Since being married (going on 37 years now), I have worked off and on. I haven’t worked for the past 8 years and I’ve been thinking of getting another job. But, I’m so used to being able to babysit my grandkids whenever I want, and travel when I want, that I can’t imagine being tied down right now. I just need to find something where I can set my own hours and it isn’t multi-level marketing.

What I appreciate most about the LDS faith is the knowledge I have gained about life after death. I know all of us experience death of loved ones at some point in our lives, and the death of my daughter in a car accident when she was 19 years old was devastating to me. It’s been almost 15 years now and I still profoundly miss her. I can’t imagine losing a loved one and not knowing if you will ever see them again. It brings me such peace and joy to know I will again be able to embrace her in my arms and tell her how much I missed her and love her. My father died when I was only six years old. I’m also looking forward to seeing him again, along with my mother who passed away last year. This is what it’s truly all about—our relationships with our loved ones and living good and honorable lives.

Men may request a sealing cancellation from their ex even if she has not gotten remarried and sealed to another spouse. My husband requested a sealing cancellation from his ex-wife and it was granted about 3 to 4 years ago. She has not been sealed to a new spouse. From my understanding, it was more difficult in years past for men to request and get sealing cancellations from their exes. In fact when my husband and I were married over 30 years ago he requested a cancellation but received a letter from the first presidency that it wasn’t necessary. Twenty plus years later my husband asked our current bishop about getting his previous sealing cancelled and was told “yes” it could be done. So, my husband wrote the required letter and our Stake President sent it into headquarters. My husband got his reply back several weeks later, and his cancellation request was granted. Perhaps your bishop is not aware that men are allowed to request a sealing cancellation. Maybe, your husband can try asking your bishop again, or go to your Stake President with the request.

Years ago we signed up for Winder Farms home delivery. I enjoyed the service. It was handy, and I made fewer trips to the grocery store. Then I quit my job and we couldn’t afford it any longer. I rather miss the convenience.

It went really well in our ward. We talked about some specific needs of some our inactive and non members in our ward boundaries. Also, talked on VT and meeting the sisters needs more than worrying about numbers.

I think you need to put FaceBook down as a news source.? Seriously, there are a lot of people that only get their news off of FaceBook posts. Sad.

For my husband’s Office Christmas party we had to buy a gift for the Christmas gift exchange. What we purchased: a box of ammunition, a package of targets, and some snacks for the future target shooting outing. It was a big hit at the gift exchange. (My husband knew most of the office had guns, since most of them had all gone to a concealed weapon class).

Anatess, so glad your family experienced the snow this year!

Speaking from experience, (I married a divorced man), who has told me everything in detail, plus I accidentally viewed a “naughty” video he and his ex had filmed together, it has created some definite problems in our relationship. If I knew then what I know now, I would have never married my husband. I was naive in thinking his past wouldn’t encroach into our relationship. Of course it did. He already knew his preferences in the physical department. For his part, there was no learning curve. He already knew what he liked. If his past bothers you, there is a good chance it will bother you even more after you marry him. I would not marry him if you have those concerns. Fortunately, my husband loves me very much which helps the situation, but it has not erased the emotional pain. With that said, if he is repentant and truly, truly, loves you, and puts you first, you could still have a great marriage. I would take the matter in prayer to your Heavenly Father. He will direct you.

I experienced a similar scenario with my cousin's husband. After my mission I was searching for a job in the Salt Lake City area. My cousin's husband helped me find a job in the same building that he worked in. I also needed a place to live and my cousin invited me to live with them until I could find a place. Being a poor working girl and also going to school, money was tight so I was grateful to them for allowing me to stay with them until I could find roommates and get my own place. We carpooled to work and everything was fine until one day my cousin's husband told me he was attracted to me. Wow! That was a shock! I had no idea he felt this way. Needless to say, I moved out within a week. My feelings were one of "ick". This was not cool!! My regard for him took a nosedive. Where I once thought he was an upright guy, I now thought of him as a perv. I felt terrible. I wondered if I had ever done anything to let him think I was interested in him. I was not. I had never been. I felt bad for my cousin. How could he be so disrespectful to her? Have you ever thought about what would happen if you actually told your SIL your feelings? She may have the same reaction that I had. One of revulsion. That's what she should feel. But, what if it isn't revulsion on her part, and she tells you she is interested in you as well. Then what? Let's say you keep it on the up and up, and no hanky panky occurs, but you divorce your wife. Can you imagine the family dynamics if you should marry your SIL? There would never be a comfortable time with the in-laws. How could there be? How could your children ever be comfortable with such a situation. This is a losing scenario., No matter how you look at it. It would not be good!!! Never tell your SIL your feelings about her if you want her respect.

“Lilies of the Field”. A beautiful hymn. I believe music speaks to us in ways that words cannot. For me, it seems to touch my spirit. One of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had was in the LTM (precursor to the MTC). The missionaries were singing “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”. I experienced such a profound experience of love for my Savior as we sang that song. I have never forgotten that feeling. I know the Holy Ghost was bearing witness to me of the divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Music touches our brains in ways that I don’t think we can understand. I know we can remember words to a song years later. Just think of all the Primary songs we can still sing to this day?

You just posted some of my same thoughts on the subject. When I think of defense, I think of protection. We are protecting our faith. I think along the lines of Book of Mormon scripture, where defending the people is allowed, but being the aggressor is not, I feel that defending the gospel against Satan and false teachings is the appropriate thing to do. Due to some personal experiences with others lately, the song “True to the Faith” has been on my mind a lot. “Shall the youth of Zion falter In defending truth and right? While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight? True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.”

Great article!

I've tried really hard throughout my life to not swear or be vulgar. I admit that as a teenager I did on occasion let a few cuss words escape. And, also during my teenage years I found myself swearing in my head, just not out loud. I asked myself back then, "what kind of hypocrit was I, if I was swearing in my head?" It wasn't what I wanted, so I began to make a make a big effort to avoid any swearing, even in my head. It has worked. Now days, if I overhear any swear words, vulgarity, taking the Lord's name in vain, I cringe inside. I don't want to hear it. I just wish I could get my adult daughter to stop swearing. I've tried to be an example and not condemn her choices, but, it hurts my spirit to hear some of the words that flow from her mouth.

My cousin lives in Sugar Land (just south of Houston). She is under mandatory evacuation. They moved most of their furniture and other items of value from the main level to the second floor. Their house hasn't been flooded yet, but their street has some water on it. Behind their house is a drainage canal/bayou that could flood. They drove to their daughter's home, about 10 miles away. If they have to leave there, they are looking for routes out of Houston to go north. It's difficult to get out with many major roads flooded.

Very good article!

When I was reading my scriptures tonight I had a question that I couldn't answer. In the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History, starting with verse 69, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were conferred the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist and commanded to baptize each other. Which they did. Then afterwards they ordained each other to the same Aaronic Priesthood - verse 71. What I'm not understanding, is if they already had the Priesthood from John the Baptist, which they needed to baptize each other, then why did they need to be ordained to that Priesthood again after baptism? I feel this is something I knew at one time, but I'm not remembering my lessons.

Zil's reply was excellent! Several years ago my husband and I nearly lost our home to foreclosure. My husband had retired from his job before he was qualified to receive his retirement, and we were still a few years away from receiving any Social Security benefits. He had great dreams of doing well in an MLM business, which did not not occur, (we invested money in it, and saw 0 return). Knowing my husband, I was pretty sure this was going to be the outcome, but I wasn't going to be the one to ruin his dream. He had to figure this out for himself. I remember being so depressed and in such despair. If we lost our house I knew that at our advanced ages we would never be able to recover. Our credit rating was such, I also knew we probably wouldn't even be able to rent. Plus, where was the money for rent? We didn't have any monthly income. And trying to find jobs in our 60's, we would be making minimum wage, if that. Anyway, as we were waiting for the bank to tell us to vacate our home (we hadn't made a house payment in over 6 months), I was despairing over our situation. I knew we were responsible for this dilemma we were in. Many of the trials we face are over decisions we personally make in our lives. But, then I was comforted by the fact that even if we became homeless, if I lost everything, there was one thing that I would not be losing, and that was my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as my early ancestors repeatedly lost everything in the early years of the church, they did not lose their faith, and this is what I still had, my faith. This thought gave me courage, and I simply was no longer despairing over our situation. All of us are faced with many trials in our lives. Some, we have brought on ourselves, others are placed in our path from other people's choices, and other trials we may be born with. But, we can choose our response to our trials. Don't give up. Have faith. Continue on with hope, faith, and charity. I'm reminded of Alma and Amulek in Alma chapter 14, where they are brought forth to witness the martyrdom of the women and children. Amulek says to Alma "how can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receive the them up unto himself, in glory...". We often forget that this life is not the end of everything. Our Spirits are eternal and we have eternal blessings awaiting us that we may not realize in this life time.

When I worked for the Genealogical Dept. I was one of a handful of coworkers who was given a tour of the Granite Vaults. It was a fascinating experience which very few people get the chance to do.

Where's the "laugh" button. Haha.

I believe most normal people, even the good looking ones, have a little anxiety about dating. Back when I was younger and in the dating pool, I found that just being friendly and nice was the best way to be. Don't try to impress the guys. Just be your friendly self. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn't, it wasn't meant to be.

And, it is the witness by the Holy Ghost which gives the confirmation of the truthfulness of the gospel. In my own experience, that is what I rely on--confirmation from the Holy Ghost. Whenever I encounter a "question" that might possibly put the church in doubt, I can always look at the confirmation I had of the Holy Ghost testifying to me of Joseph Smith's vision and of the this being the Lord's church. I cannot deny that confirmation! It is more real than study, faith building stories, historical narratives, etc.

I like open floor plans, but, then again I hate them. How can you hide your dirty dishes in the sink with the open floor plan? i love watching HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, House Hunters, etc. I could be happy in a variety of different styles. I would love a house with tall ceilings. My current house has 8 foot ceilings and I can't fit a Christmas tree any taller than 7 feet. This is so a First World problem, but, I still would someday like a tall Christmas tree that would fit in a room with vaulted ceilings.

It truly is no one's business. But, there are ways to avoid the judgements in the first place. For example, I would never state to anyone in my ward "I have decided to not obey [insert any commandment] ". If I told Ward members I wasn't going to obey a certain commandment, I have no one to blame but myself for any "looks" I would get when said commandment was discussed in class or sacrament meeting. The way the original post was worded, it sounded as if "I have chosen to disobey the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth". There was no additional info given that there were health reasons. If the way it is brought up to Ward members is similar to the original post, then I wouldn't be surprised at the consequences of said statement. But, if there are health concerns, and stated to the members, in my experience, most members are sympathetic to the individuals concerned.