classylady

Wonderful news! I'm so excited for you, but be prepared for the adversary to work on you.

I had never heard of this requirement before. I tried searching on LDS.org, but nothing came up with my search. I googled to see if I could find anything and this is what I found for Brazil (look at the 2nd bullet point): Religious / Missionary Temporary Visa: VITEM-VII Eligibility: Travel for religious/missionary purposes Procedure: Submission to the Embassy or Consulate of the following documents (all supporting documentation that is not originated in Brazil must be authenticated by the Consular Service. Copies of Brazilian supporting documents must be notarized by a "Cartório" in Brazil): • Two visa application forms per applicant, properly and completely filled in. Note: Every applicant must complete Item 21 of the visa application form, "Comments" (Purpose of Trip). In this section, the applicant must explain precisely what they are going to do while in Brazil. For especially complex trips, the applicant may submit details on an extra sheet of paper, if necessary. Each visa application form must be duly signed by the applicant (and parents must sign the application forms for those under 18 years of age); • Ordination certificate and/or diploma and school transcript for complete undergraduate theological studies; • Curriculum vitae; • If applicable, marriage, birth certificate or official dependency document for spouse/children/dependents; • Signed statement of commitment that the applicant will not engage in any activity in indigenous areas without the proper authorization by FUNAI - "National Indian Foundation"; • Brazilian notarized documents (send the documents with the original stamp by the "Cartório", plus one copy each): o Constitutive minutes/statutes of the Brazilian religious or missionary organization; o Empowerment certificate issued to the Brazilian religious or missionary organization's head officer; o Financial affidavit drawn at a "Cartório" by the Brazilian religious or missionary organization on behalf of the visitor and on his exit from the country; • Passport with a minimum validity of six months (it must also have at least one blank page available for the visa stamp); • Two recent 2" x 2" passport-type photo, in color or black and white, front view, full face, light background (snapshots are not accepted); • Letter from the employer or sponsoring organization, on its letterhead stationary, specifying the nature of the job to be performed and the duration of the contract, as well as providing proof of assumption of full financial responsibility by employer/sponsor for the applicant's stay in Brazil. • Recent (i.e., less than 90 days old) non-criminal record issued by the (i.e., applicant's place of residence) Police Department; • A person under 18 year of age not traveling with both parents or legal guardian(s) must provide a notarized letter of consent signed by the non-accompanying parent or guardian, together with appropriate payment to facilitate formal authentication by the Consular Service of the notarized letter of consent and, as applicable, the guardianship document (proof of guardianship is required); • Visa fee payment of US$ 210.00 per visa.

In your opinion, what would be the best otc pain medication for back pain? I understand that there may be varying opinions on this. This past year I've had some intense back pain that will come and go. It usually occurs after I've been doing a lot of bending with up and down motions. For example, pulling laundry from the dryer, (I pull one piece at a time and fold as I go) or loading the dishwasher, where I'm bending up and down. I'll usually end up with intense back pain at the end of the day. I haven't figured out if it's muscle aches, or my spine. The pain is in the small of my back. I had an x-ray during the summer, and there are no problems with my discs in my spine. Anyway, I'm just trying to get through the pain. Any help would be appreciated!

I remember thinking, "Why can't those parents discipline their children so they'll behave" while in Sacrament meeting. My own children were always fairly well behaved during church. Now, we have a grandson that we take to church every Sunday. For the life of me, I could not get him to sit still, color, look at a book, etc. to help keep him in control during the meetings. He was often a struggle in Primary also. Our inspired Bishop had a sister called to be his "helper" in Primary. That was her calling--to be with my grandson during Primary. She was wonderful, and even several years after her release my grandson still adores her. My grandson has since been diagnosed with Asperger's. So, for all those years that I "patted myself on the back" for my well behaved children, and then my embarrassment with my grandson's behavior, I've learned a great lesson: all children are unique, and most parents are doing the best they can with the limited knowledge and experience they may have.

If you don't live in an area where you can go to the Beehive Clothing store, and you order online, be aware that for me, the garments seem to be sized slightly large. When I first bought my garments, I thought I was getting the correct size, but they tended to be too big. If you haven't opened the package you will be able to exchange them for a different size. In choosing fabric, if you have the funds I would get several different kinds. Sometimes, you won't know what you prefer until you try them. And keep in mind, that what others prefer, may not necessarily be what you like the best. For example, a lot of my friends and family love the mesh fabric. It does breathe, and is nice in hot climates, but for me, I have such sensitive skin, the mesh fabric felt "itchy". I really like the new fabric Carinessa II. Also, like DriSilque--both of these feel fine to my sensitive skin. I also have some cotton garments that I like. That's why I suggest you try several kinds if possible. Then you will know what you prefer.

My pin is 4 digits. I've used my card in Europe, and 4 digits worked over there just fine.

Beautiful poem, Analyn. Thanks for sharing. I had a daughter die in a car accident 8 years ago. So, this poem was particularly poignant.

Trust your instincts, Bini. Sometimes, there isn't anything concrete you can point your finger to. I was uncomfortable about leaving my children alone with one of my own brothers. I don't know why I felt that way, but I did. He just seemed to be overly "fond" of children, and it made me uncomfortable. My younger sister, just this last year, told me she had felt the same way. We didn't have anything concrete to point to, we just had that "uncomfortable" feeling. She never allowed her children to be alone with that particular brother either. All of our children are older now, (adults, or nearly adults) so we don't worry anymore. But, I often wonder why we had these particular feelings. I don't think my brother has ever harmed any children, but he was molested as a young teen, and he "outed" the guy. We will never know. Perhaps, if he had the opportunity, something might have happened. But, my sister and I, (unbeknownst to either of us) had the feeling not to allow him to be alone with our young children. We still associated with him, just didn't allow him to be alone with our children. I don't know how that helps you. I would still associate with BIL, but try your best to be civil, and trust your instincts.

I'm not very outgoing. So VT is a way for me to get to the know the sisters in my ward and them to know me. I've been in the same house for 23 years. So, I've had numerous changes with VT. I really feel a bond with the sisters that have VT me. Some of my companionships have been great, others I have struggled with. Right now I have a great relationship with my companion. I hate making phone calls and setting up appointments (I think I have a phone phobia). She doesn't mind. She doesn't like giving the lesson, but I enjoy doing the lesson. So, she usually sets up the appointments, and I give the lesson. Works for both of us.

I have wanted to see this since it first came out. Still haven't. Sounds like it's on DVD. Would this be a good Christmas present to either give or receive?

I love Wallace and Gromit!!! What a great tradition!

Vort, a very deep topic. As I was pondering your post, what came to my mind was "The Law of Moses", a law of specific commands and performances. In 3 Nephi 9:17-20, ..."in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. I am the light and the life of the world...And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost..." To my understanding, the Law of Moses was a lesser law, and we are now given a higher law to live, a broken heart and contrite spirit. To me, that is what "minding" would be--living the higher law.

In our ward there are several members who are unable to attend their meetings and the Sacrament is brought to them in their home. One particular sister happened to have a job working from her home as an airlines reservations agent. I don't know the whole story about her, for she also had some health issues, but not major health issues. When her schedule allowed she did attend church. But the Sacrament was brought into her home when she couldn't attend due to her work schedule. When I was working, because I had low seniority, I very seldom was able to get a shift that had Sundays off. For a number of years I wasn't able to attend my Sunday meetings. If I could I would attend a different ward that had Sacrament meeting that didn't conflict with my schedule. I suppose quite a few people in our ward probably thought I was inactive. I wasn't. I just couldn't attend the meetings. I still qualified for a temple recommend, even though I could only attend sporadically over the years--depending on my work schedule.

This is a hard one. I've gone through all sorts of scenarios in my head as to what would weaken my faith. And I really can't think of anything. I've been through some tough times: financial, death of a child, death of my father while I was a young child, caring for my mother who has Alzheimer's, marital problems, personal health problems, seeing injustice in my own life and in the world, seeing women and children suffer, seeing people I admire in the church lose their own testimonies, church leaders who aren't perfect, my own personal sins, etc. I would have to say that my testimony and faith is in the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have received a personal witness from the Holy Ghost of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I cannot deny that witness that I have received. Even when I, myself, have not always lived according to the commandments, I could not deny my testimony, and I could not leave the Church.

I like A and then B. Have fun!

While paying a full tithe over the years, we've had our phone disconnected, power turned off, water turned off, gas turned off, cars break down, etc. But, the peace of mind that comes by paying a full tithe--priceless! And, we still have a roof over our heads.

Oh, why do I always feel the need to read and understand the math posts? I love math. To me, it's like putting pieces of a puzzle together and coming out with a beautiful picture (answer). Unfortunately, math is not my forte'. But, I love it all the same. Maybe in the next life my brain will be able to finally understand/comprehend it all.

Momof7-2nheaven, I'm so sorry for the loss of your children. The death a child (I believe) is one of the hardest trials an individual can ever go through. Eight years ago my 19 year old daughter died in a car accident. I can still remember how I felt when I first heard the news. I wanted to drop to the ground and scream and scream! I didn't. I wanted to cry! I couldn't. It took me almost a week before I could cry, though, on the inside I was crying continually and felt so raw and hurt. It's hard to describe unless you've been though it before. I had to be strong for my other 6 children--3 older and 3 younger than her. She was an unwed mother and left a 2 month old baby boy behind, who was also in the accident and had received a skull fracture. I remember getting angry with God too. All sorts of questions would go through my mind--why did this have to happen to her? Why did this have to happen to me? Why do I have to go through this? Why do my other children have to go through this? Why does her son have to go through life without a mother? And as the years have gone by, a lot of "what if" questions go through my mind. What if she was still alive? How many children would she have? What would she be doing?--and so on. For me, I never lost my faith in God. I always knew there was a God. I have experienced a lot of deaths of family members before losing my daughter, and in that area of faith, believing in God, I was blessed. But, I still questioned. And I have gotten angry with God. And, I don't know, but I was finally able to get to the point that when I would think Why me?, I could finally say Why not me? Intellectually, I knew there was death and sorrow in the world. But, when it hit me personally, I feel I didn't deal with it as well as I could have. I feel guilty about my anger with God. I do know that one of the steps of grief that people go through is anger. So maybe I can give myself some slack and forgive myself. Even though we know we will see our loved ones again, it doesn't take away the grief and sorrow of losing them. Simply put, we miss them. I miss my daughter every day. I don't think that will ever go away. And, I also know she would not want me to be so overcome with grief that I can not find joy in everyday life. She would not want that for me. She wants me to find happiness in life, and get on with my life--easier said than done, right? So, I know nothing I say can help bring your children back, but, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Forgive your ward members and bishop. They are only human and make mistakes. I know the Lord loves you and your family. He is so mindful of what you have gone through. He wants you to find joy in your life, and He wants you to come back into full fellowship. Allow the Savior to atone for your mistakes. He loves you. I can't put myself exactly in your shoes (who can), but I care about you too! Bless you.

You know you're in your third trimester when you can barely squeeze behind the steering wheel of the car.

Congratulations!

I don't know all the whys and the wherefores. My understanding would be because in the case of widowhood, the wife is still considered sealed to her late husband. And her subsequent children that she would have in a civil marriage--or even out of wedlock, would be sealed to her and her deceased husband. As for doctrine, remember the story of Tamar in Genesis 38: 8-26. She was the daughter-in-law of Judah. Her first husband dies, and Judah says to his second son Onan, "Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother." Then Onan dies, and Judah promises his youngest son Shelah to Tamar. But, when Shelah was grown he was not given to Tamar. Tamar then disguises herself as a harlot and conceives by Judah. Is this just the culture of the time, or is this doctrine? I'm thinking it's a little of both. Culturally, we don't give our daughter-in-laws to subsequent sons. But, the premise that subsequent children are sealed (BIC) to the widow and her first husband would be the core doctrine. This would hold true for divorce if the wife has not received a sealing cancellation, and/or been excommunicated from the church. If excommunicated, her sealing would be revoked. In the case of a man being widowed, or divorced, and if he remarries civilly, and the new spouse has not previously been sealed, the children would not be born in the covenant. It seems to me, that the sealing goes through the mother. Why? I don't have the answer to that. Maybe because the man can be sealed to more than one wife while in mortality, but the woman may only be sealed to one man. Why? Again, I don't have the answer to that. In my own circumstance, my husband was divorced and previously sealed to his first wife. We married civilly, and had our first child before we went through the temple and were sealed. Our first child, was not BIC, and therefore needed to be sealed to us. About a year ago, I did some further research on this because my husbands's ex-wife has subsequently remarried civilly, and has two more children. My husband and I were wondering if her subsequent children were sealed to him. I found out that because she was excommunicated, and has never come back into the church, that the children are not considered BIC (sealed to my husband). But, if she had not been excommunicated, her subsequent children would have been considered BIC. Clear as mud, right? I don't know if my answer helped any.

I think most members of the church take their sealing covenant seriously. Granted, there may be a few that don't. From my experience, everyone I've known who have divorced, agonized over their decision. I don't believe they were flippant about their sealing covenant. As for Sister-in-Faith's comment about children born out of the covenant--For women, who have been previously sealed, and then get divorced or widowed, (as long as they are not excommunicated), any subsequent children they have will still be considered born in the covenant (BIC). Even if she has a child out of wedlock, the child would still be considered BIC. And the same applies if she remarries civilly and is not sealed to her 2nd husband, her children born with 2nd husband is considered BIC. In these instances, if she has been excommunicated, the children would not be BIC. This same principle does not apply to the men. If a man divorces or is widowed, in order for any of his subsequent children to be BIC, he must be sealed to his 2nd wife (unless his 2nd wife is still sealed to a former spouse). So, if a man, who has previously been sealed, has a child out of wedlock or in a civil marriage only, the child would not be BIC.

I didn't know you served a mission in Bulgaria. That would have been awesome! When were you there?

My uncle married a native sister missionary from his foreign mission. This was back in the 1950's. They never had a date before they got married, though they did write letters to each other. After he got home from his mission, he sent for her, she flew to Canada where he met her, and they were married right after she arrived. He has served as a Bishop and she has served as a Relief Society President. After retirement, they served a full time mission together, back to their original mission, and as Temple missionaries. I served a full time mission, and the "Lock Your Heart" talk was definitely emphasized. After I got home I dated several of the Elders from my mission. There was nothing going on while we were on our missions. As missionaries, we developed strong bonds of friendship. And since I lived in the vicinity of BYU after my mission, the Elders and Sisters from my mission often got together for outings and parties. I'm still good friends with some of the Elders. We exchange Christmas cards after all these years--30+, and I'm friends on FaceBook with a number of them. There were several marriages of Elders/Sisters from my mission. I see nothing wrong with it as long as nothing was going on out in the mission field.

It sounds like your ex-wife has moved on. It's time to let her go. And as RescueMom says, "bow out gracefully." She doesn't need permission from you, but when she does request the sealing cancellation you will be asked to write a letter to the First Presidency stating your side of things. There are consequences to our actions, even if we repent and are forgiven. It sounds like infidelity was a "deal breaker" to your ex-wife. I know that it would be in my own marriage, no matter what the circumstances or reasoning behind the infidelity. I'm glad to hear that you have repented and are a better husband/father than you were before. I know that the Lord is pleased with your repentance. It will be hard to let go of someone you love. But, from your ex-wife's point of view, she has moved on, and she obviously doesn't see any reconciliation in this life or the next.