classylady

As others have said, in this life we will never know the ripple effect of what serving a mission will do.  I too served a mission in Argentina (en el Norte) and it has been 15 years.  I visited several years ago and found some individuals I had a hand in baptizing doing well and others not doing so well.  
 
I certainly wish that I could have done more and that I could go back and correct mistakes I made; however the Lord accepted my service and I'll take that.  I too believe that if a missionary is humble that they will gain far more from a mission than they could possibly give.  " He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." 
 
Being a missionary was a training ground for life, 2 years of spiritual boot camp.  It isn't the end all be all of spirituality, but it provides a kick start into the possibilities of life.  There are things that I have gone through, am going through and will go through in my life that I could not possibly endure without having my missionary experience.  I can find the threads of my life in my mission.
 
During my mission, I felt like I would give anything to help the people I served to have salvation and exaltation.  I still wish for their exaltation, but now I thank Heavenly Father for the privilege of serving so that I might be able to endure the vicissitudes of life for the things that matter the most in my life, my children and my family.

Awww...crap...

Last summer I was able to attend a 90 year celebration of a small Branch that I had worked in while on my mission in Germany. While I was working in that city, I had only one baptism. I lost contact with him, and he and his wife moved away. From what I understand he and his wife did go inactive. I have hope that they have come back. But, anyway, what I did see with this Branch were many of the stalwarts who were still active. Their children were active.  In fact, we stayed at a member's home, who was about 6 years old at the time I was a missionary there. She still remembered me.
 
I had few baptisms in Germany. I know that one of the Sister's that I taught and was baptized has struggled with activity and then inactivity most of the past 30 years. But, she has done extensive genealogy research and loves it.
 
We don't know the impact that we've had on other's lives. One lady that we taught, who never joined the church, became widowed after our first lesson with her. She and her family were so grateful about learning the Plan of Salvation. Even though she never joined, I know that my companion and I were sent there, to help her and her family during this tragedy in their lives. I know that Heavenly Father loved them. She believed, and was so thankful to know that she would see her husband again.
 
I long ago decided that if the one person/soul that was saved on my mission, was my own, then my mission was worth it!!  My mission was hard!  I was a good missionary, but not perfect. It forever changed my life. My mission strengthened my testimony!  I loved the people I served. Whether they joined the Church, remained active or not, I still love them.

Last summer I was able to attend a 90 year celebration of a small Branch that I had worked in while on my mission in Germany. While I was working in that city, I had only one baptism. I lost contact with him, and he and his wife moved away. From what I understand he and his wife did go inactive. I have hope that they have come back. But, anyway, what I did see with this Branch were many of the stalwarts who were still active. Their children were active.  In fact, we stayed at a member's home, who was about 6 years old at the time I was a missionary there. She still remembered me.
 
I had few baptisms in Germany. I know that one of the Sister's that I taught and was baptized has struggled with activity and then inactivity most of the past 30 years. But, she has done extensive genealogy research and loves it.
 
We don't know the impact that we've had on other's lives. One lady that we taught, who never joined the church, became widowed after our first lesson with her. She and her family were so grateful about learning the Plan of Salvation. Even though she never joined, I know that my companion and I were sent there, to help her and her family during this tragedy in their lives. I know that Heavenly Father loved them. She believed, and was so thankful to know that she would see her husband again.
 
I long ago decided that if the one person/soul that was saved on my mission, was my own, then my mission was worth it!!  My mission was hard!  I was a good missionary, but not perfect. It forever changed my life. My mission strengthened my testimony!  I loved the people I served. Whether they joined the Church, remained active or not, I still love them.

Your son is only a baby now. Of course you don't want to let him go. It's easier by the time they are 18 years old.
 
I've been a missionary and I've had several of my children go on missions. It is a wonderful experience! Hard, but so worth it. I've seen the growth my children made, and I'm so grateful they went. Those two years will go by whether they are on a mission or not. They could opt to go to college far away, or opt to travel on their own in far away dangerous lands. As a parent, we have to cut the apron strings and let them live their lives. As a mother, I was grateful for the choices my children made who went on missions. I don't worry about their spiritual well-being like I do my children who chose not to serve missions

Well I don't have a problem with spouses doing things apart if that is their interest.  As long as that is the exception and not the norm.  So as long as your husband is okay with it.  That's the important thing.
 
I had asked Palerider if he and his wife could come while we are there since he has so much experience with Nauvoo. And I made sure to mention his wife.  I could just see it now with him, "Hey honey I'm going to Nauvoo and btw I'm meeting some ladies there."  haha  Even when I've met Palerider for lunch a couple of times he brought his sister. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.
 
And we are going to have a blast.   :)

When my kids were small, being able to go to the grocery store by myself was like a vacation.

My family has been given so much service.  I'm so grateful.
 
One of the sweetest services given was from my RS President and another lady in our ward. After the death of my 19 year old daughter, my time was consumed with taking care of her 2 month old baby and getting funeral services prepared. I had no time for anything. They took my 12 year old daughter to help pick out and buy a dress for her sister to be buried in. What a wonderful and tender act of service. My younger daughter was able to participate in a last gift for her sister.

This is a good article: What Happens After We Die https://www.lds.org/new-era/2013/03/what-happens-after-we-die?lang=eng
A few quotes from the article: "People’s spirits had an adult form in premortal life and will have that same form in the spirit world, even if they die as infants or children.3"
"According to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the parents of a child who died in childhood “will have the joy, the pleasure and satisfaction of nurturing [it], after its resurrection, until it reaches the full stature of its spirit.”12"
 
Here's another quote from: "Teachings of Joseph F. Smith
Little children who pass away before they are accountable are redeemed.With little children who are taken away in infancy and innocence before they have reached the years of accountability, and are not capable of committing sin, the gospel reveals to us the fact that they are redeemed, and Satan has no power over them. Neither has death any power over them. They are redeemed by the blood of Christ, and they are saved just as surely as death has come into the world through the fall of our first parents. …
… Our beloved friends who are now deprived of their little one, have great cause for joy and rejoicing, even in the midst of the deep sorrow that they feel at the loss of their little one for a time. They know he is all right; they have the assurance that their little one has passed away without sin. Such children are in the bosom of the Father. They will inherit their glory and their exaltation, and they will not be deprived of the blessings that belong to them; for, in the economy of heaven, and in the wisdom of the Father, who doeth all things well, those who are cut down as little children are without any responsibility for their taking off, they, themselves, not having the intelligence and wisdom to take care of themselves and to understand the laws of life; and, in the wisdom and mercy and economy of God our Heavenly Father, all that could have been obtained and enjoyed by them if they had been permitted to live in the flesh will be provided for them hereafter. They will lose nothing by being taken away from us in this way. …"
 

I lost 125lbs last year.

Even when it is, we come to find out that artificial turf offers no sustenance.  :-)
 
Where we sometimes err is in thinking that if we just add more water to the lawn then we'll feel better.  Sometimes we need to stop watering, sit down, and enjoy some lemonaid.  How might that look for us?  Well, maybe instead of one more visitation, or one more task, what we need is to sit down, put on some inspirational music, and allow the peace, rest and comfort of our Master to soothe our weary souls.

I've always found this to be the best explanation of who will be involved and what will happen
https://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/enrichment-i?lang=eng

Oh, dear.  I can imagine how difficult this is.  So in case it helps - 
I went home and attended to my mom the last 3 months of her life.  I wouldn't/couldn't have done it if I hadn't forgiven her first.  That process took years.  Anyway, I consider those three months a huge blessing in my life so even if forgiveness comes later/after the fact for you, you may see your efforts differently down the road.  Hold on to that and bless you!

Apparently, the former Lamanites who became the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's were also forgiven of their sins which included murder.
 
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1: 18.  This I believe.  It gives great comfort and hope to the sinner.  For those who have truly found sorrow in their sins and have repented, this is the hope and the promise.  For those who have been sinned against and are having a hard time with forgiveness, this perhaps seems harsh and too lenient.  If we have suffered at the hands of others, it is required of us to forgive.  And, we need to allow the sinner to repent.  Don't constantly bring up the past mistakes of someone who has put it behind them and is attempting to lead a righteous life.

Thank you all.  It's still a time away, as the process isn't final, but we are looking forward to having our family completely sealed.

I really do not understand why some are interpreting scriptures the way they are. First I would like to ask the question - who is it that has not sinned and that will not have to beg and plead for mercy at that great day of judgement?
As I have stated and I honestly believe that anyone that comes to their senses and pleads before G-d for mercy will not be cast off - despite what ever sins they may have committed or for how long. As I understand - there are likely those - that for what ever reason will be proud and will not beg for mercy. Perhaps in their pride they will think that they are righteous and need no mercy. Whatever!!! But I believe that those that regret their sins and plead in their very core - that are brought to humility because of the realization of their sins - their sins will be forgiven and their burden lifted at that great day. Anyone else that is, for whatever reason not sorry for what they have done - will be glad to remain as they are in their sins.
My recommendation is to put off our pride - to start now begging before G-d that our sins be forgiven. My experience is that the sooner we start and the more practice we have at it; the easier it will be and the less painful it will be to come before G-d at that great day of judgement and beg G-d for mercy and forgiveness.
The Traveler

I knew/know that it was required, but I didn't want to search for documentation if anyone questioned me on it. I often choose my choice of wording carefully, so that I don't have to show documentation. Not because I don't want to, but I simply don't have the time to be researching and showing documentation. In fact, when I first wrote my entry, I typed that permission would be required, but I changed it to "I believe".  This hopefully gets me out of showing documentation.  lol

My great-grandmother was not "given" to her husband.  My great-grandfather met his second wife, and courted her. My great-grandmother insisted that she meet the first wife, and that they had a good relationship before she would consent to marry my great grandfather.
 
My great-great grandfather, when he married his third wife (my 2nd great grandmother), also met her at some point, courted her, and then married her. I do believe though, that my great grandfather's would have needed permission from the First Presidency to be sealed to subsequent wives.

The Church allows a widower to be sealed to more than one wife. Would that be considered serial polygamy, lol? And divorced couples don't necessarily get their sealing cancelled unless the woman remarries and is sealed to her subsequent husband/s. Even, women are able to be sealed by proxy to all husbands that she has had during her lifetime once she is dead. So, is polygamy still part of the Church?
 
If polygamy is reinstated, and my husband took another wife, it would be very difficult for me to feel that I'm number one in his life. I would question his devotion to me. Many marriages fail because the wife doesn't feel she is number one in her husband's life. And that is a "need" that most women require in their marriage. And what about the 2nd wife?  How does she feel like she is number one in her husband's life. These are basic needs that women need in a marriage.  A wife needs emotional security just as she needs financial security.
 
And then of course, there are these questions. What if the husband had a favorite wife? What if he negatively compares one wife over the other? What if finances were strained because of the subsequent wife? How do you have transparency in a marriage when there is more than one wife? How do wives have their privacy if their husband repeats back to the other what is going on with the other wife? And, honesty is required in marriage. Is the husband going to lie if his wife asks questions about what is going on with his relationship with the other wife? How does a husband meet the emotional needs of each wife, especially if the need is exclusivity? Isn't that what marriage is? We promise to be exclusive to one another. I think many men forget how important that is to a woman.
 
All these questions would come into play with polygamy. In reading my great-grandmother's journals these were questions that were buried. Polygamy was hard. It would still be hard if reinstated today. But, if required it could be done. To quote my great grandmother, who was a second wife, and her mother was a third wife "I am grateful that as a heritage it seemed easy for me to accept and live happily in polygamy as one of my father's numerous posterity. And I leave my testimony as to its power in developing Christian ideals of unselfishness and its marvelous experiencing of live and deep consideration of the feelings of others, which we must all learn if we obtain Eternal Salvation."

My father was born in 1912- he worked at Pacific Food and Produce during the swing shift. As he worked we slept. He slept when we were at school. He worked 6 days a week. He did chores with my Mother and us kids. In the house and outside. He maintained the car - teaching us girls as well as my brother how to change tires, the oil, put on chains. 
 
He taught me how to darn socks, and my sisters how to knit them. He taught me how to take several inches off of his work shirt hems and put them in his sleeves, making the sleeves longer and the hems shorter. He had looong arms and a short torso.
 
So, for a man my husband's age - 72, there is NO good reason for his being as inconsiderate as he is. Not to his Mother or to me.
 
She enabled his bad behavior, as I am doing.  I just need some coaching and counsel on the tone of voice to us, and the words NOT to use when I finally erupt and toss EVERYTHING into the street! 
 
When Mom was cooking he was teaching us children how to do chores. I was shocked when as a teen I discovered that other fathers never did this. Never set up two ironing boards, with two irons and got that part of the laundry done right beside Mom or one of us kids. 
 
He made the best breakfasts and lunches. He taught Mom how to make tomato soup using canned tomatoes and cream. Best comfort food in the world. Both of my brothers make the best desserts and Breakfasts. 
 
BIG sigh - sorry for the rant - the end

The secular fundamentalists keep saying Hobby Lobby won the right to deny their workers "easy access" to contraception.  In fact, SCOTUS agreed that it should not be required to pay for abortificents (sp?) for them.  Why did the court agree?
 
1.  Corporations are often treated as persons, under the law.  This is nothing new.  It's appropriate here because of the unified faith of Hobby Lobby's (and the other company) very few owners.
 
2.  HHS made no attempt to seek "least restrictive means" of attaining its goal of free contraceptives for all.  It has granted other exemptions, so how can it argue that there were no alternatives here?
 
3.  HHS can easily remedy this gap by either paying for the contraceptives directly (by taxing us), or by requiring insurance companies to foot the bill.
 
And so, this is a victory of morals and perception.  The ACA bullied people of sincere religious conviction, and SCOTUS drew a line.  Why the secular fundamentalists are so outraged is that they WANT to force Christians to pay for abortion-inducing contraceptives.  After all, they are secular, and they are ideological fundamentalists.

My family has been given so much service.  I'm so grateful.
 
One of the sweetest services given was from my RS President and another lady in our ward. After the death of my 19 year old daughter, my time was consumed with taking care of her 2 month old baby and getting funeral services prepared. I had no time for anything. They took my 12 year old daughter to help pick out and buy a dress for her sister to be buried in. What a wonderful and tender act of service. My younger daughter was able to participate in a last gift for her sister.

Canonized scripture, Conference sermon specifically tailored to the individuals raising the issue, united statement of the 1st Pres/Q12--In the words of an esteemed (former) secretary of state, "what difference, at this point, does it make?"
 
 
Suzie, I daresay you are familiar with enough Church history to know that conformance with some sort of legal code doesn't immunize one from excommunication.  Nor, IMHO, should it.  If the Holy Ghost tells a bishop or stake president that a Church member's heart is not right before the Lord, I don't think that bishop/stake president's hands should be tied in perpetuity while the member keeps the council bogged down in legal procedures.  There should be fair play and adequate notice; sure.  But this business of Kate Kelly acting like she has absolutely no idea why she was excommunicated is just silly.  Babylon may buy it, and the sympathetic LDS intelligentsia may split hairs over it; but to most rank-and-file Mormons it's pretty clear cut:  she demanded something that the Church leadership said the Lord was unwilling to give, and she wouldn't take "no" for an answer and tried to shame the leadership into giving her what she wanted anyways.
 
 
FWIW--McKay did inquire of the Lord re the blacks and priesthood issue, and did get an answer (a negative one).  But he did not formally announce that answer.  Had he done so, the Church membership could have gotten even more entrenched in the status quo.  Rather, he continued working quietly to prepare the Church for the "long promised day".
 
Let me ask you this, Suzie--if Monson did get an answer, and it was a "no"--are you sure you want that answer presented to a solemn assembly and canonized as Official Declaration 3?
 
IMHO, those who want to keep female ordination on the table as a long-term option should be grateful for the ambiguity.
 
 
The Church hasn't stopped the dialogue here; they've merely stated that the apostles will contribute to it on their own (the Lord's?) terms.  Those terms apparently do not involve giving Kate Kelly a photo-op or otherwise implicitly suggesting that someone can shout their way into the council room of the First Presidency.
 
 
They shouldn't have to, MoE.  The Church records are completely devoid of any record of a female ever being ordained to one of the four offices of the Aaronic Priesthood or five offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and OW knows it.  It is they who are deliberately creating murky waters with the ambiguous use of the word "ordain" and the red herring statements about priestesshood made to the Nauvoo Relief Society.  The LDS leadership shouldn't have to address that blatant lie, and frankly I think I prefer it in general when apostles don't get into the business of apologetics or historical analysis.

Can you say that again ?? Lol

http://youtu.be/-QYlDLChzig