my two cents

You could have the missionaries come to your home for that. If you're single, let them know to bring someone along (per mission rules). Go to mormon.org and click on chat and they'll have the local elders contact you.

Welcome and my condolences. I think it's great you want your kids to understand this about their dad and no, they're not too young. There's a monthly magazine for kids with stories and activities. You can read current and previous issues online or get a yearly subscription for $8. https://www.lds.org/friend/?lang=eng There's also short videos on various topics https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/categories/primary?lang=eng Music would also be good https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook?lang=eng There's also this booklet (what they learn during the Sunday School portion this year) https://www.lds.org/manual/2017-outline-for-sharing-time?lang=eng There's also this family home evening book free online https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book?lang=eng

I'm really wondering what you were taught. (just thinking out loud)

@JKing - Welcome to the forum. A couple thoughts - If he thinks that you've been too 'soft', he may see that as a problem and be overcompensating. He may also be worried about what message the younger kids may get if there's too much "you poor dear". Some people are more comfortable with showing emotions of frustration than sadness but it doesn't mean they don't feel it but they might just need more time to work through the different emotions before getting to the one/s you'd like to see.

How bout this - Walk up to her and ask if she wants to hear a joke. Share some corny joke about ice cream and say "hey, speaking of ice cream - do you want to go get some with me some time - my treat!" With a smile and a laugh - you can't go wrong.

fwiw - The last few tithing settlements I've been to, the bishop hasn't even looked at the paper. He just marks the box (ie full, partial).

so now you're playing the victim card - lovely

The bishop might be thinking it is though.

I see this as a learning opportunity. Perhaps the bishop will understand and she'll get to go this time but it wouldn't hurt for it to be made clear that going to the temple is a privilege, not a right and you can't be mia most of the time and then start to show up right before and expect to get to do things just because your friends are. This time, fine - but not next time if there's a repeat of this trend.

The byu scripture citation index shows 2 references to Ether 9:19 - http://scriptures.byu.edu/#:t1d501$83478:c0da0919

how ironic

This may not be the case but I've known some people to say tithing is the issue to cover for something else.

Well, being a dentist, he's had to study a lot so I suggest a book (and it will help all of them for years to come!): The Child Whisperer by Carol Tuttle https://www.amazon.com/Whisperer-Ultimate-Handbook-Successful-Cooperative/dp/0984402136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1504441853&sr=1-1&keywords=the+child+whisperer+by+carol+tuttle

For all you know, they had talked about this and came to an agreement.

I actually just saw a comment by someone mad that the Church hasn't opened the temple doors. smh

It gives the hubs migraines so we avoid it.

So when it comes to helping with Church things, where do you draw the line between 'everyone is supposed to be pitch in' vs 'I can't be all things to all people'?

Welcome to the forum and to the Church! Glad to have you part of both. That's great about your calling. I suggest reading each weeks Gospel Principles lesson ahead of time so you're better prepared to answer questions and offer insights. Also, as you share your testimony, remember that people respond to enthusiasm. I also suggest introducing new converts to the family history consultants so they can start on their family history and finding names to take to the temple.

Sounds like @Dillon has a negative view of women and doesn't understand ppd or what constitutes valid reasons for divorce.

One more thing - She probably has a heart wall. No amount of counselling sessions* can help with that. You need to connect with someone who knows the EmotionCode (developed by a practicing Mormon). Google for more info. *counselling helps with the intellectual side to a person but there are spiritual, physical and emotional sides as well and you need to go to the right person to get the right help

My thoughts: ~That was the ppd talking so let it go. ~She may not know how to walk back from it. ~She may have a warped sense of what love is supposed to look/feel like. Hollywood has not helped with this so avoid things that perpetuate the faulty ideas. ~There are different versions of love and different people see it differently. Sounds like hers is more practical and yours is more lovey-dovey. ~Stop focusing so much on what you don't like and put more emphasis on what you do. (what you feed, grows) ~Figure out her love language and speak it often. (check your library for the book 'the 5 love languages') ~fwiw - Through all the ups and downs, my husband has never let anything stop him from loving me any way he can. Don't you be stopped either.

You're right about doing this in the name of Jesus Christ. I was thinking of the scripture where the unclean spirits enter the swine then run into the sea and drown.

So glad you're taking this step!! I believe Mike Stroud (former BYU or CES teacher...) has a podcast about this. Google it and share it with the bishop. Also make sure the spirits are sent where they can't come back. You may also want your residence dedicated as well. Let us know how it goes. Oh - you can also contact Bro. Stroud if you have questions.

The bolded part (per me) suggests this kind of thing has been going on a while and that she hasn't yet felt sufficiently heard so now it's at the point of not wanting to attend family things any more. If she's only like this in regards to your mom, there may be some hurt that she hasn't even told you about. If that's the case, get to the root of it and deal with that so this can hopefully stop.

It appears as though not all seem to understand that obesity isn't always about eating too many doritos. For some, extra weight is a protection. If someone doesn't feel safe in the world, this is a way for their subconscious to change that. For others, they aren't getting proper nutrition, so they're body is actually in starvation mode and stores excess weight for survival. There's also the factor of foods being manufactured to create cravings. I could go on and I'm not defending poor choices but please be mindful that there are factors you may not be aware of or considering so it's best to 'judge not'. "For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7