my two cents

Maybe you could hire an artistic teenager??

Another option is to talk to the Stake Pres instead. He may need to tell the Branch Pres about not having you help with the sacrament but it shouldn't go beyond that so he (BP) wouldn't be able to tell your parents the reason behind it.

Just fyi - Members of EQ presidencies is handled by the stake. I'm sorry that happened, Sunday.

Thought you just wanted to know what songs were sung. Didn't realize you wanted a playlist of sorts. Anyway, have you checked youtube?

Wow! That's a long time and I applaud you for your dedication! Given the number of years, I really don't think anyone would fault you for speaking up. I will caution you though, that it could be worse. If you truly are willing to serve anywhere else, then do something about this but if there are some callings you would really have a hard time with, then maybe talk to the Primary Presidency about changing things up (ie Sunbeams is a whole different ball game than the 10 year olds). You could also just start taking a break from time to time and get a sub so you can attend other classes or a different ward. Just something to consider. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

If the child is put in the middle, it's because the parents changed their tune - not the Church! So again, why should the Church change their policy just because parents might be flaky and/or feel threatened by their child's high standards?

@SpiritDragon Makes a great point about listening to our bodies. I know someone that was participating in something like the spartan challenge and felt pain but pushed through it anyway. He ended up having a stroke. He was in his 30s at the time and has had various issues since.

It seems to me that Roo's parents were ok with the baptism since permission was needed but have since developed issues. Should the Church really be expected to change it's policy when it's the relatives that change their tune because they possibly feel threatened by a child's high standards?? please pardon any assumptions made - just illustrating a point

Someone in my stake opened their call at the end of June and report the very beginning of August.

<3 Thank you for letting your light shine, Roo! You have wisdom beyond your years. So impressed!

That's Awesome!!!

Welcome to the forum! I love that you're progressing towards this and doing what you can by going to do baptisms. In my stake, if you're not going on a mission or getting married, you need to be at least 25 and no matter how excited the bishop was for someone to go, the stake president was very hesitant to budge and turned eager people down. If it is deemed that you're too young, I suggest diving into family history and getting names ready (as well as indexing to help others do the same). There are also things you can read so you'll be even more prepared when you go (The Holy Temple by Packer to name one).

And I'll add a wolf and calf. 2 Nephi 30:12 And then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb; and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling, together; and a little child shall lead them.

Agree with @Sunday21 that you'd be better off if you end this for good. As far as future relationships, now is not the time to worry about that. You need to focus on getting back on track and build up your armor.

It sounds like you're off to a great start! A couple ideas to consider: - One thing that helped me was looking at pounds as well as % and 'new dividend (if that's the right word). For instance, if I was hoping to see a 4 pound change and didn't reach it, maybe I was now in the 150's or lost another 2% or whatever. That way I wouldn't be as disappointed. {hope that made sense} - One other thing that may help - pick a clothing item to try on *every once in a while*. This can also be motivating. - Don't be surprised if 2 weeks out of the month, the numbers don't reflect your effort (women's cycle) so just keep at it. - Words are powerful and your spirit/body will follow what you tell it so don't be saying 'you're fat' because that's not what you want to be. - Unless you want to find the weight again, release it instead of lose it. - You need to address the emotions that got you to this place. We are physical, emotional, mental and spiritual beings and they're all connected. If you only address one side of things, your success will be limited. I'll chime back in if I think of anything else. You can do this! Take one day and...step...at a time.

Just fyi - Roo is in YW. You're fine with that outfit so just enjoy yourself.

Starbucks - I've gotten something from there (hot chocolate or muffin) maybe three times tops. For me, it's not about others wondering what I'm ordering, it's about what business I want to support with my money. Providing alcohol for others - I wouldn't. What's wrong with helping people see you can have an enjoyable time without the stuff? Why would I use my money to provide someone something that's not good for them? There are other ways to be hospitable.

First, I'm sorry this has been going on. Some time ago, I read one of the 5 Love Languages books (check your library) and there was a story in there of someone with strained relations who figured there was nothing to lose by trying to speak the person's love language and sure enough, over time the person thawed out/warmed up and the situation improved. Other than that, look into the EmotionCode (developed by an LDS chiropractor). Either get the book or find someone to work with. There is hope but you have to be willing to think outside the box.

Enjoy it . It can be a pain to coordinate everyone's schedules which is just one issue when you have a partner. You could also invite various people to go with you. That way more people get to know each other better. Maybe invite all your teachees over for lunch or snacks at the park while the kids play.

He hasn't even been in for 6 months - so really think a tally of promises kept is premature. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

@Sunday21 - VT 'kicks in' when you turn 18. It's part of the RS. @RooTheMormon - Another resource to answer questions you have are the ward missionaries. They should be listed in the ward directory or just ask people who they are in your unit.

I would keep the relationship going from a distance. Send cards, letters, flowers but no phone calls, emails or face-to-face where she can respond in a hurtful way.

The people you hang around with matters so choose wisely and make changes as needed. See more here: https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/friends?lang=eng

In case you're not aware of this booklet, you might find some answers here: https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng

Maybe a picnic would be a compromise. You get to go out just the 2 of you but don't have to tip anyone. Congrats and Happy Anniversary!