dprh

https://thirdhour.org/blog/faith/great-adventure-heros-journey/ As soon as I started reading this article I saw it was by a guest author, and I thought it was @Mores, until I got to the bottom and it was a woman author.

I can somewhat understand. My two boys were both born with hypospadias. Our first was so severe, the doctor and nurses thought he was a girl when he was born. They are androgen insensative, which means their bodies don't respond very well to male specific hormones. Both boys have already had multiple surgeries and the older one will have more when he's closer to puberty age. They will need to get testosterone shots. After our second son, we didn't want to bring more genetically defective people into the world. A couple months ago, my wife was a week late in her cycle and we went through a lot of similar feelings that you described. After a day, I felt better about it, even excited. After it was clear she wasn't pregnant, it was a little disappointing. We even started talking about adoption. I'm sure you'll find joy in your pregnancy and your new child. Have hope and trust in the Lord.

He had one of the worst unlucky breaks I've ever seen. I got queasy when I watched the video where his leg snap.

I've always liked the ones that include service of some kind. Something like a clothing drive, or putting toiletry bags together. I think it helps bring a real Christmas spirit.

And once we grow up, we can attend the Church of the meat of gospel truths.

I didn't even notice that.

@bnthome I can understand your concern. I was excommunicated about 8 months ago. You're right, things will work out in eternity. My wife really struggled the first few months with not being sealed. We have 'missed' some things. I was not able to baptize my son when he turned 8 this year. I couldn't give my kids back to school blessings. We had to call a local bishop for a blessing when my wife got sick on vacation. But each of these, have given other people opportunities to serve. My kids have been able to see extended family and ward members exercise the priesthood power. When I told them about being ex'ed, and explained that eventually I'll get baptized again, she excitedly asked if she could be a witness. (I'm choking up now just remembering how touching that was). The Lord will take care of you, your kid(s), and your husband. In this life, not just the eternities. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/broken-things-to-mend?lang=eng

I'm trying to catch up on reading the Ensign. Last night I read an article from October's issue, linked below. I know it's not exactly addressing your situation, but I think a lot of the concepts and questions could still be helpful to you. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/10/dating-and-pornography?lang=eng

Like @Fether, I can only tell you what I'd do in the situation. I'd continue building a relationship at work and on my/her last day, I'd ask her out. The flowers are a good idea, but not anonymously.

You mean like how JAG insinuated that I was blaming him for other's mental illnesses? He took that on himself. I brought up a hypothetical situation and he made it personal. I just said that "I" won't stop doing what's right.

1. You had pointed out that we should be wary of causing others to stumble. I was just trying to point out that this might also cause some to rise. 2. We can't control how others react or what they conclude. This was simply a choir of men singing. I refuse to stop doing what's right and being a friend to others because of how others might interpret it. Overall, I think music is a safe way to interact with a community that exists, whether you want it to or not. We can be civil and "break bread" together without agreeing.

But what of the good that can come from it? Consider a kid who's struggling with same-sex attraction and all the shame, self-loathing, etc that can go along with that, especially in those who grew up in the church. What if he sees this and realizes that it gets better. This might just save his life, keep him from attempting/committing suicide. Also, I think there is a difference between providing a venue for a performance (which is what DC Temple is doing) and sponsoring or endorsing a group. The choir formerly known as MoTab has performed with many different individuals and choirs that did not uphold the same standards or beliefs. It's a performance, not a sermon.

Both of my mission presidents actively counseled against this. But I do think it's a good idea if it's allowed. Especially for missionaries in foreign countries.

I am currently going through something like this. I had similar thoughts about sacrificing my own salvation to keep the family together. But I got caught by my wife, in January. She was understandably hurt, devastated. I moved out of the house for a couple months. But we are working together. Our relationship now is stronger than it ever has been. There is still a lot of work for me and for us. These types of secrets should not stay secret, and often they can't. I've been going to meetings, groups, therapy to get help (most of my issues are tied to compulsive pornography use). And one message comes over more than any others. Be honest. There was a great quote in last week's Come Follow Me Sunday School lesson about repentance. Near the end, look for Elder Kevin R. Duncan. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-new-testament-2019/42?lang=eng I hope you have the courage to do what is right. It will be difficult but worth it.

I'd suggest thrift store suits. I tore through my two nice store-bought suits a few months in. I was lucky to find some members who were good with fixing them, but by 6 months, I was wearing thrift store suits.