Kate

Your right. Being in the RS pres gave me a close up look at all the Bishop does....We have a wonderful Bishop, really magnifies his calling.

Wow! All of that change sounds exciting, but stressful. Much work in store for all those wards. ~Kate

I really can't add anything different than what every one else added, but wanted to say that you all are wonderful! I LOVED all of your responses! ~Kate

I have been 1st counselor in the RS Presidency and absolutely think that is the best calling ever! RS Pres is the calling that would scare me!

Yay! That is so wonderful! I am so happy for you!~Kate

Congratulations to you AmyL and to you Michael...my heart is filled with joy for you!~Kate

Ok, but let me enlighten you a little. If she lost her membership because of living with you without being married, then marrying her would allow her to get back on the path that will truly make her happy. Blessings come from doing the right thing. You would make her a respectable woman as well. No girl wants to feel like she is not worth marrying. By saying that the money is more important than your love for her, it really tells her how you feel. Do you realize that though it might be hard in the beginning financially, the joy that would come from her bringing the Gospel back into her life as well as you learning and gaining faith in the truth of the Gospel would be worth way more than the amount of money you would lose. A woman wants a real man anyway. One who will step up to the plate and do what it takes to take care of things. I know you have questions that concern you, but until you allow a little faith into your heart and a true desire to know of the truth of the Gospel, you will not understand, and yes, you will think members are just following blindly. You cannot yet understand the power of the spirit to teach and testify to you the truth of all things that you learn. But you can if you plant a seed of faith.Without that, you will just post questions that show your antagnostic attitude.

I would have to question why you are living off of your girlfriend before even addressing your complaint that the church asks too much from us. If you truly respect your girlfriend, then stop using her. ~Kate

My prayers are with you! Continue holding fast to your scriptures and prayers...that will help. We're here for you!~Kate

HiJolly,That is my favorite C.S. Lewis quote, glad you posted it! ~Kate

One day I was troubled with the whole Emma thing. My family was gone and I spent hours reading, pondering, talking to Heavenly Father....I felt almost felt as Enos must have on the mountain all day praying. I REALLY wanted to understand her and all that happened after Joseph was martyred. When the day was over, I felt as though I had literally been inside her heart and head. I cried with her and for her with all that she endured. I felt her love for Joseph...and her love for Heavenly Father. What was even more beautiful is that I felt the love that Heavenly Father felt for her. It was as if He wanted me to know that she is loved and just fine. We just can't judge. We weren't there. Only the Lord knows what was in her heart. Thank you Elphaba for your posts. ~Kate

My prayers will be with you too. Wow, I know Heavenly Father is so proud of the step you are taking. I walked the road you were on oh so many years ago. That first step back was the scariest. I even felt evil around me trying to scare me out of going to the Bishop. But it was then that I knew that if satan was that worried that I was putting my feet on the right path...then I knew I was doing the right thing. Be strong, no matter what it takes to come back to full membership. As I came back, I kept thinking about how each step I had to take was my way of lettting Heavenly Father know that I loved him enough to do whatever it took. My life is so blessed and I can't even imagine what it would be like without the happiness of the Gospel. You and your family WILL be blessed. ~Kate

Oh my! I'm exhausted thinking about you

Hi ERMD! With 4 kids, I have seen my share of ER docs...and have soooooooo appreciated them! Nice to see you on this board as well. ~Kate

It might just be a misunderstanding of how they presented it. The true doctrine of the Godhead was lost in the apostasy that followed the Savior's mortal ministry and the deaths of His Apostles. This doctrine began to be restored when 14-year-old Joseph Smith received his First Vision (see Joseph Smith—History 1:17). From the Prophet's account of the First Vision and from his other teachings, we know that the members of the Godhead are three separate beings. The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit (see D&C 130:22). Although the members of the Godhead are distinct beings with distinct roles, they are one in purpose and doctrine. They are perfectly united in bringing to pass Heavenly Father's divine plan of salvation. True to the Faith (2004), 73–74

Wow, what a great idea! Prayer is so powerful in numbers....I'll be praying for all of these too. ~Kate

For a sec, because of your tone, I thought I was on the other board. I actually had to double check ~Kate

Very well stated!

Thank you for sharing that! I, too, have had many experiences like this and of course, the spirit guides as to when to share them. I personally believe that these things come by the power of faith. Faith is more than some people understand. And I truly believe, by personal experience, that he does manifest himself in small and simple things in our lives. To some, the window experience may seem like a small thing, but really, it wasn't. What a powerful testimony builder! That is what I treasure, is how much my faith grows with each of these types of experiences. ~Kate

Hindsight is always clearer. It's good of you to share your situation with us. I only pray that you will do whatever it takes to be highly active in your boys' lives from this moment on. Divorce is such a sad thing for a couple, but for the kids is tragic. Sounds to me like you really care, so try to set differences aside between you and your wife so that you can work together to make this the least possible tragedy for those boys. I wish you the very best and I hope and pray that your lives will mend and that you will find happiness. ~Kate

Hi Roy! Glad you found your way here. It will be interesting to hear your questions and chat. ~Kate

Sounds like everyone has given you great advice...MorningStar, I had to smile, you have great insight...Also, it sounded like you were talking about my husband..haha! Nevertheless, I had a friend whose husband actually made her tell the Bishop she wanted released. It was horrible for her, but she did it. Her husband, by the way ,is very controlling. The important thing here is that you recognize that a controlling spouse is not a healthy situation. I suggest that perhaps you ask the Bishop to counsel with you and your husband about the situation. 2 hours a week is nothing, and you are blessing the lives of the sisters by being there. If you don't nip this one in the bud, it will only get worse. Sometimes husbands need a little training in this regard. ~Kate

Thanks Josie! I do trust the Lord as well, I'm sure that He will take care of you and your sons. I'm sorry you have had to go through all of that.

Nice to see meet you! ~Kate

Thank you all of you for your responses. I guess it's one of those things that I will leave to faith. I do know that Heavenly Father will see to it that it all works out right in the end. Ultimately, what matters most to me right now is that my children are sealed to me....so I'll leave the rest to my Father in Heaven. Yediyd, don't hesitate to ask questions in the temple. Some of the most profound teachings have come to me in the temple...I think I will ask there as well. Connolly, thanks, your answer was very helpful!