notquiteperfect

You're welcome! I hope you're able to make the connection/s you're after.

There's a 'Stafford' style at JCPenney that my husband likes since it has a 'stretch collar' and if you play your cards right (sale + coupon) you can get a better deal than what the distribution store offers.

If you know/can figure out what mission your area was in at the time, there are facebook pages for different missions as well as sites like mission.net you can check. Good luck and welcome!

Count me in as well.

I think it would help to ask why an inactive member joined another church. For instance, I once had reason to reach out to someone and it seemed as though she joined whatever church would buy her groceries.

I just have to comment on this because you're thinking is pretty narrow here. ~What if the wife (who would be the one taking care of said kids) felt she had a temper and might be abusive? ~What if the wife (again - primary caretaker) had severe depression and even if that got resolved didn't want to ever go back there again (ie postpartum, sleep deprivation, etc)? ~What if the wife (primary caretaker) didn't want to sign up to practically be a single parent because the husband is gone all the time? ~What if the wife (primary caretaker) needed to find something for herself so she doesn't lose herself in caretaking? ~What if there are health issues that would be exacerbated? ~What if it turns out that husband reveals a porn issue and the wife would prefer to raise kids in a home where she knows she can call on the priesthood? ~What if the marriage needed more date nights to ensure that kids didn't put things way off balance? The above are just a few examples but let me add that marriage (even without kids) still has a purpose. What I think is selfish is my friend's situation where the husband was part of bringing kids into the world but does *nothing* to help with them. How is that situation any better but it's one that you hear about quite often? You tell me who is more selfish but I hope your judgments don't come back to bite you: Matthew 7: 1-2 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

No and no. I figured what's the point in living nearby when I only hear from them when they want something? To explain - there are so many of us that nobody needs that many siblings to fill that bucket. On top of that, my mom was the one who relayed all info which I'm sure helped her feel needed but it definitely had its consequences. I saw the problem years ago and didn't play into it but it didn't change the situation because habits were already formed. Eowyn - if you want your kids to be close when they're older, you must foster that now and take yourself out of the middle and encourage them to reach out to each other to get updates on each others' lives.

First, I'm sorry you're experiencing this. You've gotten some great feedback already so will just add: - It sounds like she needs to be reminded of the *commandment* to not bear false witness. - You don't need to stay in a toxic environment but you also don't need to jump to divorce. Try a separation to give her a chance to get the help she obviously needs. - Regarding finances for counseling, although the bishop is in a position to help, your family is your first resource (and the bishop should tell you that). I hope things get resolved. All the best.

PEC is for more private matters (ie who needs welfare assistance, employment, etc). Since the missionaries, YW and Primary Pres (for example) can't do much in regards to that, there's no point in discussing it in Wd Council which they attend.

Yes, it is up to the bishop and stk pres but one of the questions is about if you attend your meetings so with a nearly 3 year absence I wouldn't expect to go waltzing right in and don't think they should either*. *not that they do, this is for future readers just as much as for current

Oh, one more: 3 Nephi 13:30-33 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith. 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

I just have to jump in here. You clearly don't understand how tithing works: Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. fwiw - My parents struggled to make ends meet for the first 25 years of their marriage but they were always full tithe payers. Their tithing didn't change the financial situation at the time but all of us stayed pretty healthy, there was always work for my dad, a deer at every hunt, etc. My husband and I have also seen the blessings of making tithing a priority so I'd encourage you to reconsider your misguided plan and test the above scripture for yourself.

I'm not saying whether or not I agree but whenever I see this line of thinking, I always hope people who read this later don't use it as an excuse to not do everything they can to pay 10% 100% of the time. Just throwing that out there.

Yes, and it looks as though the good old "agree to disagree" will need to be applied.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if a teacher has spent a good deal of time preparing a lesson, the least others can do is act interested. Furthermore, I've seen knitters here and there in different wards and my greater concern is always that others will follow suit.

To me though, knitting is more distracting to the teacher and those around you in SS and RS then in Sacrament Mtg.

Sounds like it's time for seating charts at church! people with fussy kids - back right (by the door) knitters - back left bouncers/wigglers/hair twirlers - middle right phone/game 'enthusiasts' - middle left hard-of-hearing - front and center everyone else - hope you're not teaching/speaking! lol :)

Not when casually dating but definitely before getting engaged. It's only fair they know before making a serious commitment.

Agree about the overflow. Our ward recently tried to keep it closed to fill in the seats more but there was an outcry. :/ Anyway, prelude music needs to be a priority but a couple things I've seen is 'reverent kids' up on the stand with folded arms as a reminder/example. I've also seen the bishop step up to the mic and remind people where they are.

I agree with Bini that some people are able to do better when they have something in their hands. With that said, aside from it looking dismissive to the teacher/speaker, I think it could be a distraction to others so, imo, those that choose to engage in this way might want to consider sitting in the back.

Hymns The Declaration of Independence some quotes by Abe. Lincoln

...when things are handled correctly. I've seen way too much imbalance over the years.

Agree with all the above and will add: - This could be about different love languages. Maybe hers is quality time? Either that or she could be lonely? - Some of this could be that she just needs to feel needed (ie doing the laundry). If that's the case, redirect her? - The other thought I had was to help her be grateful for the time she does get to have with you. Right now she's focusing on the glass half empty instead of half full.

To put it bluntly, you need to get out of your own way. "As a man thinketh, so is (s)he" "What you focus on gets bigger" Keep your attention on what you want and not on what you don't. If you want to be more confident tell yourself you are (ie fake it till you make it). Thoughts are powerful and are the first part of creating your experience. Aside from the above, watch these (multiple times if necessary): http://thecarolblog.com/mini-healing-session-with-carol-clearing-the-hidden-feelings-of-inadequacy-and-insecurity/ http://thecarolblog.com/how-not-to-second-guess-your-next-decision/ http://thecarolblog.com/2-vital-things-you-need-to-achieve-any-goal/ One other idea - post sticky notes in strategic places (I can do this, I am talented, I'm blessed to know my talents, etc) hth

Please consider the idea that before each of us was born, we saw what our life experience would be and chose it anyway. Maybe some come to Earth with these deformities as a vehicle to learn what they need to in this life (accept help from others, humility, etc.) OR to help others learn what they need to (compassion, service, etc.). Furthermore, this life is only a small bit of time in the whole plan and we can be glad for the Resurrection that will occur and for Jesus Christ who made it possible. To illustrate my point - I'm hard of hearing and have had countless awkward moments because of it (among other things) but when I was first experiencing this, it took me to my knees and I grew closer to my Heavenly Father and I started to really appreciate the Atonement because I knew the Lord understood what I was going through when no one else did. The knowledge of the Resurrection is very personal to me and something I take great comfort in. I also have been blessed to witness the patience of my husband who never minds repeating things, speaking up or changing seats so I can hear. I've learned to find the silver lining as well but I'll leave it at that and hope you get what I'm saying. There are unfortunate things that happen in life but it can serve a greater purpose if we let it.