dakwilk

You shouldn't use your experience to make people feel guilty. Remember, everyone has their own thing that they are worrying about. But, if your experience has increased your faith and testimony, I think that it can help others if you share it. It is nice to hear WHY someone knows that the church is true and that HF answers prayers. It is faith promoting to me to hear the stories as long as they are not told to get sympathy and are told to explain why you have the testimony that you have. You could also share on a one to one basis. Maybe with one of your roommates? They might be a big help. I think that you will find that there are lots of other people in your ward who have the same feelings. Good luck and give it time. Sometimes it takes a while to find out where you fit in.

I am so impressed that you are trying to do all of that. We try but never get everything done. It is a lot! We do the best that we can. As for your question, I use dome of the Church resources. FHE manual, and picture bible/BofM, there are really good books that you can get through Seagull Book and Tape or through your local church bookstore that have ideas for teaching children. I have a five year old and I try to use everyday situations to teach. So, if he is hurt and scared that his hurt will not every go away, we pray. Or if he is scared at night, we pray. If I feel the Spirit while we are singing a hymn or looking at a beautiful sunset, I ask him to describe how he feels and then explain that that is the Spirit. And, the most important thing that I've learned is not to give too much information. Be age appropriate and tell him what he needs to know. I made the mistake of telling my son too much about Easter last year. (Jesus dying so that we can all be resurrected after we die. Then, that lead to lots of questions about if mommy and daddy would die, grandma/grandpa, etc. ) He was just too young to understand. I'm sure you are doing a great job.

I think that everyone is missing the point with this post. This wonderful sister has just had her first babies. I cannot imagine taking care of a baby and dealing with all of this with your husband. And you are taking care of TWO babies. Stop worrying about the example that your DH is going to be for your children. They are too young to worry about that now. You are at such a stressful time in your life! You used the word "depressed". If you are, please get help. I just had a baby 6 months ago and I am still in survival mode. (And everything else in my life is great.) You have to be in survival mode and have added stress. Please confide in someone that you trust. You need to talk and have help, physically and emotionally. Might I add that your DH may be dealing with the stress that is going on with the babies too. Maybe he is feeling like he can't be responsible enough, or that you are going to be a different person now. Both very normal things for a new dad to go through. Give him some time, but most of all take care of yourself. Talk to someone and if your DH can't be of help right now, you must get it from friends, visiting teachers, or family. Take five minutes each day to enjoy those babies and five minutes (or more) to be alone. This time will fly by... and then you can deal with your husband. I will pray for you to have strength.

I think that Malcom's advice is right on. Your DH knows what is right. He knows the consequences of his actions. Don't lecture him. Don't judge him. Be his example. I know that the gospel has been a bond for your marriage, but that isn't all of what your relationship is about. What are the good things he is doing now? Why do you love him? My father isn't a member and all three of us children are active in the church. Two married in the temple and one RM (not married yet). My mother never pushed us or my father. We decided our own path. She brought us to church, but never fought us on it. Believe me, your husband will feel the nagging by the children. They will ask why he isn't baptizing them, like their friends dad's, etc. Your DH will feel it. Be patient. Be his loving wife who champions the good things that he is doing in his life. Hold your tongue about the wrong choices or you will push him away more. (You may need to find a friend to talk to when you just feel like exploding from frustration instead of exploding on him.) As for your doctrine based questions, I am pretty sure that you can only be sealed to another person in the next life who is worthy of Celestial glory. That means that you will find someone else, if your husband doesn't make it. But, why worry about that now? Think positively, your husband may just change his mind and make it. As hard as it is, and believe me I know it is hard, he may be going through something. Or, he may just be tired. Let's face it, being LDS can be exhausting with 3 hours of church plus callings, HT/VT, keeping the sabbath holly, and helping those in your ward who need help. Love your husband. Let him know that you are there when he wants to talk and that you won't judge him. He will come around, it just might take a long time. Pray, pray, pray.

I so feel for you. My DH went though the same thing and it lasted a couple of years. But now, years later, his testimony is super strong and he is in the bishopric. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about eternity right now. Your DH has a long life ahead of him, hopefully, and people go through hard things all the time. Be patient with him and not overbearing and he may just return. I know it is hard, I spent lots of Sunday's trying to get through meetings without crying, but know that this may be something that he needs to go through. I've also spent time questioning things and he was the strong one. Now we are both doing well with our testimonies, but we know that things get hard sometimes. That is what enduring to the end is all about.

My sister just broke up with her boyfriend for the same reason. It is hard to get over someone, but you know deep down what you want for the future...to live eternally with the ones you love.

I agree that you should build the friendships. And friends meeting up for lunch is great. Take the hint if someone turns you down repeatedly, but realize that some girls are just not asked out... even the pretty ones. Some guys are just intimidated and the center of attention, might just be lonely. Lunch is a great option, but don't just show up. Call and say that you have an hour between meetings or whatever tomorrow and wanted to know if she wants to grab a bite. There is very little pressure. And make the conversation light. Get to know her and share a little about yourself. Don't jump the gun and start talking about a relationship. Just enjoy being with another interesting person. Also, some of my best friends have met their spouses through the internet or "speed dating".