Anon, love to you and your husband in this new phase of life. I hope that those judging you will stop and put their energy into something positive. We have so much capacity to do good in us, I’m always amazed by how easy and how fast we can really help each other. Why do we waste time in judgment?

FNF&Sue, The Lord really does know best and life will never be “normal” apparently, oh well. That would be boring, anyway.

Becky, you’ve always amazed ME, oh mother of twins! I love you, too.

This new paradigm has really helped me meet challenges. I guess it all comes down, for me, to having an eternal perspective. And, of course, remembering Who’s in charge. And that He’s rather good at His job.

=)

Last night, as I lay reading the Book of Mormon with my teenager, I discovered something: if Lehi hadn’t left it all behind and obeyed the Lord’s direction, first, they would have been destroyed with Jerusalem. Second, by leaving the gold and precious things behind, he helped “provide the way” for Nephi and his brothers to get the brass plates. Third, imagine Joseph Smith reading of Lehi’s sacrifice and obedience — knowing someone else did it and was blessed would make it easier to do.

When we are willing to follow the Lord’s direction, or correction, we open the way for us to be blessed, in the way He knows is ultimately best for us.

“Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”

My husband quit his job earlier this year, it has caused a lot of heartache and worries, also some rather unkind judgements from ward members. He is still unemployed. He did it for us and for himself. He could not go on with the stress, and with being away from his family so much. He felt strongly that he needed to be at home and not away most of the time. In a weeks time he will become the Bishop of our ward. The stake president said that he had wanted him for months but could not give him the call while he was in his job because of the stress that he already had. Now I feel peace that he trusted in the Lord when he made his desicion. I still do not know when he will get work. I hope the ward will be kind to us as a family and that the judging will stop. Who knows, it could get worse.

Expect the unexpected is becoming my mantra. At the beginning of the year I had no idea of all the changes ahead. We all have lives that are messy and things happening that we would never choose. I am trying to be kinder to others now much more because I know I need it in my own life. Each day is a learning experience, the hard thing is to rejoice in the difficult days. We could all do with some more peace and calm I think. I have wonderful friends who help and care far beyond what they know. Also, I love Segullah. I find so much inspiration here. Thank you to all who share.

I have especially learned to allow my husband to correct me without going ballistic. It has taken many years, but I’ve matured enough to see myself through his eyes–to trust his love for me and his ability to recognize my faults. It is still hard to hear, but now instead of hardness of heart, I try to respond with a broken heart (or what I like to think of as a broken open heart, instead of a proud and closed heart).

Thanks, Segullah and Michelle, for this sisterly forum where so much is shared that enhances my desire to live the gospel. Truly we are sisters in Christ, each struggling to work out our salvation. What comfort it is to be able to share our insights and experiences with each other. Love you all.

Carol, thank you for your powerful testimony. You are right: there are things in this life that we are powerless to control. You showed us today that when we feel that God has abandoned us, and that the jaws of hell threaten to swallow us and all we hold dear–the only thing that will save us it to recommit ourselves to Christ, even when we wonder if He’s there. The good news is–He’s always there.
This scripture gives me hope:
“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” Isaiah 50:11
Remember that the story isn’t over yet.
Corktree-wise words. Children do bring magic into our lives if we let them.
Kathryn, of all the angels in my life, YOU have been the one to consistently carry me and fill me with hope. Thank you for all your light,love and wisdom. If I’m lucky–I’ll grow up to be like you in some small way.
Mormonhermitmom, m&m, and Proud daughter of Eve, thank you for your love and support. I think we’ll like where we live in the eternities!
Jaimie Scott, your eight miracles are beautiful evidence of God’s power, grace and love. And the most wonderful thing of all is your testimony that “I no longer remember the pain that I had to experience.” God’s peace is a powerful eraser.
I love you, too.
Good night beautiful friends.