Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Video 1: I Choose to Believe
Members of our stake explain why they choose to believe as they go through challenges and trials of life. Video 1 of 2.
I Choose to Believe in God's Prophets and Restoration
Women's Conference Talk by Lynda Hansen
In December of 2011, my former husband went out to replace the brakes on my daughter's car. When he came back in, something in him had changed, and that day began the twelve-month death of our marriage. He had wanted something to listen to while he was doing his project and had searched and found a podcast that promised to "enlighten him about the Mormon church."
Our marriage had always been difficult. He was an addict, and we had spent years and thousands of dollars in counseling. Now his dive into anti-Mormon literature and podcasts became his new and favorite addiction.
He quickly became angry and disrespectful toward Heavenly Father and Christ in our home. He tried to get me to listen with him, but the negativity flowing from those podcasts immediately told me that I wanted nothing to do with them. SO MUCH ANGER. Instead of casting their burdens on the Lord and asking Him for healing, the people on the podcasts were telling the world how they had been wronged and they deserved revenge.
Despite the fact that I had told my ex-husband that I had experienced too many sacred and beautiful experiences with Heavenly Father and I would never turn my back on God, he began trying to corner me and force me to listen to his "new information." What ensued was feelings of confusion, fear, and panic. I felt like I had to hurry and find the truth about what really happened ... what did the Church say about this topic?
In December of 2011, my former husband went out to replace the brakes on my daughter's car. When he came back in, something in him had changed, and that day began the twelve-month death of our marriage. He had wanted something to listen to while he was doing his project and had searched and found a podcast that promised to "enlighten him about the Mormon church."
Our marriage had always been difficult. He was an addict, and we had spent years and thousands of dollars in counseling. Now his dive into anti-Mormon literature and podcasts became his new and favorite addiction.
He quickly became angry and disrespectful toward Heavenly Father and Christ in our home. He tried to get me to listen with him, but the negativity flowing from those podcasts immediately told me that I wanted nothing to do with them. SO MUCH ANGER. Instead of casting their burdens on the Lord and asking Him for healing, the people on the podcasts were telling the world how they had been wronged and they deserved revenge.
Despite the fact that I had told my ex-husband that I had experienced too many sacred and beautiful experiences with Heavenly Father and I would never turn my back on God, he began trying to corner me and force me to listen to his "new information." What ensued was feelings of confusion, fear, and panic. I felt like I had to hurry and find the truth about what really happened ... what did the Church say about this topic?
I Choose to Believe in the Power of Christ's Atonement
Women's Conference Talk by Miriam Franson
I sat at a lunch recently with some dear friends who shared their discouragement with their college-age daughters’ struggles to find men to date who do not or have not had issues with pornography. They just don't want their daughters to have to deal with that! I am sure we all can relate to deep feelings of concern for how battles with addiction today affect not only now, but the marriages and families of our children and grandchildren.
As I sat at that lunch and in other circumstances where the question, “Can people really change? Truly overcome and begin new?” is wrestled with, I’ve wished I knew how to share my own depth of belief in the power of the Savior’s Atonement to do just that. I’ve felt His power help me move past things in my own life, and have seen it transform the lives of people I dearly love.
I have come to believe that there are many more hopeful stories than we realize sitting all around us, but out of loyalty, self-preservation, and a desire not to have it be the headline of life moving forward, we don’t hear them.
When a single friend of mine moved here from out of state, I asked her if there was anything tough for her about the move to Utah. She said, “I don’t know if people here really believe that the Atonement works. They talk about it, but do they really believe that it can change lives?”
I sat at a lunch recently with some dear friends who shared their discouragement with their college-age daughters’ struggles to find men to date who do not or have not had issues with pornography. They just don't want their daughters to have to deal with that! I am sure we all can relate to deep feelings of concern for how battles with addiction today affect not only now, but the marriages and families of our children and grandchildren.
As I sat at that lunch and in other circumstances where the question, “Can people really change? Truly overcome and begin new?” is wrestled with, I’ve wished I knew how to share my own depth of belief in the power of the Savior’s Atonement to do just that. I’ve felt His power help me move past things in my own life, and have seen it transform the lives of people I dearly love.
I have come to believe that there are many more hopeful stories than we realize sitting all around us, but out of loyalty, self-preservation, and a desire not to have it be the headline of life moving forward, we don’t hear them.
When a single friend of mine moved here from out of state, I asked her if there was anything tough for her about the move to Utah. She said, “I don’t know if people here really believe that the Atonement works. They talk about it, but do they really believe that it can change lives?”
Thoughts on "What Would a Holy Woman Do?"
Labels:
blessings of service,
marriage,
parenthood,
womanhood
by Channel Y. Baker-Horne
What would a holy woman do? A holy woman would follow 1 Corinthians 13. She would live, breathe, and extend charity.
She would listen to her husband and meet or exceed his needs by understanding and accepting him, including his faults. She would say think you for all of the things he does, and that will motivate and prompt peace and oneness in the home.
She would be kind and loving to her children, friends, and family.
 |
| from www.InGodsImage.com |
What would a holy woman do? A holy woman would follow 1 Corinthians 13. She would live, breathe, and extend charity.
She would listen to her husband and meet or exceed his needs by understanding and accepting him, including his faults. She would say think you for all of the things he does, and that will motivate and prompt peace and oneness in the home.
She would be kind and loving to her children, friends, and family.
Addiction, Forgiveness, and the Atonement
Name Withheld
When my husband and I were dating, he decided he had to tell me about his addiction to pornography. He was clearly embarrassed and repentant, and had been "sober" for some time. I was surprised but felt honored that he trusted me with this secret. If anything, I loved him more after that. This was a battle we were going to fight together. It was his past and we'd have to fight it, but we'd be fine. I wasn't so naive to think that it wouldn't cause strain in our relationship, but I didn't anticipate the heartache, anger, self doubt, and betrayal.
His sobriety lasted through our dating, engagement, and first three months or so of marriage. When he then admitted he had viewed pornography, I was felt so stupid. How did I not know what was happening in my own home? Was I not enough? I plunged into feelings of worthlessness.
I remember thinking, "He's such a good man. How can he do such a disgusting thing? He loves me. How can he do something so hurtful? Does he really love me?" I felt very alone. I respected the fact this was his secret to keep or share, but that left me with nobody to talk to. I was so hurt that I used anger to cope with the sorrow.
All of those feelings were mixed up with gratitude that he came to me with the truth and that he knew he was wrong. I was heartbroken that right when I needed comfort the most, I couldn't ask the man who stood at my side for a blessing of comfort. He was not worthy to use the Lord's priesthood. He knew it, and I could see how ashamed and sorrowful he was.
When my husband and I were dating, he decided he had to tell me about his addiction to pornography. He was clearly embarrassed and repentant, and had been "sober" for some time. I was surprised but felt honored that he trusted me with this secret. If anything, I loved him more after that. This was a battle we were going to fight together. It was his past and we'd have to fight it, but we'd be fine. I wasn't so naive to think that it wouldn't cause strain in our relationship, but I didn't anticipate the heartache, anger, self doubt, and betrayal.
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| From MormonWoman.org |
I remember thinking, "He's such a good man. How can he do such a disgusting thing? He loves me. How can he do something so hurtful? Does he really love me?" I felt very alone. I respected the fact this was his secret to keep or share, but that left me with nobody to talk to. I was so hurt that I used anger to cope with the sorrow.
All of those feelings were mixed up with gratitude that he came to me with the truth and that he knew he was wrong. I was heartbroken that right when I needed comfort the most, I couldn't ask the man who stood at my side for a blessing of comfort. He was not worthy to use the Lord's priesthood. He knew it, and I could see how ashamed and sorrowful he was.
We Didn't Cry or Complain
Labels:
adversity,
caregiver,
death,
faith,
family,
marriage,
medical issues,
stories of faith
by Verna Nichols Sargent
When my husband was released as the bishop of our ward in Texas, he, with some of his associates, decided to open a mine in Mexico. We decided that I would take our five teenagers and three younger children to live in a home that my father had sold to us in Arizona.
For ten years my husband dedicated his time to the success of that mine. Since it was located in a primitive jungle, he was able to call home only once a week, and we had no letters due to circumstances. We were happy when he came home for our daughter's weddings, our sons' priesthood ordinations and sports activities, as well as special business trips.
Even though we were apart, we were able to serve in the church. He served in a branch in Mexico. I served in the Relief Society presidency in our Arizona ward. We were blessed in our home as our family faithfully held our family home evenings and family prayer.
The mine had great success; however, after ten years, the price of silver dropped so far that he had to leave the mine with its 200 workers, and he walked away with nothing but his pickup truck. I knew we had both done the best we could, and I was just glad to have my husband back.
When my husband was released as the bishop of our ward in Texas, he, with some of his associates, decided to open a mine in Mexico. We decided that I would take our five teenagers and three younger children to live in a home that my father had sold to us in Arizona.
Even though we were apart, we were able to serve in the church. He served in a branch in Mexico. I served in the Relief Society presidency in our Arizona ward. We were blessed in our home as our family faithfully held our family home evenings and family prayer.
The mine had great success; however, after ten years, the price of silver dropped so far that he had to leave the mine with its 200 workers, and he walked away with nothing but his pickup truck. I knew we had both done the best we could, and I was just glad to have my husband back.
Steadfast in Christ Through My Storms
by Ariane Packer
When I was 25 years old my husband was called to serve as the bishop of our ward. I was young and inexperienced. While my husband served as the bishop I experienced my first bout of major depression. I did not want anyone to find out. I felt so humiliated and weak. The wife of other bishops seemed to be so strong; and then there was me. At the current time, I was not aware of any who had struggles like mine.
What I didn't realize to begin with is that depression didn't mean I was weak or inadequate, it meant that I was dealing with the trial of a mental disorder. The effects of this trial started to take a toll on my family, particularly my husband. He knew of the seemingly black hole that I was in, and he felt torn between the sacred role of a husband and the important role of a bishop. He recognized that we needed some additional help to get our family through this trial.
When I was 25 years old my husband was called to serve as the bishop of our ward. I was young and inexperienced. While my husband served as the bishop I experienced my first bout of major depression. I did not want anyone to find out. I felt so humiliated and weak. The wife of other bishops seemed to be so strong; and then there was me. At the current time, I was not aware of any who had struggles like mine.
What I didn't realize to begin with is that depression didn't mean I was weak or inadequate, it meant that I was dealing with the trial of a mental disorder. The effects of this trial started to take a toll on my family, particularly my husband. He knew of the seemingly black hole that I was in, and he felt torn between the sacred role of a husband and the important role of a bishop. He recognized that we needed some additional help to get our family through this trial.
He told the Relief Society presidency of my struggles and they were so kind, loving, understanding, and were very instrumental in helping me make it through the darkness of that bout of depression. This was a very humbling experience for me but one that marked the beginning of my willingness to begin to share with others my trial of mental illness.
A few years after my first bout of clinical depression, I again was faced with the battle of depression. However, this time it was more severe than my first bout. As I experienced some of my darkest moments in the midst of depression, my emotions, feelings, and thoughts were distorted, making it difficult to feel the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and the constant and unconditional love of our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. At times I felt numb as I sat in church meetings or listened to spiritual messages. I knew that I had a knowledge and testimony of these things, but I had a difficult time feeling the warmth and confirmation of the Holy Ghost.
A few years after my first bout of clinical depression, I again was faced with the battle of depression. However, this time it was more severe than my first bout. As I experienced some of my darkest moments in the midst of depression, my emotions, feelings, and thoughts were distorted, making it difficult to feel the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and the constant and unconditional love of our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. At times I felt numb as I sat in church meetings or listened to spiritual messages. I knew that I had a knowledge and testimony of these things, but I had a difficult time feeling the warmth and confirmation of the Holy Ghost.
We Are Never Alone
Labels:
infidelity,
Jesus Christ,
marriage,
pornography,
stories of faith,
temple
Early in my marriage, my husband underwent church disciplinary action for his involvement with pornography and other unresolved transgressions. I felt confused, wondering if I had been foolish to marry him. But I was reminded of distinct answers to prayers I had received and felt that this was indeed where I was supposed to be.
I wish I could recall where I read a quote about temple service that said while we are serving in the temple our families that are not in attendance with us are blessed and strengthened. I decided to put this promise to the test, and I was very faithful in attending the temple every two weeks and putting my husband's name on the prayer roll. We did make it past that trial in our marriage, and things seemed to be all in the past.
Many years and a couple of children later, our marriage was again rocked by the threat of infidelity. I felt so betrayed and hurt knowing how long this had been going on. I wish I could say that my previous experiences had strengthened me and prepared me, but unfortunately I don't feel like I handled this trial very faithfully. I was very angry and very slow to forgive.
Many years and a couple of children later, our marriage was again rocked by the threat of infidelity. I felt so betrayed and hurt knowing how long this had been going on. I wish I could say that my previous experiences had strengthened me and prepared me, but unfortunately I don't feel like I handled this trial very faithfully. I was very angry and very slow to forgive.
My Prayers Were Answered
Labels:
faith,
inspiration,
marriage,
prayer,
stories of faith
by Julie Brophy
As I reflect on experiences in my life that have built my faith, I can think of several. The most profound experience though, happened to me when I was 19 years old. I was seriously dating the cutest guy! I was just sure that I was supposed to marry him, but I recalled a lesson that my fabulous Young Women’s leader had taught when I was about 13.
As I reflect on experiences in my life that have built my faith, I can think of several. The most profound experience though, happened to me when I was 19 years old. I was seriously dating the cutest guy! I was just sure that I was supposed to marry him, but I recalled a lesson that my fabulous Young Women’s leader had taught when I was about 13.
I wanted to have this life-altering experience to know that I was making the right choice.
The lesson was on marriage, and she told us that in our marriage there are bound to be ups and downs, and she encouraged us to know for a certainty that the man we chose was right for us. She then told us that as the storms of life would come and we may start to doubt our marital decision. we would be able to look back on our decision and remember that feeling that we had and know to stick it out.
I remember praying for an answer to marry this man, and I felt good about it, but I wanted to have this life-altering experience to know for a surety that I was in fact making the right choice. After several weeks of praying I decided to fast as well about my decision.
I remember praying for an answer to marry this man, and I felt good about it, but I wanted to have this life-altering experience to know for a surety that I was in fact making the right choice. After several weeks of praying I decided to fast as well about my decision.
I Wanted to Be Sealed in the Temple
Labels:
faith,
marriage,
stories of faith,
temple,
tithing
by Bridget Tanner
Twenty-two years ago, my husband and I were married in the Murray Chapel. Growing up I always wanted to get married in the temple. Even though my husband had been on a mission, something in him was just not ready to go back. I loved him and I was willing to marry him anyway and thought that eventually we would go to the temple. Years went by; we would go to church sometimes. I tried to go as much as I could, but with little kids it was easier not to go by myself. As my children got older, I went to church more and more. My husband would join me sometimes, but just for Sacrament Meeting.
In 2002, I decided to get my patriarchal blessing. In it, it says… "Continue to work to establish a home where the spirit of Heavenly Father can dwell and be all that you can be as a companion to your husband. Be patient with him, but do not compromise your standards in any way. As you show forth an increase in love and a desire to follow after the teachings of the Savior, his heart will be softened and he will desire to be one with you."
I knew I had to be patient with him, and maybe someday we would all go to the temple to be sealed. But we still went on with our lives. I tried hard to go to church without him, and to be a good example, but one thing I was not doing faithfully was paying my tithing. I would just leave that up to my husband to pay when he remembered or whenever.
In about 2008, I was challenged by my bishop to pay a full tithe. I promised him I would, so from that day on I started to write my own checks monthly. It made me feel great to be able to keep this promise to the bishop and to my Heavenly Father.
Twenty-two years ago, my husband and I were married in the Murray Chapel. Growing up I always wanted to get married in the temple. Even though my husband had been on a mission, something in him was just not ready to go back. I loved him and I was willing to marry him anyway and thought that eventually we would go to the temple. Years went by; we would go to church sometimes. I tried to go as much as I could, but with little kids it was easier not to go by myself. As my children got older, I went to church more and more. My husband would join me sometimes, but just for Sacrament Meeting.
In 2002, I decided to get my patriarchal blessing. In it, it says… "Continue to work to establish a home where the spirit of Heavenly Father can dwell and be all that you can be as a companion to your husband. Be patient with him, but do not compromise your standards in any way. As you show forth an increase in love and a desire to follow after the teachings of the Savior, his heart will be softened and he will desire to be one with you."
I knew I had to be patient with him, and maybe someday we would all go to the temple to be sealed. But we still went on with our lives. I tried hard to go to church without him, and to be a good example, but one thing I was not doing faithfully was paying my tithing. I would just leave that up to my husband to pay when he remembered or whenever.
In about 2008, I was challenged by my bishop to pay a full tithe. I promised him I would, so from that day on I started to write my own checks monthly. It made me feel great to be able to keep this promise to the bishop and to my Heavenly Father.
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