I really would like to thank ya'll for all the stories and poems and thoughts and I have a question. We have been in our ward for over three years now and we are the only couple who have been married before with children (we don't have any together) the kids are at church every other Sunday and it's almost funny but every ward and stake function happen on our week-ends etc.. My DH's ex doesn't take their daughter to church but my ex has tried to do his best to discourage any form of "Mormonism" in our kids lives but I am diligant in the teachings and examples that we set and so far my daughter who is 10 insists that she is "Mormon" to her father (she was baptized at 8 but he wouldn't come) and my 7 year old is already talking about HIS baptism, my step-daugheter will turn 8 around the same time and we plan to have it together. My question is this and maybe it's a request too, I don't know any other couple who has to battle with the ex's over religion and I need suggestions and also I get the funniest looks sometimes when I say well the kids are at their dad's or mom's please remember that we do live in a different time than our parents and that the so called normal family is not what it used to be, I am just so thankful that I have the church in my life because if I were a single mom outside of the church I would be alot more scared about dating and men, I was very fortunate that my husband and I were both looking for someone at the same time and would not settle again for someone outside of our faith. I don't mean that we shouldn't mary non-members but having done that it is so much easier now but never give up on that spouse who is inactive or hasn't come around yet, you never know ......right!!!! sorry about the rambling but I am always pressed for time lately and my thoughts run together LOL!! A big HUG to everyone and always remember that we are never truly alone! Natalie

Sisters, I have enjoyed getting to know some of you, but cannot continue with this volume of mail....I wish you all well in your lives... As a friend of mine says...The church is true and the sky is blue! Keep the faith! (and keep Faith going, too! ;>) Please unsubscribe me from this list and your personal mailing lists. Thank you! Love, Opie

I just got a hold of all of my Grandmother's old photos...including Great Great Grandparents. Gosh! Do you think I have to add making copies of all the old family photos for everyone to that list too? Or does that fall under Grandpa's old movies category? LOL Audrey

i feel the same way i have no idea what people are talking about !!! from what i gather someone is fighting with some one else and some one must have said something bad saucy about her daughter !!! oh well maybe its the lords way of saying you shouldnt be doing this anyway what is wrong with all of you i can get all this kind of stuff at church i thought this group would be diffrent !!! i love you all Lynn

bravo!!!! brovo!!! more people in the church need to remmember this !!!!!

Well, its been days now since I've seen a piece of mail from the MOMZ group. Everyone is talking about their overflowing mailboxes, and I've received nothing.

Ok sisters, I guess I missed you to much. Please try not to hurt feeling anymore. I love you and just couldn't stay away!!!!Anyway this weeks birthdays are 19 Nvsteph (Stephanie---Steph) 19 KarBear35 (Karrie) 20 ArohaYawl (Jackie) 24 SueFann (Sue) 28 S Rothas (Shirley) 28 ShLoOl 31 MickeyPal2 (Dianne) Please wish these wonderful sisters a Happy Birthday!!!!!

these are the experiences I enjoy getting from the group. They are uplifting and faith promoting. Thanks Lois

--------------------- Forwarded message: From: [email protected] (Paul & Cindy Horton) Sender: [email protected] Reply-to: [email protected] (Paul & Cindy Horton) To: [email protected] Date: 97-08-19 03:14:32 EDT You've probably already seen this one, but it's my favorite thought. The Call -Author Unknown Please follow me as I paint a picture of what might be. Suppose you have been called by the bishop to be in his office at a certain time. Well, you tell yourself you are tired of church jobs and you hope he hasn't called you in to give you another position. You decide that you will keep the appointment, but you have all the answers ready. The door is ajar, so you walk in. At first you feel faint with fear, and you'd run away if you dared, for standing there where you expected the bishop... was Christ. But the sweet smile on the Savior's face has overcome your fear; and as He reaches out to take your hands in His, all that was in your mind when you came through the door has faded away. Then Christ, not the bishop, asks you if you will help Him. He tells you of the great need for service in His kingdom. Now you can feel the nail prints in His hands. Then he reminds you of His promises to those who serve Him. And through your tears you answer, "If you feel I am worthy, I'll give my time and energy for You." Well, Christ can't be in every bishop's office, so the bishop of your ward is there...with the same call, for the same purpose, with the same promises. A call to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...in any office...is an opportunity for growth and service and happiness. It could be an invitation to greatness. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPIRIT Mailing List for LDS-oriented spiritual thoughts, items and stories For assistance, contact [email protected] http://seminary.org/spirit/

--------------------- Forwarded message: From: [email protected] (Heidi Weatherston) Sender: [email protected] Reply-to: [email protected] (Heidi Weatherston) To: [email protected] Date: 97-08-19 03:12:06 EDT I was going to, but... There wasn't Time by Erma Bombeck Time. It hangs heavy for the bored, eludes the busy, flies by for the young and runs out for the aged. Time. We crave it. We curse it. We kill it. We abuse it. Is it a friend? Or an enemy? We know very little about it. To know it at all, to know its potential, perhaps we should view it through a filter called memories. When I was young, Mama was going to read me a story and I was going to turn the pages and pretend I could read. But she had to wax the bathroom and there wasn't time. When I was young, Daddy was going to come to school and watch me in a play. I was the fourth Wise Man (in case one of three got sick), but he was having his car tuned and there was no time. When I was young, Grandma and Granddad were going to come for Christmas to see the expression on my face when I got my first bike, but Grandma didn't know who she could get to feed the dogs and Granddad didn't like the cold weather and, besides, they didn't have the time. When I was older, Dad and I were going fishing one weekend, just the two of us, and we were going to pitch a tent and fry fish with the heads on them. But at the last minute he had to fertilize the garden and there wasn't time. When I was older, the whole family was always going to pose together for out Christmas card. But my brother had ball practice, my sister had her hair up, Dad was watching the Colts and Mom had to mop the kitchen. There wasn't time. When I grew up and left home to be married, I was going to sit down with Mom and Dad and tell them I loved them and would miss them. But hank (he was our best man and a real clown) was honking the horn in front of the house, so there wasn't time. (condensed from Newsday--Nov. 17, 1971) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPIRIT Mailing List for LDS-oriented spiritual thoughts, items and stories For assistance, contact [email protected] http://seminary.org/spirit/

--------------------- Forwarded message: From: [email protected] (Heidi Weatherston) Sender: [email protected] Reply-to: [email protected] (Heidi Weatherston) To: [email protected] Date: 97-08-19 00:52:49 EDT A Jelly Bean and Halloween by Evelyn McKay in Catholic Digest It was Halloween. The bag of assorted candies were ready, and I'd been looking forward to visits from pint-sized goblins. But that morning my arthritis had flared up, and by evening I could barely move. I couldn't possibly answer each knock on the door to distribute the goodies. So I decided to fasten the candy bag to the screen door and watch the parade of trick-or-treaters from my darkened living room. The first to arrive were a ballet dancer and three little ghosts. Each picked out a sweet in turn. When the last little hand emerged full-fisted, I heard the ballerina scold, "You're not supposed to take more than one!" I was pleased big sister would play conscience for the little one. Hobos, hippies, gypsies, and skeletons followed. More children showed up than I had expected. I couldn't be sure, but some might be returning for seconds. Perhaps I had offered too much temptation. The candy was running low, and I was about to turn off the porch light when I noticed four more visitors. I was sure they hadn't been here before. The three oldest ones reached into the bag and pulled out Hershey bars. I held my breath, hoping there would be just one more left for the tiny witch. But when she pulled out her hand, all that was left was a single orange jelly bean. Already the others were calling, "c'mon, Brenda, let's go. There's no one home to give you any more." But Brenda lingered an extra minute. Deliberately she whispered, "Thank you, house. I like the jelly bean." Then she was off. I got up. Words from Ephesians came to my lips: "Make melody in your heart to the Lord; Give thanks always for all things." Brenda had put a song in my heart, and had taken the arthritis pains from my knees. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPIRIT Mailing List for LDS-oriented spiritual thoughts, items and stories For assistance, contact [email protected] http://seminary.org/spirit/

Well it seems the mail block doesn't work on this. Someone remove me from the mailing list, please.

Sisters, Im feeling very positive right now and wanted to share it with you. I was given a gift that I have taken for granted The gift is sign. At a young age I picked up sign language and was able to learn it very easily and fast. I dont have anyone in my family who is deaf, but the elementry school I went to had a large deaf population. I continued to learn through middle school and high school (even dated a deaf boy for a year) I went to college for 2 years studying sign and then dropped out. I havnt really used the sign a lot lately and was looking over my old books last week when a friend called and asked me to help her out. She needed me to sign a few books at the library on Saturday. I said yes I would love to do it. Then later that day, someone from church called and asked if I would sign a song in Sacrament. I was shocked. I had done a song or two in the past but it has been months. They asked if I would be willing to do it on a monthly basis. I agreed. We got really busy and My father who lives out of state came in for a visit Saturday and was going to spend the night and leave Sunday. I have only seen him once in the last 2 years so this was a treat. To make a long story short, I never got a chance to practice the song. It was page 252 Put Your Shoulder To The Wheel. Opening prayer in sacrament, the man asked HF to bless the speakers today and be with them and guide them as they share his message with us. I was really touched when I heard this. When it was time for me to go up front I wasn't even nervous (usually, Im scared to death) and I signed my song without any errors. After sacrament my dh told me he heard someone say while I was signing "now thats a gift from HF" I have been so filled with emotion since Sunday. My testimony has been lacking and I have been questioning things around me lately and I really needed this little kick in the pants. I have been reminded that all the little things that I take for granted are truely gifts to be cherished. Thanks for letting me ramble on. Deidre

In a message dated 97-08-19 00:34:30 EDT, ONEREDLDS1 writes: << << UMMMM I take it back Deb you do belong in the group with all these nuts !!!! What the hell is up with that letter sent about the "occasional table" HELLO are we wasting E Mail paper on that one or what????? >> Do not E-Mail me any more. Thank you. >> I DID NOT MEAN TO SEND THIS TO THE WHOLE GROUP. SORRY

In a message dated 97-08-19 00:38:13 EDT, ONEREDLDS1 writes: << << Leave me out of your mail! >> YOU ARE NUTS!!! DO NOT E-MAIL US AGAIN!!! >> I AM SORRY, I DIDNT MEAN TO SEND THIS TO THE GROUP.

In a message dated 97-08-17 12:36:14 EDT, you write: << Leave me out of your mail! >> YOU ARE NUTS!!! DO NOT E-MAIL US AGAIN!!!

In a message dated 97-08-17 21:06:04 EDT, you write: << UMMMM I take it back Deb you do belong in the group with all these nuts !!!! What the hell is up with that letter sent about the "occasional table" HELLO are we wasting E Mail paper on that one or what????? >> Do not E-Mail me any more. Thank you.

In a message dated 97-08-18 12:38:51 EDT, [email protected] writes: << If you ever get an e-mail titled "JOIN THE CREW", do not open it because it will wipe everything on your hard disk. This is the newest virus not many people know about it. So send this e-mail to everyone you know!!!!!! >> --------------------- Forwarded message: From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: 97-08-18 12:38:51 EDT --------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: virus Date: 97-08-18 01:43:47 EDT From: JennsJolly To: JennsJolly New Virus on the net If you ever get an e-mail titled "JOIN THE CREW", do not open it because it will wipe everything on your hard disk. This is the newest virus not many people know about it. So send this e-mail to everyone you know!!!!!!

I asked to be removed from the list. It just got to be too much in so many ways. I've blocked the address so I hope I don't get any more.

Dear sisters, When I was 13 I was preparing to be confirmed a member of my local Lutheran church. I was excited because I really wanted to belong to the Savior's church. It was so important to me. When I was confirmed I felt so empty inside because it did not meet my expectations. I don't really know what my expectations were I just knew something was missing! When the missionaries came and taught me the gospel and I was baptized I knew that this was the Lord's church. I felt that I had found what I was looking for since I was 13. I have met alot of members and became great friends with many of them. I also do not know many of the people in my ward. I know who they are but for all kinds of various reasons I don't know them. My main problem is that I think that they might not like me. That is not fair to them because they have never treated me like that. I have been working very hard to overcome those feelings and little by little they are going away. I know that many sisters feel the same way. But then I think to myself how do I feel when I see a sister or member who has been inactive come back. I am overjoyed especially if it has been someone that I have gotten to know well. They feel uncomfortable. Like they could never measure up to the others in the ward. The rest of us are overjoyed! I always remember that it doesn't matter when we get on the straight and narrow path, just that we get on. We are all different and we progress at different rates. It doesn't matter. Heavenly Father knows our hearts and loves us, and is cheering us all along the way. We are his children and we belong to his family! We just need to get to know each other better. Like I said, our circumstances are very different. And we probably judge ourselves harder than others would. So when I feel that I don't belong I usually stop to think if it is me that feels that way or someone who makes me feel that way. It is usually me. Visiting teaching is the best way to get to know the sisters in the ward. I made many friends through visiting teaching. And I also got to know alot about other sisters in the ward that helps me to understand them better. I know that visiting teaching is inspired by God. It is the best way that we can all help each other and ourselves feel that we belong. What a wonderful plan! Diane