Struggling

[Sprinkles]

Hi, I am a mom of 6 who is struggling. I do everything to look good on the outside--I take my kids to church every Sunday. I fulfill my calling in the nursery. We have family home evenings, bless our food...etc. I attend Enrichment meetings, but I am failing to do other things that no one else can see. I am endowed, but haven't been able to keep myself paying tithing to be able to attend the temple. I don't wear my garments like I should because They are uncomfortable to me and I just don't feel motivated to wear them. I feel like I need a refresher course on their importance and I think I feel guilty wearing them because I am not able to enter the temple because of the tithing. It just seems like there will never be enough money to go around while paying tithing too. We struggle even without paying it. I also have been failing to have personal prayer and reading my scriptues. I feel like i need some major motivation. Thank you.

[StrawberryFields]

Oh my heart goes out to you.

I understand most of what you are saying except for not wearing garments. When you first go through the temple you are taught of the importance of them.

Tithing is a principle of faith. We don't usually pay tithing because it is something we can afford.

I would suggest wearing your garments as you were instructed to do so. Take on one thing at a time. Pray, and take the sacrament each week. Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for the things you are not doing pat yourself on the back for the things you are doing.

[Truegrits]

Hi, Sprinkles...Welcome!

I think most of us get bogged down and overwhelmed at times. Instead of dwelling on all that you need to be doing, pick one thing at a time, as StrawberryFields said, to work on. Starting tonight, make the time and commit to saying your prayers. After doing that for a bit, add some Scripture reading before going to sleep. Slowly begin to do the personal things you want/need to be doing.
None of us are doing perfectly all that we need to do. It is a constant striving; I have good stretches where I feel like I am on the right path...then there are the not so good times...but don't give up. Stay positive about all that you are doing!

[FunkyTown]

You are an incredibly courageous person. So many people lock inside when they feel overwhelmed and things end up happening that make it worse.

Do you know what you need? A break. You have -six kids-, Sprinkles. When was the last time you had the -chance- to read scriptures? When was the last time you didn't feel exhausted? When we aren't prepared to feel the spirit, we can deny ourselves that opportunity. Take a break. Go on a women's retreat. Take a time look yourself in the mirror and say, "I am raising six kids. I am keeping things together despite overwhelming difficulties."

And, Sprinkles? Can I take a guess? I'm guessing that it's been difficult - Maybe there's a child who screams a lot? Maybe there's more and you and your husband haven't been as close as you used to be?(It happens. Children, though we love them, often leave both partners exhausted).

Is it any wonder that you're feeling this way? You need to take some time and know you're loved and that you love your family and God. I know it's hard. There are a million excuses you can take not to take time for yourself - All of which sound good in your head. I'm telling you, though, that you need some time to remember who you are: A great and faithful person who has always loved God, even when life sidetracked you.

[ruthiechan]

When it comes to saving money, this was a big help. http://www.drlaura.com/sah/budget.html

When it comes to garments, wear them anyway as a reminder of your goal. If they are physically not comfy then maybe it's the material.

And dude, seriously, take a break. FunkyTown is so spot on on that. Find someone who can watch the kids so you can go be with your husband or by yourself. "Dates" can simply be going to the park and reading together or snuggling on a blanket!

Or, see if you can get them all to go someone else's house for a while and you can have some alone time.

There's a reason why it takes a village to raise children.

[tomk]

We also have struggled with paying a full tithe.

Just remember, you can keep all of the "outward" commandments -- and still not be a very Christlike person. The goal is to do the right things for the right reasons. All of us will be working on this until the day we die...and beyond.

Just go to the Lord with your concerns and struggles. Not overnight, but gradually, He will help you in every righteous desire. All you have to do is not give up.

[Sprinkles]

Thank you so much everyone! I am in tears--your kind words have meant so much to me. Yes, I could use a break! There are many stressful factors in my life right now. We moved into my inlaws house while we waited for everything to get ready for the house we were buying and it fell through, so now we are still living here and it IS tough! Anyway, I am going to take it one step at a time and I am going to get back to the temple! It's even hard to remember the covenents I made there because it has been several years since I've been.

[ruthiechan]

You're living with your inlaws? Girl, I feel for ya. I had to do that when I first got married and it was TOUGH and that was with NO KIDS! Then I moved back in with my Mom when my husband and I separated, while my Mom is great the siblings still at home weren't always so great. >.< And that was with one child.

You are in my prayers.

Hopefully the inlaws will be a blessing and suport you getting a break!

[bytor2112]

I would talk to my Bishop and let the flood gates open up. It may not fix the problems, but I bet it will give you perspective and make you feel better.

[WANDERER]

Hi. I'm just going to say that I think the things you are doing are pretty good...especially with 6 children and living with your inlaws. Hang in there...do the things that are important to you as much as you can and babystep it through. Wear the garments anyway......as part of your promise that you will get back to the temple...make them your symbol of hope : )