Since things have quited down I thought I would try and get the ball rolling.

How many of out there with disabilities, feel we are over looked when it comes to callings ?

I know in the case of Kathy and myself we have both been without callings for extended periods of time, the last was for over an year. I know we are not suppose to seek after callings but we are able to contribute as much as the next person. At one point we were asked to sub in the Gospel Principles class we taught for over 3 months, with out a problem, the class was given to another member to teach, it stung but we never questioned the decision.

If you feel like you are over looked for callings because of having a disability how do you cope ?

NO KIDDING!  There was talk one time that I could pick up they hymn books or type up some weekly schedule or something.  Nothing ever came of it.  I had this real in-depth talk with the missionaries about how we grow from callings.  Yeah, no argument, its just not going to happen.  I told the missionaries they had my permission to bring it up with leadership and I bet them $50 they'll get an excuse right then and there.  They brought it up and nothing ever came of it. (I was nice enough to let them keep the $50.)  I really don't care too much, because I'm afraid it would...not go well.  Bottom line is I think we have a silent, mutual agreement that I don't need anything to screw up.  Not like I think my efforts would be sabatoged, but anything that went wrong would get "that figures" reaction.  I take odd jobs that come up, like cleaning up after fast Sunday and occational events.  I do fine with random, odd jobs.  Fact is too, that I am in a very small Branch and there isn't a whole lot that needs done. 

What about talks?  I don't know how that works in a Ward, but we have ususally less than 20 people.  In the year and a half I've ben there, I given a talk once--when I asked to.  Do they overlook you on that too?

In the almost 2 years in this ward I have been asked to talk twice, my wife Kathy has not even been asked to give a prayer.

I was the middle speakers both times after the youth speaker and before the "main speaker" I enjoy giving talks and being able toserve in the kingdom, in the past, I have had leadership positions, its been along time though.

We each have our own challenges in serving wether they be real our the mistaken conceptions of others, I think the key is to have a willing heart.

The missionaries ask me to say the prayer alot.  I go to teaching appointments with them sometimes.  Me and the Relief Society President are pretty cool too. She asked me to give the lesson once. (No one else would, but at least I was on the list to be asked.)  She also tries to get me a list of the announcements each week.  If they can't find anyone to do a lesson, help the missionaries, or whatever, then they call me.  Actually this happens more than one should think it would, but I don't mind.  My little Branch is quite... unique.  There's been a time or two (or three...) when I just wasn't told about an event, but I think it because they didn't think I'd want to come; I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Do you all find it easier to work with the missionaries (ask the about things, they're more likely to talk to you and ask you to do things) than the general membership? 

By far working with the missionairies is fun and spiritualy uplifting. I have always loved sharing in the work, back before my mission I was assigned to the "old" 70's and worked with the Elders and part member families, I still occasionally find myself relishing in the memories. I have had some negitive experances with missionaires and members both, it probally has to do with me being Bi-Polar I have a hard time taking instruction from others those who are young enough to be my children and those around my late father's age. I have had to take a step back on manyt occasions and reevaluate what has been said to gat the true picture of what was being said or taught. I have never doubted the G.A.s  and the local leaders as a whole. I have had issuses with a Bishop who was extremly outspoken and was as I saw it lacking in being able to correct with love and sensitivity, I have since relized that he was just a man doing things the best he knew how...but och!!!...

Any time I have a chance to be in a position to enjoy he spirit and be uplifted and taught I do all I can to make it happen.

I sit with the Elders here at the both for the LDS Student Association.  The ones we have now are CRAZY!!

I'm out of stuff on callings though--sorry.

But the missioanries are CRAZY!!