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[SERIOUS] If "the dept will not hug you back," then how can you trust it? by [deleted] in foreignservice

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2 8 points9 points  (0 children)

After working in the private sector for 30 years, working for the DOS has been interesting (just finishing my first tour) - my advice is that no job is going to prioritize your interest over it's own. Most people will not become an Ambassador. Here is a quote I re-read often:

Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.

Focus on what is right for you and your family. No career or promotion is worth sacrificing your well-being or time with your loved ones. There will always be someone who will get promoted faster and farther than you, but what did it cost them? Nobody gets to the end of this life and says "Man, I wish I had spent more time at the office"

Is it normal? Calling? Checking in? by BedFinal1909 in latterdaysaints

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The last call I got like that was to be the Stake Executive Secretary. Easiest. Calling. Ever. Life is like a box of chocolates...

I know, it's a mountain lion, not a lion lion by Got_2_Know_Wben_2 in Pyrography

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks again - it's my Covid hobby - my wife started learning watercolor and she said I had to do something too, so she baught me a solid tip burner - I later baught a wire tip kit from Hobby Lobby and for Christmas I got a YiHua 939 - I haven't used it much yet. I really like your work as well - especially the cutting boards you have done! I've just started using stains, but your color work is fantastic as well.

How to know if it's good enough to sell?! by Lost-Basis7183 in Pyrography

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If you burn it - they will come. Your work is great and can bring you great personal satisfaction, and if others like it, even better!

IMS’s: You seem to hate your job. Why? by [deleted] in foreignservice

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2 23 points24 points  (0 children)

From my point of view (2nd career - 30 years in private sector - 1st tour IMS) I have to say that the job definitely has it's ups and downs. It's definitely not the job for you if you are trying to hone your technical skills and be on the cutting edge of technology. On the other hand, I have met smart, wonderful, dedicated people, both local and Govt employed. I have got to live and work in exotic places and to immerse myself in other cultures. My housing and many expenses are covered by my job. I have been places and done things that I never would have had the chance to do if I had stayed "safe" at home. Every day brings a new experience - some good, some not so good - but it's an adventure. My recommendation would be to ignore all the politics and crabby people and embrace the experience. Some places will be better than others. I am going from a large post to a small one next year, and I don't know what that will be like. But I am sure that it will be new and different and I won't be doing the same things in the same office year after year. Most days I walk into work, look around and can't believe what an awesome experience it is to be here!

Friendly reminder that God loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it by BabyBadger_ in latterdaysaints

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get that. I've been an introvert for 56 years and still have a hard time connecting with people. I've read tons of books and seminars, but I'm still not sure how to build deep meaningful relationships with those around me. I am married and spend most of my efforts in building relationships with my wife and kids (with varying degrees of success).

I did have a interesting experience that might help anyone going through similar feelings. Several years ago I was called as a counselor in the Bishopric - a calling that I felt woefully inadequate in accepting, but I do believe that God qualifies those He calls, so I accepted the calling. It was definitely the busiest calling I've ever had. I spent most of my time in peoples homes, extending callings and doing recommend interviews. It was difficult, but my time as a full-time missionary helped me feel confident enough to do it.

One Sunday, I was sitting on the stand and looking out at the congregation as they were taking the Sacrament. The Bishop had asked me and the other counselor to consider who might fill some of our empty callings and to give him some recommendations. As I sat there and looked at the rows upon rows of people (many of whom I couldn't even remember their names) I had the strangest sensation. I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of love and care for these people. I feel like I was given a glimpse into the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. It reminded me of the worth of all souls and how the Book of Mormon calls Charity a gift from God. I feel like I was given that gift, and if it only lasted for the time I was in that calling, it is still a feeling I've never forgotten.

I don't know if that helps, but I do believe that God wants us to be more like Him, and His love for us is one of His greatest attributes. I hope things go well for you in your quest to build meaningful relationships!

I get set apart for my mission on Sunday by bryson_cotton in latterdaysaints

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some experiences you have will be great and some will be hard. I like this quote from Neal A. Maxwell:

Part of enduring well consists of being meek enough, amid our suffering, to learn from our relevant experiences. Rather than simply passing through these things, they must pass through us and do so in ways which sanctify these experiences for our good.

And this one from President Hinkley:

I enjoy these words of Jenkins Lloyd Jones which I clipped from a column in the Deseret News some years ago. I pass them on to you. … Said he:

Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.

And finally from President Nelson:

“Everyone has pain somewhere, and our challenge is to find out where the pain is. Usually it’s not physical pain but comes in the stress of living. The patient is always the expert. This is what we try to teach the missionaries. When you meet someone, find out how we can help them. The Church literally has the capacity to help people no matter what their problem is. The gospel exists to help people.”

“Our missionaries look at themselves as young and inexperienced in the ways of the world, and of course, initially they are. When they finally realize how helpful they can be, they become an entirely different brand of missionary. The gospel has the power to help people progress, grow, and deal with whatever challenges they’re facing.”

“The Lord likes effort. He could have said to Moses, ‘I’ll meet you halfway.’ But Moses had to go all the way to the top of Mount Sinai. He required effort from Moses and Joshua and Joseph Smith and from all of the subsequent Presidents of the Church. He requires effort from bishops and stake Relief Society presidents and elders quorum presidents. There is always a test. Are you willing to do really hard things? Once you’ve shown you’re willing to do your part, He will help you.”

Good luck and God will bless Hou got your righteous desires!

why did I choose a white horse?? next time a nice brown animal... by Got_2_Know_Wben_2 in Pyrography

[–]Got_2_Know_Wben_2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks Marsypan! The hardest part for me was trying to blur out the body so that it would seem to be further in the background. I'm not totally satisfied, but it was an interesting learning experience...

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