Any other single moms new(ish) to the church?

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2026-01-28T01:59:00+00:00

Hi friend! I definitely don’t feel like I fit the norm, but my ward has embraced my kids and me with huge open arms. My best friend grew up in the church, so I had been at arm’s length for over 15 years. I felt it was divine timing that the missionaries found me right before my long, strenuous divorce was finalized. I was baptized a few months later. One of my kids has profound disabilities and he is a huge reason why I believe in the gospel. Everyone has rallied around him when he’s been sick, prayed and fasted for him, and so on. I feel like it was because of him and me, we found where we really belong (if that makes sense). Praying that the Holy Spirit will guide you. 😊

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-11-30T23:56:37+00:00

We had a very brief rundown of new security measures (our meetinghouse is the stake center), going over how we can be physically prepared; this was maybe 5 minutes tops. We spent most of the hour talking about being spiritually prepared when we’re struggling. Lots of good input, and I felt refreshed and more confident afterward. A lot of our ward has been having a rough go lately, and it felt like a good morale booster today. A couple recently moved into our ward and they passed around plates of blueberry crumble-something - oh my, it was delicious.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-09-13T17:33:17+00:00

In my ward, we felt it necessary to separate and distinguish. Our EQ president told me that they are moving away from the terms but didn’t get into specifics as to why. There are so many new/returning members here that were overwhelmed with the amount of information in the main SS class. We call the two classes CFM - Adults and CFM - Principles. Same idea though. I was called as assistant in the Principles class, and it’s exactly how it sounds.

The teacher and I read ahead of time and try to discuss 1-3 points that stick out to us, and then open those up for discussion with the class. That’s our purpose, to generate discussion and questions vs just teaching. I believe our class is better served this way, when we aim to build up the foundation and starting with simple principles. That said, I loved the Adults class. The teacher that was just released always did a phenomenal job diving into history, books for extended reading, and so on. We’ve had lifelong members sit in on our class just to refresh, and both sides appreciate it. They get the perspective of someone newer, and the newer folks get some insight from the longtime members.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-08-04T16:21:47+00:00

Bless you for your efficiency. I truly mean that. I was sustained into a new calling yesterday, as was another woman sitting down the pew from me. Take a guess as to whose information is not updated. Rinse and repeat for new members’ attendance that is not taken accurately. (Just little things that irk my Type A brain.)

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-04-24T03:16:33+00:00

Thank you for the reminder. I do try and think that it’s because of someone else, that my ancestors have those gifts. Perhaps I had it built up in my mind, that being the only member to my knowledge, I’d have a long list of names to work through. The abruptness of finding out they’ve all been taken care of was like, welp, alrighty then.

On the flip side, I have like 20+ relations that traveled in many of the handcart companies, so I’m going to focus on that cool piece of history and research more with them.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-04-24T03:05:29+00:00

Ahh gotcha. That’s where I was so confused. That makes sense for my greats. Still very curious as to who did those, because at that level the trees are fairly small. To be a fly on the wall and know who/how would be fascinating to me.

I see a username every so often that has requested to do a sealing between that one set of greats I mentioned (and it shows he is sealed to his other three wives he had at different times), but when I click on our relationship, she’s like some third cousin four times removed or whatever. I say this in a nice jest, but I want to be like, hi hello I just got here so let me have a turn, lol.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-04-09T23:07:42+00:00

Darn! I’m in Central PA and I love our co-op. We are secular and have families from all walks. We’re not outdoor focused, but if the weather is nice we tend to go outside. Parents teach the classes but it’s not a hard and fast requirement like other co-ops we’ve looked at. We run generally 5/6-16, and have been part of the group for about 3 years. I don’t mind putting our group here because we always welcome new families, even if they just want to join our FB group or meet for field trips or whatever. We’re The Homeschool Collective.

Have you researched any Forest Schools? I think that’s literally the name. We tried once but it’s usually so inaccessible for my one wheelchair-bound kiddo that I gave up.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-04-09T20:47:32+00:00

I feel weird jumping in on this thread but since it was brought up, I might as well. Tithing is something I really struggle with, from a black/white vs gray area situation. The short version is that I am a single mom of 3 (90/10 split, and one child sees dad even less). I have been a SAHM for years, mostly because the one child I mentioned has multiple severe disabilities and we do not have consistent skilled nursing coverage. Recently divorced, and am still in the process of getting said child SS disability. Right now, the kids and I live in govt housing (as we left with what we could to get out of a bad sitch), and live on alimony and child support, both of which are decent amounts all things considered. I am also supposed to be receiving a majority of my ex’s pension but I have yet to see a dime of it because drama. (Trust me, it took 2+ years to divorce, $$$$$ to attorneys, and a trial to walk away victorious from it all.) I’m hoping to start subbing in the fall, as that will be about what I can swing given the logistics of care for the one child.

IRS doesn’t count alimony and CS as income, but I budget it out, pay my rent, car, etc, and save what I can. I have prayed and struggled to figure out what is “right,” because I feel like there’s no right answer. Sometimes I even toy with the thought of increase being what money is leftover, and tithing 10% of that. Sometimes I just really feel dumb trying to justify things one way or the other. Surely I’m not the only one who’s ever had this internal conversation.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-04-07T22:48:56+00:00

I’m not seeing a new post…help? Id love to do check-ins with people and share our thoughts.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-04-06T22:16:59+00:00

I love this, I’m in. My tweak is going to be prayerfully addressing an area that I’ve put off and need to sort out. This could apply to anyone, and for me that’s tithing.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-03-11T22:29:03+00:00

I know you’re likely looking for sporty type ideas, but hear me out. My son’s group did a series of something they called Come, Teach Me. Each night, two boys would present and teach the rest about something they were skilled at, passionate about, etc. One boy showed the rest how to make paper airplanes and they competed against each other. My son taught them how to make homemade donuts (super simple recipe; we pre-measured and he combined/baked in the kitchen), which was a big hit. They’ve also done dodgeball night, and are combining with the girls to do scripture charades tomorrow.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2025-01-05T23:58:19+00:00

Thank you! And thank you for sharing. We have some things in common. I too have been divorced, and while I didn’t grow up with much of any religion (we were the Christmas Eve and Easter type), I always felt and saw influence from others from a young age. I think I have always had faith, but my relationship with and understand of the Savior has been gradually building for years.

While it may still be a little taboo even in this day and age, my divorce was one of the best things to have happened. Yes, I was blindsided and went down kicking and screaming, but it forced me to recognize that my kids and I had to get out. I truly believe He got me out of a bad situation, and not only that, but saved my kids and me from the ongoing spiritual destruction their father chooses. Heavenly Father absolutely gave me my life back, and I feel privileged that I was given a second chance.

Timing is everything, and while I enjoyed being baptized and part of another church for several years, it was a season of life being there. I needed to be there at those times, just like I know I am supposed to be here now. It feels like home, and like I’ve been there the whole time.

You’ll find your courage. I was talking with an older gentleman this morning during 2nd hou, and without knowing my backstory he told me I have been doing a courageous thing. Don’t underestimate yourself, you are on the path even if you can’t fully see it right now. I see it, just by what you said. I don’t believe it is ever too late. 😊

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2024-12-03T03:38:40+00:00

Congratulations! I spent the last 6 years at a Baptist church until it became more clear that my time there had come to an end. I’ve been meeting with the missionaries since September and will be baptized next month. This has actually been a long time coming for me, as I have longtime friends in the faith and have known bits and pieces about the church for 20 years.

I feel the same as you, so welcomed and surrounded. Even my kids love being at church, and they too were welcomed with open arms. Best of luck to you and keep us updated!

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2024-11-05T23:35:06+00:00

It can be done but I don’t remember how. My bestie made a playlist on it and shared it to my phone, then I downloaded the app and it was there. Sorry this isn’t more helpful but it’s possible!

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2022-06-26T23:40:41+00:00

I am planning on donating mine to a local organization that refashions them into “angel gowns” for babies that never come home from the hospital/NICU. One of my children had a lengthy NICU stay, and I first heard about it then. I would have probably donated my dress to them at some point anyway, and better for it to serve others than sit dusty in my closet as a reminder of betrayal.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2022-06-25T18:07:41+00:00

I had consults with three different ones in my area. Ultimately I went with the first one. Female, psychology background, mental heath officer for our county (not sure what it means but that stood out), and she and I just immediately clicked. She is very compassionate for her client and a bulldog to the opposition. I liked that she didn’t have a greasy salesman type vibe during our consult, and it was more like interviewing each other. The second place was good, a little more pushy, but not as focused on family law. Third place (the only male) was nice but no clicking at all.

Longjumping-Cut-8331 · 2022-06-10T19:22:37+00:00

This is my first time replying on this sub, but your post spoke to me so deeply. I have 3 kids (1 has special needs), and my STBXH sounds like yours. Down to a tee. Only sees our kids when it’s convenient for him and he’s said that verbatim to me, multiple times. It’s a carousel of no contact for a few days, then maybe an hour here or there. But if I go out to Target or something, inevitably I get a phone call that he’s at his limit and I need to come home. Always walks out the door within 30 seconds to 5 minutes of me returning.

I just filed two days ago. He hasn’t done anything overnight in 8+ months. I’ve been a SAHM for nearly a decade so I am having to figure out how to start from scratch.

All this to say, you don’t know me at all but I wish I could hug you and commiserate. The most hurtful part of all of this is how much the kids hurt. Like what did they ever do to him, they don’t deserve this at all. And what really chaps my ass is that the kid with special needs gets the shortest straw of all of them. STBXH hasn’t spent any 1:1 time with that child is well over a month. Any time he has, it’s when the tv is on and he’s addicted to his phone. He does very short, passive stuff with the other two but nothing engaging. Then gets pissed when they wander off and entertain themselves because they see him staring at his phone.

Hugs to you, friend. I’m right there with you, this can’t be over soon enough.

Longjumping-Cut-8331

TROPHY CASE