I realized recently that with as much that I share on this blog, I often do not share the most important part of my life. It’s the part that makes up who I am to the very core of my soul. It’s a very special part of me. So today I’ve decided to share this part of me, realizing I may risk losing some of you. Though I hope I don’t. I hope you’ll accept me for who I am, as I accept you. Will you be open to what I have to say and appreciate my honesty? As a blogger, I am vulnerable to my reader. I share and put myself out there, not usually knowing if anyone cares or even likes what I have to say. I open myself up to praise or ridicule–sometimes never knowing which I receive. But I hope you’ll at least listen for a moment.
I am a Mormon. Have you heard of Mormons? It means I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Another name for us is LDS or Latter-day Saint. But Mormon is a common nickname, even though it’s not the name of our church. Being a Mormon, or being LDS, means that I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is my Savior. I believe in God also. I think of Him as my Heavenly Father. I believe they created this earth–the stars, the sunsets, the flowers, the oceans and all the beautiful things upon it, including people. I believe God watches over me and that Jesus died for me. I believe God put us here on earth for a purpose. We are children of God and He is always watching over us.
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| This picture of the Savior by Greg Olsen hangs in my family room |
Being Mormon means I also believe that families are eternal. Our families can be forever. When someone dies, it is not the end, and we will see that person again. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and we are never alone. God wants us to be happy. He wants us to learn and make choices. He wants us to do good, keep His commandments, and help other people.
Being a Mormon means I believe the true gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth again. I believe Joseph Smith helped bring about this restoration and that he was a prophet, like the prophets of old in the Bible. Many think that God does not speak to us on earth. But He does. There is a modern day prophet who helps guide us through all these hard, confusing times. And each person can know these things for themselves. Heavenly Father helps those who seek truth. He loves each one of us. Each soul is precious in the eyes of God.
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| Our stack of family scriptures |
As a Mormon I read the scriptures. I love the Bible and also The Book of Mormon. I read the scriptures every morning with my husband and children. I read them on my own too, as often as possible. The scriptures help me learn, they also bring me peace and understanding to problems in my life. I pray often as well–actually everyday. I pray alone. I pray with my husband. I pray with my children. Everyday. I know God listens to our sincere prayers. I know He answers too.
I believe in goodness. I believe in pure happiness. My life is not perfect. I’m a freckle-faced girl and dumb things happen to me everyday–sometimes even hard or painful things. But I think I can truly say that for the most part I am happy. I have found peace by living as I do.
We have lots of Mormon-ish stuff around my home. They are reminders to me of the things I cherish. They help me try to be better.
There’s so much more to being LDS that I haven’t explained here, but I hope you understand the basics of what my religion means to me. I hope you also understand that I’m just a regular person. I make mistakes. I have fears and trials. I have hopes and desires. And I’m just trying to do the best I can to make this world a better place.
Do you know a Mormon? Are you a Mormon too? What do you think about it? I’m curious to know your thoughts . . . comment below if you can.
Here’s a few other things about me and my Mormonism:
* I don’t drink alcohol or coffee
* We are NOT polygamists–our church does not participate in polygamy
* I love family history and finding my ancestors and knowing where I came from
* I like to be prepared for rainy days, hard times, or emergencies–food storage, 72 hour kits
* Good music is big part of my life–I help as a music teacher for the children at church
* I try to be self-sufficient–gardens, learning new things, working hard each day, etc
* I try to teach good values to our children–daily
* I’m a nice person–I promise!
* I believe in miracles
