Meet The Mormons

Today as we were in the car driving we were having a discussion about what people think about Mormon's. The video they are coming out with, "Meet The Mormon's", follows 6 different individuals who are all unique and have their unique situations. The movie will show that we are all REAL people and we try to follow Christ.

 I remember talking to a lady and she said, "Yeah I have heard of you people, you can't drink milk." I was so taken back. I am a normal human being, as well as everyone else is. Just because I am a "Mormon" I am viewed differently.

There was another instance where we were talking with a man, and after a while of getting to know him, we mentioned something about being Mormon and he turned around and said, "Never talk to me again." I don't understand why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is so prosecuted, other than Satan attacking Christ. But I do know that we are ALL God's children. he loves each one of us and we need to see that love in others.

Learn more at the links below:
http://meetthemormons.com/#show-trailer
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/meet-the-mormons-movie
https://www.facebook.com/meetthemormons

Share The Goodness

Share the goodness.

Watch this slightly long video Elder Bednar gives about social media work and how to use the technology God has given us to share His gospel. This video is truly inspiring. It is well worth 45 of your time. :)

Here is the link: https://www.lds.org/church/share/goodness?cid=HPMO081814340&lang=eng

Watch it below:

This is a cover of the song, "Jesus is a Friend of Mine" by: Sonseed. My friends and I did this a few years ago. It is an old christian song from the 80's and It has a good message. Jesus really is each one of our friends! :) 

Watch the video below and enjoy :)

This Is Me

This is me standing in front of the North Carolina Raleigh Temple. I just want to say that I am not perfect. I never will be. I am a real person. I make a LOT of mistakes, but I know that Christ lives. He loves each one of us and has overcome all temptation and sin we have already been through. God gave his only begotten son so that we could return to live with Him.

 God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but he does expect us to try with all our hearts to do what is right. We will one day be accountable for all we did, but if we are constantly repenting and changing for the better, no matter what mistakes we have done, we can be forgiven.

It should be everyone's goal to go the temple. In the temple we do saving ordinances that pertain to our salvation. If you are not a member, talk to the missionaries and see what you can do to go to the temple near you one day. If you are a member, always strive to have a temple recommend. Even if you can't go very often, you can always be worthy.

I love the Church. I love Christ. I love the Gospel. I love the Temple. I love everyone of God's children and I want all of us to one day, if not today, be worthy to enter God's sacred home.

Are Mormons Christian?

A question we get asked a lot is, "Are Mormons Christians?" Quite simply, YES. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are 100% Christian! 

If you ask someone to define Christianity in the most simplest form, most people will say, "Those who follow Christ." That is exactly what we strive to do in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are Christians for many reasons, but the main reason is that we follow Christ. Of course non of us are perfect and we all know we need to be better, but as we strive to develop Christ like attributes and do what he would have us do, we are being Christian.

The video below is called "True Christianity". 

Click here to read more about this common question: https://www.lds.org/topics/christians?lang=eng

Click here to read more on Mormon.org and have other people answer this question: http://www.mormon.org/faq/mormon-christian

The Cross

A lot of people have asked me why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints don't wear the cross. A lot of people think that it is because we disapprove or we are offended by it. That is NOT true.

The cross is used in many Christian churches as a symbol of the Savior's death and Resurrection and as a sincere expression of faith. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we also remember with reverence the suffering of the Savior. But because the Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith.

The emotions that come from me from the picture above are indescribable. I cannot fathom how much love Christ has for each one of us to go through all that he did. I think it is incredible that God allowed his Son to come to earth to take upon him death, our sins and all our weaknesses. He is there for each of us. I know that with out a doubt that Christ did everything he did so that we can return to live with God again for eternity.

Read more at: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/04/the-symbol-of-our-faith?lang=eng

Temples

https://www.lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng

I cannot say enough about temples and the absolute indescribable feelings that come only from entering The House Of The Lord.

I remember the first I went to the temple as a 12 year old girl. I was so excited to do saving ordinances, such as baptism, for those who have already passed on. The way we are able to do these ordinances are by God's Priesthood authority.

The feelings I felt were tremendous and I was filled with pure peace, joy, love and so many more that I just cannot put into words!

My parents were married in the Provo, Utah temple for time and all eternity. Because they were sealed, we are able to have pure peace as a family and enjoy the blessings that God is willing to give each of us who enter in this precious covenant. Below is a picture of the Provo Temples.

So many people wonder what exactly happens in the temple. A lot of things happen. I cannot say in detail what, because of the sacredness of them. The temple is SACRED not SECRET.

Read more at: https://www.lds.org/topics/temples?lang=eng

Modest Is Hottest

Click here to read more about Modesty: https://www.lds.org/topics/modesty?lang=eng

First I want to say that: YOU CAN BE MODEST AND STILL FASHIONABLE AND ATTRACTIVE!

Modesty is the best policy. I remember just a few years ago when I wore what I wanted and not cared what I wore. I only wore the things that I thought would attract boys. I did attract boys, but about 98% of them were dogs and not the kind of man I would ever see myself with in the future. I wore things that I thought were cute and it didn't matter what I wore, as long as it made me and my body look good. That is WRONG. I felt like I needed to make boys and men see the woman curves I was developing and so on, but I didn't! When you wear modest clothing you are showing that you respect the body that God gave you. You show you respect yourself and your peers. You show that you can look good and still be modest. Modest truly is hottest, because it shows more of the inner beauty that won't fade!

Below is a picture that I love. It is beautiful photography done by a wonderful friend, Michelle Belnap. It was my favorite shirt at the time. It wasn't very revealing in some aspects, but It could have been made more modest. I wouldn't wear it now, unless I had a white Shade shirt or a cardigan over it. I wouldn't wear it in front of Jesus, that is for sure!

I always thought that when I looked in the mirror and I thought, "Wow I look good, I bet such and such a guy will like this today.", and so on. But when I would go out in public, I was thinking what can they see. What are they thinking? I never really had true confidence in myself. I was cocky, but not confident. There is a HUGE difference! Now I wear modest clothing that I would wear in front of Christ. I can go about the day not worrying about what others can see, or will think. I can be myself and worry about  more important things. This gives me TRUE CONFIDENCE! Below is a video about some girls who have found the key to confidence! :)

It has taken me a while to realize what modesty really means. It is when we are decent in our dress, words and actions. We don't try to bring attention to ourselves by means of doing things that you would normally not do in front of Christ. One thing that has always helped me, is thinking, "If Jesus Christ were here right now, would I be wearing what I am wearing? Would I say what I am saying? How about would I act the way I am acting?" Ask yourselves these questions often. You will really see a big difference in yourselves. 

Dating and Courtship

Click here to learn more: https://www.lds.org/topics/dating-and-courtship?lang=eng

Dating and courtship are very important for people to do and know a lot about. I admit I dated A LOT in high school. Not always the boys with the best standards, but I learned a lot from my experiences. I can now see what qualities are most important to me for my future spouse. I believe that dating is an important experience for youth to have and you need to date/court to marry. The church has advised youth not to date until they are 16. I find this counsel to be VERY wise!

Youth! Date only those with high standards! DO NOT lower your standards for anyone! You may think that you want to date the bad boy of high school NO! You should want to date someone who is a worthy priesthood holder, who you could see yourself taking to the temple. I repeat with experience and love, DO NOT LOWER YOUR STANDARDS!

Decide right now what is most important to you for your future family, for the qualities you want and so forth. Do not date those who do not live up to the things on your list.

Top Ten things for me, in no particular order, are:
1. Worthy Priesthood Holder
2. Respects me
3. Values and Understand the Importance of The Gospel
4. Never says Anything degrading
5. Treats Everyone around with pure LOVE
6. Temple Worthy
7. Loves his Mom!
8. Loves to laugh and have fun
9. Makes me want to be a better person
10. Always strives to better his relationship with God.

A lot of these are very similar, but each are very important and involve a lot more that the words that are written. I am so sure about the type of man I want to marry. I will not settle for anyone less than these standards plus a few more. Some people say that I will not be able to find someone with these qualities, but I know that I can. God wants each of us, His children, to be happy, so He will make a way for each of us to have the spouse we need and desire for our eternal happiness.

Dating and courtship are very big responsibilities! It is a real and serious thing, but also a fun thing!!! I have loved dating and I will when I get home as well, but I will NOT lower my standards for the man I want to marry in the temple.

Watch the vintage LDS video below of a boy and his dreams to date his dream girl!

Service

Today we got to do service for the Bishops Storehouse! This is where we go to the church and we help set up, count and pack up food for the needy in our area. This is truly a blessing to all the members around. I was so tired and my foot hurt and I really didn't want to go out the door. But I know that that was Satan trying to keep me from doing the right thing. As soon as I walked in the building, I was still tired, my foot was still hurting and I was slightly grumpy. But when the truck load came I decided to work hard. So I did. I immediately felt so much happier! I was not worried about my pain or sleepiness, I was immersed in pure service! Walking out the building I was filled with joy. Giving selfless service is one of the greatest joy's on earth! :)

The video below is a part of a talk by Elder Holland. It really hits home. He is loving and bold. One of the most unselfish acts of service we can do is share the gospel with all those around us,

Here is a talk about unselfish service that Dallin H. Oaks gives: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/unselfish-service?lang=eng

Be Helpful, Not Hurtful

This is a Mormon Message about bullying. It is so inspiring. If you only watch one thing today, watch this video. It will make a difference in your life. When I was a kid I was bullied and I felt so alone. I often cried myself to sleep. I felt like didn't have any friends. I felt alone. It was so hard. Anytime you have a mean thought or feeling creep into your being, STOP IT!

Here is the link it it as well: http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3267475157001

Plural Marriage

Below is a picture of my ancestors from the time period that plural marriage was instituted. They were happily married to each other for over 40 years. Marriage is a very sacred blessing we have today. 

While being on my mission, a topic has repeated come up. It is plural marriage. It is something that a lot of people have misconceptions about the Latter Day Saint's. Most people believe we still believe in multiple wives per man. That is NOT the case today.

Polygamy was instituted in the 1840's and ended in the 1890's. Everyone was expected to accept this revelation, but not all were required to live it. There are many reasons why the Lord had plural marriage instituted. There were many women who didn't have husbands that were able to provide for them, the women were not able to own certain things and women were not able to have the blessings that come in this life and in eternity of being sealed in the temple. These are just a few reasons why Latter Day Saint's practiced plural marriage back in the day.

Today we are able to be sealed to our spouse for time and all eternity. Because of today's world, there is no need for plural marriage to be around any more. The key to excepting this past, is excepting that our church is in fact lead by a prophet today.

Here is a link to read more about polygamy and the history of it: https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah?lang=eng

Below is a video of President Gordon B. Hinckley denouncing plural marriage.

Family Home Evening

Family night is a wonderful idea that the church put out in the 70's. Family night is set aside for Monday night. Every Monday night families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are encouraged to set aside a time where there family can talk, read scriptures, learn and do activities that will strengthen their family.

Family Home Evening web page: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-home-evening?lang=eng&query=family+home+evening

This is a picture of my dad's side of the family (minus about 7 individuals) taken a few years ago.

I know that as families try to hold a family night every week that they will come closer together and will be able to withstand all the buffetings of the world around them. My family has given me a source of comfort and support that I could not find any where else. I have a strong testimony of the family unit and I know that families can be together for eternity; because we will be with our families for eternity we need to strengthen our relationships now. No matter how big or small your family is, hold family night every week, it will only bless your lives.

Judging Others

Talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/08/judge-not-and-judging?lang=eng

Watch the video above how we need to look beyond the outside. Charity will NEVER fail.

My dad told me every day not to judge. He always said, "Judge not lest ye be judged, for that judgement which ye judge ye shall be judged." It is from the Bible in Matthew. I heard this quote everyday and because of that, it is ingrained in my memory forever. It is a legacy that my dad has left for me. He is an amazing example of not judging others. He always looks for the good in others. This is something I have tried to do my whole life. It is not easy, but as I pray every day to see God's children as he does, something changes. I always try to see the good in others. If I find myself thinking judgmental thoughts, I change them immediately.

As a child I was judged a lot. I was bullied all through elementary school. I never felt like I fit in. It was hard. Growing up I never felt like I was pretty. I never felt like I had any worth, because people around me told me so. The never looked on the inside. I had very few friends growing up. My best friend to this day is my mom. This is a picture of when I was a child in 1st grade and when I was a senior in high school. I had grown up, and just didn't care anymore what people thought of me. All I care about was what Christ thought of me. He is truly our Savior and loves each one of us.

We are taught to love one another, treat others how we would like to be treated and so much more. Charity is the pure love of Christ. We NEED to have that charity. Without loving others unconditionally, how can we expect them and even Christ himself to love and forgive us. I feel so strongly that we each need to look at others how Christ does; how God does. I know that if we can just see the good that is in others and truly love them, we can have more peace ourselves and more joy! Don't we all desire peace and joy in this life? I know I do. We CAN do it, IF we have charity for others and we STOP judging! :)