31 Days of Faith {Interesting Facts}

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31 Days of Faith #30 and a Story

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Ladybug is the perfect example to me of someone with pure faith, nothing wavering.    If only my faith could be as strong as hers.  Ladybug has an iPod touch of which she has kept very good care.  She recently switched schools and one of the hardest adjustments was her experiences with language and vulgarities on the bus.  I could pick her up every day from school, and as a mom I want to, but I also want to instill in her the ability to cope with things that are uncomfortable.  So, her solution has been to bring her iPod to school to listen to on the bus to and fro in order to drown out conversations and language that are upsetting to her.  She has such a sweet and sensitive spirit.

Last week, she used her iPod at lunch, then didn't have time to put it back in her locker.  She put it in the pocket of her hoodie and went to class.  By the last class of the day, she realized that her iPod was missing.  It just so happens that I was picking her up that day for an appointment, and she came to the car sobbing.  I thought someone had harmed her somehow!  She was devastated that she lost something that was so precious to her.  Yes, it is just a thing, but this thing helps her cope in an increasingly vulgar world.  I wanted to run right out and buy her another, but told her she would have to save her money for a time.  She retraced her steps that afternoon to no avail, then went to the main office to file a "missing iPod report".

A little background...her older brother TJ had THREE iPods stolen at this school, none of which were EVER recovered and each one he replaced with his own money.  So, Ladybug knew her chances weren't good, and so I told her that we needed to pray together.  For several days over our meal prayers and before she left for school every morning, we prayed that someone's heart would be softened and that they would turn in her missing iPod.  We prayed that someone would be honest and it would be recovered.  Two days later, in the same class that she realized her iPod was missing, she received a notice to come down to the office.  There they had her missing iPod.  Someone HAD turned it in.  Ladybug had so much faith, she knew that if she prayed her Heavenly Father would come through for her.  We don't know who turned it in.  We wish we did because we would like to thank them personally, but we know that we can thank them through our Heavenly Father, and believe me, we have been.

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 13...}

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We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonitions of Paul - We believe all things, hope all things, we have endured many things, and we hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

This last tenet of the LDS faith is pretty cut and dry.  There really isn't a lot to explain here.  It is less theism and more of a practical application of religion: taking what we know and believe and applying it in our lives.  We are not just a Sunday religion, but our beliefs impact everything about our daily lives.

Don't forget about my free offer here.

I am not an official spokesman for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

 If you would like to know more about our Articles of Faith, 
you can go here.

31 Days of Faith {Miguel's Missionary Moment}

"I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Teacher, my Lord and my Redeemer.  I know that Jesus Christ can strengthen me.  (Philippians 4:13).  I know that when times are hard, God is with me to help me through it.  I know that Christ established His Gospel on the earth.  I know that it has been restored in its fullness in these last days.  I know the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the Words of God given to us to guide us.  But, most important is that I know that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and I know that He lives again so that I may live. ~Miguel"

Romans 1:16 KJV "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  

for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; 

to the Jew first, and also the Greek."

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31 Days of Faith {A Living Example of Faith}

This is a video about Stephanie Nielson a mom, wife, blogger and author.  She is an amazing example of someone who has faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and how faith in Him gave her the strength to get through a terrible ordeal.  She is such a shining example to me.  I love her sweet spirit and outlook on life.  Please take a few minutes to watch her video.  I guarantee she will inspire you, too.

Today I am blogging at Pear Shaped Thoughts so please stop by.

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 12...}

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"We believe in being subject to kings, president, rulers, magistrates in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."

We are counseled to be law abiding citizens in our own respective countries.  I can speak for myself and say that I am very Patriotic and take very seriously my right to vote as I take part in the political process.  But, to make things clear, my Church stays politically neutral and does not tell us how to vote.  We are only counseled to pray about candidates and take note of moral issues.

With a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints seeking the highest office in the land, it is important for others to understand our Church's political neutrality.  Despite popular headlines, the leaders of the LDS Church will not be telling Mitt Romney how to run the country should he get elected just as the Vatican did not counsel with Kennedy.

On a different note, a celebrity recently insinuated that we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are not permitted by our religion to serve in the military.  This is completely FALSE.  There are many faithful Latter Day Saints serving in the US Armed Forces and other military forces around the world.  My oldest son is serving in the US Air Force.  We are just as proud and pleased with him as we are with our Missionary serving son.

We even have a Military Relations Department within our Church.

Don't forget about my free offer here

**I am not a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to read up on the Church's Political Neutrality, you can go here.**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 11...}

             We Claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God

according to the dictates of our own conscience,

and allow all men the same privilege,

let them worship how, where, or what they may.

We are a respectful religion and people.  We believe in the First Amendment of Freedom of Religion.  I have never sat through a worship service where we spend our time preaching against another religion.  That's just not done.  We spend our time speaking of the Savior and how we can become more like Him.

We are a missionary church.  You've probably seen our young men and young women of 19-23 years of age riding around on their bikes in suits.  I lovingly refer to them as the pedaling Mormons.  These young men and young woman are not out to force religion on anyone.  Remember we believe in letting others worship "How where or what they may".  But, we are out there to share something that we feel is precious to us and worth sharing.  If they show up at your door, you can respectfully listen to their message or respectfully turn them away.  That is your choice.  Please remember to be respectful and kind.  It is a huge self sacrifice to put your self aside and dedicate two years to the Lord and serving in the community of your own will and expense.  Remember they are someone's sons or daughters and brothers or sisters.  My son is serving a mission right now in Georgia.  You can read some of his experiences, here.

Don't forget about my free offer here

**I am not a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

 If you are interested in reading more about Missions, you can go here.
If you have an interest in our views on Religious Freedom go here**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 10...}

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We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon this, the American Continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the Earth; and, that the Earth will be renewed and receive it's paradisaical glory.

This article of faith is different in the fact that it isn't based on basic beliefs but in a belief in something to come.  We believe that those scattered tribes of Israel will be brought back together through God's guidance and will come to know who they are.

When Christ comes again, we will all know.  He will reign upon the Earth and the Earth will be restored to its  beautiful, Biblical glory as it was in the Garden of Eden.

Don't forget about my free offer here.

**As I am not an official spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or a professional theologian, this article of faith, or tenet of our religion was a bit more difficult to explain.  If you would like to know more about about the gathering of Israel, this is a good article.** 

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 9...}

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"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

Many people believe that revelation ended with the Prophets of old, that God does not speak to us anymore.  We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe that revelation has not ended.  Many of us, including myself, are familiar with personal revelation;  feelings and thoughts, moments of clarity when we are faced with tough choices.  I attribute that to the divine guidance of a loving Heavenly Father.  We have a modern day Prophet who also receives revelation for us, things that keep us healthy, happy and focused on God and the Savior during these troubling times.  I am grateful for that in my life!  This is a tough world, tough times and I can use all the help I can get.

Don't forget about my free offer here

**I am not a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  
If you would like to know more about Modern Day Prophets, go here**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 8...}

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. 

We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

Members of the LDS Church generally use the King James version of the Bible. It is one of the oldest and least translated versions of the Bible dating to 1611. The KJV is filled with language that is rich and poetic. It is one of the most widely used versions of the Bible.

LDS also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. It is the history and religious dealings of the people on the American continents before, during and after Christ's time on the Earth. I think it would be selfish to think that God only loved and spoke to people on the other side of the world. Even the New Testament says, "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold..." Many people who are not of our faith believe we have a false Bible or have replaced the Bible. This is not true. It serves as another testament of Jesus Christ. It isn't put above the Bible but as an equal companion scripture;  a second witness of Jesus Christ.

As I am sure most people have access to a Bible, I am offering a no obligation Book of Mormon for free.  If you are interested in receiving a Book of Mormon to see what it is all about for yourself, please message me.  This will come from me, not from the Church.  You will not have anyone following up to see what you think, unless, of course, you would like.    

**I am not a Spokesperson for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to learn more about our beliefs 
in regards to the Bible  go here.  

Learn more about our Companion Scripture:  The Book of Mormon here**

31 Days of Faith {A Video from Miguel}

Nineteen year olds cannot be all business 100% of the time. I loved this video of Miguel rapping to a CD. (He's the one not driving the car). I sure miss his spunk and energy.

31 Days of Faith - Day #20

All Spirituality Aside...

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All spirituality aside, I am blogging at Pear Shaped Thoughts today.  

Please pop on over and leave me some comment ♥♥♥.

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 7...}

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"We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions,
 healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

Sometimes when you hear people talking of speaking in tongues, your mind might go right to some strange unidentifiable babble.  I know that's where my mind goes.  But really for me and for many other Latter Day Saints speaking in tongues is identifiable when young men and women emerge from a Missionary Training Center where they are taught a foreign language and are near fluent.  When you think about what can be accomplished with 19 year old youth in just a few short weeks, then you will believe in the gift of tongues. After just a short amount of time, these young men and women are capable and  fluent enough in a foreign language to live and teach the gospel in a foreign country. Amazing!

I personally believe in visions, as I have had some myself of a personal nature which I will not share, but know that it had to do with my children, their protection and nurturing.

I also believe very strongly in healings. I have seen my dad walk away from a near death bed with a pulmonary embolism, I have seen my daughter healed. I know with faith all things are possible through our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

**I am not an official spokesman for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to learn more about revelation you can go here.**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 6...}

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

The sixth Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is all about the organization of the Church. The LDS Church is patterned after the church in Christ's time. Jesus Christ is the head of our church, and we have twelve apostles along with our modern day prophet. The church is organized with leadership and supporting leadership all the way down to the Ward levels which can be compared to perhaps a Parish in the Catholic Church.  There are no paid clergy in the LDS church. Everything is done through volunteering of our time, and no one calling is above importance than another. A ward Bishop is held as an equal with perhaps the person who teaches the three year olds. Everyone is of utmost importance to the organization and workings of the LDS church.

**I am not an official Spokesperson for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to know more about how our Church is organized, you can go here.**

31 Days of Faith {Temples}

I am so grateful for Temples in my life.  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we believe that "God's church exists to help families gain eternal blessings."  We believe that instead of relationships ending at death, we can continue on with our families in heaven.  This beautiful doctrine is one of the main reasons we are a missionary church.  We would love to share with others the opportunity to be with their loved ones forever.  These eternal marriages take place inside the Temple.  You can read more on the LDS Church's focus on the family here.

Also performed in Temples are the ever controversial Baptisms for the Dead.  Faithful Latter Day Saints can have this ordinance work done for their ancestors.  We are doing this work by proxy, and we believe that our ancestors and family have the opportunity to either accept or decline this work on the other side.  So you see, it is not binding...We truly are only supposed to do this for our ancestors, although some get excited and unfortunately break the rules.  This is a biblical practice that was taught by Paul in the New Testament.  You can read more, about Baptisms for the Dead.

Our Temple has been closed for some time due to updating and bringing some safety features up to code as it is an older building.  We are so excited to have it opening soon.  Before it opens back up for the sacred work and ordinances, it will be opened to the general public for tours.  If you are interested in attending a tour of the Boise Idaho Temple, please message me, and I will send you a personal invitation.

**I am not a Spokesperson for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to learn more about Temples and their purpose, you can go here.**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 5...}

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a very busy church. We are a very active people. It is a "volunteer" church. No one is compensated for their time. Members hold various "callings" or jobs within the church to help it run its various programs smoothly. We believe that the leaders pray to the Lord about who would be fitting for each job. After agreeing upon the job, leaders lay their hands on our head using the Priesthood, asking for the Lord's help and guidance in fulfilling that calling. In addition to callings, the ordinances performed in the church are performed by worthy men who hold the Priesthood. This would include blessing and passing of the Sacrament, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost and eternal marriages.

**I am not a spokesperson for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to know more about the Priesthood, you can go here.**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 4...}

We believe that the first principles 
and ordinances of the Gospel are:

First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Second, Repentance

Third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins

Fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

#1  Faith in Christ is fundamental in being a follower of Christ.  

#2  Partaking of the atonement and repenting of our sins and promising to try and not do them anymore

is preliminary to Baptism.  Then, we believe in continual repentance to remain clean in His eyes.  

#3. We pattern our Baptismal ordinance after the Savior's own baptism as recounted in the New Testament. #4. Worthy men in our church who hold the Priesthood have the authority to confer the Holy Ghost on members of the church. These men act as an instrument through which God sends this comforting and guiding Spirit.

**I am not a spokesperson for the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to learn more about Baptism, go here.**

31 Days of Faith {Miguel's Missionary Moment}

Miguel has been a bit homesick the last couple of weeks, so his letters have been short and of a personal nature.  He is feeling buoyed up by the Lord and is still trying to find the time to write home.  He says every day he collapses exhausted into bed, hence his reason for not sending me longer and more frequent letters.  But we have received some awesome pictures.

Miguel is a bit confused by the silver fire hydrants.  I can hear him in my head saying "What the heck?!"

Zoo Trip

We went to the zoo the other day and got some amazing photos...

So glad there was glass between us and this big kitty.  

31 Days of Faith {For Your Weekend}

Again, following in the inspired steps of Emily at Chatting at the Sky, 

I give you my wishes for your weekend.

May you surround yourself this weekend with valiant youth, best friends and 

the beauty of God's creations.

31 Days of Faith {The Cross}

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This is in follow up to this post. Sometimes members of other faiths ask why we won't put crosses on our churches and wear them around our necks. This has to do with the emphasis we put on the atonement and resurrection. The crucifixion was the means to the end by which the latter was accomplished.

I do not wish to demean the sacredness of the cross as it is very important to Christians of other faiths. I merely wish to point out reasons for our beliefs. I asked a dear friend once, why we don't put more emphasis on the cross. She said it is just a symbol with negative meaning to her. She then went on to say, "If your brother was killed with a gun, would you hang a gun in your church or around your neck?" While her answer was a little extreme, it made sense to me...A better answer came from and LDS Prophet, Gordon B. Hinkley. He said, “But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ.”

**I am not an official spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

If you would like to learn more about our views on Christ, go here.**

31 Days of Faith {In the Image of God?}

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Today I am taking a break from my series on what my religion believes.  I am blogging over at Pear Shaped Thoughts today.  The title of which is 21st Century Evolution.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I do not believe in evolution, but creation.  (Let me clear that one up...)  We believe that we are divinely created in the image of God.  This blog post is about how our self image is changing or evolving with the 21st Century....And you can add in a dose of sarcasm if you'd like.  Please join me and support me.