A Conclusion

Source

I have been excited to share with you my beliefs and the beliefs of members of my Church.  I have only lost one reader throughout my 31 Days of Faith series with an emphasis on "We Believe."  I am so grateful to every one of my readers and most especially to those who left thoughtful comments.  Thank you!  I feel so blessed for your support.

I am open to further honest, kind questions about my faith, just e-mail me here through blogger.  If you are interested in learning more about the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through the Missionaries, you can request a visit here.

At the conclusion of my month devoted to providing information on my Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I hope that if you came away with one bit of information it is:  Mormons are truly followers of Jesus Christ.  

Don't forget about my free offer here

There are many Mormon bloggers out there besides myself.  Here are a couple that I follow, yet there are many, many more.  Maybe you have heard of them, too:

C.Jane Kendrick
NieNieDiaglogues
Nat The Fat Rat
Rockstar Diaries
Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl
Simple as That
Just the two of us

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

Source

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 {We Believe 12...}

Source

"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...}

Source

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...}

Source

"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 {We Believe 7...}

Source

"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 {The Cross}

Source

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 {We Believe 3...}

"We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

My husband grew up in another faith, and he says that he doesn't remember really ever hearing about the Atonement even though it is accounted for in the New Testament.  Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints focus on the Atonement. Atonement can be broken down as "at one."  Christ was at one with us in the Garden of Gethsemane as he bled and suffered for our sins, sorrows and trials.  It is through the Atonement that we can be forgiven of our sins and ultimately saved.  There is so much more than just believing that contributes to being "saved". As a truly converted follower of Christ we will WANT to do good and kind things for others:  helping the needy, giving of our time and sustenance, giving comfort. Also, practicing forgiveness ourselves towards others who have wronged us. When we emulate the Savior in our lives, we can more fully partake of the Atonement. We do not believe that good works gets us to heaven, His grace IS sufficient.

I often see bumper stickers and church signs in the area where I live that say, "If you can earn it, then why did He die." That is a common misconception about the LDS faith. As stated above we do not believe we can earn it but only that we should be doing as much good as possible to spread the love of God.  We are his helping hands here on this Earth.

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

If you would like to read our official doctrine concerning grace, you can go here.**

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 2...}

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins 

and not for Adam's transgressions...

Many religions believe in "original sin". Meaning that in order to be cleansed from the sins of Adam and Eve an infant must be baptized. Since we don't believe we are accountable for a sin committed by someone else, babies are born into this world fresh from the arms of their Father in Heaven in full innocence.  Therefore, we do not believe in infant baptism or in "original sin.".  Instead we bless our babies at a couple of months old asking for blessings from the Lord be upon them.




Holding a new born infant in my arms in all their innocence just confirms my belief in this second tenet of the LDS church. The Lord is merciful and I believe would not require them to obtain such an ordinance at such a helpless age.  I had someone tell me once, from another faith, that if I didn't get my babies baptized soon after birth, and they died, they would go to hell.  Holding my sweet baby with tears in my eyes, I knew they were wrong. That just never sat right with me.  I know my Father is a merciful and loving God.  

**I am not a spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but the following information comes from an official church website on the topic of infant baptism**

"Immersion is symbolic of the death of a person’s sinful life and the rebirth into a spiritual life, dedicated to the service of God and His children. It is also symbolic of death and resurrection. (SeeRomans 6:3-6) Little children are redeemed through the mercy of Jesus Christ. They are “alive in Christ” and cannot sin. They do not need baptism until they understand the difference between right and wrong"

31 Days of Faith {We Believe 1...}

"We believe in God the eternal Father 
and in his Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost..."

Some common misconceptions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that we aren't Christians and that we don't believe in God. The first tenet of our faith is professing our belief in God and Jesus irregardless of the official name of the Church. One difference is that we believe members of the God head are separate beings but one in purpose   This is bothersome to some thinking that we believe in many gods, or polytheism. I just look to the scriptures and read the account of Christ's baptism in the River Jordan. After he had come up out of the water, Heavenly Father declared from Heaven, "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."

We pray to one God, with Christ making intercession for the Father.  We begin our prayers quite formally, "Dear Heavenly Father, or Dear Father..."  and they typically close "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  Or perhaps, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, Amen." Of course everything else in between is perhaps what we are grateful for, those we are praying for and things that we may need.

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

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

Mormons and Me

I have not hidden the fact that I am a Mormon Mommy Blogger.  As a Mormon I am a little frustrated with the negative publicity members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have been getting recently in light of Mitt Romney and his quest for the Presidential bid.  It is scary to me how much hatred and misinformation there is out there.  I will read a little something in the paper or on the internet and it will have an iota of truth mixed with falsities that just make us seem weird.   If you have a question, the best people to ask about their church are the Mormons.  I've had people tell me they want to "debate" my religion.  I don't debate...I don't try to dissuade others from their religion, only try to share what I believe to clear up misconceptions.  

I came across this little snippet on the internet with some basic info about Mormons. If you'd like to see a bigger version, click here.  Want to know more about the church if even just to answer some questions you might have?  You can go here to the official website or you can read some of my "We Believe Series."  My own personal testimony of Jesus Christ of and of my Church can be found online here.

Thanks for reading and being open minded enough to accept me for who I am.  I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I am a Mormon

Mormon Mommy Blog

I have a confession to make.... 

I am a Mormon Mommy Blogger. 

If you are a usual follower you may have already figured that out, but I just thought I'd make that confession.  I am actually closer to a Mormon Empty Nester Blogger, but hey, I'm still a Mommy.  I'm even part of a community called.......

wait for it....... 

wait for it........

Mormon Mommy Blogs.  Shocker, right?!

I recently read an online article about a Non Mormon Feminist, Emily Matchar, and her take on Mormon Mommy Bloggers. I was actually quite impressed by her insight, understanding and acceptance. But, then I read the comments, and Gag me! I hate mean people. Seriously. So I stopped reading those nasty comments.

A good many of those comments related to Polygamy and how the Mormon Mommy Bloggers are not telling the full story.  That we are secretly part of polygamist families and just not telling you.  The LDS church does not believe in nor practice polygamy.  I have one husband and he has one wife (ME).  Even members of my own family have made comments about us being polygamists, cultist, pagans and members of a colony?  Say what?  I hope that the way I live and act is an example of my true lifestyle.

I have to admit I have a small list of reasons 

WHY I don't make a good Mormon despite my strong convictions in my 

Church and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

1.  I do not can fruits, vegetables or anything like unto it.  

I canned freezer jam once, and I still have a bunch.  

Somehow my family prefers Smuckers.

2.  I barely garden

3.  Sewing?  Yeah right! Give me a freaking staple gun.
That's more like it...

4.  I have an addiction to Diet Cherry Pepsi

5.  I have piercings

6.  I have a love of beautiful tattoos.

7. I use expressive words that may or may not be offensive.

See?  We are not perfect nor profess to be.  

Mormon Mommy Bloggers are pegged as being perfect, eternal optimists with their "nothing goes wrong" attitudes.  And that is simply not true.  Well, some of us like to paint rosier pictures than others, but I would say that we choose to focus on the positives in our lives.  That is what makes us happier in the long run.  Just ask Oprah...I've done my share of complaining on my blog.  Holy Flippin' Fetch?  Seriously!  I have...

Like when my oldest son, TJ,  left home and joined the Air Force.

When my husband took a group of scouts  

camping on our Anniversary

I've complained about being 2busy 

(which by the way is slowing down now)

Car trouble here, here, and quite possibly here.

There are so many more.  Just try looking under my label Sarcasm

So the point is, we are normal people, leading normal lives, not everything is perfect all the time, but we try to be happy and cheerful.

If you are interested in what we believe 

and not the often times drivel
put out by people who profess to know, 

you could go here.  

Or you can read some things I have written here.  or here.

My life is an open book or blog.  Truly...

Forever

Just last week a dear friend of mine lost here 16 year old son quite suddenly.  He was happy and healthy and then within a few days he had passed away.  It was sad, devastating and heart wrenching.  She is a true inspiration to me with her faith, strength and dignity.  I am so grateful for my Church and our beliefs in forever.  We believe that the family unit goes on forever: Fathers and Mothers, Sons and Daughters.  We even believe that she and her husband will be allowed to finish raising their son in the eternities.  It is faith and comfort from God and Jesus Christ that help us get through these difficult life experiences.  I am so grateful for this knowledge.  Thanks, Jeni, for being a true inspiration.

We Believe...

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.  It's sad that some churches feel it necessary to have sermons and conferences demonizing the LDS church.  It is very prevalent in the area I live, and you can even read the jabs on the churches billboards.  If they only knew that we love them and respect them for all the goodness that they do.  It would be nice if it could be reciprocated.

Now, we are a missionary church.  You've probably seen our young men of 19-21 years old 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.  My oldest will be putting aside college, giving up his time and money to become a "pedaling Mormon" in just a year and a half.  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.  Remember they are someone's sons or daughters and brothers or sisters.