I am a Mormon.

The church has recently unveiled their new marketing plan "I am a Mormon" through Bonneville communications and Mormon.org.  It's a place where anyone can go and look through profiles of regular, every day - (not weird) people who happen to be Mormon.

I happen to have a profile (are you surprised?  yea, I didn't think so) and it can be found here:

http://mormon.org/me/1FT0/

But, there are also a lot of other amazing people out there who have submitted their story.  Those can be found here:

http://www.mormon.org

I think over the next couple of posts, I'm going to highlight one or two, just so you can see how different, and yet just how the same every member of the church is.

Mormons are not weird.  They are:

mothers, fathers, artists, dancers, athletes, bloggers, children, adults, CEO's, actors, musicians, electricians, politicians, students, and much more.

Our first Mormon.org profile:
Jeff Decker, Biker, Sculptor and Mormon.

Mormons are not weird. We love our Dads.

I was perusing facebook this morning, and there were so many wonderful Father's Day wishes out there - It was very touching. There were of course the many "Happy Father's Day to my Dad/Husband/Brother" you are an amazing/wonderful/thoughtful person and I can't imagine my life without you." sentiments. There were a few photos of families, photos of fathers who have long since passed from this earth, photos of fathers with new born babies in their arms, photos of soldiers stationed far away. And then there were the songs posted - Dad's favorite song, songs that remind us of dad...songs about dad. So many loving tributes to our fathers and how much they mean to us.

However, those are not the things I want to share with you today. Rather, I would like to share with you this prayer, by President Gordon B Hinckley:

"God bless you, dear fathers. May He bless you with wisdom and judgment, with understanding, with self-discipline and self-control, with faith and kindness and love. And may He bless the sons and daughters who have come into your homes, that yours may be a fortifying, strengthening, guiding hand as they walk the treacherous path of life. As the years pass—and they will pass ever so quickly—may you know that "peace... which passeth all understanding" (Philip. 4:7) as you look upon your sons and daughters, who likewise have known that sacred and wonderful peace. Such is my humble prayer, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen" ("'Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children'," Ensign, Nov 2000, 50.)

Happy Father's Day.

Mormons are not weird. They are people.

I came across this article today written by an Elder Witt, currently serving as a Missionary in the state of Alaska.  Elder Witt had a desire to write an old fashioned letter.  He wanted to use a typewriter - the kind that runs on no electricity, and produces letters on plain white paper with the assistance of a hammer stroke and a black ribbon.  It may sound like ancient technology to many of you - but typewriters are what most people used to use before there were computers.  I even used one to write a few things back in my school days.

Elder Witt wanted to write, and he wanted to do it the old fashioned way - so he contacted a newspaper office and asked if they had an old typewriter...which they did, and happily gave to him.  You see, Elder Witt has a desire to one day be a journalist, and they wanted to help his ambition (or at least, that's the reason I believe that they offered the typewriter.)  Anyway, Elder Witt wrote a few letters, but he also wrote a column for the newspaper - and they published it.  What is the column all about?  Missionary work, of course - and the true nature of a missionary.  My favorite line from the column?

"we are just as nervous standing at your door as you are having us there. We are not trying to sell anything, so why do we do it? We do it to try to bring happiness into people’s lives."

Then he goes on to explain, a Missionaries' job is to uplift and inspire.  Help and to listen.  Be a friend.  Be a neighbor.  Be a servant of the Lord, in whatever he may be called to do.  Being a missionary isn't all about proselytizing.  It's about Service, friendship, humility, and doing good for all men.

"We missionaries are here to help and serve; when we are at the front door feel free to ask us to help with anything that is needed. We enjoy helping and serving, and we love doing it often. Don’t think of us as merely missionaries, think of us as people who want to uplift, inspire and comfort. We care and want to be friends with as many as we can. We truly want every person we meet to be happy. We believe that is what Christ’s work was, to bring true happiness into people’s lives."

I honestly wish Elder Witt luck.  I know he will not read this post.  I know he does not have access to the internet on his mission.  I also know that he did not expect the notoriety that this article is certainly going to bring him.  I do hope that someone in the great city of Homer, Alaska will find him or his counterparts and wish him happiness on his journey.  He's an amazing young man, and his strength in his testimony of Christ, of Service and of Love to all men has thus far helped him to grow into an amazing young man.  Well said Elder Witt.  I hope you keep writing and look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

Mormons are not weird.  They are people.

to read Elder Witt's full article, please go here:

http://homertribune.com/2011/06/lds-missionary-workers-want-to-serve/

Mormons are not weird. Every Member a Missionary.

The term "Every member a missionary" has been around as long as I can remember.  To some, outside of the church, when they hear this they assume it means that every single member of the LDS church's main goal is to convert them.  I promise you, when someone meets a member of the church the first thought that runs through their head is very rarely when they might get them to commit to baptism.  As for myself, I typically tend to think, "wow, this is a really great person that I might become good friends with." 

So why "Every Member a Missionary" if it isn't a requirement to go out and baptize or commit to baptism every person we meet, what exactly does this phrase mean?  It means to lead by example,  live according to your faith, and share - when the opportunity presents itself - what exactly it is that makes you so darned happy.  It doesn't mean to take your family door to door proselytizing  or require you to stand on a crowded corner teaching the gospel. 

Many people who come into contact with me or work with me for any period of time come to know rather quickly that I am indeed a member of the Mormon faith.  If they don't notice the CTR (Choose the Right) ring on my right hand, or the fact that I don't tend to swear or use other bad language, or that I never join them in cocktail hour - - - there is always something that gives me away.  In casual conversation it may come up that I am from Utah (not all Mormons are, by the way), that my husband graduated from BYU, or perhaps it's mentioned that I was involved with a youth service activity.  Either way, I don't hide from my friends or co-workers who I am.  I let them get to know me, the real me - the person I am now and forever.  In these opportunities, I find time and place to share more about this Gospel that I love.  If they indeed want to learn more, I then set up time for them to meet with the full time missionaries (Men and women that volunteer 18 months to two years of their life to serve as Missionaries proselytizing about the Gospel).  If they don't want that, I continue to answer questions as they come up, and continue to be their friend.  Period.

When you find something that makes you happy, truly happy - you want to share it with the world.  For some people that means that they open with it on first conversations.  For some, it is something they hold closely to their heart and only share it with those that they have grown to love and respect.  For some, they write about it.  I tend to fall into the latter two groups, as evidenced by this blog.  I have learned, however, that it isn't about being a missionary, and it isn't about baptizing everyone I know.  It's about sharing a piece of myself, and a piece of my faith, and a whole part of a Gospel that as I've mentioned before is a great deal of who I am. 

Mormons are not weird.  Every Member a Missionary - Every person love your neighbor.

Now to end this post, I seem it fitting to put in this story I heard not too long ago.  I don't know if it's true or not, but I do hope it is.  I love it that much.

When the MTC (Missionary Training Center for the Full time missionaries) was built in Provo, there were lush green athletic fields put in just across the street for their exercise and enjoyment. The fields were so inviting, and due to proximity of location to Brigham Young University - they were typically filled with BYU students taking part in different activities causing the missionaries to not be able to use them as much as intended.  So, very shortly after their installation, a sign was also installed near the edge of the fields that looks like this:

The next day, the groundskeepers went out to find posted on this sign, just below that read:

Every Member a Missionary.

See, I told you it was good.

Mormons are not weird. They bake great cookies.

I'm sorry.  I can't have a blog named "Mormons are Not Weird" and not include some humor once in a while.  I saw this today, and it made me laugh...one because it's snarky and clever.  Two...because I happen to be making cookies. Right. Now.

Mormons are not weird. MormonsMadeSimple.com

The purpose of creating this blog for me was to help my children understand and respond to some of the questions they face about our faith. I have also learned so much as I continue to write and read and pray about the things which I write here. It's truly a humbling experience.

If you have landed on this blog because you have questions about the church, or because you heard something you just weren't sure about, I applaud your efforts to discover the truth behind a myth rather than taking it at face value. I believe very strongly in the power of education and understanding. If you have come here because you are discovering your own faith, or because you are investigating the LDS church, I welcome you as well. I can honestly say my faith is a huge part of who I am and I am genuinely happy because of it.

With all that being said - (it was a rather long introduction to this video clip - apologies.) Please enjoy this video made by the folks at www.mormonsmadesimple.com. There are several videos listed there about our worship services, the missionaries, our beliefs in general, and many other topics. In short three to five minute videos, they explain in simple terms a lot about our faith. Of course, if you ever have questions about the church, there are many avenues you can take for answers. Ask a Mormon friend, talk to the missionaries, visit www.LDS.org or www.Mormon.org. We are always happy to answer any questions. Mormons are not weird. We are ready to help you understand and answer your questions.

Mormons Are Christian.

“We Believe in God, The Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” (Articles of Faith 1:1)

I've had quite a few conversations over the last week with several different people (some of whom are very close to me) about whether or not I am a Christian.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...this is something I have never questioned about my faith.  It is something that I've found surprising that others do question.

The first thing I needed to do was to define Christian.  To me, a Christian has always been someone who is a follower of Christ.  Webster defines "Christian" as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ."  Do I try to follow Christ's example and work to some day return to His presence?  Yes.  Do I believe the teachings of Jesus Christ from the New Testament?  Yes.  Therefore - I am a Christian.

But many tell me I'm not.

It is both confusing, and heart-breaking at the same time.

I've been told that it is the LDS doctrine that makes me un-Christian.  That it is the cannon of Scripture (The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price) that we read in addition to the Bible that makes me un-Christian.  I've been told that it is a historical significance that makes me un-Christian.  I could go into each one of these things, but honestly - to me, they are not the issue.  You see, I've been told a lot of things.  What I've never been told is that my unwavering faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Divine Son of God and Savior is what makes me un-Christian.

That is never the issue.

Never once have I been told that I was not Christian because I believe in Christ.

So, are Mormons Christian?  Absolutely.  Do we share exactly the same beliefs and doctrine as other Christian churches?  No, there are many differences that make us who we are.  In fact, there are differences between the other faiths that distinguish them individually.  However, we believe we are all sons and daughters of God.  That Jesus Christ is the Divine Son of God and the Savior of the world.  On that fact we can certainly all agree.  To tear down one's sense of faith because it does not match your own, to me that is not a Christian quality.

John 13:34 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Mormons are not weird.  We are Christian.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. He Is Risen.

Happy Easter Sunday.  Today’s post is the final in the www.facebook.com/mormon (www.mormon.org) series discussing the week in Christ’s life before Easter. 

Today, John Chapter 20 – He is not here, for He is Risen. 

I’ve learned so much from this week, and it has been an amazing blessing to share it with each of you.  I hope you have enjoyed your Easter week, and was able to spend some time today with your families. 

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Eight.

From www.facebook.com/Mormon

Jesus’s body lay in the tomb. A large stone was put in front of the door. The wicked priests asked Pilate to have guards stand outside the tomb to make sure no one went inside.

As Christ’s body lay in the tomb those days, many wept.  Some may have had doubt.  Some feared that they’d be persecuted for following Him.  Some had hope.  Some had faith.  Some waited patiently.  As Latter Day Saints, we believe that the people in the Americas experienced three days of darkness and mourning. (3 Nephi 8)

Another word on Easter.  Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.  I just finished dying eggs with the kids, and am preparing to stuff the plastic eggs after the kids go to bed.  But first – we’ll be reading the Easter story to them and discussing the significance of the day.

I actually enjoy the commercial aspect of Easter.  I enjoy the commercial aspect of Christmas too.  There are a few reasons – the joy I see on my children’s faces is unmatched, for one thing.  Mostly, however I enjoy the many teaching opportunities I have during these two seasons to point out the significance of the symbols used in celebrating.

Eggs, for instance, represent a new life.  Easter Lilies are white and represent purity – just as Christ was Pure.  The Lamb is representative of the Lamb of God.  The Easter Dress, or the wearing of new clothes is also a symbol of new life.  The rabbit or bunny represents abundant new life, a symbol that Christ’s victory over death can be shared abundantly.  The giving and receiving of gifts can represent the gift He gives us all. 

I do not personally believe the commercial aspects of any holiday are bad in their entirety.  Anything that causes my children to think about something in a different light, or enables them to ask questions and seek truth are not bad things. 

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost, Ye may know the truth of all things.”
Moroni 10:5.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Seven.

From www.facebook.com/Mormon

Jesus was taken to the high priest, Caiaphas. His disciple Peter denied he knew Him. Jesus was then questioned by the governor, Pilate, and by King Herod. He was condemned to die on the cross. Jesus was crucified. A rich man named Joseph of Arimathæa laid Jesus in his tomb. Jesus’s mother, Mary, and Mary Magdalene visited the tomb.

I think this day is the hardest of all for me to express my thoughts.  Every year of my life, and as far back as I can remember – my parents used to sit us all down to watch Ben Hur.  And every year of my life, as far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a hard time viewing the scene where Christ is marched through the streets in a crown of thorns, carrying His cross.  The whole scene makes me very emotional – and just picturing it in my head now is bringing uncontrolled tears to my eyes.

It is hard for me to watch.

Why?

The treatment He endured was unkind, and inhuman.  It was cruel and torturous.  No man should have to endure such pain, mockery and humiliation.  It would be hard enough He was just an ordinary man, a common criminal of the day led to his execution (as that is what they did with criminals) but He was no ordinary man.  He was no common criminal.  He is Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, and He is my brother.  And, He did this willingly.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Six.

Via: www.facebook.com/mormon

Passover started and Jesus told His disciples that one of them would betray Him. He then introduced the sacrament to them. Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to suffer for our sins and pray mightily to God. Angry priests and townspeople came to arrest Him. The disciples fled in fear.

Images of this day – the Third day before Easter…The Last Supper.  Gethsemane.  The Betrayal.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Five.

When I first started this project I thought it would be a good way for me to study, engross myself in my scriptures, and write down my thoughts as I learn.  I had no idea that the journey would lead me to a place of self discovery that I had before thought already existed.

This week as I started posting the series from www.mormon.org – the week before Easter – Christ’s week – I began to really search introspectively.  I’ve found myself thinking a lot about His sacrifice, His last weeks, His thoughts, His moments.  He knew what it all was for.  He understood.  He was willing.  And He did it all for me.

So today when I went to search for the post on Mormon.org and prepared to share it with all of you, I was not prepared for the rush of emotions that came with reading the following line:

Although the scriptures don’t say what Jesus did on this day, we can imagine He spent the day with His disciples, perhaps telling the parable of the ten virgins. See Matthew 25:1-13.

He had to have known the end of his ministry on this Earth at that time was coming to an end.  He had to have known what was coming.  So what exactly what was this day spent doing?  Cherishing time with friends and family.  Teaching a few more important lessons.  Time in study and in prayer.  Just time.

How exactly does one prepare for something like suffering for the sins of the world?  Did He prepare his family?  What did He say to his mother? We know that at one moment in Gethsemane He asked that if possible remove this cup – but not as I will as Thou will…did He think about the possible suffering that He would endure during this Fourth day before Easter?  Did He know just how short His time was?

Did He know that one day, we’d all be sitting here – reading a blog on the internet wondering if what we do from day to day is enough to honor His sacrifice.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day Four.

Via Mormon.org: On the Fifth day before Easter, Jesus taught in the temple, and on the Mount of Olives. He taught by parable that if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. And then, Judas – one of his disciples betrayed him for 30 silver coins.

30 Silver coins.

I realize that was a lot of money then. In fact, it’s a lot of money even now. I also understand the betrayal was part of the grander plan. But to think about it, even in the simplest terms – 30 silver coins to betray a friend, let alone the Savior of the World…it just doesn’t seem enough.

I’ve been thinking a lot this past week about who I would be in Jesus’ story. Would I be like Mary who doubted Him not, would I have been in the multitude listening to His teachings, would I have been one of the persecutors?

It’s easy in these times for me to say that I would have defended Him. I would have hoped to gather at His feet. I would have learned of His teachings. I would have loved Him then as I do now. It’s easy for me to say that, knowing what I know to be true of Him. But when I take a look at my life today – how would I react to the Savior, the Son of God? How DO I honor His teachings, His sacrifice… Would I be there to wash His feet, or would I turn him over for 30 silver coins.

I suppose the answer lies in how I do live my life. Each day do I try to live as a disciple of Christ would live? Do I help a stranger when I see the need? Do I carry his image in my countenance? Do I think of Him in everything I do? Do I forgive others? Do I make amends? Do I live my life in a way that would make Him proud?

I try to. I really do.

There are many things that could amount to 30 pieces of silver. I could betray my beliefs. I could give up on living the Word of Wisdom. I could do things that I know are not in line with my beliefs or standard set forth by the teachings of the church. I could. But, that to me would be exactly like selling my friend, my Brother – for 30 pieces of silver.

I have made a promise, a commitment to hold true to these standards, hold to the rod, and to seek Him in all things. I’ve been taught to always keep my promises. I try to teach my children the same thing. Keeping promises made to a loving Father in Heaven just as you would keep promises made to a friend is not weird. I don’t even think it’s peculiar.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter…Day Three.

Today Mormon.org posted the 6th day before Easter.  This was the day that Jesus went to the Temple and found many merchants and people buying and selling things.  It was then that he said, “Is it not written, My house shall be called... the house of prayer? But Ye have made it a den of thieves.”

I don’t think I ever fully understood the significance of this event.  As I read it the first time I remember being somewhat shocked at the outburst of emotion from my Savior.  As it says in Matthew 21 – he overthrew tables and chairs of the merchants.

Because I am a member of generation x – and because my entire life I’ve been surrounded by rich media – the only image that comes to mind when I hear that he stormed in and overthrew tables and chairs is that of a former basketball coach who in frustration flung chairs across the court in the general direction of the referees.

I have a really hard time imagining my Savior – my Brother – pulling a Bobby Knight.  That is simply not the gentle, kind and understanding man I’ve been introduced to through my life and study.

And yet, it happened.  The bible tells us so.

So why was he so frustrated, so upset – so angry?

As I understand it, there were two types of money in those times.  Regular money, and temple money.  Regular money was not to be exchanged within the temple, however it was necessary to make purchases for the sacrifices made (remember, this was when they still practiced the sacrifices to God).  So, what happened was the regular money was exchanged for temple money, which was then used inside the temple for purchases of animals for sacrifice.  It had become common practice that the priests who ran the temple would short change the money exchange – causing the temple currency to be worth half of what the regular money was.  So a dove that would cost 1.00 in the regular market, for instance, would end up costing 2.00 within the temple.  The priests were basically stealing the money from those who came to worship in the ways of their fathers.

With this understanding, it makes sense that Christ would be angry.  He wasn’t frustrated at the money changing hands – He was mad at the fact that they were using it as a way to cheat the people.

Christ is a protective older brother enforcing the rules in His Father’s house.

On this the 6th day before Easter, the priests became angry.  They began to question him.  They sought to lay hands on him…but did not this day – for they feared the crowd would protect Him. 

So the question I ask of myself – would I have been there to protect Him.  I certainly hope that I would.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter…Day Two.

Today, from www.mormon.org – Palm Sunday.

On Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem from Bethany on a donkey. People recognized Him as their King shouting, “Hosanna,” and laying palm leaves in front of the donkey to keep dust off the Savior. He visited the temple and then returned to Bethany.

From www.mormon.org on Facebook

The Gospel According to St. Matthew – Chapter 21.

1And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

2Saying unto them, Go into the village ^aover against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

3And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

4All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy ^aKing cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

6And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

7^aAnd brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.

8And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, ^aHosanna to the Son of David: ^bBlessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

10And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

11And the ^amultitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

12¶And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13And said unto them, It is written, My ^ahouse shall be called the house of ^bprayer; but ye have made it a ^cden of thieves.

14And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

15And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the ^achildren crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

16And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

17¶And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

18Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

19And when he saw a fig tree ^ain the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no ^bfruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And ^cpresently the fig tree withered away.

20And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have ^afaith, and ^bdoubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this ^cmountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

22And all ^athings, whatsoever ye shall ^bask in ^cprayer, believing, ye shall receive.

23¶And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what ^aauthority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

24And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what ^aauthority I do these things.

25The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

26But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a ^aprophet.

27And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

28¶But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go ^awork to day in my vineyard.

29He answered and said, ^aI will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and ^awent ^bnot.

31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

32For John came unto you in the way of ^arighteousness, and ye ^bbelieved him not: but the ^cpublicans and the harlots believed him: ^dand ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

33¶^aHear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to ^bhusbandmen, and went into a far country:

34And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

35And the husbandmen took his ^aservants, and ^bbeat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

36Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

37But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

38But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the ^aheir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

39And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

40When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

41They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his ^avineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

42Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The ^astone which the builders ^brejected, the same is become the head of the ^ccorner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

43Therefore say I unto you, The ^akingdom of God shall be ^btaken from you, and ^cgiven to a ^dnation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

44^aAnd whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

45^aAnd when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

46But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Mormons Do Celebrate Easter. Day One.

Believe it or not I do get asked often if Mormons celebrate or recognize Easter.  When I answer "Of Course we do.” the first response is usually - “No, I mean the REAL Easter – the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.”

“Oh THAT Easter? I thought you were talking about bunnies and Cadburry eggs.”

(Sorry, there is this portion of me that was born sarcastic.  Most know this about me and embrace me for it.)

The truth is, absolutely we do. Christ was resurrected that we might live again. We most definitely celebrate Easter.

So, today I found this very cool series produced by www.mormon.org. Beginning today, 4/16/2011 through Easter Sunday, they will focus on the week before Christ’s resurrection.  I’m not sure what messages each video or thought will focus on, but I am very excited for the lessons and thoughts that will be taught and shared about this most crucial event.

The first video brought tears to my eyes (weird, I know.)  I have always gotten that way when I read about, hear talks about, or discuss the sacrifices He made for me.  I am forever grateful for the atonement, for the love I know He has for me, for the patience, kindness and mercy He freely gives to all.

“One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path, we do not have to.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Mormons believe in dressing modestly.

Being fashionable these days doesn’t always mean modest.  This is especially true when looking for dresses for formal dances.  One young woman in Arizona saw an opportunity to help girls who wanted to attend their school prom, and still dress modestly. 

Mormons Don’t Drink Alcohol.

Or smoke. Or drink coffee, or tea.

Ask any member of the church why, and they’ll likely respond with something similar to the following:

“We believe in the Word of Wisdom…a revelation regarding keeping out bodies healthy. In it, specific items are mentioned as being not healthy for the body and also a guideline for a healthy lifestyle is outlined.”

Some will even say that they don’t drink coffee, tea, alcohol or smoke or chew tobacco because the leaders of the church have asked them not to.

As I don't believe that a person should blindly follow instruction, I did my research into this aspect of my faith, and came to the following conclusion. Personally, I see the Word of Wisdom in this light – it is a care and instruction guide for my body. Much like a vehicle comes with a set of instructions, that is what the Word of Wisdom is to me. Just as a vehicle manual advises you not to use diesel fuel in a standard engine as it may cause destruction or damage to the internal workings of your car, the Word of Wisdom advises that you not partake in substances that will cause damage to the internal workings of your body.

I know it sounds like I’m oversimplifying this – but it’s honestly what the Word of Wisdom is. It’s advice from a loving Father in Heaven to his children on how to keep their most precious resource in top working order. In fact the Word of Wisdom isn’t just about the things we shouldn’t partake of (Coffee, Harmful substances, Alcohol, Tea and Tobacco) but also full of the things we should partake of – grains, vegetables, meats in moderation. In fact, moderation is the key to all things. It’s starting to sound a lot like a diet created by nutritionists and health experts, isn’t it?

This Word of Wisdom is not only found in the Doctrine and Covenants (a book contained in the Standard works of the LDS Scriptures along with the Book of Mormon, and Old and New Testaments of the Bible). In fact, there are numerous places in the scriptures where we are counseled about the effects of certain substances. Alcohol for example is specifically mentioned in Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” and Daniel Chapter 1 talks about Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They choose to not partake of the king’s rich foods that they had been taught were not good for them and also choose not to partake in his wine for ten full days. At the end of those ten days, they were stronger and healthier than those who had mocked their choice. (I bet in biblical terms Daniel and his friends were even called “weird” – just my guess anyway.) Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”

Strong drink is deceiving. Wine clouds your judgement. Overindulging causes sluggishness. All biblical references.

A word quickly about caffeine. It is not specifically mentioned in the Word of Wisdom and is considered a grey area for many. For me, I’ve made the choice not to consume caffeine in accordance to the Word of Wisdom because for me, caffeine is an addictive substance that has harmful effects on my body. It causes my heart to race, my hands to shake, headaches, and increases the effects of anxiety. As stated by President Boyd K Packer:

”The Word of Wisdom was ‘given for a principle with promise’ (Doctrine and Covenants 89:3) … A principle is an enduring truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. Generally principles are not spelled out in detail. Members write in asking if this thing or that is against the Word of Wisdom…We teach the principle together with the promised blessings. There are many habit-forming, addictive things that one can drink or chew or inhale or inject which injure both body and spirit which are not mentioned in the revelation…Obedience to counsel will keep you on the safe side of life.” (“The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises,” Ensign, May 1996, 17-18)

Am I absolutely forbidden from partaking in these things? No. I have my agency. And if I did nobody would know, right? Of course not – I would know and I’ve made the decision to live by this standard as a promise to myself, my family and my Father in Heaven. I find it incredibly interesting that a document written so many years before the discovery of the dangers of alcohol and the creation of the food pyramid could be filled with so much truth about the proper way to eat and be healthy.

Is the Word of Wisdom weird? Maybe. Peculiar? Most definitely.

Mormon Messages Video: Are Mormons Christian?

This video was created by The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and can be found on their Youtube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages.

Elder Gary J. Coleman talks about his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He speaks of his understanding of the true nature of the Godhead, access to additional scripture and revelation, and partaking of the blessings of priesthood authority.

Mormons have a lot of kids.

This is my absolute favorite statement – of all time.  Seriously.   It comes in a lot of forms  -

“When God said to multiply and replenish the earth, he didn’t mean YOU personally!”

“You do know what causes that, right?”

“You have (fill in the blank) kids?  You must be Mormon.”

One thing that makes me laugh about this – I have friends who are Catholic, Baptist, Christian, Jewish, and yes – atheist, with more children than the average Mormon family and yet the first conclusion drawn when most see a large family is that they must be Mormon.

Why do Mormons tend to have large families?  Contrary to (very) popular belief, Mormons are not required to have large families.  They are not requested to do so.  Couples are not counseled on the number of children they must bring into the ‘fold.’   Parenthood and family size is entirely a personal decision made by each family with the assistance of prayer.

Gordon B. Hinckley stated:

“The Lord has told us to multiply and replenish the earth that we might have joy in our posterity, and there is no greater joy than the joy that comes of happy children in good families. But he did not designate the number, nor has the Church. That is a sacred matter left to the couple and the Lord”

I had heard once that Mormons don’t believe in using birth control.  I’ve not found a single instance or statement to that fact.  I do know that each couple is counseled to consider family planning methods very carefully, in keeping with the health and safety of both the mother and her future children.  Permanent birth control methods (such as tubal ligation) should be considered with prayer – and why not? It IS a major surgery.  Each family is different.  Every mother and father is aware of their own abilities.  I can’t imagine that our Loving Heavenly Father would want us to take on more than we can physically or emotionally handle.  But, he does not want to be left out of that decision either.

What about those who do not have children either due to medical complications or for other reasons known only to themselves?  Are they considered “less Mormon” or “bad” church members? 

Absolutely.Not.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said in a conference in 1993:

“How many children should a couple have? All they can care for! Of course, to care for children means more than simply giving them life. Children must be loved, nurtured, taught, fed, clothed, housed, and well started in their capacities to be good parents themselves. Exercising faith in God’s promises to bless them when they are keeping his commandments, many LDS parents have large families. Others seek but are not blessed with children or with the number of children they desire. In a matter as intimate as this, we should not judge one another”

I have a few very dear friends who have tried for years, unsuccessfully to have children of their own.  That has not stopped them from sharing their years of knowledge and experience, nor has it stopped them from having an influence in the lives of others – for the good.  They have learned to teach and share their experiences in other ways.  Together as a couple, they are a family, however their extended family has become their ward family.  They have become parents to many young people and young adults.  They are greatly loved.  The ward is their family.

Do all Mormons have a lot of kids?  No. It’s a generalization that makes us seem weird.  Large families are not weird.  Using prayer, discussion and thought as part of your family planning process is not weird.  Taking your kids to school with curlers in your hair and a cleansing mask on your face – that’s weird (but also very, very fun.)

Mormon families are not weird.  They are Peculiar.

Mormons. Are. Weird.

How many times have you heard this? Growing up in a not-so-LDS community, I heard it quite a bit. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, many of us often find ourselves responding to many questions about our faith – and many misinterpreted “facts.”

I love these discussions, for the most part – as long as the person asking the question is willing to listen, and as long as the questions aren’t coming as part of an attack on me, my family or my faith. These are opportunities, to me, to teach others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the one I love so dearly, and believe KNOW with all my heart to be true. These discussions give me an opportunity to share with others why I believe what I believe – and what it is that makes me so happy.

It’s taken a long time to come out of my shell when it comes to talking about the Gospel. As a child, I attended church regularly until my parents divorced – when I was three. That’s right folks – my entire childhood primary existence stopped when I was a sunbeam … which is no wonder I still remember church as a child so fondly, when I was in Primary, I still got snacks every Sunday…

Anyway – the divorce was a long, drawn out, icky mess which I do not care to discuss – but long story made even longer – my mom stopped attending church after that, which meant I stopped going too. From time to time a well meaning friend or primary leader would come and take me to church or activities etc. but for the most part – I was not an active member as a child.

Flash forward to age 11. I moved in with my father (who no longer was a member) and began attending church with some friends. I tried other religions – nothing seemed a good fit. My parents supported whatever I did…and at 13 I made the decision to be baptized.

I. Became. Weird.

In a good way of course. Suddenly there was this whole new world of amazing people, friends, confidants – family. Since my own family was such a shattered mess – this just felt like home. My testimony grew. I grew. I was happy. (I am happy). I attended church by myself for a while, without family support – and eventually attended highschool and seminary. My knowledge of the Gospel grew and became more a part of me than I ever imagined. It was impossible to separate me from the Gospel.

Impossible.

I still had a core group of friends that were not members of the church, and many would ask questions to which I’d try to answer to the best of my ability. I didn’t have the support of family home evening, or family prayer – I didn’t know that these things were actually taking place in homes (I thought they were more of a kindly suggestion, or a pretty thought…) I just knew that I had the truth, and it was something I was going to hold dear to forever.

I’ve had many who support, many who laugh, many who are inquisitive, and many who are just mean. I’ve been called strange, stupid, moron (nice little play on words, no?), and of course weird. There have been many who seek me out only to tell me what I believe is wrong, and I’ve also been told I’m not Christian.

But. I. Don’t. Let. It. Bother. Me.

This is what I know to be the truth. Jesus Christ is my Brother, and the Son of the Living God. He suffered the sins of the world that I might be able to be forgiven of mistakes and return to be with Him. Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet of God in the Latter Days. Because of the Plan of Happiness – I can be with my family forever. We have a living prophet on the earth today.

I do not drink (alcoholic beverages anyway). I do not smoke. I do not partake in coffee or tea. I don't swear. I dress modestly (even if it means that I am not always up to date with the latest fashion trends). I have five kids. I enjoy one night a week dedicated to family board games or togetherness time. I pray with my family. I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a friend. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...I am a Mormon.

Mormons. Are. Not. Weird. They We. Are. Peculiar.