Examples of Faith. Elder David Archuleta.

I wrote this post for my personal blog, but I felt it appropriate to publish here as well...
I am not a big teeny bopper music fan.  Bieber throws me into involuntary convulsions and any of the Disney babies - don't get me started.  But,  to every rule, there is always an exception, and gradually David Archuleta has become that exception for me.
My teenage daughter has always liked his music, in fact for her 12th birthday she asked for his album 'The Other Side of Down'.  I listened to it with her, and even (secretly) ripped a copy of it to my own mp3 player to listen to - in the car - when nobody was listening with me.  But the more I learned about this amazing young man, the more I liked him.
He has always stuck to his values.
He believes strongly in his faith.
He holds very high standards.
And most recently - he's been willing to give up his entire music career for two years to serve a mission for his church in a foreign country, likely void of the luxury comforts that he's come accustomed to with his success.
He's cut his hair.  He's traded in the schedule of the road for a 6 AM to 10 PM proselytizing schedule (which might actually be easier...).  He's traded in fame and adoring fans for door to door possible humiliation and being openly mocked by those who do not believe nor understand his faith (side note, I've had missionaries over to our home for dinner who have shared experiences such as having beverages hurled at them from passing cars while riding their bikes down the street.)  And, he's using his own money to do so.

This is Elder David Archuleta, who entered the Missionary Training Center this week just in time to sing in the choir during conference.  Elder David Archuleta, the world famous teeny bopper rock star who is just one among many missionaries sharing the same gospel message, and is happily doing so.
If there was going to be someone that my daughter is going to crank up his music, dance around and be crazy, and swoon every time he comes on the radio or television etc...well, then I'm okay with it being this young man.  (for the record, there is no swooning, not yet - none that I know of...or that she'd admit to, come to think of it - her friends read this blog, I'm not sure I should be posting that about her...oh well, too late now.  I don't have any white-out, after all.)
Anyway, my point is, he's a great young man and I admire his faith and ability to follow and live it.  I only hope that I too am able to live my faith as boldly as he has, and not be ashamed to do so.  He's made this very personal decision in a very public way, as his career dictates.  I will never have to make such a personal choice so publicly, but I do hope that I can follow his example of living my faith in such a way that nobody doubts my beliefs.

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. 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 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 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 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. 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.