What I Believe Part 1

It has recently come to my attention that I have a lot of friends who are non members reading my blog. I have also learned that some are worried about offending me by questioning my beliefs. For today's post I have decided to share some of the things I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints aka Mormons.

I believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I believe it to be the word of God. With that being said I also believe the Holy Bible to be the word of God. When we use the term scriptures we are referring to our Book of Mormon as well as the Holy Bible. Many of us have them all combined into one book.

I believe that Joseph Smith received a vision in the Sacred Grove. I believe Joseph Smith translated the Gold Plates he received and those Gold Plates. Those Gold Plates are now the Book of Mormon.

I believe in the Priesthood in our church. That all worthy men can hold the priesthood.

I believe Jesus Christ died for us. He died and felt all the pain we have felt. He did this so that we may return to live with our Heavenly Father.

I believe that we lived in the pre-mortal existence. We were asked to take this test and come to Earth to again return with Heavenly Father.

 I believe that when we are married here on Earth it is "til death do us part." It literally is until we die. However I believe that if you are sealed in the Holy Temple that you can be together for eternity.

I believe that we can return to live with Heavenly Father. We will be judged on our works and that will determine where we will live in the after life.

I believe in the Word of Wisdom. This means no coffee, no black tea, no smoking, no alcohol, no drugs.

I believe in treating our bodies as a Holy Temple. Dress modestly and cover up.

I believe in the Law of Chastity. This law states that we should not have any sexual relations before marriage and once married we will be completely faithful to our spouse.

There are so many other things that I believe, but for today I want to keep it simple and not overwhelm those who are non members. I hope that if any of my friends have questions about my beliefs that they will ask me. I am not afraid to explain why I believe certain things. I know the fact that I believe many of these things is hard for some to grasp because it is a complete 180 from where I was prior to joining the church.

I believe this is the true church and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Missionary Work

  With missionary work expanding so quickly it got me thinking about these young men and women that are spending two years expanding this gospel. One of the missionaries who had a huge part in converting me has been staying with us and it has really had me thinking if these young men and women realize the impact they are making.

   I was not willing to accept the gospel and I sat down with many sets of missionaries. I didn't enjoy their lessons and the fact that I felt like I was being preached to. It wasn't until I met a couple of missionaries that changed my view on the church. They didn't try to just teach me, they tried to be my friend. Once we had more of a friendship I was more open to listening to their lessons and I was much more open to being baptized.

  I hope all the missionaries and return missionaries understand that they are changing lives and giving people  a chance. Without those young men that taught me I would not be where I am today. I would not be sealed to my best friend and I would simply be married until death. However because they chose to go on a mission I can now spend eternity with my family. I know that Heavenly Father sent certain missionaries in my life. I know that I often worry that maybe I was baptized too soon or I wasn't fully converted yet, but I know they changed my life. I am eternally grateful to them for what they did.

  To all those who are thinking of serving a mission please do! People like me need you and without your work it might not be possible! And to those missionaries who changed my life: Elder Redpath, Elder Choate, Elder Bowers, and Elder Akina I am eternally grateful for all of you because my life would be no life at all without this gospel! I am so thankful that you believed in it enough to leave your families for two years so that I can be with mine forever!

  I have a testimony of missionary work and even if you don't serve a full time mission you can still be a missionary! My life has been touched by many that have been missionaries every day! I know that if you serve a mission Heavenly Father will bless you for the work you do and the lives you change!