Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #14

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #14

The question I got this week was about the LDS view on abortion:

The LDS position on abortion is very clear: "Members of the church must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. The position stems from our belief in the sanctity of life, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that HE has spirit children who desire to come to earth and receive a physical body, be born, and progress through life on earth.
There are, however, some exceptional circumstances that may justify abortion from an LDS view. They include "when pregnancy results from incest or rape when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth."

When a child is conceived outside of marriage, the Church policy for what to do is to do what is best for the child. The mother and Father together should decide what the best option is. If it is a strong relationship, the mother and Father should marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. Their goal should include having that child sealed to them in a Holy Temple to be a family for time and all eternity. If a successful marriage is unlikely or not an option, they should consider placing the baby up for adoption.

Next question:  How does your church feel about Pornography. since it is such a big part of society now?

This is an obvious answer to me, but I will still give you the word on "Mormon Street" Pornography is considered an influence as destructive to the soul as the black plague was to the body.

It degrades the human body and undermines the purposes of physical intimacy. It often degrades women by objectifying them and demeaning their divine character.
Mormon leadership has spoken out on Pornography in its worldwide general conferences more than 140 times since 1986. So obviously, it is a worldly problem and sometimes can be an easy door opener for Satan to do his magic, especially on the youth. The reason why Mormons take this issue so seriously is that we take the word of God seriously: "Whosoever looketh on women to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). If someone views immoral images, it can create bad thoughts, which leads to sinful desires, actions, passions, and character.

IMMORAL IMAGE +IMMORAL THOUGHTS+IMMORAL DESIRES OR PASSIONS= IMMORAL ACTIONS

Additionally, Pornography can be addicting and take control of a person's life. Mormons believe in avoiding all behaviors that can lead to addiction and diminish a person's ability to control their desires and behavior.
I have seen Pornography get into the minds of the youth and destroy their ability to think of anything else but getting to a computer so they can view the filth that surrounds our country and many others. When I was a young girl, there was no such thing as a computer. If someone had told me back then that we would be able to call someone on a cell phone, I would have told them they were crazy. We had one phone in the house on the kitchen wall. If you wanted to have a semi-private conversation, you had to stretch the cord around the corner, and, just maybe, it would reach a room where you could shut the door to talk to your friends without anyone listening. In the world today, our children, our husbands, and friends have access to the internet 24/7. They can, if they choose, access the pornography sites as much as they want. I am being LDS or not, I do not want that influence in my life.

Enduring Love

 

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013

Enduring Love

I
I am touched by this video.  I pray all people of any faith are looking for this type of Eternal Love in their marriage--for those who are not married yet--marriage is hard work--never give up--

Monday Mormon Myths and Truths (Women) #7

MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013

Monday Mormon Myth's and Truths (Women) #7

Is the Relief Society one of the oldest and largest global women's organizations functioning in today's world? and what exactly is the LDS Relief Society?

Answer: YES, the LDS relief society was founded in 1842

As of today, there are over 5.5 million women who belong to the Relief Society spread throughout 170 countries across the world.

Any woman who is a member of the LDS church and is 18 years of age is a part of the Relief Society Organization.  Women with or without children, married or not married, young (18) or old, employed, or unemployed.  We meet to learn from and strengthen each other. We serve each other. The purpose of the Relief Society "is to build faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and to help those in need."

The Relief Society meets weekly in a class during Sunday meetings where we teach others the doctrines and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a time we meet during the week for activities. Usually, at these activities, we learn new skills or ways to help strengthen our faith and our families or do some type of compassionate service for an organization or family in need.

The Relief Society in each ward (I haven't been asked about wards or stakes yet) stake and the general Relief Society are all run by women; this is called the Relief Society Presidency--it consists of a President, two counselors, and a secretary. The RS president meets regularly with the bishop and the other ward leaders to discuss issues that may come up within their boundaries, and ways they can help or serve someone who needs special attention.  Someone like me, when I was going through my chemo treatments, the RS brought meals to my home, offered to clean my house, do laundry, and help in any way that we needed until I could do it myself.

In addition to the service, they give to one another and their neighbors who may not be members of the same faith. As sisters of the LDS church, watch over each other by visiting monthly in the homes with assigned partners to help provide countless hours of service, sometimes just a listening ear, to a mother who is exhausted from the daily trials that life sometimes brings.  This Visiting Teaching calling is said to be the most important calling a woman can hold in the church. I know this to be true. When I was so sick from chemo, the ladies from my ward and the stakes surrounding where I live brought food, they put up my Christmas tree and decorated it, and I know they did and still do pray for me daily, as I do for so many of them.

In a survey taken, about 40% of LDS women surveyed said that the role and influence of women in the church was the "right amount" The next closest faith measured was Evangelical Protestants, with only about 15% saying women had the "right amount" of leadership and influence in their church, followed by 10% of Anglo-Catholics and about 8% Jews.

In the LDS church, women sit side by side and vote to sustain members and leaders in their church callings (both men and women's callings) They regularly pray and give talks or sermons in meetings. Women teach adult gospel doctrine classes and other Sunday School classes. The women of the church are fully involved in all aspects of the work of the LDS church, from full time missionary work to member missionary work, temple, and family history work, and serving the needy.

Are the women demanded to follow the rules of the husband? and is it a hidden secret that men rule their wives?

ANSWER: A BIG FAT NO AND NO

One time I was at work and was approached by a woman who said in a very whispered voice, "Hey, if you need help getting away from your husband, I can help you. I can take you to a shelter." I remember looking at her and laughing. I thought she was joking, but she wasn't. To the LDS members, FAMILY is the most important calling of all, and we serve as equals to our husbands in making decisions, spiritually, physically, financially, and educationally. If you want to know the truth about Eric and I ask him who makes most family decisions around here.  Ha Ha, sadly he would say, "Go ask Monya." He and I have always made decisions together, we don't always agree on the way a situation should be dealt with, but we always come to an even conclusion together.  I have not once felt like I was threatened or looked down upon in my marriage, and in the LDS church, this is how the Lord designed marriage to be equal. One gender is not better than the other.  Many people may not know this, but the LDS women were involved in and in some ways led the US women's suffrage movement.  In 1870, Utah was the second territory (behind Wyoming) to grant women the right to vote under the law. After gaining statehood, Utah became the third state in the Union to give women equality.

In Genesis 1:26, God said equally to both Adam and Eve "Let them have dominion over all the earth."

The 1st presidency of the LDS church stated that men and women are equal partners in a marriage and family relationship. There is nowhere in LDS scripture or official doctrine of the LDS church that it indicates or teaches anything other than God seeing both genders as equal.  The LDS church does not embrace any type of doctrine which suggests otherwise.

Do LDS members believe there is a Heavenly Mother?

ANSWER: YES

The LDS church holds women in very spiritual high regard. We believe there is a Heavenly Father, so logically we believe there is a Heavenly Mother. One of my favorite LDS Hymns asks:

In the heav'ns are parents single?

No, the thought makes reason stare

Truth is the reason; truth eternal

Tells me I've a mother there

We believe we are all children of heavenly parents, and although we don't know much about our Heavenly Mother, she is evident in Mormon thought and theology.  One of the prophets of the church said "You women are daughters of God. You are precious.  You are made in the image of our Heavenly Mother."

The LDS church is not saying that Eve was not the first mother of the earth, but we praise her as the "glorious mother" of humanity and celebrate her decision in the Garden of Eden. We believe that Eve chose to move God's plan of salvation forward by partaking in the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve and Adam acted in a manner pleasing to God and did exactly what they were ordained to do.  The Mormon religion also believes that women can receive personal revelation and be filled with the spiritual knowledge that Jesus Christ wants them to have.

I believe, as most Mormons do, of all the creations on earth, women are God's crowning creation, His signature stroke in the masterpiece of the universe.

Hopefully, I have answered all the questions about women in the LDS church.

LABELS: FAITH, JOURNALING, MORMON MYTHS AND TRUTHS 

Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #6

 

MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2013

Monday Mormon Myth's and Truths # 6

Picture taken from Mormon women

Some of my friends who are not LDS do not understand the devotion Mormon women give not only to their families, but to the Church. There is so much rage and negativity around us in today's world. So why is it that most Morman women are so happy? It is thought by LDS women that we have a divine calling to be a mother, to raise children our Heavenly Father has sent to us and entrusted to our care. Mormons believe the family is central to God's plan for the happiness of His children and family is the fundamental unit in society. With that being said, I can believe no work can be nobler than that of a mother, who rear and raise, nurse, and nurture their family. We also believe that all women, whether they have children or not, are mothers and divine, with an innate capacity to nurture, teach, and care for others.

So, what about women who don't marry or have children but would like to?
Many women don't have the opportunity to marry and bear or raise children. These women make up a large and significant portion of the LDS church and contribute equally to the Church and its programs.

Latter Day Prophets have repeatedly taught that those "whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and priesthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in eternities."

This is so hard for many women who want so badly to have a child of their own, but I honestly believe our Heavenly Father will provide motherhood to those who are obedient and continue to do good. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law could not conceive their own children, so they adopted four children to complete their family and bless our extended family. My nieces and nephew were sent to earth to be a part of the Williams family. They used a different body to get those little spirits here, and how grateful we are their mothers were able to allow Doran and Shannon to raise them.

CAN MORMON WOMEN WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME?

ANSWER: YES

Latter Day Saint women across the world hold professional titles such as CEO, VP, Doctor, professor, author, artist, teacher, athlete, and business owners. It makes me laugh when I hear people say this, especially when I'm at work while reading this. The idea that faithful Mormon women can't, shouldn't or don't work outside the home with a career or pursue schooling is not valid, nor is it what the LDS leadership teaches.
We do place the family as our priority and highest regard. We believe that all decisions regarding a wife or mother's employment should be weighed carefully on how they will affect the family and the rearing of their children. Husband and wife make these decisions together.
"The Family Proclamation to the World" teaches that although husband and wife are equal partners, each gender does have a principal role in the family. Mothers are primarily responsible for nurturing their children, and fathers are mainly responsible for providing the necessities of life. Still, so times "life" is a disability, a death, or other circumstances that may require us to adapt.
However, the fact is an LDS woman working outside the home or pursuing a career is left to her to decide and is entirely dependent upon her individual, marital, family, and social situation. We as mormons are taught not to judge any mother who chooses to work outside the home, regardless of the situation. 

CAN MORMON WOMEN PURSUE EDUCATION?

ANSWER: WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO---SO YES

Women are encouraged to gain an education and develop their minds, talents, and abilities.
Spencer W Kimball, who was a prophet when I was growing up said "The emphasis on education for LDS women continues, we. We are women to be well educated"
The modern-day Prophet President Monson has counseled both males and females to educate their minds and develop their skills and talents; education will prepare you for more excellent service in the world and the Church. It will help you better provide for yourself, your family, and those in need. It will also help you be a wise counselor and companion to your future spouse and an informed and effective teacher of your future children"
A 2010 study found that women of all faiths "believe more fervently in God" than men and that "by virtually every measure, they are more religious" than men.
This goes with a quote from President James E Faust a leader of the LDS church when he said "Surely the secret citadel of women's inner strength is spirituality. In this, you equal and even surpass men, as you do in faith, morality, and commitment when truly converted to the gospel. We believe that God planted within women something divine."

Birth Control and Mormons Monday Mormon Myths & Truths #4

 

MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013

Birth Control and Mormons--Monday Mormon Myths and truths #4

THE REASON MORMONS HAVE BIG FAMILIES:
1. THE CHURCH TELLS THEM NOT TO USE BIRTH CONTROL
2. THE CHURCH HAS A MINIMUM OF 8 KIDS PER FAMILY

FALSE and FALSE

The reason Mormons have larger families than the average American family has nothing to do with birth control being prohibited (it's NOT). It has everything to do with our belief that children are a blessing and that married couples have a divine responsibility to assist in God's work by providing physical bodies for God's spirit children.

The Church's official position regarding birth control is stated in the book True to the Faith. Married LDS couples should "prayerfully decide how many children to have and when to have them. These decisions are between the husband and wife ONLY. Church members are highly counseled to consider such things as the physical and mental health of the mother and father and their ability to provide financially for the necessities of life. My daughter has an autistic child who is non-verbal; he is enough to successfully watch over and take care of. Imagine if she were required to have a minimum of eight children--NO WAY--

After I had my fourth and final child, we decided it was time to upgrade to a different vehicle, and we were in a financial position that we could purchase a Suburban. One of my very dear friends asked me if the Church gives families a Suburban after they have their fourth child--Boy--that might be an incentive, but the answer, of course, is NO--we are given no incentives, or told by any person in authority of the Church, that we are required to have a certain number of children.

I know many women who cannot physically have any children. For those women and men, my hearts go out to them--many of them are fortunate enough to adopt-My brother and sister-in-law adopted 4 bi-racial children, and they too were not given a Suburban, haha.

This brings up the subject of sex. I also was asked if we are only allowed to have "sex" if we are procreating. Is sex good and right, or is it evil and wrong? Apparently, many Mormons are having sex, and Utah has the highest birth rate of all states.

We can boil down everything that relates to Mormons' views on sexuality to three things:
1. The human body is sacred and divine, including its power to procreate
2. Marriage between a man and a woman is central to God's plan of happiness for HIS children and
3. The family is the fundamental unit of society

Therefore, sex between a married man and woman is Good. It brings children into married families, and it is a way to express love and total commitment between husband and wife.
Sex between unmarried people? Not so good, it can lead to pre-marriage pregnancy, single parenthood, abortion, adultery, divorce, mistrust, guilt, and sexually transmitted diseases.

The basic rule is that Mormons should not have sex before marriage, and abstinence before the wedding shows commitment and fidelity to your spouse. Many people tell me, "This is an ancient fashion way of thinking." 

Still, considering the millions of abortions, the high incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and that 40 percent of all US births are to single women. Think of the countless broken hearts and homes that result from sexual immorality. Adhering to the Mormon standard of sexual morality appears to be both a spiritual blessing and a social blessing.

SOME FACTS TO CONSIDER:
*Between 1973 and 2008, 50 million abortions were legally performed in the US, and four or every ten unintended pregnancies ended in abortion
*There are nineteen million new sexually transmitted diseases reported each year in the United States, and one in four sexually active teenage girls in the United States has a sexually transmitted disease.
*The US census bureau data shows that the birthrate for unmarried women has risen in each reported year from 43.8 percent in 19090 to 52.5 percent in 2008

So, call us "old-fashioned," but abstinence is the only way to stay clean and pure before marriage. Some may ask Why Wait? Isn't it better to have sex before marriage to see if you are physically compatible? 

In a 2010 study of 2,035 married couples across the nation. Researchers found that the couples who waited to have sex until married rated their current matrimonial relationship stability as 22 percent higher. Their marital satisfaction was 20 percent higher, and the sexual communication between them and their spouses was 12 percent higher than those married couples who had sex before marriage. Most Mormons believe waiting to have sexual relations until after we are married is key to a marriage based on a foundation of communication, trust, respect, shared goals, and social enjoyment. To me, it seems like it solidifies an already healthy relationship. The longer the couple waits, the better. From what I have seen, there is no lasting happiness in immorality. Here it may be a momentary pleasure for a time. It can seem like everything is wonderful. But it seems to quickly fade and become sour...love begins to die, bitterness, jealousy, anger and even hate can grow. Or not being allowed to serve or teach in the Church, the suspension of membership, or most severe, removal of Church membership through ex-communication.

We do believe sexual sin to be very serious, we also believe that God is merciful and that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ someone who has been sexually immoral can repent, change his or her behavior, recommit to follow Christ, and be totally forgiven for their sin.
I hope this has answered your questions, if not please feel free to email me and let me know what else needs to be cleared up.

Saved by Grace Monday Mormon Myths and truths #3

 

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013

Saved by Grace Monday Mormon Myths and truths #3

MORMONS DON'T BELIEVE IN BEING SAVED BY GRACE

ANSWER: I hope you will hear this loud and clear this is 100% FALSE

¡¡Amen and Hallelujah!! If you hear someone answer "no" to whether Mormons believe they will be saved by Jesus' grace, they simply don't understand our doctrine. The Book of Mormon is laced throughout the pages with this doctrine and teaches us that "there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah" (2nd Nephi 2:8) THERE ARE MORET HAN TWENTY EIGHTT REFERENCES TO "grace" in the Book of Mormon. The concluding message of the Book of Mormon is this:

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him and deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all you might mind and strength, then is the grace sufficient for you, that by His grace ye may be perfect in Christ" (Moroni 10:32)

The idea that Mormons believe in salvation by doing good works is not true, and Mormons try to achieve good results for a few simple reasons.

1. we love Jesus and therefore worship Him by striving to follow His teachings and example
(John 14:15)
2. when we do good works, we become more receptive to and influenced by God's spirit, which produces increased joy, love, and happiness in our lives (Galatians 5:22-25)
3. we want to be worthy to make and keep sacred covenants with God that will bind us to Christ eternally.

However, I will say this, even if every Mormon in the world, fed all the hungry people in the world, put clothes on all the naked, gave all they had to the poor, prayed 100 times a day and studied the scriptures until our eyes popped out, we still do not think those works would save us. So really what we believe is that it is ONLY through the grace of Jesus that we will be SAVED. There is no end to Jesus' ability to SAVE.

Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #2

 

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

Monday Mormon Myths and truths #2

WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE THE MORMON TEMPLE IS "SECRET"

ANSWER: False

It's not a secret, but it is sacred--and there is a difference. If something were secret, it implies that we don't want other people to know about it. This is simply not true; Mormons would love everyone to gain the knowledge and blessings in the Temple. But because what happens and is taught in Temples is sacred, we are careful not to discuss it with those who might not understand or appreciate its significance.
Jesus himself often told His followers not to publicly discuss specific sacred experiences such as what happened with Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, charging them to "tell no man" (Mark 9:9 also Mathew 8:4; 16 and 20)  Most everyone has had a special or personal experience that they wouldn't share or discuss with just anyone, fearing that sharing something near and dear to their heart with someone who is unappreciative wouldn't be understood or would be taken lightly. Also, LDS people are instructed to discuss certain aspects of the Temple only within the safety of the sacred setting of the Temple.

 The Temple is to Mormons what Mecca is to Muslims, and the Bodh Gaya is to Buddhists. The Temple is literally the house of the Lord and figuratively the place where heaven meets the earth. Entering the Temple and receiving its ordinances is the pinnacle of Mormon activity. Therefore, although I am speaking openly about this, and it is open to the general public to read, these things are sacred and highly reverent, and I hope they are received similarly. To Mormons, when we enter the Temple, like Moses at the burning bush, we feel that we are walking on holy ground (Exodus 3:5)

From the beginning of Old Testament times, God told His people to build temples--sacred places where the Lord could meet with, teach, bless, and make known His will to His people. We believe temples and temple worship have always been vital to God's plan for His children.

There is a difference between average Mormon meeting houses, like the chapels where Mormons meet each Sunday for public worship. Mormon chapels are open to all visitors-those who are members of the Church and those who are not. On Sundays, we sing, pray, teach, partake of the sacrament, and conduct church business for our local leaders. We baptize new members of the Church in our church buildings. But Temples are reserved for our most holy ordinances, such as performing sealings for eternal marriages. Only practicing Mormon members who are prepared and have been found worthy can attend. Many people wonder why there are specific qualifications that must be met before someone can enter the Temple. To make this easier to understand, Remember when you were in school? The addition was always learned before division and multiplication, then algebra before trig.

Specific ordinances are necessary to learn and partake of before entering the temples.
1. a person must be a member of the LDS church (baptism is our first essential ordinance)
2. a person must be a member of the LDS church for at least one year, be at least twelve years old, and be found worthy to hold a temple recommended.

To determine one's worthiness, our LDS leaders, such as a bishop (like ministers), conduct a PRIVATE INTERVIEW and ask specific questions about the person's faithfulness. If we comply with those requirements, we are granted a recommendation to enter the Temple and participate in its ordinances. Anyone who is prepared and found worthy is welcome and encouraged to attend the Temple.

LDS Apostle Boyd K Packer wrote--"Here in the interview with their local LDS minister, the member is asked searching questions about his or her personal conduct, worthiness, and loyalty to the Church and its leaders. He or she must be morally clean and is keeping the word of wisdom, pay a full tithe, live in harmony with the teachings of Christ, and not maintain any affiliation or sympathy with any apostate groups.

In the Temple, we learn about God's plan for His children and make covenants with God to be obedient and dedicate our lives to Him.  Much of the work inside LDS temples are related to families. We believe that the Temple's ordinances help us fulfill the fundamental purposes of life, which are centered on forming an eternal family.

An "endowment" is a gift. When Mormons go to the Temple, we receive many gifts, gifts of knowledge, understanding, covenants, ordinances, and blessings. These combined make up the "endowment" The endowment helps us focus on the Savior, His role in our Heavenly Father's plan, and our commitment to follow Him.

The eternal marriage is actually a sealing of families to be together forever. When a couple kneels across the alter and is married in the Temple by the proper priesthood authority, we believe they are "sealed" together for time and all eternity, unlike many religions who perform marriages outside of the Temple will say "till death do you part."

One of the ordinances performed in the Temple is called baptisms for the dead, but not to worry, we don't actually baptize dead people. We believe it is a labor of love to baptize in proxy for and on behalf of our deceased family and friends who died without the opportunity to be baptized. Some people have often asked me, "why would you do that?"  I simply reply that LDS people believe baptism is necessary for our salvation (Mark 16:16 or John 3:5). Many people, without any fault of their own, have lived and died without the opportunity to be baptized by those holding the proper authority. That said, we believe in a just and merciful God who has provided a way for EVERYONE to accept the ordinance of baptism.   The deceased person can then voluntarily take or reject the temple baptism performed on their behalf. This way, all mankind can receive baptism if they want it, and if they choose not to, they can say "no thank you."

Like many religions that have unique clothing as part of their worship, such as Orthodox Jews wearing a hat, Muslim women covering their heads or body, or a Catholic priest who wears symbolic robes, LDS people have suggestive temple clothing that is very meaningful and sacred and is a part of our temple ceremonies.

Some people wonder why they cannot go inside the temples. Before temples are dedicated for official Church use, they are opened for several weeks so the general public can go in and see what these beautiful temples look like.   We have a temple opening in the fall of this year right here in Gilbert, the LDS people in this area feel highly blessed, and I invite anyone to enter the Temple and see it before it is closed for dedication. After the Temple is dedicated, a person must be a worthy LDS member to join and participate in the ordinances. For some, it is hard to understand why they cannot enter and see their child be sealed (married) if they are not members. Hopefully, what I have just posted will help you understand and respect our Temples' sacredness.

When we enter the Temple, we make promises to God to obey His commandments, live pure and virtuous lives, and serve our fellow man.

Mormon Myths and Truths #1

 

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

Mormon Myths and truths #1

When I started this blog, it was to share my thoughts and feelings. It seemed more manageable for me to do regularly, I have always been a journal writer, but I wanted to start something new with my handwritten journal. I have said many times in the past few years since starting this blog I want my family to have a history of my life. When I write, I often forget my blog is public for all the world wide web to read. I usually sit in a quiet time with my church music and write what I feel. (Music usually provided by The Slade Family or Josh Menden)

I'm sad to say I have offended some people. No, I know I have, but I will not apologize to those people for my beliefs, and I respect what you believe. When I put my stamp of approval on this blog and push PUBLISH, I take responsibility for my words--to those of you who leave me anonymous comments, I would love it if you would put your name on it if you honestly believed in what you are saying then put your name on it--OWN IT. Shout it from the rooftops. We can bring together both of our beliefs and make this a better world to live in. That is what Christ wanted for all of us, to serve each other and help each other. We can at least agree on that. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, so yes, we believe in Christ, and it is Christlike to be kind to others and share HIS light.

I have allowed anonymous comments, but when someone leaves comments with words that are simply untrue- I cannot have those published. I have no problem with you asking me what is accurate and not valid, but it is not fair to TELL me what I believe. I have prayed, searched, and pondered about all different religions, and the LDS church offers what is best for MY family and ME. I did not force my children to be LDS, nor do I force my beliefs on anyone else. I also do not force anyone to read this blog. If someone asks me a question, I will always tell the truth,
I respect and honor those of other religions. We all have the right and agency to believe whatever we choose. Like I've said, and I will continue to say, I have no problem when others want to ask me a question about what I believe in. If they are willing to listen to the truth of what we believe in. But I do take issue with people who "think" they know what we believe because they have heard it from Mitt Romney or read it on a website. Not everything we hear or read is true; it is always best to go directly to someone you know who lives what they believe in and ask for the answers instead of assuming because it can hurt others.

 To me, if you claim to be Christian, this means you try your hardest to live as He did. When I think of Christ's life, it is evident people wanted to be around him. The children wanted to sit on his lap, laugh, and sing with him, and they felt safe. Men and women flocked to be in his presence because he offered something that none of us can offer--COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE TO EVERYONE--in return, He has asked us to do the same.

-I stand behind everything I believe in and being honest in everything I say and do, sometimes to a fault. But one thing I will never do is discard what I think for another person's approval. I LIVE WHAT I BELIEVE, and although I am not perfect, I am trying my hardest to be more like the Savior and accept all that is thrown at me.

I have dear friends of all races and religious backgrounds. I have a brother and sister-in-law who were not blessed to bear their own children and adopted four bi-racial children, some from the LDS church social service program. I am always so impressed and interested in hearing what others believe, but mostly I love it when they teach me new things and new ways of understanding. The spirit has come into my life through others, not of my faith, and it has helped me be more tolerant and closer to my Heavenly Father. However, I am also human, and I am not perfect. I have said cuss words in front of my children. I have even asked a bishop if I threw out the "damn and hell" words every once in a while if it would keep me from ever being called to be a Relief Society President. His answer was "hell no,"  so as you can see, not ALL MORMONS think they are better than anyone else.

That said, I have decided to dedicate every Monday blog to Mormon myths, what is true and what is not. This can help.

Monday Mormon Myth #1
BECAUSE MORMONS BELIEVE THE CHURCH IS TRUE, MORMONS THINK THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO WILL GO TO HEAVEN AND THAT OTHER CHURCHES ARE BAD.

ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE

If it were true, heaven would be a very lonely place, considering that 99.98 % of the world's population are not members of the LDS church.
We passionately believe that God is a God of perfect justice and mercy and that no heavenly blessing will be given to one person that is not made available and offered to everyone.
God has a plan and a purpose for each one of his children (YOU), whether LDS or not.
Additionally, although we humbly claim that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lord's official church, we honor the goodness and virtue of other churches and belief systems and their faithful and fabulous adherents. The LDS handbook of instructions for its local leaders says, "much that is inspiring, noble, and worthy of the highest respect is found in many other faiths."
I think one of the LDS church Prophets, President Gordon B Hinkley stated our viewpoint best in 2002. "This must be our great and singular message to the world. We do not offer it with boasting. We testify in humility but with gravity and absolute sincerity. We invite all, the whole earth, to listen to this account and take the measure of its truth...To those of other faiths, we say in a spirit of love, bring with you all that you have good and truth which you have received from whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add to it."