Gratitude for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was two months shy of my 19^th birthday. I was a freshman in college at a small private university a long way from home, and to say that my family was disappointed with this decision is a grand understatement.

I learned about the LDS Church, or “the Mormons” when I was in high school. I had made friends that were Mormon, but I'd never thought twice about what that meant. They were my friends who didn't wear tank tops when it got hot outside. I thought that was weird, but didn't question it much. It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I even bothered to ask what “being Mormon” meant. I got the last seat on the bus after an away swim meet, and it was next to the quietest girl I'd ever met. I had never heard her say more than two or three words in a row, and only when spoken to. So I knew I was in for a long three-hour bus ride when I sat next to her. I could either sit in silence, staring at the seat in front of me for the next three hours, or:

“Hey, aren't you a Mormon?”

“Yes.”

“Um, sorry, what is a Mormon?”

When we got off the bus three hours later, she was still talking! Her name was Erin, and she had just told me everything she knew about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My head was reeling from the story about a boy finding gold plates that were buried in New York and translating it into the Book of Mormon almost 200 years ago, and the stories of Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Alma, Alma the Younger, and...what were those other names? She told me about prophets and apostles, General Conference, missionaries, seminary and family home evening. I was so overwhelmed. I was curious. Erin surprised me with her genuine love of “being a Mormon” which enabled her to get over her otherwise paralyzing shyness.

While there were some “defining moments” when friends actively told me what they believed and taught me the gospel, most of what I remember are not specific instances or words spoken, but the impressions that they left on me.

It was almost four years after first talking to Erin that I was finally baptized. My family was very much opposed to the idea, and had asked me not to come home. My sisters didn't speak to me for months. My formerly close relationship with my mother was so tense that we often ended phone calls in arguments. It was never an easy choice to become a Latter-day Saint, but I knew both in my heart and in my mind, just as I know now, that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. I know that there are living prophets and apostles sent to lead and guide us back to Jesus Christ. They are His special witnesses. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true and ancient record comparable to the Holy Bible. Having that sure testimony gave me courage and hope that our relationships would repair, and having the gospel in my life was worth every sacrifice. 

      I am most grateful for all of the friends that I made in Oregon that lived their lives in such a way that I would want to be like them, to be as happy and joyful as they were. There was Susan's family who were our neighbors and gave us a Book of Mormon for Christmas when my family moved to Oregon. There was Dayton, Lakin, Chanelle, Shanna, Phil...all of whom were just older than me, but examples in every way. Danielle, Erin, Tiffany, Camilla and Janet were good friends that took the time to explain things to me that I wasn't familiar with. I yearned to have family relationships like Elicia, Skyler, BriAnne, Emily, Jordan, Grant and Diane had. They actually liked spending time with their family! My friends Brian and Adam answered, or attempted to answer, every question of doctrine and every point of anti-Mormon literature I could throw at them. 

I am so grateful for these friends and many, many more who stuck with me through thick and thin, and whom I still call good friends today. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for the many blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I see these blessings in my life every day, just as I saw them in the lives of my friends in high school. I wanted whatever it was that made them such hopeful, happy people, and the message of the gospel is that we can all have the joy and peace and hope of Jesus Christ now. Happiness does not have to wait for heaven—it can be here and now through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

By Guest Blogger: Brianna

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Ask the Missionaries!

After interviewing our primary children, and getting their answers, some right on, and others a little off... we decided to Ask the Missionaries!  Here are their answers to the same questions we asked our children.

Elder Scholes and Elder Galbraith answered:

What is the Word of Wisdom?
The Word of Wisdom is a health code for our bodies.  It prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and illegal drugs.  God wants us to be healthy so He asks us to eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and to eat meat sparingly.  The Lord has promised us blessings if we obey.  When we follow the Word of Wisdom we are more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Who is the head of the church?  What does he do?
The head of the church is called a prophet, and today his name is Thomas S. Monson.  He leads and guides us today, just like prophets of old from the scriptures; such as Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses. Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and teach his gospel.  He, like the prophets of old, teaches the will of God.  Prophets receive revelation for the church.

Who is Joseph Smith?
 Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the restored church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As a young boy, in the 1820's, he wanted to know what church to join.  One day he was reading the Bible, in James 1:5 which says if you lack wisdom, ask God.  So he went to pray in a grove of trees.  While he was praying a vision opened up to him, of God the father and Jesus Christ... they told him to join none of the churches.  Christ asked Joseph to help restore the true church.  Joseph also translated the Book of Mormon, which we have today.

What do the scriptures teach?
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It came forth in this dispensation by the will of the Lord.  It is a record of God'd dealings with the people who lived in ancient America.  The scriptures put forth the doctrines of the gospel, outline the plan of salvation, and tell men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.  It teaches us that we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.
Watch an apostles introduction of the Book of Mormon

What is the Priesthood?
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God, which he uses to create and govern the heavens and the Earth.  Through this power, he redeems and exalts his children, and brings to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (See Moses 1:39)  God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the church so they can act in His name for the salvation of his children.  Through the priesthood we can be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.

Why do we pray?
Heavenly Father loves us and knows each of our needs.  He wants to communicate with us through prayer.  When we pray with real intent, God will listen to our prayer and help us in his own time.  God loves when we speak with him.  Jesus Christ taught us to pray always, and commanded, "Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name" 3 Nephi 18:19.


Sister Adair & Sister Gordon answered:

Why do we get baptized?
 When we are baptized we make a covenant, or promise, with God, that we will keep his commandments and be willing to take Jesus Christ's name upon us.  In return God blesses us and promises his spirit to always be with us.

Why do we go to church?
 By setting Sunday aside as a day for God, we create the perfect environment to grow spiritually.  When we go to church we learn from each other's experiences and remind ourselves, through partaking the sacrament, of our baptismal promises to live Christ-like lives.

What is the sacrament and what does it symbolize?
Christ atoned for our sins by offering himself as a sacrifice, making it possible for us to repent, or receive forgiveness and strive to be perfect, like him.  Every Sunday we are reminded of this gift by partaking of the sacrament.  Bread, which symbolizes Christ's body, is blessed and passed to the congregation.  Water, which symbolizes his blood, is also blessed and passed.  It is also a reminder to each of us of the promises we made when we were baptized, that we would take upon our self the name of Christ and live faithfully to his commandments the rest of our lives.  In return God promises us that we will have his spirit to be with us always, and that we can receive a remission of our sins.

What did Jesus teach and how can we follow him?
Jesus showed us by his perfect example what we need to do to be truly happy in this life and next.  He taught us to love one another, by putting our concern for others above our concern for ourselves.  The way we can follow him is by keeping his commandments such as faith, repentance, baptism, and enduring to the end.

Why do we have temples?
The temple is a sacred place where we can can perform ordinances that last for eternity, both for ourselves and for those who have passed on, such as marriage and baptism.  Even after this life, we can still progress.

Where does God live?
God lives in Heaven!

Reference: "Ask the missionaries!  They can help you!" By Elder Russel M. Nelson, of the 12 apostles
Watch: Kid Perspectives, short video

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