'Tis the Season to Believe!

When I was in high school, I had numerous conversations that started something like this:

"So Natalie, You're a Mormon? That means you like, can't drink alcohol or coffee and can't have sex or do anything fun on Sunday, right?"

Well, yes, I am a Mormon. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ o

f Latter-day Saints. Back in those days of high school... ok give me a break people it wasn't that long ago... only like 7 years or something (yikes), not too many people in California new a whole lot about the LDS church. And what they did know was all the stuff we "weren't allowed to do". Today if I asked someone in California what they knew about Mormons, I'm sure the first thing they would bring up is that we don't believe in gay marriage. The LDS or Mormon church has been popping into the spot light quite a bit lately, most recently being called a cult. And here I am sitting in Idaho, drinking my cup of hot chocolate, with the feeling that maybe I can help define what my religion is to the few people who run across my bog and actually take the time to read.

So, what do YOU know about the Mormons?

If you don't have time to read all of my post but want a summed up version (it won't be as personal, silly and fun as my rendition but it is the flat out truth:) click here.

Let's get one thing straight. I am a human being. An imperfect human being. I use the delete key a lot, not only while typing but also in life. I make mistakes, I have a bad attitude occasionally, I am impatient, and I do a lot of repenting. So when you read this, please do not imagine me preaching to you from a pedestal. Because I am in no position to do such. I am just a regular person in this world, trying to share the gospel that has shaped my life into something beautiful and meaningful with anyone who is curious. With that said... read on!

I believe in Christ. I would be a goner if it were not for the atoning sacrifice He made for us. I believe He is the son of God. He lived a perfect life of purity and service, after which I am meant to shape my own life after. He died for our sins and was resurrected so that we too can over come death and be resurrected someday. And He carries me through this life when I suffer, because He has felt my pain so I don't have to suffer alone. I believe in Christ. Am I a Christian? I'll leave that for you to decide.

Maybe you've heard of Joseph Smith? While he did not found

the Church, he did restore it to the Earth after it had been miscommunicated, changed and lost throughout the thousands of years following the death of Christ's original disciples. He is revered as a prophet who worked many miracles to bring Christ's Church back to it's original order here on Earth.

Have you read the Bible? I have! And I believe it's the word of God. As do I believe the Book of Mormon is another account of God's work among His people. It is a powerful book of scripture and if you read it, you will feel that as well.

I know a lot of people look at me and think I am crazy, at 25 years of age, already married with not one but two kids. Am I crazy... well I'll be honest that there are days I go a little crazy. But it's my family that keeps me sane. There is no joy greater than that of a happy, honest, loyal and honorable marriage, where husband and wife are equals in a partnership that can last forever. The only thing that brings an equal amount of joy is that of having two beautiful children who call you mommy. I know some of you don't believe me... but maybe someday you'll see for yourself. And if you have a family and you love them as much as I love mine, you'd want to be with them forever too right? Click here to read more about the Mormon perspective on family.

Since we are talking about family, we might as well address the elephant in the room. Gay marriage. Most people know we believe that God has intended marriage to be between a man and a woman. We will not waver on this belief, despite the many pressures to do so. However, our gospel is a gospel of love, not hate. I have never in any of my religious study or worship, been told to hate someone who does not believe what I believe. So for those of you who think we as Mormons hate homosexuals, please know that we do not! We are trying to preserve a God-given law and just as God loves all of His children, so will we.

I could go on for pages and pages about what I believe but

I think I'll turn you over to the Church's website for more. There is one more thing, or person in this case, who I would like to mention. This guy:

He is a prophet. Just like Moses and Noah. And while he did not part the Red Sea, he does many miraculous things today. He spends his life traveling the world and serving the sick and afflicted. He receives direct revelation from God and shares it with us twice a year. I love this man. And how could you not? He tells stories like your grandpa would and has the demeanor of Santa Claus. And if you don't believe me about just how lovable he is, wait until you see him wiggle his ears. Watch it, you know you want to!

I hope that if you are reading this and have ever know me in person, you will already know my testimony of this church. I hope when you hear the word Mormon, you think of me... and hopefully those thoughts are of someone who was kind and true. And if you want to hear more... I'll be here!