What I, a real Mormon, believe

What is your life missing?

2011-08-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Do you find your days a blur of activities, work, eating, going places...and it all feels meaningless?

Words I hear coming from others include these:
loneliness
worthless days and nights
not going anywhere
getting money but not happy
meaningless relationships
confused
discouraged
looking for some meaning in life

What about a life that included these words?
Happy
Grateful
Peace
Hope
Interested
Enthusiastic
Involved

Many people think a little more money would make them happy. But, they make a little more, and they aren't happy. So, they think, maybe a little more money would make them happy. The cycle continues and happiness doesn't come.

Others feel that chasing the lottery will bring them happiness because they think riches could make them truly happy and they pray to win. The real truth is that most lottery winners are less happy, with few if any friends, and many are bankrupt within a few years of winning.

Some people want a relationship and feel that quick one-night stands will bring it to them.
Wrong. You can find examples in many people you probably know that prove that never works.

People need real meaning in their life.
People need something to believe in.
People need something more than money and things to make them happy.
People need to be involved with others working toward a higher purpose.

They also need friends and food and fun and exercise and safety and hope and peace.

You need those things.
You may have one or some or many.
You may have all the money you can ever spend and still feel lost and confused and wishing there was something more to life.

There is.
You need to be helping others.

Start somewhere, with someone.
You may take a neighbor a pie you made.
You may say hello to someone who looks down.
You may see someone whose car has broken down and needs a hand.
You may see someone at the grocery store who is short a couple of dollars of having enough to play for their groceries and give it to them.
It might be just waving every day to the old man who sits on his porch every day because he has nothing else in his life.

Get beyond your needs and find something you can do now. It need not be something big. Just do something.
I'm not talking about giving a couple of bucks to a panhandler. I'm talking about giving of yourself.

Anyone can just give money. Give a little of yourself. Give a few minutes to help someone.

What will happen?
The more you help others, the more you will help yourself.

The more you help others, the more you will feel happy.

The more you help others, the less depression you will have.

The more you help others, the more interesting your life will be.

The more you help others, the more peace will come into your life.

You may find, as you start helping others, that the Spirit of the Lord will prompt you as to who needs your help. Follow those promptings, even if you think it is just your own thoughts.

You will find peace, you will find happiness, you will find fulfillment, you will find... yourself.

The Lord will bless your for your actions.

I hope you have a wonderful day.

For truth, and finding the meaning of life, visit mormon.org

Answers to 3 Questions Only Mormons Know

2011-07-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

So, what are the questions?

1. Where did we come from?
2. Why are we here?
3. Where are we going after this life is over?

If you already know the answers, you're probably a Mormon. If not, read on.

1. Where did we come from?
We lived with God as his spirit children in a pre-mortal existence. We are all brothers and sisters who lived together there.

2. Why are we here?
As His spirit children, there were limits on what we could learn. We didn't know good from evil because we didn't have any exposure to evil. Our Heavenly Father wanted us to have the chance to learn and grow. He knew to learn and grow, we needed to come to earth and have a chance to learn all life had to teach us. We didn't have bodies which are essential to learning about pleasure and pain, good and evil, right and wrong. He knew that not all of us would choose to keep his commandments and return to live with Him again. He knew all about us. Just like we know what our 2 year old children will do in any type of circumstance.

3. Where are we going after this life is over?
After this life, we will be judged on our obedience to the commandments. Will children be damned who didn't have a chance to hear the gospel? No. Will people who never heard the gospel be damned? No. Those who have not had a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and either accept or reject it will have that chance. They will have the choice to follow or not.

Everyone will be judged according to what they knew and understood. Yes, we are saved by grace. Yes, we will be judged on our works. If God didn't care what we did and all people trashed everyone else and just said they accepted Christ as their Savior and were saved it wouldn't make any sense. So how do grace and works go together? We are saved by the grace of God after all we can do. But, we will be judged on what we do.

As much as I'd like to say, I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, which I do, and be saved. I realize that God expects us to live according to the Savior's example, not just anyway we want.

Those who followed the Savior, kept the commandments, and lived Christ-like lives, can live with God again.

There is a way to live as families for eternity and not "till death do us part."
There is more, much more.
Visit mormon.org for more truth that only the Mormon's know about.

A Bunch of Reasons to Be Suspicious of Mormons

2011-02-12T21:09:00.001-08:00

You have to watch out for Mormons. Their beliefs are scary!

They believe in being honest!
They believe in strong families!
They believe that families can be together forever!
They don't believe babies need to be baptized, because babies can't sin!
They believe that if a child dies it is not going to hell. It returns to live with God.
They believe parents should be strong examples for their children and that they should be teaching their children to be good people and good citizens.
They believe in Jesus Christ.
They believe in a loving Heavenly Father who loves everyone and wants us to return to live with him.
They believe you can't be saved just by saying something. They believe that you have to believe and do something about your beliefs.
They believe in faith, baptism, and keeping the commandments
They believe that a person must have God's authority before being to perform ordinances like baptism. They don't believe that you get that authority from a university or school that never had the authority.
They believe that God didn't quit speaking to us through a prophet. They believe there is a living prophet.
They believe that if you are lonely, looking for meaning in life, wondering why you are even here on this earth, that there are answers to all life's most important questions.

You can find out about some of those questions at mormon.org

I'm one of the weird Mormons to be suspicious of. I believe with all my heart. You can believe too, and find happiness like you've never had.

Do Mormons Kill Animals in their Temples?

2011-01-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

That really is what some people try to push off as something that happens in Mormon temples.

Is it true?
No.

There are even people that try to convince everyone that we sneak people into the temples and kill them as sacrifices.
Doesn't happen. Can people really be that dumb to think anyone would do that? I guess they forget that if we were killing people in our temples that the police might notice lots of people coming up missing and might start investigating.

I don't know where they come up with these dumb ideas. Guess they never think about asking a member of the Church.

I suppose they think we would lie and cover up something like that. Come to think of it, if we were sacrificing animals or killing people in the temples, I think I would try to cover it up.

What happens in the temples?
Baptisms by proxy in behalf of those who died without the opportunity. Marriage for eternity. Yep, being with your family forever. Death doesn't have to be the end. We believe that God restored his authority, the priesthood, to the earth and that the Church has God's authority to perform his work. No, we don't believe anyone else in the world has that authority, because it was lost from the earth when Jesus and the apostles died. It had to be brought back.

What else do we do in the temples?
There are instructional meetings where we promise God to be good people, to help others, to follow Jesus Christ and God, and to try to become like the Savior.

Pretty weird. Pretty scary. Sounds like these people could be a threat.

Interested in hearing truth, the whole truth and nothing but truth - the real truth.
Visit mormon.org for more info.

Who or What is God?

2010-10-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

I just read in a novel about a character who believes he has to believe that God is so big and mysterious that he is unknowable or else he couldn't believe in him.

Interesting.

It made me wonder what the author believes. I know I've heard people say the same thing at different times.

For me it is just the opposite. If I didn't believe in a God who has a body, whose image and likeness we were created after, everything else would be just a bunch of gibberish.

For me, a father, especially a Heavenly Father, must be someone I can understand. Not that I understand all he knows and understands, just that I can know I came from him.

Do I believe in a wrathful God of destruction? No, I do believe in a God who knows me, understands me, knows what I go through day to day, and wants me to be happy.

Do I believe in a God who makes everything happen so I have to live a certain way?
No. I believe that God guides our lives if we choose to follow. I believe that I have a choice to follow or not follow. I believe I really can choose right or wrong, light or darkness, and he will let me.

If I choose wrong I believe I will reap the consequences, because I believe there is a right and wrong. Sometimes choosing which is which is difficult since sometimes there doesn't seem to be an easy or right choice. But, I believe if we keep trying to always take the best path, keep trying to be good, try to do right, that we'll get back to be with him.

We'll see him as a man, with arms and legs, a body, a face, a mouth that can smile.

I believe he'll smile when he sees us again. I believe he loves us and wants us to do good, be good, good enough to return and live with him again.

He loves us. He loves me.

He loves you. Find out more at mormon.org.

Mormons are Crazy

2010-07-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Why would anyone want to become a Mormon?

Mormons are wrong, deceived, crazy...

They say they have a living prophet, apostles, real authority from God that no one else on earth has - to perform baptism and other ordinances, and they even claim to know where we came from, why we're here, and where we are going after this life is over. They really do claim to know the real purpose of this life.

Funny thing. I'm one. I'm a Mormon.

Crazy? Maybe. Disturbed? My wife might agree with that.

Deceived? No.

Enjoying the restored truth that was lost when Christ and the apostles died?
Absolutely.

Knowing that we have a real Heavenly Father who really can hear your prayers?
Perfect.

Feeling lonely? Feeling lost? Looking for truth?

The Mormons have it. You can have it too.

Check out more at mormon.org

Human Billboard?

2010-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed at people and what they wear.

Many people wear shirts or clothes that have the name of the company that made the clothing.

I don't see the attraction.

I see the labels as showing something about the person.

Know what would be nice? If we could see what the person is really like based on labels they wear.

If you are a Mormon, based on our beliefs, these are some of the labels you would likely be wearing.

Honest

Kind

Responsible

A real friend

Follower of Christ

Good Father or Good Mother

Believer

Trustworthy

Believer in a Heaven Father who loves us and wants the best for us.

If you know a Mormon, you know that most Mormons don't wear these labels, they live them.

Come and join us in church and find out why we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored.
Find out why there is a prophet and 12 apostles at the head of the Church.
Find out what we know about where we came from before this life, why we are here and we are going after this life is over.

Learn more about the truth we have to share. Visit mormon.org

I've said I accept Jesus as my Savior and now I'm Saved! Yipee!

2010-01-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

Really?

A person can just say they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and they are saved?

The argument most "saved" people give is that it isn't your works that saves you it is the grace of God that saves you.

Isn't saying you accept Christ as your Savior a work? Something you do? So you are in effect saving yourself?

It's a little thing, a small epiphany to realize you are doing a work when saying the words but it is true. Maybe too small to be called an entire epiphany, maybe just an epiph to think this way.

So, since you are doing something, even if you are saying something, you are doing something. You are doing "a work."

So all I have to do is say a few words and I am saved? The whole concept seems designed for people wanting to get away with something.

After that I can sin, steal, kill someone, commit adultery or anything else that is a sin and I am still saved because I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior? Really? How can anyone believe that?

It stands to reason, if reason is even being used, that if you have been saved that you cannot become unsaved if the grace of God saved you. You would be beyond all earthly sin if you believe saying the words saves you.

Really?

Somehow it seems like something a person dreamed up to get people to follow them and pay them money to be their preacher. People seem drawn to the easy way in life. This seems to be one of those easy ways. An easy "get out of Hell free card."

What is the alternative? What do Mormons believe?

We do believe that it because of the atonement of Christ that all man may be saved. We also believe that it is the grace of God that saves us.

But... we believe that all men must repent, be baptized as Jesus was, keep the commandments and live a good life in order to take advantage of the atonement for our sins.

Christ himself said that if we don't repent we must suffer as he did.

We believe two things about the atonement. That Jesus atoned for our sins when he took them upon himself in the Garden of Gethsemane and when he rose from the dead made it possible for us to be resurrected. Two events for two different purposes.

It is true that it is by grace we are saved, but like the bible says, "after all we can do."

We cannot just say the words and we are done. It is a lifetime of effort and righteous living and then his grace allows us to be saved.

Just saying the words and being saved is not possible. Too bad, but too easy. This life is a testing ground for us to decide whether or not we will follow God's way.

Find out more at mormon.org

God knows you personally. You matter to Him

2010-01-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

You are a child of our Heavenly Father. Every person on earth is your brother or sister.

God knows your fears, your successes, your concerns.

He wants you to be happy because He loves you. Think of him literally as your father.

Just like any father, He is concerned about you and everything you do.

Does that mean that he will force you to make decisions His way? To force you to do what He wants you to do? To keep you from all injury and harm? No, no, and no.

We are here to learn how to make decisions, to experience life, to decide whether to be righteous and follow Him or to ignore Him. He loves you so much that He lets you choose.

He has not forgotten you. He is still there, waiting to hear from you.

It's time to find out more about your Father. The one in heaven that you may have forgotten about.

Find out more at mormon.org

Do I think you should join the Church?

2009-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Yes.

"Why?" You might ask and say, "I've been baptized/saved/taken care of."
Because there is only one church with the full truth and that is His Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

How can I say that when there are so many good people in other churches?
Belonging to a church that doesn't have the priesthood authority to act in the Savior's name, not having the same organization, not having a living prophet to know what God wants us to do today, and more, doesn't mean that good people are bad. It just means that they belong to a very good organization that doesn't have the fullness of the gospel.

How can I say that?
Well, after Christ and the Apostles died, hundreds of years went by with no one having the priesthood authority Christ brought. Then, churches started up to try and follow Christ as best they could with many of the teachings of Christ changed. As the years went by, other churches broke off from those churches by people who didn't claim any authority, they just didn't believe their mother church was right.

That process continued down to today. If you start with no authority and modified teachings, and no living prophet to guide you, how can a church possibly maintain any type of closeness to the original Church as Christ taught?

There is the bible, and that is an amazing help. You notice throughout the bible that there were prophets all along the way until Christ. Then nothing? God didn't stop caring about His children. His children strayed. Much of the truth was lost.

Because of this straying, there had to be a restoration of the truth, the authority, and the teachings.

That restoration came when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ as Joseph prayed in a grove of trees. They appeared to him after he prayed to know which church to join.

These are his words about what they said to him:
"My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: 'they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.'"

I know this is true. Joseph saw God, our Heavenly Father, who wants to communicate to us, and His Son Jesus Christ. Through Joseph Smith they restored the truth and His Church with the complete truth of the gospel.

That is why I think you should join the Savior's restored Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also nicknamed, "The Mormons."

After reading this, you may feel the Holy Ghost confirm to you that it is true. You too can find the happiness in life that you have been looking for.

For more details look at mormon.org

God is Dead?

2009-11-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Everyone but Mormons believe:
God stopped having prophets to speak to his people.
When Jesus, God's son was killed, God decided he didn't have any more to say.
Nothing new would come that hadn't already been dealt with in the 10 commandments.

Apparently, he isn't concerned about his children doing drugs, smoking, drinking, gambling,or anything else. He must have said it all.
His job must be done.

But what if he WANTS to say something to us today?
No prophets?
No new scriptures?
He couldn't possibly have any right to say anything else to us because "you can't add anything to the Bible!" Can't God do what he wants?

Well, Mormons believe that:
He still has more to say.
He continues to speak through a living prophet.
He can have his prophet write down what he wants us to do today and that it is just as much scripture as what he said 2,000+ years ago.
We believe in a living, loving, Heavenly Father who still cares enough to tell us how to avoid the evils of the world.

We believe in God.

He is not dead.

But, we don't believe you can get God's authority to act in his name from a university that doesn't have any authority. Not one university has that authority.

God's word is alive, active, and can help each of us. You too.

Find out more at mormon.org

Well, I knew a Mormon that ...

2009-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

I know someone who is studying the Church and thinking of joining.

She knows the Church is true. She feels it. She has felt the Spirit tell her it is true.

Her issue is that she works at a restaurant. One of the supervisors at the restaurant talks like he is a good member of the Church, but goes out drinking and partying and doing things totally against what the Church teaches.

That is her issue.

How do I feel about that?

Well, when there is any group of 13 million people, what are the odds that some will be hypocrites? Pretty good odds. What do I say to that?

Well, the same when I think about what Jesus went through.

There he was, the Son of God, with 12 men who knew him well.

They knew who he was, so they must have been perfect, huh?

Well, there was the case of a guy name Judas, who wasn't entirely perfect.

And, there was another case of a guy named Thomas who didn't believe until he actually saw and touched Christ.

And there was one other man named Peter, who denied he knew Christ. Not once, but three times.

1/4 of the 12 had issues.

People are human.

They make their own decisions. It doesn't make the gospel of Jesus Christ false. It just means they can't live up to the teachings.

Yes, there are examples of Mormons who don't live up to what they know to be true.

There are also thousands of examples of honest, honorable people who put aside everything in their lives to help others.

People who donate ten percent of their income as tithing because it is a commandment.

People who visit the sick, the home-bound, the lonely.

People who, when hurricane Katrina hit, were part of the first wave of help coming to the people with food, shelter, backhoes, trucks, and throngs of people there to help any way they could.

People who have dedicated their lives to following the Savior and his teachings.

They know the gospel of Christ was lost when Christ and the Apostles were killed and that it had to be restored to the earth.

It was restored. It is here now. It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Complete with a living prophet.

I testify to you that it is true and that you can find meaning and purpose in your life if you learn more about the restored gospel and follow Christ's teachings.

It is time for you to find truth. Find out more at mormon.org

Choose the Right

2009-10-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

A hymn sung by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Choose the Right.

The first line sums up what we are all about.
Choose the right, when a choice is placed before you.

Every day, in every way we strive to choose the right.

We choose to follow the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We choose to believe that the Savior lives and guides His church.
We choose to follow the new revelations he gives to a living prophet who leads the Church.
We choose to read the scriptures.
We choose to help others.
We choose to not have sex outside of marriage.
We choose to live righteously.
We choose not to smoke, drink alcohol, coffee or tea.
We choose not to take illegal drugs.
We choose to follow God, his Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Three separate and distinct individuals.
We choose to believe that God is our Father. A man with a body of flesh and blood whose image we were created in.
We choose to believe in the Bible.
We choose to believe in the Book of Mormon, another book of scripture that teaches us to follow Christ.
We choose to believe in God.
We choose to believe that God expects us to keep the commandments. Repent of our sins and live good moral lives.
We choose. That is the secret of God's plan. He gives us the choice of whether to keep the commandment, follow Jesus Christ, and believe.
We choose to believe.

We refuse to believe that God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are a mashed into one incomprehensible being that has no body.
We refuse to believe that all that is expected of us is to say we accept Jesus and everything else is done.
We refuse to believe there is no purpose to life.
We refuse to believe that the only reason we are here is to make money and be selfish.
We refuse to not believe.

Is every member of the Church perfect? No.
Is any member perfect? No.
Are we trying to reach that goal? Yes.

If you want more in your life. To believe and follow the Savior, Jesus Christ, who restored His Church with a prophet and twelve apostles, learn more about it at mormon.org

The Book of Mormon

2009-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Myths about Mormons

2009-09-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

The Mormon Church Keeps Changing

2009-08-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

I hear or read this once in a while and I have one word to answer.
Duh.

With all the complexity in the world today, there are always new things, new challenges, new problems and even new ways to sin.

What is an example?
What about the internet? While it is an amazing resource for good, the pornographers and gambling groups have a huge presence and can suck you into their web with the click of one button.

So, how is the Church to respond?
Well, having a living prophet who receives inspiration and revelation from God helps us know better how to respond to this ever changing world we live in.

Just think. More than 175 years ago a prophet was given a revelation we now refer to as the Word of Wisdom.
What does it deal with?
Smoking We were told not to smoke or chew tobacco.
Now the world has figured out the same thing.

Drinking alcohol, tea, and coffee We were told not to drink them.
Now, even though the world goes back and forth on some of the issues, medical science says they can all be problems, especially alcohol.

Eating meat We were told to eat it "sparingly" or not large quantities.
Now medical science has caught up and has said to limit the amount of red meat we consume.

Eating grains We were told they are good for us.
Surprise! Now medical science says the same thing.

Sleep We were told to go to sleep early and rise early - that sleep was important.
Now medical science is telling us how many problems come from not getting enough sleep.

These are just examples of how a prophet in tune with God can help us find a healthy and spiritual way through the challenges of today's living.

Somehow God tells us things long before medical science figures it out.
Amazing.

We have been counseled for years to get out of debt and to maintain food storage and money savings to help in difficult times.

How could that have helped thousands/millions of people in the last couple years?
Hmmmm. What a surprise. God knew all this was coming.

You too can find out what God wants us to do.
You can read the prophets words.
You cann follow the prophets words.
You too can be part of God's Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Find out more about the Church at mormon.org

Mormons in Black Hats, Buggies and Clothes?

2009-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Anyone who believes we look like that needs a lesson in reality.

I remember hearing of a tourist who came to Salt Lake City and asked the people at the tourist information bureau to point out some Mormons so he could see some!

What he and many others haven't figured out yet is that we look like everyone else.

We dress in modern clothes, some follow the latest fashions while some are content in a t-shirt and jeans. Chances are you know several Mormons but don't know it because they look like your other co-workers.

While we dress in the same fashions as others you know, one thing we don't do is follow women's revealing fashions of low-cut tops and short skirt lengths. Women typically have their dress length somewhere around the knee and believe in modesty.

Why do the women do that? Because we know that the more that is revealed, the more people think about sexual things with people they shouldn't. That is one cause of many ruined marriages and pregnancies out of wedlock.

It's the same thing with pornography. A living prophet has said we should avoid pornography, R rated or worse movies, TV shows that are about people in sexual situations or graphic violence, and even books that are about the same topics.

Why? Because even though not everyone who sees pornography, watches a suggestive movie or book with think of doing some of those things with another person, some will.

Those people may have their lives and the lives of their family members ruined.

Anything that gets you thinking in those directions can eventually cause harm.

Some would call that being prudish.

I think that the more time you spend thinking about sexual things the more likely you are to do something about it.

Do you know anyone pregnant out of marriage, divorced because of an affair, or addicted to pornography?

I'm guessing you know someone close to you whose live has been devastated by one of them. That's because it is wrong.

We believe in no sex outside of marriage. Period.
We don't believe anyone should fondle themselves. Period
We believe homosexuality is wrong. Period

We believe all these things have been revealed by God through a living prophet who helps us know the things that will keep us happy, healthy and have happy families.

It works. It works because it is true.

You can find out more at mormon.org

Benefits of a Wild Lifestyle

2009-07-31T19:52:00.000-07:00

What do Mormons miss by believing what we do?

Being drunk, upchucking our lunch on the seat of our car or on our friends. And hangovers! Don't forget missing hangovers!
Dang, what a loss.

Getting pregnant out of marriage. What? You didn't know we don't believe in waiting until marriage for sex? That's right, no sexually transmitted diseases either.
Another dang.

Getting high on drugs, addiction, losing family and friends as we go in a downward spiral to homelessness.
Skipped stupidity there too.

Missing out winning the lottery or hitting the jackpot in Vegas.
I can't believe we'd miss the chance to blow paycheck after paycheck hoping on a billion to one odds of making it all back. But we don't gamble!
Triple dang.

Plus,
we don't curse
we don't smoke
we try to eat healthy
we don't look at pornography
we try to help others as often as we can
we believe in spending time with family, we even reserve Monday for Family Night
we go to Church
we pay tithing
we believe in being honest

Boy what a limiting lifestyle.
So why are Mormons so healthy and happy?

Beats me!!

Maybe it's because we miss out on all the things that make people stupid and have a life filled with guilt and loneliness.

Want to be happy, healthy and have real meaning in your life?
Become a Mormon. Find out more about us at mormon.org

Having a Close Family

2009-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Is that word in the title close, as in near to each other, loving feelings towards someone else or does it mean shut?
Actually it is the one that means near to each other as in loving feelings toward each other.

No wonder people have a hard time learning English!

Parents have always struggled with the question of how to keep their family strong - there I go again - not strong as in muscles, but loving and actually speaking to each other in loving ways instead of pounding on each other or yelling or arguing with each other.

Mormons have the same issues everyone else does when it comes to family.

They have children who always do what they should, some who never do what they should, and some who just get their fun out of driving their parents crazy.

But Mormons have something the rest of the world doesn't. A tool to use to keep family members playing and having fun together, talking together and working together.

That tool is Family Home Evening.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are asked to reserve Monday nights as Family Night, a night where family comes first, everything else second.

As part of this night, the family gathers, talks about things important to the family, discusses spiritual matters or has a short lesson on some aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, something entertaining like a game, and then the part everyone looks forward to, a treat or dessert of some kind.

Before all this we generally begin with a prayer and sing a song together. We also end the evening with prayer.

Do all members have Family Home Evening?
No

Would they have closer families if they did?
Absolutely!

Why don't they?
Just like everyone else in the world, they have things that distract them from the things that would really help.

This is something every family, regardless of beliefs could benefit from.
Take the idea, adapt it to your family and try it out. Even pick a different day if Monday isn't right for you. It's something that can bless you and your family and keep them close - the loving kind.

Want more info? Look at mormon.org

Mormon Missionaries

2009-07-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

I don't know many people who have not seen either the two young guy missionaries or two girl missionaries going from house to house or riding bikes or driving a car around your town.

Some people start the vacuum cleaner up when they knock on their door. Some people just don't come when they knock. Some open the door and yell at the missionaries. Some even threaten them. Some missionaries have been beaten up.

So, what are they doing, these threatening young missionaries.

They, at age 19 for the young men, age 21 for young women, decide to spend from 18 months to 2 years sharing a message about the gospel of Jesus Christ having been restored after being lost when Christ and the apostles died.

They save up their own money and pay their own expenses to do this.

They give up their time to do something they believe in.

Do they force people to listen?
Nope.

Do they get angry when people say they aren't interested?
Nope.

Do they intimidate people into listening?
Nope. Well, I have heard of young guy missionaries who are 6 foot 10 inches and about 300 pounds that knock on the door and invite people to listen to their message. I think anyone looking up at that mass of missionary would be intimidated. They are big, but gentle.

How many of these missionaries are there?
About 55,000 around the world.

The guys go out for 2 years, the girls for 18 months. Why the difference? My guess is that they have the girls wait until they are 21 to see if they want to get married before going on a mission. In my mind and thoughts, being a mother is the best thing a woman can do. Sharing the gospel is important, but being a mother comes first. Just my thought.

Again, why do they all do that, year after year, new sets of missionaries learn the language of the country they go to. They learn Tongan, Chinese, French, German, Finnish, Swedish, Danish and on and on and on. They learn to love the people they teach.

They do it because there isn't another church on the earth that has the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, with the restored priesthood authority from God to do his work on earth and the ordinances required by God to return to him. The missionaries know they are bringing the truth to the people of the world. That's why they do it.

How much success do they have? Some missionaries are very successful and baptize dozens. Others baptize one or two. Some baptize none.

So, do the ones that don't baptize anyone feel like they wasted their time?
Some do. Others feel like they planted seeds of truth with the people.

In my mind, one thing that happens to most of them is that they learn what they believe, how to teach, how to deal with people, how to deal with rejection, how to be an adult.

Missionaries are just like everyone else. Some are happy, some sad, some enthusiastic, some amazing, some lazy, many just the kid next door trying to do what's right and share the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

They have the truth and can share it with you. If you are searching for truth, call them and listen.

It can change your life.

If you want to find out about it yourself, go to mormon.org

Mormon Temples - Secret or Sacred?

2009-06-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

What are Mormon temples and what are they for?

Well, first, they are not places where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints go for normal weekly church meetings.

For weekly worship services, they go to a meetinghouse where we meet to take the sacrament, bread and water, where we recommit to follow the Savior and keep the commandments. We also have a Sunday School where we study the Bible and The Book of Mormon, both of which teach about the Savior. We then divide into meetings where the women meet together and study the gospel and talk about ways to help others and the men meet together to talk about responsibilities of priesthood holders.

Back to the temples.
There are nearly 130 of them around the world in many countries.

We go to the temple to participate in sacred ordinances where we covenant to follow the Savior and be good and charitable people.

There are ordinances of baptism for the dead where living people are baptized as proxies for their deceased ancestors because of our belief in the Saviors words that every person must be baptized or they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. We believe that those who are dead will have the opportunity to either accept or reject this baptism in their behalf. They will not be forced to accept anything.

These temples are special places where members go to be closer to the Lord and his Spirit and away from the influences of Satan.

Members go when they want. Some go once a year, some several times a year, some monthly, some weekly, and some every day. It is totally up the the individual member and what they feel they need.

They are special places for Mormons, sacred places where they can feel close to the Lord, where they can rededicate themselves to living righteously, where they can follow God.

We don't talk about specifics about the temples because they are very dear to us. Some might call that being secretive. We just feel it's sacred.

Want more info? Check out mormon.org

Women in the Church

2009-06-17T12:09:00.001-07:00

Mormon women belong to the largest women's organization in the world.

They perform countless acts of kindness, participate in thousands of humanitarian projects and care for their families, neighbors and other loved ones whether they are members of the Church or not.

Do women in the Church have jobs outside the home?
Yes, I would guess that 50-70% work at something outside the home either on a part-time or full-time basis.

Are they all seamstresses or work at menial jobs?
No. There are doctors and lawyers, teachers and salespeople, musicians and singers, actresses and workers on theatrical crews, truck drivers and golf pros, lunch ladies and chefs, pilots and travel agents, cashiers and ushers.

Women in the Church work at thousands of different kinds of jobs. Their first priority as taught in the Church, is teaching their children to pray, to worship God, to keep the commandments, and to believe in the atonement of Jesus Christ.

They teach their children to be honest, to care for others, to work hard, to get an education and to be good citizens of their country wherever they live.

Mothers are a strength in the Church. They give input, they lead organizations, they make a real difference in the Church and the world.

More info at mormon.org

A Father's Duty - as Taught by a Living Apostle

2009-06-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is viewed as being egotistic to be manly.

There's more to being a man than being great at sports.

There is the misconception that men in the Church don't honor and care for women. Here is a living apostle telling the men of the Church how they should act.

Make your own decision on what the Church teaches about women.

(This is part of message given to men in meeting of men of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)

Where, Why, Where

2009-06-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Where were we before this life?
Why are we here?
Where are we going after this life is over?

Where were we before this life?
We lived in heaven with God.
He is our Heavenly Father, we were his spirit children in that pre-earth existence.
He knew that as spirits we wouldn't have all the experiences we needed to learn and grow and so he proposed to us that we come to earth and have all the experiences that earth could bring.

There was a problem however. If we came to earth, we could sin and we wouldn't be worthy to be with God.

God proposed that there be someone who could pay for our sins for us. Our brother Jesus said he would be our savior and pay for our sins and all the glory would be God's.

Satan proposed that he would force everyone to do right and he would take the glory.

God wanted us to have the ability to choose to do right, so he accepted Christ as our savior.

Satan rebelled against God and with a third of God's children he was cast out of God's presence. He and his hosts came to earth where they would tempt and try us and get us to sin.
From Revelations

3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was acast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Why are we here?
We are here to learn everything we can in life.
We are here to decide whether to follow God or not.
We are here to become as much as we can be.
We will be judged on what we do.

Where are we going after this life is over?
We will be judged after this life according to what we know and have done.
Everyone, after death, will be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to accept or reject it.

We will be judged.
If we were righteous or repented, and were baptized we will go live with God in a degree of glory called the Celestial Kingdom.

If we were good people but weren't baptized and didn't keep the commandments we will live in a degree of glory called the Terrestrial Kingdom where God does not come.

If we were evil we will go to a place called the Telestial Kingdom where God and Christ do not come.

Those who knew without doubt of Christ in this life and rejected him will go to a place called outer darkness where Satan and his followers will be.

From 1 Corinthians 15
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

How do we know these things? From a living prophet.

Need more? Go to mormon.org

Scriptures About Christ

2009-06-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Do we believe in Christ? Here are some scriptures I believe.

40 And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.
..........
17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—
18 And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
..........
13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
..........
15 For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.
..........
20 And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
15 For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.
..........
These verses are numbered differently because they are from different chapters.

What do these verses have in common?
They are about Christ.
They are about His reason for coming to earth.
They are things I believe in.
They are all from The Book of Mormon, a book people insist is not true.
Hmmm... seems the verses are about Christ, some of thousands of verses that talk about Christ.

Maybe Mormons do believe in Christ.
Maybe The Book of Mormon is about Christ.

Maybe there really is is another book of scripture from ancient people that gives us more insight into Christ and his reason for coming to earth and how we can follow him?

Would you like to know about it?

More at mormon.org...

Women in the Church

2009-06-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

To hear some people talk, women are not valued in the Church.

They say that since women can't hold the priesthood that somehow they have no value.

Huh?

People get the idea that the Church is run the way those at the top of the Church want it run and it has nothing to do with doing things the Lord's way.

People outside the Church say, "just change and give women the priesthood and then you will show you value them."

What am I missing here? Those outside are saying, "do things the way we think they should be done," and forget what the Lord has asked to be done?

I guess that works in Churches that have no authority from God, no revelation, no restored truth, and the scriptures mingled with the philosophies of free thinkers.

But, in the restored Church that has the truth as taught by Christ, has authority from God to govern his Church, has revelation from God telling how to the Church should be structured, has a living prophet and apostles who receive revelation, has it all, that's not the way things work.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, even the name of the Church came through revelation and not from a bunch of goobers sittin' round a barrel whittlin' and spittin' and deciding what to call it. It wasn't, "hey Jeb, how about us calling it the Church of the spittin' cat!" Doesn't work that way. It came through true revelation from God to his prophet Joseph Smith.

The idea for men to lead the Church didn't come from men, it came from God. Should we change it because someone outside the Church thinks we should or should we do it God's way. Hmmm I'm thinking we'll follow God on this one.

We don't know why he specified the Church should be organized the way he did. I'm guessing that since some of the reasons we come to earth are to gain a body, have life experiences and have the choice to follow God or not, that He wanted someone, women in this case, to raise and care for us when we were children in ways the men could not.

Women hold callings in the largest women's organization in the world, The Relief Society, and at Church Headquarters there are women presidencies of that organization and the organization called Primary, for children.

Women participate in every local congregation in what is called a ward council, where they give input in what needs to be focused on for the good of the congregation.

Women are involved in every part of congregations as leaders and teachers, except in the organization for men called priesthood meetings.

The women gather as a Relief Society at the same time the men gather for Priesthood meetings.

Both groups have lessons each Sunday about how to be better followers of Christ, better parents, better neighbors, better people.

The reason they meet separately is that the women cover topics specific to Relief Society and meeting the needs of the women in the congregation and the men cover topics such as how to meet the physical needs of families in the congregation.

While some think the Church is all about polygamy, which isn't even a part of the Church, they need to know what really happens. We value women's leadership, teaching skills, parenting skills, individuality, input, intelligence, tenderness, empathy, and everything else that makes women so amazing.

Find out what we really believe, from Mormons, not from those who have no clue.

Look at mormon.org for more topics you may have misheard from people with missing Mormon info details.

We believe in strong, close families

2009-05-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today seems to be a never-ending cycle of marriage and divorce for many.

I heard the other day of a friend whose mother was married for the 7th time. The others ended in divorce, not death.

So what the heck is going on?

Your family should be your most important focus. They should come before your job, before your hobbies, before your weekly golf game, before you.

Many people want it all, when what they mean is that they want it all "for me". As long as their needs are met, as long as they have everything they want and need, then all is right with the world.

Families seem to come second, third, fourth, or even further down the list in many peoples' lives. The statistics confirm that with the amazing divorce rate.

You can't have it all, if all is only about you.

If you want it all, give your all to your family, to God, to others. The feelings you will have by putting others first and yourself second just might surprise you.

You'll actually find happiness by not concentrating on getting happiness.

Happiness is found by giving it to others.

Families, to Mormons, can be forever if you are married in the Temple by the appropriate authority. It's not automatic. It's not easy. It takes work.

You have to work at keeping your family to have them forever. You put them first and you get them at last, forever.

Hard to do, but then anything worth having is.

Stuff...and Things

2009-05-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Stuff, what dreams are made of.

We take a lifetime making money to buy stuff.

Then we make money to insure the stuff.

Then we make more money to buy insurance to protect the stuff in case it gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

Then we make more money to house the stuff.

Then we make more money to maintain and repair the stuff.

We feel good when we buy it and then the good feeling is gone.
It's like a drug that you have to keep getting to feel good.

We've all heard there's more to life than money. I just talked to a friend who was asking me about some ideas he had to make money in a business he wanted to start on the side.

Why? To make some money.

In the last seven years I have lost seven friends. All under the age of 65. All but one under the age of 53.

Many of them had extra businesses or things on side to try and really "make it."

Now they're dead and the money they made has gone to their widow.

My friend wondered why I wasn't really interested in getting into some business or other to make it big.

There's more to life than working. More to life than having more jobs, more things to worry about, more things to take care of.

It might be fun for many, I find fun in a more simple life. Few wants, few needs where my fun comes with being with family.

Of all the things to strive for in life, stuff isn't very high on my list. It's fun to have stuff for awhile, but it is a never ending cycle. It's a cycle that wastes lives just taking care of the details of stuff.

Happiness has never been stuff. Happiness comes from love. It comes from knowing where you came from before this life, why you are here, and where you are going.

Spending your life with people and helping others is what really makes a difference.

Happiness. It's the stuff of life, not a life of stuff.

Do Mormons Worship Joseph Smith?

2009-05-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

No.

Why do we talk about him so much?
Why do we consider him important?
What did he do?

Well,
He saw God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.
With that appearance, he found out the truth that they are two different people, not one.
An angel appeared to him and showed him where to find an ancient record of scripture written on gold plates and bound together.
With God's help, he translated that record and discovered it was a record of a prophet and his family who left Jerusalem and came to the Americas. It is a record of the teachings of God, the record of Jesus Christ and his coming to the Americas to visit his "other sheep" mentioned in the bible when Jesus was resurrected.
Joseph restored the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ that had been lost from the earth since the death of Christ and the apostles.
God restored his authority to perform holy ordinances like baptism, to Joseph Smith.
Joseph received revelations from God that told us that smoking, drinking alcoholic drinks and coffee and tea are bad for us - 150 years before modern science figured it out.
God's temple ordinances were restored through Joseph.
In the end, Joseph gave his life as he was murdered by a mob.

There's more, much more. He was a modern prophet, he received revelation and authority to restore the gospel to the earth.

There is NO other authority on earth given from God. It was lost and had to be restored.

It's true, you can find it too. Look for more at mormon.org

Good is Evil and Evil is Good

2009-05-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

Remember when things seemed to be recognizable as good and evil?

Remember when killing a person was worse than killing a dog or cat?
Now, some people are getting more prison time for killing the animals than people.

Remember when abortion meant killing a baby and not, "a woman's right to choose"?

Remember when it used to be a bad thing to be on government welfare?
Now, for many it seems to be thought of as a right because they are American citizens.

Remember when it used to be a bad thing to be an illegal immigrant?
Now government leaders are looking at ways to take care of all these unfortunate people who have come here looking for a better life.

Remember when it was seen as a bad thing for the government to mess around with our rights and lives?
Now, government leaders seem to feel that they know better than we do what we need and want.

Remember when government spending was looked at as something to control?
Now it seems that it is a contest to see how far off the cliff leaders can throw our money.

Remember when citizen's money was looked at as belonging to them?
Now it seems that government leaders feel it is theirs.

Remember when it used to be admirable if someone worked hard and was successful?
Now, government leaders talk about bringing those at the low end of success up by sharing the "excessive earnings" of those who have made a success in life.

Remember when living an honest life, being faithful to your spouse, taking responsibility for yourself and your family and your actions, believing in God and trying to be like Jesus Christ was a good thing?
Guess what? It still is.

No matter what the world has become, right is still right, good is still good, evil is still evil, and wrong is still wrong.

Living a Christ focused life is still right, still the way to real happiness.

May your day and your life be filled with happiness by living according to the gospel as taught by Christ.

You are loved, even if sometimes you don't feel it. God is there, waiting to hear from you.

The Mormons know real, restored truth that was lost from the earth from when Christ and the Apostles died. Find out more at mormon.org

Tatoos - What does that have to do with religion

2009-05-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tats. Tattoos.

Some get a tiny flower, some seem to feel that billboard-size tats are for them.
Some cover their face, their heads, their feet and everywhere in between.

Personally I just don't get it.
Aesthetically I just don't get it.
Artistically I just don't get it.
Any way you look at it I just don't get it.
I must be clueless.

I see these people with a tat they think is cool and wonder how they will feel about having that same dumb cartoon or image on them 40 years from now.

I would think that the only tat that makes sense long term would be a snake. At least with a snake, as your skin gets old and wrinkly it would make the snake look more lifelike.
Dumb, I know, but then all of it is.

Now I hear people are putting tattoos in the white parts of their eyes. That has got to be... what... I don't even know enough synonyms for the word dumb or idiotic to express how truly crazy that is.

So, what does all this have to do with what I believe?

Simple. Our bodies are described in the scriptures as temples and we should treat them as such. That means what we put into them is important.

We don't drink alcohol. We don't smoke. We don't use drugs.

As with any group as large as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, I'm sure there are some that do all the things we don't believe in, even tattooing themselves. That doesn't mean they are following the teachings. In fact, they are going against the teachings.

So, if our bodies are temples, what does that make tattoos? Graffiti?

Tattoos disfigure our bodies. Period.

"But I like having a beautiful image on my body" you might say.

Fine. It is still graffiti. Convince yourself that it is beautiful. Just like someone who smokes has no clue that they stink of smoke wherever they go and they have no idea.

It is still showing disrespect to yourself and your body.

As a Mormon, we are taught not to tattoo our bodies. Period.

Much of life is about respect. Respect for God. Respect for Jesus Christ. Respect for their teachings. Respect for ourselves.

No tattoo is good - just like smoking and drinking, zero is best.

None is good for you. Want to learn more about Mormons? Check out mormon.org

What does a living prophet say?

2009-05-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

We Mormons believe in a living prophet. There has been one at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since the early 1800s.

The current one is Thomas S. Monson.

So, what have living prophets said?

1. One of the important ones for the last 20 years is to stay out of debt.
Sound like that could have been important in these wonderful economic times?
Could have saved all those people who went crazy with huge homes they couldn't afford, toys and stuff that buried them in mountains of debt and bankruptcy.

What else have they said?
2. To reserve Monday nights for a "Family Home Evening" where the parents spend time with their kids, teaching them, playing games with them and being a real family.

3. To maintain a years supply of food in case of emergencies. Could that have helped all the people struggling right now? Duh!

4. To maintain several months of emergency income where possible. Ditto Duh!

5. To follow the Savior's life and example and try to be like him.
"What?" you may say. "Mormon prophet asks people to follow the Savior? I thought they didn't believe in Christ!"

Surprise! Just because we believe that Christ actually expects us to do something with our lives and not merely accept him as our Savior to return to live with him, people say we don't believe in him. That's dumber than a box of rocks.

6. To live a morally clean life and not have sex outside marriage.
How many people would that have saved from sexually transmitted diseases, divorce and much more.

7. To be truly happy you must serve others.
Look at the unhappy people in the world that believe that the world revolves around them and the pursuit of money. Guess who's right and whose wrong.

Many churches teach that God stopped talking to us after Christ and the apostles died and that God never speaks to us anymore.
Guess who's wrong?

There is contact with God through a living prophet who helps us know what God wants for us and that will help us live good happy lives.

It's true! More info at mormon.org

If you saw God, what would he look like?

2009-04-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Some people would think this is a weird question because they believe God is some flaming ball of light.

I don't.

I believe that if God was to appear to you that you would recognize him. You know him because you were with Him before you came to this life.

I believe that because He is our Father. He happens to be in heaven, but he is the father of our spirits.

He has a body. We were created in His image.

We can't be in His image if he is a flaming ball of light, or someone who fills the entire universe.

He loves you. He cares what you are doing. Just like any father, He wants to hear from you.

He knows what you need and what you want, but He wants to hear it from you.

If He gave you everything you needed when He knew you needed it, this life wouldn't be much of a test.

Ask Him. He is there.

It's true.

TV Show Big Love Portrays Mormons? Nope!

2009-04-17T13:04:00.001-07:00

This is one of the dumbest things that show tries to put out as truth.

They keep talking about the polygamous family being Mormon.
Dumb. Mormons do not believe nor practice polygamy.

Whenever people are asked about Mormons, many say they think polygamy.

Once again, we don’t believe in it, don’t practice it.

So, what does it take for the message to sink in?

Guess it has to get to the point where tv show writers start doing their homework and find out the truth.

I’ve read where the writers do understand that Mormons don’t practice polygamy, but they still have everyone calling the family Mormons on the show.

Dumb as a stump.

They may never learn, they never seem to get it right.

But for now, remember, Mormons aren’t polygamous.

Want the truth about Mormons? Ask a Mormon.

Or go to the Church’s site http://www.mormon.org for the truth.

Find out, believe, and change your life for the better. Forever.

It’s true.

Trinity - Do Mormons Believe 3 in 1?

2009-04-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

Do we believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost?
Absolutely!

Do we believe that they are one glommed together person?
Absolutely not.

Why would God be so different than those He created in his image?
We aren't glommed together as multiple individuals. We are individuals.

God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus is our brother and the Holy Ghost is the one who helps us feel God's inspiration in our lives to help guide us to do right.

God is a person. He is our God, but he is a person with a body. Why is that so hard for some to believe.

I know that many teach that he is unreachable, unknowable, unfathomable, and absolutely beyond our ability to understand.

He is our Father. He is our God. He loves us.

He wants what is best for us.

He doesn't want our fear, he wants us to love Him, as He loves us.

He is there, He will listen, He does listen.

He is not a they, a them. He is God. Jesus is His Son. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit without a body.

He has restored the truth to the earth. Find out more. mormon.org

I, a Mormon, believe in Jesus Christ!

2009-04-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

People say Mormons are not Christians.

Those people don't know what they are talking about.

They say Mormons don't believe in the same Jesus they believe in.

What do they believe in?
A Jesus who, along with the Holy Ghost, is crammed together in one person with God.
A Jesus who was crucified so all you have to do is say you accept him as your Savior and you are taken care of.
A Jesus who didn't think you need to do anything else in life, just accept him.

Is that what I believe?
No. I believe in a Jesus who is the Son of his father, God.
Who prayed to his Father.
Who, when Jesus was baptized, had God, his Father, say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." What person talks about himself as his own son?
Who prayed in to His Father, God, Gethsemane asking God if it were possible that the cup pass from him.
Who, while on the cross commended his spirit into God's hands.
Who was seen by Stephen, when he was being stoned, "on the right hand of God." People really believe he was standing beside himself? Not me.

I believe in a Jesus who was the begotten Son of God. God in heaven and Jesus on earth.
I believe that he was in the temple, talking to the learned men, and told Mary he was about "my Father's business." Not his own business.
I believe in a Christ that healed the sick, the blind, and brought back the dead.
I believe in a Christ who said that he came to take upon him the sins of the world.
I believe in a Christ who said that the sinners won't suffer if we will repent, but if they do not repent they must suffer "even as I."
I believe in a Christ who saved the world from sin, but did not believe that all you need to do in this life is say you accept him as your savior and you are saved regardless of what you do.
I believe in a Christ who believed that we must follow him, keep the commandments and always remember him.
I believe in a Christ who, with his Father, God, helped us come to earth so we could make our own decisions about whether we would follow him. God loved us enough to let us decide on our own instead of forcing every person to return to him.
I believe in a Christ who was crucified for the world, to save us all from death and our sins.
I believe in a Christ who was resurrected and because of his resurrection we will all be resurrected regardless of sin or not. Everyone will be resurrected. Not everyone will return to live with God.
I believe in a Christ who knew that there would be an apostasy after his death and a falling away and a loss of the truth of the gospel.
I believe in a Christ, who in the early 1800's restored the complete truth to the earth along with his Church with apostles and a prophet. That prophet was Joseph Smith.

I believe in a Christ who still guides that church today through a living prophet.

That church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is His Church. It was restored for the world. It was restored for you.

It's time to find out more. Find truth at mormon.org

Can you get God's Authority from a College / University?

2009-04-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting question.
The answer is no.

Can an organization that never had God's authority to train his ministers give authority from God to the people they train?
No

The only way to get God's authority is from God or Christ.

Since most people think God stopped talking to anyone after Christ was crucified and all those that Christ gave authority died off before any churches really started, NO ONE had authority to start a church. And, because they didn't have authority to start a church, they certainly didn't have authority to perform baptisms or any other ordinances.

There was an apostacy, or falling away where God's authority was lost and was lost for 1800+ years.

In the early 1820's God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith, who had prayed to discover which church he should join.

He was told to join none of them because the true church wasn't on the earth. They said that all the churches were filled with the teachings of men mingled with scripture.

They also told him that through Joseph, they would restore the truth and God's authority to the earth.

They did. It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has God's authority directly from God and Jesus. It has the authority to perform baptisms and other ordinances necessary for our salvation.

It is true. Find out more at mormon.org

Who is the God your Church follows?

2009-04-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

According to the many of todays Churches, God is:
Unknowable
A spirit
A combination of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.
A vengeful, threatening God.
Doesn't have a body
Has no passions
Fills the universe yet is so small he can dwell in your heart.

That is NOT the God I worship.
The God I worship is my Father in heaven in every sense of the word.
He is the father of my and your spirits.
He has a body, in whose image we were created.
He is not some tri-person that includes Jesus and the Holy Ghost.
They are separate individuals.
He is a Father of love.
He loves his children, including you, including me.
He hates sin but loves the sinner.
He cares about everything on this earth.
He wants us to be happy.
He wants us to grow and learn and develop and to follow his commandments.

Why does he want me to follow his commandments? Because, like any parent, he knows what is best for us and has given us these parental rules to live by.

He knows that if we follow them we will be happy. If we don't, we won't be.
He gives us the freedom to choose, but he does have consequences if we don't.

He wants us to return to him and live with him forever.
He has provided a way for us to be with him and with our families forever.

He wants you to be happy. He has a living prophet on earth that shares God's word with us.
We only have to listen.

It's true. Find out for yourself. More information at mormon.org

What are Sundays For?

2009-03-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a common notion that Sundays are for, pick one:
Sleeping all day
Camping
Skiing
Golfing
Boating
Shopping
Going to movies
Watching sports all day
Going out to eat
Anything but going to church
Playing football or other sports
Clean house
Wash the car

What do I as a Mormon believe?
All of them are wrong.

What is Sunday for?
Going to Church to remember God, Jesus, and renewing the covenants, promises, we made when we were baptized.

Mormons, in one of our Sunday meetings, called sacrament meeting, take the sacrament. It consists of bread and water.

In taking the small piece of bread we are to remember that Christ gave his life to allow all of us to overcome death, be resurrected, and live forever.

Drinking the small cup of water reminds us that Christ shed his blood in the garden of Gethsemane to pay for our sins if we accept his sacrifice, repent, and follow him.

Prayer on the sacramental bread
"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath* given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

In the prayer on the bread we are to do three things:
Eat it in remembrance of the body of Christ
We are willing to take upon us the name of Christ
Always remember Christ

Prayer on the sacramental water
"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine [water] to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

In the prayer on the water we are to do three things:
Remember the blood of Christ, that paid for our sins.
Witness to God that we do remember Him.
That we will have his Spirit to be with us.

What is right for Mormons to do on Sundays?
Go to Church
Take the sacrament and renew our promises to God and Christ.
Spend time with family.
Visit family members.
Eat - I like this one particularly well.
Read
Study the scriptures
Eat - there that is again, but no, pigging out on Sunday is not what we are supposed to do. Simple meals are what we should focus on, not elaborate meals that cause lots of work.
Watch a video with the family? Well, yes, I do this. Some people don't, but I do. We are just careful what we watch.

There are lots of others.
Does that mean that no Mormon watches sports on Sundays?
No. Lots do, but lots don't. We all try to follow the best we can.

Should we travel on Sunday? Probably not, because it takes away from the purpose of the day.

Have I ever traveled on Sunday?
Yes.

Should I have traveled on Sunday?
No. We could have probably worked around it when it happened, but like I said, we all are trying the best we can. Sometimes we don't get it all right.

Do I ever get it all right?
No.

Am I trying to get it all right and be a better person?
Yes. That is the secret, a long sustained effort to follow Christ.

Focusing our life on money and possessions leads to a life of unhappiness.
Following Christ and serving others brings happiness, peace, and a fulfilled life.

Christ's church has been restored with the truth that was lost after He and his apostles died. It is important to know that, and to find the truth. Today

Until Death Do You Part

2009-03-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

What a great thing to hear as the final part of your marriage ceremony!

Sounds like something to be excited about.

I can't imagine being married and then reminded that this marriage that you have waited for and been excited for has, in essence, a divorce decree built in.

Is there more?
Yes

Part of what we believe, is that when we are married in one of our most sacred buildings, a temple, where only worthy Church members can go, that if we live worthily, we can be with our spouse for eternity.
Wow

Together forever. Part of the God's plan of happiness for us.

There's more. Lots more.

Find answers to many of lifes hardest questions at mormon.org

Kindness

2009-03-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

This story was told by a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His message to everyone was to be kind, love others.

He died last year.

He was a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heaven or Hell? Who goes Where?

2009-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Who goes to heaven? Who goes to Hell?

If you listen to some in the world, this is what happens to people.

Babies who die - Hell
Young children who have not been baptized - Hell
People who live good lives but have never heard the true gospel - Hell
People who have grown up knowing nothing except worshiping idols, statues, multiple gods - Hell
Good people who have spent their lives serving others who have never been baptized - Hell

What do Mormons believe?
Well, we believe literally what Christ taught, that everyone must be baptized.
Even He set the example to show that everyone who wants to enter God's kingdom must be baptized.

So, does that mean He didn't love everyone and that only those who happened to hear the gospel and were baptized can dwell with God for eternity?

Well, we believe that He provided a way for everyone to have that chance.

We believe that after death, we go to a place to await resurrection. In that place, everyone who has lived is taught the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Each person has the chance to either accept or reject Christ and his gospel.

But they're dead! What can they do about it if they accept the gospel? They can't be baptized!

Therein comes the beauty of Christ's restored gospel. With restoring His Church and His gospel comes His authority, his priesthood, to baptize those who are living as proxies for those who are dead.

So yes, we believe in baptism for the dead. That doesn't mean we dig anyone up and baptize them. It does mean that a member of the Church can enter one of our temples and with the name of their deceased relative, they can be baptized in that dead persons behalf.

Does that mean that the person is forced to become a member of Christ's church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

No. We believe that we have our agency, our ability to choose, to accept or reject Christ and his gospel in this life or after death.

That means that after the proxy baptism has been performed, that deceased person will have the opportunity to accept it or reject it.

Is that true for babies and young children? No. They are a different case.

We believe that the age of accountability, the ability to know right from wrong, is age eight. Those younger than eight are incapable of sin, because to sin means you know something is wrong and you do it anyway.

Children who die before the age of eight are perfect and return to God without the need for baptism, because they were never capable of sin.

Those eight and older will choose for themselves to accept or reject. Every person will have the chance, no matter if the person lived in a big city but never heard the gospel, or if the person lived in a hut and believed in a stone god. Every person will hear, learn, understand, and then choose for themselves.

It may seem that everyone, when they are dead and hear the gospel, would accept Christ. Maybe, maybe not, but they will have the ability to choose, something they never had the chance to do here.

That was part of the plan God made for us when he let us come to earth. Our freedom to choose to follow him or not.

He loved all of us then, he loves all of us now.

He loves you too. You were part of his plan.

What are you doing about it?

Did Christ Pay for Everyone's Sins?

2009-03-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes. But, only if they repent.

It is easy to say that you accept Christ as your savior.

It is another thing altogether to repent and follow Christ.

If you say you accept Him and do nothing, it counts for nothing.

As a Mormon, I believe that you must accept Him as your savior, repent of your sins, keep the commandments and live a Christ-like life.

You don't have to be perfect, but your life must be a constant effort to follow him and try to become like him.

If you accept him, you must follow him. Repent. Change. Become more like him.

He has revealed truth in modern times through a modern prophet.

A living prophet guides the Lord's Church today.

It's true. Find out for yourself at Mormon.org

Isn't there more to life?

2009-03-16T20:34:00.001-07:00

What do you expect out of life? Money, toys, the wild life?

It's interesting that in interviews of lottery winners, those people many envy, that most were happier before they won.

How can that be? They have everything. Money to buy anything they want and they still aren't happy.

So, what does make people happy.
Someone to love and who truly loves you.
Belief in something larger than yourself, like God.
Doing something for others - service.
Knowing the truth.

The truth can make you free. And happy.
Find more of the truth at Mormon.org

Mormons Mormons Everywhere

2009-03-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

You find Mormons in most places and you would generally never know it.

They don't have horns - I was actually asked where mine were. It was in California years ago. I couldn't believe that ANYONE was dumb enough to believe Mormons have horns.

Mormons, at least some, do have dumb jokes, a crazy sense of humor, sometimes no sense, sometimes no sense of humor, sometimes sensitive, sometimes not.

Do you know why?

Because, and this is a secret, don't tell anyone. We are real people just like everyone else.

Some of us like dogs and cats, some don't.
Some of us are healthy, some are not.
Some are exercise nuts, others are not.
Some are are excellent gardeners and the only thing others can grow is older.
Some are rich, some are poor, many are in-between.
Some read the scriptures every single day. Others don't.
Some are faithful. Others not.

The thing that unites us is a belief that after Christ and the Apostles died, the priesthood power of Christ was lost as was the truth that he taught.

It was gone for hundreds of years until in a grove of trees, God and Jesus Christ appeared to a young boy named Joseph Smith.

They told him that the truth was not on the earth, that the truth had been lost, and that they would restore it through him.

In the years that followed, they revealed that which had been lost. He paid for teaching the truth with his life, when a mob shot and killed him in cold blood.

He was a prophet of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. From that time to now there has been a living prophet and apostles on the earth, receiving revelations to help everyone, including you, find peace through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's time to listen. It's time to change. It's time to follow Christ.

The truth is here on earth. You can find it.

Want to know more? Find it at mormon.org

What happened before this life?

2009-03-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

God created us as spirits before this life.

We started life as spirit children of God, complete with a bodies of spirit.

We were like our Heavenly Father, God, but his body was of flesh and bone.

He is the father of our spirit bodies.

He knew, that with bodies of spirit, that there were things we could not experience and could not ever know and could not ever learn.

Because of His love for us, he gave us a choice to come to this life and obtain a physical body. With that physical body we would be able to experience pleasure and pain, happiness and sadness, sickness and health. Everything we couldn't do as spirits.

Part of our coming to earth was the ability to choose right from wrong. That was part of Heavenly Father's plan for us. He wanted us to be able to choose to follow him or to follow a different way. Because he loves us so much, He gave us this freedom to choose.

He knew that some would follow Him and some would choose to follow Satan.

He knew that if we did wrong that we would need a way to be forgiven of those wrongs.

In our life before this earth life, Jesus Christ, our brother, offered to pay the price for the sins of those who would repent. For those who would not repent, they would have to pay for their own sins.

God loved us so much he gave us a chance to prove ourselves and return to live with Him again.

He loved us so he sent his firstborn son to help us return.

It's true.

The Ten Commandments

2009-02-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

Do Mormon's believe in following the ten commandments?
Yes. In today's crazy world it seems like people treat these more as the ten suggestions.

We believe in the ten commandments. Because we have a living prophet, we have other things we know the Lord wants us to do.

What are those things?
Some of them are:
Maintain a supply of food that will sustain you during difficult times.
Don't drink alcohol, don't smoke or chew tobacco, don't drink tea of coffee.
Don't take illegal drugs.
Live a moral life. Don't have sex with anyone who is not your spouse.
Be honest in all your dealings.
Help others.
Fast 2 meals per month and donate the value of those meals, and if you can afford it, more, to helping those who are less fortunate.
Repent and live a Christ-like life.
Learn more about Christ and his teachings in both the Bible and The Book of Mormon.
Be a good father or mother and teach your children to be Christ-like.
Participate in projects that help others.
Do genealogy research and find who your ancestors are and submit their names to be baptized by proxy so they will have the choice of following the Savior and accept the baptism in their behalf.

Babies who die not condemned to hell

2009-02-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

Do Mormons believe that babies need to be baptized?
Nope. We believe that that practice is wrong. Plain wrong.

The reason? Babies can't sin. What is baptism for? From lds.org, the Church's web site, it says, "Those who are baptized enter into a covenant with God to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end."

Through modern revelation we know that the Lord said, "They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me" (see D&C 29:46–47). They are not to be baptized until they reach the age of accountability, which the Lord has revealed to be eight years of age (see D&C 68:27). Anyone who claims that little children need baptism "denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption"

So, to summarize. Babies can't sin. Satan can't tempt them.

In fact, no one can sin until they are able to make a decision to do wrong. We believe that the age of accountability to be eight years old. That is when we baptize.

So, what happens if you are over eight and want to be baptized? It's okay. We can baptize anyone from age eight on up.

Just to follow up. What happens to babies who die and children under age eight who die?
We believe that they return to God and are with him. We have a chance to live with those children again if we keep the commandments.

Pretty cool huh? God provides for all his children.

It's true. You can find out too!

Church in Favor of California Prop 8? Oh No!

2009-02-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

The Church is “Accused” of being in Favor of California Proposition 8 which is against same-sex marriage!
Duh!

Those who are gay or lesbian and their friends and families are aghast that the Church would tiptoe across the borders from Utah and try to influence something in California that is none of Utah’s business.

They think that a church’s beliefs are supposed to stop at a border? So, what about the million or so members of the Church in California? Is the Church supposed to have commandments that are followed differently in California than in the rest of the world?

We follow Christ’s teachings about going out to all the world to spread his word. That really does mean don’t stop at political borders or country borders. Go to All the world and teach all the commandments, not just the ones that are politically pleasing.

People talk about gay marriage as a civil rights issue. Go ahead and try and convince yourself of that. What about marriage between brother and sister? Between a parent and a child? Between a grandparent and a child? Aren’t they just as much that civil rights problem? Where does it stop? What about marriage between a 40 year old man and a 10 year old girl? Got a problem yet? Isn’t that a civil rights issue?

Does the Church teach that sex between members of the same sex is wrong?
Yes.

What about abortion. Does the Church teach that it is a sin?
Yes.

What about drinking and smoking? Is that wrong?
Yes. Through revelation 175 years ago, the Lord revealed that those substances are harmful and should not be used. It took just about 150 years for the medical science to catch up and realize the same thing.

Does the Church teach honesty?
Yes. Should it keep that belief within the borders of Utah?

What about baptism for the remission of sins?
Yep, it teaches that. Should that be kept within Utah, or even just Salt Lake City? I don't think so.

What about loving all people? Isn’t the Church teaching hate by supporting the ban on gay marriage?
The Church teaches what the Lord has said to teach. It teaches against sin of all types. Sex between members of the same sex is a sin. Period. However, the Lord, and his Church, teach to love all, but you don't love the sin.

The Church also teaches other things about sex are wrong, such as sex between any two people who are not married, sex between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Even, surprise, touching another person in a sexual way is considered wrong if that person is not your spouse.

People doing the complaining are okay about the Church going beyond Utah’s borders to help those in need physically, but not okay when the Church is trying to help people spiritually.

It's funny that they complain that the Church was involved, but they don't talk about anyone on the side supporting their side. Hmmmm. Wonder why they don't let all the information come to light.

We believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church Jesus Christ began when he was on the earth. We believe the truth and his authority was lost after he and the apostles were killed. It had to be restored. It has been and his commandments now are just as important as they were when he gave them.

Civil rights issue? Nope. It’s a moral issue, or maybe just an immoral one.

Are Mormons Weird?

2009-02-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Are we weird?
Some of us, never. Some of us some of the time, and with 13 million members I would bet some people would consider some of us as really weird. Sometimes my wife thinks I'm weird. Sometimes quite often. Happens in every group when you get that many people.

Are we serious all the time?
Same as above and probably in the same proportions as the rest of the world. Some of us have no sense of humor, some have a great sense of humor and some people are never serious. We are serious when it comes to what we believe. If you believed that the truth had been lost from the earth after the time of Christ and the apostles and that God had restored that truth to the earth through a man that became the Lord's prophet, wouldn't you be serious about it? We believe it with all our hearts.

Do we dress all in black and do we wear hats all the time?
Nope. Some dress up all the time because they work in offices that require it. Some wear jeans and t-shirts. Some like to be dressed up, others casual. For Church we do dress up. Suits or slacks and a dress shirt and tie and dresses for the women.

What kinds of jobs do we hold?
On the whole, we are a pretty educated group of people. We hold every type of job there is I would imagine. Some are doctors, dog walkers, tour guides, writers, news anchors, lawyers, bus drivers, politicians, teachers, dancers, actors, business owners, farmers, ranchers, hamburger flippers, grocery baggers, cowboys, artists, singers, sales clerks, machinists, postal clerks, janitors, nurses, firemen, etc. Pretty normal stuff.

Do we live in huge houses with multiple wives?
Nope. We're not polygamous. Usually one wife is what we can deal with. If you're thinking polygamous groups you're thinking of people who have never been Mormons.

What do we do for fun?
Same things as most people do. We go to restaurants, movies, plays, opera, ballet, some go to truck shows, track meets, football games, some hunt, some fish, and on and on and on. Pretty normal stuff. We are all different, just like every other large group of people.

What about drinking and smoking? Do we party.
We do have parties, just without the booze and smokes. Nearly 175 years ago, the first prophet of the Church received a revelation that mentioned things that are bad for us and that we shouldn't use. Those included alcohol and tobacco, including chewing tobacco. It also mentioned that we should not drink tea and coffee. It talked about exercise and eating right. Eating grains and being careful to not eat a lot of meat. It took medical science nearly 150 years to catch up to what the Lord revealed to a prophet as the Lord's law of healthy living. That's why Mormon's live longer than many groups.

Are we all healthy and do everything right?
Nope. We have people interested in their health, people who are health nuts, people who exercise and people who don't. We even have people whose best friend is a donut. Same as before, with 13 million people you get a mix.

Do we believe in weird stuff?
Well, we believe that everyone who has lived on earth lived with God before this life as his spirit children. We believe he loved us so much that he wanted us to learn more than we could as spirits.

He gave us the opportunity to come to earth and learn good from evil by making choices and living in mortal bodies. He wanted us to have the choice of whether we would follow him or go another way.

We believe he loved us so much that he was willing to risk losing us if we chose to not follow his way, just as parents here on earth have to let go of their children if those children are to learn and grow.

We believe he sent His Son, Jesus, to atone for our sins. So that if we accepted Christ's atonement and repented and followed the commandments, that his sacrifice would pay for our sins. Even he said that was the case, but if we wouldn't repent we would have to suffer for our sins, "even as I (Christ)".

We believe that through priesthood authority that was restored, we can be married in temples so that marriage doesn't end at death but gives us the chance to be with our family for eternity.

We believe that by living righteously we can return to live with God again.

It's true. You can know for yourself.

Why are Mormons so into temples?

2009-01-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

Do Mormon's have temples?
Yes, there are now 129 temples in the world, with more being built all the time.

Are they the same as the buildings other churches build for their weekly worship services?
No. Mormon's have chapels for weekly church services. Church services for Mormons consist of 1) a sacrament meeting where members take the sacrament and renew their covenant to follow the Lord's commandments, to always remember him, and to have His Spirit with them. 2) Sunday School, about an hour long, where we have a person from the congregation study and teach directly from the scriptures, and 3) we divide into the women's organization, the Relief Society, and the men meet together in a meeting for priesthood holders.

Can anyone go into a Mormon temple?
When construction is finished on a temple, an open house is held so anyone wanting to see the inside is welcomed to come and see. After the open house, the temple is dedicated to the work of the Lord. After the dedication, only Mormon's who are keeping the commandments and following the Savior and his teachings qualify to enter the temple. Mormons who are not living the commandments, and those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also called Mormons, Latter-day Saints and LDS) are not allowed to enter these dedicated temples.

Are there "secret" things that happen in the temple?
There are experiences in the temple that we consider sacred because of the covenants or promises we make to the Lord. We are asked, because of their sacred nature, not to talk about them outside of the temple. That may sound like the same thing as secret to some people, but to us they are precious and sacred.

So what happens in the temple.
1. Baptism's by proxy for the dead.
Jesus Christ said, "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." He was talking about being baptized by immersion. Even he was baptized by immersion and "came up out of the water" to show that all people, even he, needed to be baptized to return to God's presence.

Also, in 1 Corinthians 15: 29, it states, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" Members of the Church during Christ's day were also baptizing by proxy for those who had died.

So what does "by proxy" mean? It means that a person stands in the water in a baptismal font in the temple, and baptizes another person for a person who is dead. They use the dead person's name during the baptism.

Do we believe we are forcing baptism on every person who has died? No. We believe that every person has the ability to accept or reject the baptism done in their behalf. No one is ever forced to follow Jesus Christ. We are just following the Lord's direction to help all God's children.

2. Individuals make promises to follow Christ and the commandments, to help others and to dedicate their lives, time and efforts in helping others and following the Savior Jesus Christ.

3. Men and women are married for this life and "sealed" for eternity. Children born to them are included in this "forever family." Those who were not married in the temple and are worthy, can enter the temple and be sealed for eternity as husband and wife and have their children sealed to them.

Why do we need a living prophet?

2009-01-21T11:24:00.001-08:00

We believe there is a living prophet at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The living prophet today is Thomas S. Monson.

Why is having a living prophet important?
Think of the issues that exist today that didn't exist when the bible was put together. All of those issues can be addressed by a living prophet.

Do you really think God stopped loving us and stopped talking to us as a result?
I don't think so.

Do you really think that God ran out of things to tell us?
I think there are probably at least 3 or 4 things left he might want to tell us.

What can a living prophet with authority from God do that a minister with only authority from a college or university do?
He can tell you what the Lord wants you to do, what to focus on, how to live. Things that are wrong today he might want to warn us about. Many, like the Internet didn't exist during bible times. Wouldn't you want to see what feelings God has about it?

What messages has the living prophet, one of 15 prophets who have led the Church since the restoration of the gospel after a personal visitation of God and Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith, spoken about in the last few years? - quotes from Thomas S. Monson
“The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. He whom we call our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered.”
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"Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."
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"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."
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"He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is the King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.” He pleads, “Keep my commandments.”

Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.

Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey."
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"I know without question, my brothers and sisters, that God lives. I testify to you that this is His work. I testify as well that our Savior Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church, which bears His name. I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work."
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"In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential. In this spirit, we again issue that heartfelt invitation: Come back. We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship. To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears. Take literally the Lord’s invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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"I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.

May we also demonstrate kindness and love within our own families. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.

The world can at times be a frightening place in which to live. The moral fabric of society seems to be unraveling at an alarming speed. None—whether young or old or in-between—is exempt from exposure to those things which have the potential to drag us down and destroy us. Our youth, our precious youth, in particular, face temptations we can scarcely comprehend. The adversary and his hosts seem to be working nonstop to cause our downfall.

We are waging a war with sin, my brothers and sisters, but we need not despair. It is a war we can and will win. Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need in order to do so. He is at the helm. We have nothing to fear. He is the God of light. He is the God of hope. I testify that He loves us—each one.

Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea “Is there no balm in Gilead?” We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.

With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift my voice in testimony today as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He loves us with a love we cannot fully comprehend, and because He loves us, He gave His life for us. My gratitude to Him is beyond expression."

God speaks today, through a prophet, just like he did during bible times. You can know what he wants you to do."
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The work is real.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.
There is a living prophet with words from God to you.

You can find out for yourself if it is true.
It is true.

Learn more about Mormons
Official Church Site - lds.org

Q & A

2009-01-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

Do I believe that there is a living prophet on the earth who directs Christ's Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Yes

Do I believe that there are 12 apostles on the earth today who help direct His Church?
Yes

Do I believe they received their authority through the Melchizedek priesthood to be in those positions?
Yes

Do I believe that they receive inspiration and revelation from God to direct The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Yes

Do I believe you can get God's authority from a college or university to perform God's work?
No. The only way to get His authority is from someone who received it from Him or one of his prophets or apostles or other's who have received the priesthood from them. The living prophet and 12 apostles have received this authority in this way.

Do I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has God's priesthood authority.
Yes. It was restored to the earth when Joseph Smith received it from Peter, James, and John who appeared as resurrected beings and laid their hands on Joseph's head and ordained him with that authority. Between the time of Christ and the apostles' deaths and when Joseph received it again, the authority to pass on that priesthood authority was lost and had to be restored by those who had it.

Do I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's ONLY church on the earth today?
Yes. I believe that the authority of God through Jesus Christ was lost after he and the apostles died. After that, there was no leadership of the Church to pass along the authority and so it was lost. To direct his Church and perform his ordinances, you must have that authority.

Christ's Church and authority had to be restored. It was, through Joseph Smith, when God and Jesus appeared to Joseph in a vision and told him not to join any of the churches of the day. They told Joseph that they would restore the Church through him with all the authority it had at Christ's time.

Do I believe that no other church has the authority to act in his name?
Yes. I believe there are many good people on the earth and wonderful people in churches all over the world. There are leaders of churches that are great men and women. The problem is, they have no authority to act in God's name or perform baptisms or any other ordinance like the sacrament. Only one church has received that authority through a restoration of the priesthood authority.

Does any Church have God's Priesthood Authority?

2008-01-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

When Jesus Christ was on the earth, he had authority from his Father to do what he did.

He had the priesthood and the authority to act in God's behalf and in his name.

After Christ and the apostles and early priesthood leaders were killed, the priesthood was lost to the earth.

So where did all the churches since then get their authority? They decided on their own to create religions based on their desires to follow God. They used their own authority to act in God's name. Some tried to follow the truth, but little by little, the teachings of men replaced Christ's true gospel.

No church had the priesthood. That's right, not one.

We Mormon's believe that the authority was lost and the only way for it to be back on the earth was if God restored it. That is exactly what we believe happened in the early 1800's.

When he was 14, Joseph Smith wanted to know which church to join. It was confusing because every church insisted they had the truth and everyone else was going to hell.

What did he do? He looked in the bible for an answer. He read, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..."

He believed in the bible and God's teachings. He went to a grove of trees to pray. As an answer to his prayer, God and his son Jesus Christ appeared to him.

They told Joseph that he should join none of the churches because they taught the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. He was told that the truth was no longer on the earth and that there was no one that had God's priesthood authority.

Joseph was told that God would restore the truth and the gospel to the earth. It would be restored through Joseph. It would have the priesthood authority to administer the gospel and the ordinances that had been lost from the earth.

The truth has been restored. Priesthood authority to baptize has been restored.

The organization set up by Christ has been restored with a living prophet and twelve apostles who guide his Church today.

His Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is true.

Mormon.org

13 Main Beliefs

2007-06-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

1. I believe in God, our eternal Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Three distinct individuals.

2. I believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for what Adam did in the Garden of Eden.

3. I believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. It is by grace we are saved, but we must keep the commandments and repent of our sins or his atonement will not be effective for us. We cannot just say, "I accept Jesus as my Savior and have the sins disappear that we have committed in our life.

4. I believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. I believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. I do not believe you can go to a college or university and get God's authority. Only he can give it and it has to come through someone who has the priesthood of God.

6. I believe in the same organization that existed in the Church when Christ was on the earth, for example, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

7. I believe in prophecy, revelation, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. I believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; I believe there are some errors that those who translated made. I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, another witness of Jesus Christ.

9. I believe all that God has revealed, all that He continues to reveal through his prophet, and we believe that He will continue to reveal council and guidance to his Church through his prophet.

10. I claim the privilege of worshiping God in the manner I believe, and allow everyone the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

11. I believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

12. I believe in being honest, true, chaste. I believe that a good honest life lived true to ones spouse and family is an important goal in life.

13. I believe that God has provided a means for all of us to live with our families forever. To achieve that goal we must be married for eternity by those who hold the priesthood of God.

Christ in The Book of Mormon?

2007-06-03T16:01:00.001-07:00

Many people know us as Mormons. Mostly because of our belief in The Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture that testifies of the divinity of Jesus Christ. The Bible is a record of those in the middle east and their spiritual experiences. The Book of Mormon is about the people who came from Jerusalem and other places to Central and South America and their spiritual experiences.

Here are some examples of quotes from prophets from The Book of Mormon and from Jesus Christ as he revealed himself to the people in The Book of Mormon.

"2 Nephi 31:16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved."

"3 Nephi 18:16 And as I have prayed among you even so shall ye pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name. Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you."

"3 Nephi 27: 19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;"

"Helaman 3:25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.

26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands.

27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—"

Christ is our Savior. His atonement is for all who will repent and follow the commandments to the end.

It is true.

God, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost are 3 not 1

2007-05-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

I realize that God is all powerful and can do anything he wants.

I also realize how he set up this earth. Each person is an individual. We don't have several people in one.

I believe in God as an individual, his son Jesus Christ (how can he be a son if he is also his father?), and I believe in the Holy Ghost.

Jesus, representing his father, as a mediator between us and God was born on earth as a man. If God is a spirit as many claim, then he is also part human. That doesn't even make sense.

When Christ was baptized, the voice of God came from the heavens, Christ was in the water being baptized, and the Holy Ghost was there witnessing the event and was represented by the sign of the dove. 3 people, not one.

When Stephen was being stoned, he looked up and saw Christ on the right hand of God. Two individuals, not one.

When Joseph Smith was trying to find what church to join he went into the woods and asked God. God and Jesus appeared to him together, as two individuals. God said to Joseph, pointing to Christ, "this is my beloved son, hear him".

Joseph was told that because of wickedness, the truth had been lost from the earth and was now just the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. He was told that he, Joseph, would restore the fullness of the gospel and church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

That gospel would have a prophet and 12 apostles as it did in Jesus' time, and would have authority directly from God and Christ to restore what had been lost for centuries. Included was the fact that by revealing themselves to Joseph, he learned that they are separate and distinct individuals.

That's what I believe.

It's true.

Don't add to the Bible?

2007-05-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is the argument given against The Book of Mormon.

I’m tired of people saying the Book of Mormon can’t have anything of value because the bible says not to add anything else to it. That’s what the Book of Revelations says, and John, who wrote it, was referring to the book he was writing, not to a compilation of books done hundreds of years later that we call the bible.

Years after John the revelator was dead, the bible was compiled. If you use your same argument as you use against the Book of Mormon, none of the books of the bible could be added to the Book of Revelations.

I believe in the Bible. We use the King James version.

I believe in The Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon talks about another group of people and God’s dealings with them and their belief in the Savior.

It talks about Christ visiting the people and his giving them the gospel.

Here is a quote from The Book of Mormon:
"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."

The Book of Mormon, like the Bible, is the word of God, given to help us keep his commandments and return to Him.

It's true.