Meet THIS Mormon

A message from a collective group of Mormon bloggers to YOU: 

We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints otherwise known as "The Mormons". We are proud of this part of who we are! We are excited to team up with over 65+ of us strong... to extend an invitation to see a film. A film entitled "Meet The Mormons". This film is not meant to be an "in your face" - you must join our church film. It is simply designed and produced to uplift and inspire you through six stories of those of our faith who have followed promptings to follow Christ more fully in their lives. We hope you take the opportunity to enjoy this film. We hope your hearts are made light as you feel the goodness that comes from following our Christ and Savior. All proceeds from the film will be donated to The American Red Cross. So not only will you be uplifted and inspired, your money will be going to an amazing charity!!

We also would like to take a moment and share our personal testimonies, stories of our own personal conversions, and our own stories of how following our Savior, Jesus Christ has changed our lives. The light of the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a joy and hope that only following him can provide. We hope as you click through and read our stories and testimonies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you will feel uplifted and encouraged. We are by you! We love connecting with our readers, that is why many of us do what we do! Please be kind and considerate in your comments. It takes great bravery for us to open our hearts and our mouths to share with you such a tender and personal part of who we are. We share because we feel strongly the need to share the peace and the hope that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Adrienne | Free Time Frolics , Camille | Chicken Scratch n' Sniff , Natalie & Rebekah | House of Sprinkles , Kathleen| Fearlessly Creative Moms

Emily | The Benson Street , Staci | The Potter's Place, Alyssa | Alyssa.Marie , Kristen | Capturing Joy , Aly | Entirely Eventful Day

Katie | Clarks Condensed, Larissa | Just Another Day In Paradise , Camille | My Mommy Style , Candice | She's Crafty

Anita | Live Like You Are Rich, Landee | Landee Lu , Tara & Devin | Salt & Pepper Moms , Mallory & Savannah | Classy Clutter Kelli & Kristi| Lolly Jane

McKenzie | Girl Loves Glam , Pam & Lisa | Over The Big Moon , Melanie | Forty Eighteen , Sky | Capital B Adell | Baked in Arizona

Andie | Maybe I Will , Shatzi | Love and Laundry , Robyn | Create it Go , Rachel | R & R Workshop

Tiffany | Feel Great In 8 , Katelyn | What Up Fagens? , Brittany | BrittanyBullen , Ginger | Ginger Snap Crafts , Stephanie | Crafting In The Rain

Chelsey | Cee Me Be , Amber | Crazy Little Projects , Kallie | Smitten By, Elyse, Kristen, Lauren, Steph, Kendra & Camille | Six Sisters Stuff Annette | Tips From A Typical Mom

Amberly | Life With Amberly & Joe , Taralyn | Keep Moving Forward With Me , Jessica | What Does The Cox Say? , Lisa | Mabey She Made It , Kiki | Kiki & Company

Kierste | Simply Kierste , Tayler | The Morrell Tale, Jennifer | My Daylights , Cambria | Live To Be Inspired, Danielle | Today's The Best Day

Amber | Dessert Now Dinner Later, Natalie | The Creative Mom, Bobbie | A Vision To Remember , Becky | Babes In Hairland

Lisa | Pebbles & Pigtails , Mandy | Sugar Bee Crafts , Krista | Reclaim, Renew, Remodel , Wendy | Musings, Miracles, and Mayhem

Nat & Holly | My Sister's Suitcase, Britni| Play.Party.Pin , Montserrat | Cranial Hiccups , Heidi | A Lively Hope , Ashley & Meegan | Flats to Flip Flops

Alexis | We Like to Learn As We Go, Amy | The English Geek , Mariel | Or So She Says Carrian | Oh Sweet Basil

Kirtley | The Gist of Fit | Aubrey | Dreaming of Someday, Natalie| The Messanos, Angela | Handmade In The Heartland

I'm glad you're still reading.... :) Here is my personal message to you.

As stated before, a new movie is coming out to give a little more exposure to the normal lives of LDS members across the world--"Meet the Mormons." The proceeds of the film will be donated to charity. Here's the trailer for a preview: 

In case you didn't already know from knowing me personally or by reading my blog posts, I am a Mormon--or rather, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Not only has the teaching of this religion shaped my life, but also helps me through my personal struggles--both great and small.

Am I perfect? No way! But, I do strive to live in a way that would be in harmony with Christ's teachings. I make mistakes--lots of them! I do dumb things and I try to recognize my errors and rectify them with apologies and asking for forgiveness as well as making necessary changes. I try to love everyone, regardless of whether or not I agree with their personal choices. I try to be kind to everyone.

We all have to find our own way and make our own choices in this life, but we are not alone! God has given us scriptures, prophets, apostles and other people in our lives to help us and guide us. I believe that after Christ's church was taken from the earth due to unbelief, it was restored again through the prophet Joseph Smith. We do not worship Joseph Smith, yet we do believe that he spoke for God and was the tool used to bring back His gospel to the earth. Amos 3:7 states, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but [or, more accurately--"until"] he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."And, of course, we can pray to Him to receive our own answers, seek help, guidance and comfort. He will answer us, gives us comfort and help us find peace and understanding. The world is full of differing directions and messages, yet, if we follow Him, we will not get lost in the constant changing worldly whirlwinds.

Perhaps you've never desired religion or are looking for some answers about life. I invite you to do some soul searching, pray, meditate and study it our in your mind and in your heart. As Moroni 10:3-6 (from the Book of Mormon) states:

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is."

Whether you feel something good from what I have said, or something strikes you as important while watching "Meet the Mormons," or you have a desire to know more or read the Book of Mormon to find out for yourself, act on it! It's not that I'm trying to "recruit" you into my church or like there is some advantage for me to convince people to join, it is just that this is something that makes me so happy, fulfilled and feel a purpose in my life that I want to share it with anyone who is searching, needing or longing for something more in this life.

There is something more...so much more.

What I believe:
www.mormon.org
www.lds.org
Why are your favorite bloggers Mormon?

© Wendy 2014

God Speaks Today

Christians believe that God spoke through prophets throughout history. Much of this is recorded in the Bible.

Yet, what about today? Does He still speak to us?

YES!!!

I am a Christian--a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--and we believe that Christ's church has been restored to the earth after it had been taken away for a time. This was done through one of God's prophets, Joseph Smith. I know there seems to be a lot of controversy about Joseph Smith, but, I know for myself that he was used an an instrument to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. He even died for his convictions and his unwillingness to deny what he knew to be true.

Since that time, the Lord has called more prophets to teach His word. Every 6 months, they address members, and others who are interested, during what is called General Conference. There are both female and male leaders who speak to us, beautiful music and inspiring messages that help answer personal questions (usually something we have been praying about) and inspire and motivate us to improve our lives and overcome shortcomings.

Whether you are LDS or not, curious about "Mormon" beliefs or are just looking for something in your life that is missing, please, accept my invitation to watch, listen to or read with me and more than 15 million other believers around the world.



And, as always, if you're interested in receiving a copy of the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ--which includes an account of Christ's visit to the Americas, feel free to contact me, or visit this post for more information.


Other inspirational Sunday posts:
Sugar Bee Crafts
Dreaming about Someday

© Wendy 2014

Book review: "The Turning" seeks to strengthen families

Have you wondered why the world is in turmoil? Why there are so many wars, so much poverty, so much abuse and so many things wrong with society today? Accomplished authors and speakers (and parents of NINE children!) Richard and Linda Eyre explain in their book, "The Turning: Why the State of the Family Matters and What the World Can Do About It," that many of society's problems stem from the most basic unit of society: the family.

While the breakdown of the family is the problem--single parent homes, both parents working and kids home alone or at daycare, neglect and abuse or cohabitation--society, government and other organizations are trying to become the answer to these issues, but are turning more and more away from the family.. 

The Eyres explain that government programs, schools and other entities have tried to make up the difference by creating programs to "help." Sex education is taught in schools. There are government programs in place that appear to assist, but really create a circle of dependency, and ultimately assist in destroying the family. 

However, the Eyres suggest that if families, schools, governments, churches, businesses and other entities focused on bettering the family, the problems would solve themselves. For example:

• Instead of schools taking some of the roles of the parents (like sex ed.), the schools could instead teach parents ways they could teach their own children. Also, parenting classes could be offered.
• Work places could insist on more family time instead of requiring more and more hours away from home and family.
• Work places could also help expectant mothers by giving them enough maternity leave without negative repercussions.
• Churches can help families to learn values to support their family in a positive way.
• Governments could make legislation that is more family-centered.
• Movies, television, music, books and other media could focus more on positive messages and family examples rather than the constant onslaught of sex, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, dysfunctional families or other value-less entertainment. This negative programming causes families--especially children and teens--to think that "everyone is doing it" and if they're not, they must be an outcast or weird when that is simply not true.

"The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only - and that is to support the ultimate career." — C.S. Lewis.

If all parts of society understood C.S. Lewis' quote, they'd understand their role in helping families.

So, what can families do?

The Eyres suggest writing your legislator. Become involved in schools and encourage them to hold more family-centered activities and parent classes. Take a stand when it comes to media. They shared an example of writing a letter to the heads of Disney about sharing more light, rather than darkness in their movies--i.e. good overcoming evil.

Within your own family, the Eyres suggest coming up with a family mission statement, teaching values and bonding with your children to raise them as strong individuals that can, in turn, raise strong families.

To fix society, we must stop treating the symptoms and fight to cure the cause: the family.

"The most important work you ever do will be within the walls of your own home." -- Harold B. Lee

To read the Eyre's book or other family-focused materials/books, visit www.familius.com

Other helpful family-oriented sites from the Eyres:
Teaching your kids values ideas: http://www.valuesparenting.com/
Free books! http://www.eyresfreebooks.com/

© Wendy 2014