A Blogging Missionary

The July 2008 Ensign magazine included an article entitled "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet". In brief, it talks about all the wonderful and marvelous inventions that we have today (and probably couldn't live without) like cell phones, video downloads, texting, e-mails, podcasts, and blogging. Elder Russel M. Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles), who authored the article, asks this question..."How will you use [these marvelous inventions] to further the work of the Lord?"

I'd like to think that through blogging about everyday, mundane experiences and sharing my thoughts, I am playing a small part in this challenge of sharing the gospel. I can be an example of motherhood (which is not always easy), of the joys that come from raising a family in the gospel; that trials and tears are not avoidable, but shall only be for a moment...and that with help from our Savior, we can overcome the sadness; and the daunting, yet rewarding challenge of teaching my children about Jesus Christ and of the role he plays in our Heavenly Father's plan for us.

Even with that, I realize, there is always room for more teaching, more sharing of the beliefs that make up who I am, who I want to become. Most of you who read my blog are already members of this great Church, but some of you are not. It is with that, that I will attempt to put into words my feelings of my faith.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (www.mormon.org) I was raised in this church. My parents are both members. Although they did a wonderful job of teaching me the gospel in our home, and we went to church every Sunday, I had to learn for myself that the things I had been taught were true. I can think of several experiences I had growing up that would've tested anyone's faith. They were the times that put me on my knees pleading with my Heavenly Father to make things better, to give me understanding and strength, to perform a miracle (or two). Through those experiences, my faith was strengthened and I knew that a loving Heavenly Father existed. As I learned about the 14 year old boy, named Joseph Smith, who went into a grove of trees to ask God, in faith, which church to join, I knew his story was true. My heart feels with warmth every time I read or hear his story. I know that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ and talked with them. I know he was chosen to bring back the lost gospel that Jesus Christ himself established on the Earth during his lifetime. I know an angel lead Joseph Smith to a set of golden plates, which he later translated, that contain the stories and testimonies of ancient prophets. These translated words are The Book of Mormon. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the same today as it was in New Testament times. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know that this restored church is led by a true prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, who guides us and leads us. Heavenly Father has a beautiful plan for us, his children. We lived with Him before we came to this Earth where we were taught His plan. We accepted it, knowing it would not be easy, and were taught that if we obeyed his commandments, we would return to Him after our life on Earth was over. I know that families can be together forever. I am so grateful that my husband, Darin, and I were married in the Las Vegas Temple where we were sealed as a family for time and all eternity. We strive daily to live a life worthy of that great blessing. We, together with our four beautiful daughters, will return to live in the presence of God, if we prove faithful. What a glorious goal to "fight" for in a world that can be so dreary and sad sometimes. I am so grateful for the truths I have learned and for the love that I feel from my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. God knew I wouldn't be perfect, so part of his plan was to send His Only Begotten Son as a gift to me; one without blemish, who would suffer for my sins in Gethsemane and bare my pain. I can now be forgiven when I make a wrong choice. I am thankful for Christ's sacrifice on the cross, that he would choose to give up his life so that I could return to live with my Heavenly Father. The only way to even return the appreciation I feel for my Savior, is to be the kind of person that deserves it. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is true. I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. I know that any of you who would like to find these truths out for yourselves can do so. Heavenly Father wants us all to be happy and wishes for all His children to return home. A promise is found in the Book of Mormon, that if we pray with real intent and faith in our hearts, that the teachings are true, we will receive an answer. It may come as a warm feeling in our heart, a burning in our bosom, a soft whisper, a peaceful feeling...all of which are from the Holy Spirit, even the Comforter, to let us know that it is truth. I wish for all of you, my friends, to know this for yourself.

P.S. As a side note...If you wish to be enlightened each day by a Latter-day Saint mother who just lost her youngest daughter (14-month old, Camille) in a tragic accident, her blog is www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com (a link is found in my Blog Roll under Stephanie and Jon Waite). She offers just that, a daily scoop, of how she and her family are dealing with their loss. She is not merose or negative in her writing, yet remains very honest and "real". She is a true example of faith and hope. She has helped remind me of what really counts in life and has helped to strengthen my testimony of the gospel. Thank you, Stephanie...our prayers are still with you and your family.