I was born and raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - many people commonly refer to us as "Mormons" or "Latter Day Saints". Remember in US History class learning about the pioneers that traveled across the plains and settled in Utah? Yep. That's my heritage. You know Mitt Romney and Brigham Young and The Osmonds? Yep. They are all Mormons, too. And, yes. We are BYU fans and, it's true... we marry in sacred temples for "Time and All Eternity." We live by the 10 commandments and you might have heard that we don't cuss, we don't take the name of the Lord in vain or drink alcohol or do drugs. No coffee or tea either. I know, weird, right? Not to me though. To me, it's normal and I don't feel for a second that I miss out on that stuff either. I'm just fine with my Crystal Light and Diet Coke. ;) We are Christians. The very name of our religion proclaims our belief in Jesus Christ. We believe in the Bible and learn/read from it regularly... most people think we only read and preach from the Book of Mormon; which is, simply put, another testament of Jesus Christ and an essential companion to the Bible. I love the Book of Mormon and have studied it for most of my life. Currently, my favorite book of scripture is the New Testament. I love reading about Christ's life, learning from the parables He taught and I particularly love and find hope in the accounts of how He healed the sick. That has been an essential part of faith for me through my husband's battles with cancer. The faith I have in the Gospel has kept me focused; the knowledge I have of God and His plan for me is what gets me out of bed everyday.
It's the very fuel that keeps me going.
My upbringing in the gospel has definitely molded who I am. I know I'm a daughter of God and that He has a special plan for me and my family. I know He's always with me and NEVER leaves me alone. I know Christ has born our burdens and has paid for our sins - but it's up to each of us individually to accept His offering. Accept it not just in word, but also in our deeds and daily actions - and by how we live our lives. As I've grown and started a family of my own, I want them to know they are special, spirit beings - sons and daughters of God - with a divine purpose and a divine destination. What better knowledge can I pass along to my children than for them to know they are loved by God and He has a special and specific plan for them? For a quick snapshot of my beliefs or if you are curious, you can read what we call "The Articles of Faith" {HERE}.
The reason I mention my faith - is because it is such a huge part of who I am. Each story I share, each insight I figure out, every detail of my family story is rooted in something far greater than just me. It's rooted in faith in Christ, in a deep love for God and in my desire to spread hope and joy to others. Hope in all circumstances - ANY circumstance, not just cancer. I believe our trials have purpose, a far greater purpose than we know. God is here. He's in charge. No matter our circumstance, we can find happiness in our unique "normal" if we trust in Him and actively choose to find the good in every moment. I hope what I write also inspires you to do good among your circle of friends and family. To live the Golden Rule, to reach out to those that might be struggling, to extend Christlike love to those you love and maybe once in a while, to a stranger that just needs a lift. It's my firm believe that by doing so, you may become the very angel they are praying for.
Much love,
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