I know Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World!

I know with all my heart that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and is my personal Savior. I know that He lived a perfect life to set an example for us to follow and that we need to strive to be like Him. He taught us the way to live and we can find those teachings in the scriptures. When we follow His teachings and strive to be like Him, we can be happy. I know that He atoned for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and that though His sacrifice, we can repent of our mistakes. I am so grateful for this blessing! I know that through His death and resurrection, we will all resurrect. We will be able to see our loved ones again who have passed on. I love our Savior, I am so thankful for Him. The greatest gift our Heavenly Father gave us is the gift of His Son.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon church.) Some people mistakenly believe that Mormons are not Christians! Not only are we Christians, we believe that we are the very same church that Christ established when he was here on the earth. We know with all our hearts that Christ is "the way the truth and the life." John 14:6

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:26

God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith

I truly believe that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

Wondering which of the many churches to join, Joseph followed the counsel in the book of James in the Bible: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." In the spring of 1820 at only 14 years of age, Joseph Smith went to a grove of trees and prayed to know which church was true.

God the Father and Jesus Christ, appeared and spoke with him.

Here are his own words describing the vision:

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

The Lord told Joseph "that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines" and that he was to wait for further instructions. "In a state of calmness and peace indescribable," Joseph left the sacred grove knowing the truth of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I believe that Joseph Smith's first vision is truly the greatest event in world history since the birth, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After centuries of darkness, the Lord revealed His word and restored His Church through His chosen prophet. I sincerely believe this to be true.

I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God

I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet. First, he was visited by God, our Father and Jesus Christ. Later, he was visited by the angel Moroni and given golden plates to translate that are now known as the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith translated these plates by the power of God. Joseph Smith was also visited by Peter, James and John and given the very priesthood that Christ himself gave to them. Joseph Smith reestablished Christ's church on the earth in this time. He was truly a chosen prophet of God.

The Book of Mormon

This book blesses my life! I have read it at least 10 times, but probably more. I know with all my heart that it is true.

The Book of Mormon is ancient scripture, much like the Bible--especially in that it testifies of the divinity of Jesus Christ. It is also written by prophets like the Bible except the Book of Mormon take place in ancient America.

The most beautiful part of the Book of Mormon is when our resurrected Savior appears to the people in America. You can read all about it in 3 Nephi chapter 11.
The Book of Mormon is called "the keystone" to the Mormon religion. If the Book of Mormon is true, it means that Joseph Smith really was a prophet and that he really did receive a vision and restore Christ's church to the earth! I know with all my heart this book is true and therefore, these other things. If you have not read this book, I highly encourage you to do so. You will not be sorry. It guides my life. On the days I take care to read a chapter, I notice a difference in my day. Things go a little more smoothly, I feel more firm in my direction. I love the Book of Mormon. I know with all my heart that it is true and a second witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.

In the last chapter of the Book of Mormon, there is a promise from the prophet Moroni that if you read it, and ask Heavenly Father if it is true, He will tell you by the power of the Holy Ghost.  

"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." --Moroni 10:3-5

I have felt that feeling many, many times.  The Book of Mormon is true!  

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

God designed families. He started with Adam and Eve, our first parents. He married them in the garden of Eden and He commanded them to "multiply and replenish the earth." (Have children!) God's plan is for children to be brought up in families with a mother and a father. He made male and female different so that we could learn from and complement each other. God designed our bodies so that only a man and a woman can procreate together. This is God's plan. The power of procreation (sexual relations) should only be used between a husband and wife, legally and lawfully married. Marriage is ordained of God. The leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have published "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." This proclamation outlines what God's plan is for families. Please take the time to read and ponder it.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

By The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

I believe in a Living Prophet

Since Joseph Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has had living prophets to guide the members. These prophets are the same as prophets of old such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob or Moses. They have the same authority and inspiration. Our prophet today is President Thomas S. Monson. I know this man is a true prophet of God. I know he is the Lord's mouthpiece today. I am so grateful for his inspired counsel and strive to follow it.

The Articles of Faith

Joseph Smith once was asked what Mormons believe and so he wrote down our basic beliefs. They are known as the Articles of Faith:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We 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. We 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.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

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

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

My Testimony

I've been wanting to start a blog where I can share my testimony of my beliefs.  I don't think I will post often.  I'm still figuring out what it's going to be. :) Here I am with my family!