I am Mormon

So I’m going out of my comfort zone on this post and I’m not sure how it will go, but I’m doing it anyway.

This past month I’ve have had this weighing on my mind.

My church holds what is called General Conference.

It is where the Prophet and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints give talks over a 2 day time period.

We stay home from church and listen to their messages all weekend.

This conference is held twice a year, in April and October.

This last General Conference in October there were a few talks that have been on my mind.

They all talk about sharing the gospel with those around us.

Here is a link to them if you would like to read:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/small-and-simple-things?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/hastening-the-lords-game-plan?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/come-join-with-us?lang=eng

As I thought about sharing the gospel with those around me I was thinking, perfect, I’m off the hook.

I am not working or going to school right now and the only people I associate with on a day to day basis are family, friends, and church members.

I don’t come in contact with too many people that don’t know about the church.

However, we have also had a couple lessons in church about this as well, especially about how social networking is a great tool to let others know about our church.

And that’s when I was reminded about this little ol’ blog of mine.

I’m sure those who read my blog are aware that I’m Mormon.

Hopefully it’s obvious.

I talk about different terms that Mormons use, I have a little blog button that links to the church’s website, I don’t drink alcohol or coffee, etc.

However, I haven’t formal announced that I’m Mormon or talked in depth about it and that’s probably because most of you who read this blog are Mormon.

However, I know there are a few people out there that aren’t and may want to know more.

So here goes (that was a long introduction just to get to this point, geez)…

I’m Mormon.

It is officially called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I have grown up in the church my whole life.

I was baptized at 8 years old.

I was married and sealed to Jared in the temple and I believe that we will be a forever family, meaning I will be able to be with him after we die.

I believe in an afterlife.

I know I will see Ruby again and be able to raise her.

I know we will be able to live with God again if we follow His commandments and strive to do what is right.

I believe that God has a plan for us, it’s called the plan of happiness or the plan of salvation.

I know Jesus died for us and through His atonement we can repent of our sins and be whole again.

God loves us, he hasn’t left us on this earth alone to figure things out. We can call on him any time through prayer.

As I have gone through certain trials in my life, including divorce and the loss of Ruby, the Gospel has helped me keep perspective.

It hasn’t been easy by any means, and I have faltered, but it has helped me more than anything else could have.

I have physically felt God’s love and hand in my life as I have struggled with earthly trials.

He is real. He loves you and knows you by name.

When I was living in San Diego, I had quite a few experiences where I was able to talk about my religion.

I was working for a company of about 120 employees and I was the only Mormon.

We worked on the 14th floor in La Jolla and our building overlooked the San Diego LDS temple.

People started to notice that I didn’t drink coffee in the morning with everyone else, didn’t go to happy hour, didn’t swear, or dress immodestly.

However, I think the number one clue that I was Mormon was that I was from Utah.

I had many conversations about what I believe in and I even ended up giving a Book of Mormon to one of my co-workers.

It was scary and nerve-racking.

This is something that is apart of me.

It defines me, my lifestyle, and how I try and act, but that’s why I think it is scary.

To share something so personal and sacred to me and not know how people will react can be hard.

I am also not a “religion expert” nor am I perfect.

I have made a lot of mistakes and I am constantly learning, growing, and changing as I continue to be a member of this church.

It requires a lot from me, but it is worth it.

I believe in the Book of Mormon and would like to offer a free copy to anyone who is interested.

No obligations.

The Book of Mormon goes hand in hand with the bible and is another testament of Jesus Christ.

I don’t understand everything in this life or why certain things happen, but I do know there is a God watching out for us.

I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I’m a Mormon and I invite you to ask me any questions you want about this religion.

Please feel free to email me questions (kristinwarburton@hotmail.com)  or request a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

You can also click this link to some frequently asked questions about Mormons.

Thank you for listening.

Whew.