Christmas is all about a Gift

I have been pondering a lot about gifts this Christmas season. That is the first thing many of us do once Thanksgiving comes to a close - we frantically start looking for gifts to buy our loved ones. We spend the month of December shopping, buying, wrapping, and often stressing.

I personally have been spoiled with gifts for myself and my family this month. We have been receiving gifts for the past 12 days from secret "Jolly Friends." We have also received an abundance of candy, cookies and fudge from other friends. 

It feels good to get gifts because it shows that people love us, care about us, and appreciate us. 

I feel good giving gifts too. I have baked, my husband has made white stockings, we have written Christmas cards, printed up family pictures to share, and bought gifts that our kids and friends would enjoy.

 I also have been helping the poor quite a bit this season, and I appreciate all the help I have received from my friends in this effort. Knowing that you can help bring the necessities of life to someone is so rewarding, and helps you realize just how blessed you really are. 

Have you wondered why we give gifts at Christmas? Up until this year, I have always attributed it to the three wise men who gave the young Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Some of us give gifts because that is what everyone talks about in December. That is what the stores are telling us to do, and that is what kids expect Santa to bring.

Regardless of why we personally choose to give Christmas gifts, we put a lot of effort into making or buying them.

For some of us, we use the time leading up to Christmas as a way to scare our kids into being good. Do we ever tell our kids they will only get their gifts, and Santa will only come if they are good? Do we tell them they have to earn their gifts, that they have to deserve them?

I'll admit I have often done that in the past, and it usually works, at least for a minute. I saw a quote on Facebook about a month ago, though, that stopped me in my tracks. I wish I could find it again, but in essence it said that we don't give gifts to our children because they deserve them, but because we love them.

It pierced my heart to read that. Telling my kids they don't deserve gifts is like telling them they don't deserve my love. 

Anything my kids do wrong, I probably do something else just as wrong. I am not anymore deserving of their love than they are of mine, yet we love each other just the same.

What is even more humbling is that even though I, and you, and everyone, are imperfect and do things that aren't right, we are always loved by the greatest of them all:

"Your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there." - President Thomas S. Monson

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).

Why do we give gifts at Christmas? It isn't because of the wise men or Santa. It is because Heavenly Father gave us each His son. Jesus Christ was the first Christmas gift. 

We may go through some years when we can't afford to buy gifts for our children and other loved ones. It is hard and can be sad, but the truest most everlasting joy and cheer comes from remembering that little baby who was born in a stable, and laid in a manger.

That baby grew up to teach a higher law, set an example of love, forgiveness, hope, service, and selflessness, suffer for the sins and pains of all mankind, die a painful death on the cross, and rise again glorious on the third day. Jesus lives, and He is in Heaven with His and our Heavenly Father. 

Jesus, like Heavenly Father, loves each of us unconditionally. He smiles when we smile and weeps when we weep. He is always our friend and advocate. He knows how we feel. He wants to bless us. He wants us to return to live with Heavenly Father again. He has provided the way.

We may not always have tangible gifts tied with pretty paper and ribbons, but we will always have the everlasting gift of our Savior. He will bring us everlasting life if we but follow Him. 

He is the Gift.

Merry Christmas to all. May we always keep the spirit of Christ in our lives. 

From Weak to Strong

My husband, Jad, has been going through an IT certification program since September. He has taken four certification exams so far. In preparation for each, he has attended all of his classes, done all the labs and pretests, and spent hours and hours studying. He has also refrained from ever studying on the Sabbath Day and has made sure to spend time with his family as often as possible.

He passed the first three exams with relief, and some disbelief. He knew in each case that his prayers, and the prayers of others, had been answered, and that he received divine assistance in passing each one.

The fourth exam, the one he took three days ago, he dreaded for weeks. It would be the hardest and longest exam of the entire program, with hundreds and hundreds of pages of studying material. While preparing, Jad went through the same diligent process, studying even more to make the likelihood of him passing the exam higher.

At the time he took the exam, nobody in his class had passed it yet. Jad knew the odds weren't in his favor, but had faith that once again, his prayers would be heard because of his diligence. 

After a grueling 2.5 hours, Jad found out that he had not passed the exam. I wasn't that surprised when he called me and told me, but I knew he was disappointed.

When he got home that night, he was really down. He said that he just couldn't shake the feelings of discouragement and failure. 

I tried to comfort him by saying that it was the hardest exam and that all of his other classmates at that point had also failed.

I half-jokingly said that if he had passed it, everyone would have hated him. Then more seriously, I gently explained that now he could have empathy for how his classmates were feeling - that perhaps he could lift their spirits by listening to and relating to their feelings of defeat and frustration.

I also told Jad that if he had passed the exam, he might not take his studies as seriously, but instead think that if he just prayed enough, he would always pass, whether properly prepared or not. Jad agreed with me, as he had not felt totally prepared for that exam. We both knew this drawback was a way to keep Jad humble.

Jad was at least grateful, through all this, that he had gotten a detailed summary of his strengths and weaknesses relating to the answers he had provided on the exam. He felt glad to know that as he would soon prepare to retake the exam, he would know exactly what to focus on. Then once he passed it, he would really know the material and be able to apply it to the workplace.

As we went to bed that night, I could tell Jad still felt pained, unable to shake the thought that he had worked so hard and had nothing to show for it.

The next morning, after he said his morning prayers, Jad came to me with a little smile on his face, and said that as he was praying, a scripture from The Book of Mormon had come to his mind. As he tried to quote it, I knew exactly which one it was:

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them (Ether 12:27).

He didn't say much after that, but I knew that that scripture verse had really comforted him.



Jad has never felt that  he was the smartest person in his class. He struggles with the IT language, and has to work extra hard, and study extra long hours. One of his instructors recently told him that he is logged into their system to study and do labs more often than any of his classmates.

This scripture is such a gift to Jad, to know that if he continues to be humble and have faith, that he will become strong in his field. 

He will pass his fourth exam, and he will continue to progress in knowledge and experience. 

Jad has recently been blessed with an internship with Orange County. We know that because he patiently and prayerfully waited for the right opportunity to arise, that the right one did come along at the right time.

I am proud of my husband and all his hard work and dedication. It isn't easy to have him gone so much, and I know it isn't easy for him either. He doesn't have time to do the things he used to, but we know that he was inspired to go into the IT profession.

Regardless of the setbacks and disappointments he has in his journey to a new and better career, he will be blessed if he does his very best. 

My Favorite Piece of Jewelry

For Christmas this year, I asked my husband to get me something I already have. It's a type of ring that has very special meaning to me. Recently I have felt a very strong desire to wear this ring, or one like it, every day of my life. No longer do I want to have to choose between wearing this ring and wearing other rings I love. I want to have two rings like this that will fit on different fingers.

What kind of ring am I talking about? 

The one I have now looks like this:

It's a simple looking ring, but it is so special to me. It isn't special because of who gave it to me (I love you, Mom), or because it was very expensive, or even one of a kind. 

It is special to me for a very different reason - wearing it helps remind me of the kind of person I want to be.

The center of the ring is a shield, and in it are the letters CTR, which stand for Choose the Right. This means when faced with decisions, big or small, we will choose to do what Heavenly Father and Jesus would want us to do. 

I have had a CTR ring since I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8 years old. All newly baptized children receive this exact ring:

As a child, I often sang a song called "Choose the Right Way," which reminded me of my the meaning of my CTR ring... Choose the right way, and be happy. I must always choose the right.

The CTR logo was actually inspired from a different song that I love in my church, called "Choose the Right." My favorite verse says:

Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.

Choose the right! There's safety for the soul.

Choose the right in all labors you're pursuing;

Let God and heaven be your goal.

To me, the shield on the CTR ring represents a spiritual armor we choose to wear that provides us with safety from Satan's influences. 

Paul told the Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God. To him, the shield was of utmost importance:

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

It takes a lot of faith in God to make the right choices, even when they aren't popular or easy. As the definition of good and right changes in society, we can look to God to retain the pure definitions. 



An apostle from my church, L. Tom Perry, said something I truly believe: 

There is power in a tie tack, a CTR ring, or a white dress hanging in the closet if we associate them with our desires for purity and righteousness. Even more important than physical reminders is to have the conviction deep down in our hearts to live the kind of life that will cause us to make the right choices, not only for peace and happiness in the world right now, but also for peace and happiness eternally.

I have always associated my CTR ring with righteousness, but for some reason, now more than ever I have this conviction to do what is right. That doesn't mean I don't make mistakes (I make many), but I truly desire to do my best, and to help others find the light I have. I also have a greater desire to forgive and seek forgiveness  to serve others, and to make friends everywhere I go.

This CTR ring is not just a representation of things I think are good, but my CTR ring has become a part of me. I don't like being without it, just as I don't like being without my wedding ring. They are a part of who I am, and sacred commitments I have promised to always keep. 

Do you have jewelry that has special meaning for you?

Let's do what we can

I wish we could travel more. Why don't we ever go out to eat? My shoes are starting to look old. My coat is a little snug around the middle. My clothes don't all fit quite right. Our van is disgusting; it has crumbs and dog hair all in it. The baby's socks are stained from walking outside without shoes. The furniture in our house doesn't match. Our TV is too small. We have to go to the store again? We have too much junk in this house. Let's get another of that toy so the kids won't fight over it.

I could go on forever posting examples of complaints that I have made about life and possessions. As I look at these complaints today, I am ashamed. I realize the pettiness of it all.

Yesterday, my perspective on material possessions changed. I am a member of a Facebook group where people in the area post things they are giving away for free, or ask for things they need.

Recently there has been an outpouring of posts where people have been pleading for things I take for granted every day. There are people who have no heat in their homes, people who don't have warm clothing, people whose babies need diapers, people who feel terrible that they can't afford a Christmas tree or gifts for their kids, and people who are asking for food to eat because their cupboards are bare.

Yesterday as I was looking at some of these posts, I felt very strongly that I needed to help who I could.

I felt a very strong impression that I needed to specifically help  a mother of two boys who was on crutches and in desperate need of warm clothing, heat, and food.

I reached out to my church and my neighborhood to see if anyone had clothes to spare. I felt that the need was more urgent than the length of time it would take to find help from others, so I actually went to Goodwill and picked out three shirts and two pairs of pants for each boy. Even as my boys were screaming and yelling and fighting in the store, I felt good inside knowing I was doing something to help this family. While I was shopping, Jad was at home cooking a hot meal for this family just because I asked him to. When I got home with the boys, I gathered some food storage items and the meal, which would feed them for a couple days.

I had also agreed to help another family, one who was in desperate need of two sizes of diapers, and wipes. Before I left the house, I also gathered these items.

I kissed my children and husband goodbye, leaving them to eat dinner, while I did something I had never done before - give to the poor face to face.

I met the young mother at a gas station. I instantly liked her. She told me more about her situation, and was so grateful for the clothes and food. She had tears brimming in her eyes, and it was really humbling to me. A handful of clothes, one bag of random food items, and a meal was precious to her.
I have been working to get more help for her with food, and some members of my neighborhood have been so gracious as to donate clothes to her sons. One thing that impressed me about her is that she didn't ask for anything for herself, though it was obvious to me that she was also in need of warm clothing. All she had on that cold night was a very thin cotton jacket.

The second interaction was much shorter. I met the family at a drugstore. They were sitting in a very old vehicle. The children's grandmother got out of the car without a jacket on that cold night. She was kind to me and thanked me for the diapers and wipes. She showed me the kids in the back seat, and said that the son had just had major surgery, and has been sickly since birth. I told them I hoped they could get the other things they needed, we said goodnight, and they went on their way.

Did they have warm beds to sleep in that night? Did they have full bellies? I don't know, and it made me wish I had the money and resources to help needy families get on their feet.

As I drove home that night, I felt a new desire to help the poor. I knew that I could do more than I had been. I have always been one to help others when they need it.  Most of the service I have done in my life, though, has been for people I know. I haven't ventured out to touch the lives of people I have never met, who have such basic and crucial needs.

Helping others brings me joy, and fills me with love for them and helps me see God's love for them. To those that are recipients of help, I pray you also feel God's love, hope for tomorrow, and peace to replace your sorrows.

It takes so much humility to ask for assistance, and I have made a promise to myself to do all I can to bless other people's lives.



We don't have much to spare in my family, but I know as we give of ourselves - our time, our love, our extra resources, that we will be blessed with what we need too.

May we all do what we can to bring hope and solace to those who need it most.

Let the Memory Live Again

As I have been writing this blog, I have felt this bold, and dutiful desire - even obligation - to share my past experiences, mistakes, trials and heartaches with  anyone in the world who would read my words.

If you asked me last year if I would ever make a lot of these things public knowledge, I would have laughed and shook my head, thinking of how embarrassing and humiliating it would be.

I have pondered this change in my perspective. Why am I now so comfortable talking about really personal parts of my life? Why do I desire to pour my heart out to people I may not even know?

The conclusion I have come to is that by writing my memories down, I can help make the lives of others a little easier, and their hearts a little lighter, today.

Somebody can benefit from knowing that I was too scared to stand up for my beliefs in high school, when someone made the claim that Mormons weren't Christians - and that I regretted it for years.

Somebody will find direction in knowing that I struggled many times in my life with modesty, and that lack of it led to many poor decisions.

Somebody will find comfort in knowing that there is someone else who has felt the pains that come from a spouse with a pornography addiction, and that there is hope for those who want to change.

Somebody needs to feel the necessity of forgiving someone after years of holding a grudge, and the freedom that comes from it..

Somebody who feels overwhelmed as a parent may need to hear how their struggles can be for their ultimate good.

Somebody needs to feel that miracles do still happen, that our trials can make us stronger as we see the Lord's hand in helping us overcome, and that the Lord will lead us in the right direction as we seek His counsel.

In my blog posts, I try to bring a spirit of hope to resonate out.I try to emulate a spirit of love and compassion. I try to show that I am not perfect, but that I have learned from my mistakes. I try to show that God knows us, loves us, and helps us, that He has a plan for us, and that He allows us to endure trials to bring us closer to Him.

Sometimes we have control over what happens to us, and sometimes we don't. We have a choice to hold on to the bad, and live life in fear, bitterness and despair. Or, we can find all the good that comes despite the bad.  I have been able to forgive myself for my faults more readily now that I know I can help others find their way. I can see the hand of God in my life more, and the purpose and plan He has for me as I delve down deep into my memories of adversity.



I thank God for this new found desire to bring light to others through my thoughts and experiences.

I truly believe that every single person on this planet has memories that could benefit, and even change the world.

Tell your stories. I promise it is so rewarding. It can bring you freedom from regret and heartache. It can form friendships in unlikely places. It can save a life.

I would love to hear your stories, and I know others would too.

May God bless you in your efforts to open your mouths and hearts to your fellow brothers and sisters. 

Hate won't make us Great

Civility: polite, reasonable, and respectful behavior


Most people see the value in civility. They try to be that way; they hope others do the same; they teach their children to be civil so they will be more successful in life.


Yesterday was election day in the United States. I am sure many of you have read articles (or comments on those articles), or seen friends' social media posts regarding the election.


As I read these things, I wonder where civility has gone?


Many people have been silent on the issue, or have simply expressed their gladness or sorrow over the results.


What I have seen much more of, though, is gloating, name-calling, complaining, eye-rolling, bashing, blaming, cursing, and judging.


Judge not, that ye be not judged (Matthew 7:1).


Do we even know we are doing this? Do we realize when we do this we are alienating many of our friends, family and associates?


Here are some of the statements I have inferred from my reading:


1. My party is the supreme party and the only one that can do good for this country. 
2. America is doomed and the world is coming to an end because someone got into office.
3. The candidate that won is going to take away our freedoms and all our money.
4. The Lord sanctions one political party, and frowns upon the other.
5. Everyone who believes differently or is in a different party than me is inferior and unintelligent.


My friends, please remember that all members and leaders of political parties are imperfect people. There is no supreme party, and everyone's moral codes are to be respected. God does not choose our leaders for us, but wants us to choose with careful consideration.


...every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand (Matthew 12:25).


In order for our great country to succeed and continue to bloom, we must sustain, be respectful of, and be grateful for, our leaders. They need our support, whether we agree with everything they stand for and do, or not.





We can't afford to turn against each other. Anger and hate will never bring positive results, but love and tolerance can. Americans need to stand together. By doing this, our great country stays great.


We are the land of the free, and the home of the brave. There may be times when there are laws passed that we don't agree with. There may be policies put in place that don't make sense to us.


When that happens, we must remember and fall to our knees in gratitude that The United States of America is a choice land of diversity, freedom, and opportunity. Our government exists to serve us. We control our destinies. We can do anything we desire, and can rise up from our circumstances. We have wonderful schools, technology, and medicine. We have clean water, good food, easy access to supplies and shelter, and an advanced road system to travel on.  We have a strong and brave military, always ready to defend our liberties. We have beautiful and lush landscaping, and a rich history from which we can learn and draw inspiration.


Americans are special people - each of us, not just those of a certain political party. Every American can contribute and make a difference.


Please try to keep the golden rule in mind when discussing politics, or anything you are passionate about. It is good to take a stand. It is good to have morals and beliefs. Please just try not to judge others who are different, and instead think of how you would feel if someone bashed you, called you names, or spoke disrespectfully of you or one you revere.


Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12).


I thank God every day that I live in this wonderful country. No matter who is in office, I will always pray for them, be grateful for my citizenship, and love my fellow Americans.


God bless the USA!

You Aren't Weird, but Your Beliefs Are Part 4 - What Mormons Believe

In the last post I confirmed to you how I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. In part, it was because he translated and brought forth The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. 

As a prophet, Joseph did so much more. He also received numerous revelations from Jesus himself. Christ gave him the absolute truth as to how His church was to be organized, and what His people must do to obtain eternal life.

We know that Joseph was martyred at the young age of 38. Did prophets once again leave the earth, leaving us without answers? No, there have been many prophets called since Joseph Smith, and there are prophets and apostles on the earth today. 

Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet of the LDS Church

The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that prophets speak directly to Christ, and receive counsel and instruction from Him for the benefit of His people, and for the world. That is why we love, sustain, and follow the counsels of the Lord's prophets and apostles. 

That is also one of the reasons why we so look forward to General Conference twice a year.

One of our church's Articles of Faith is: 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.

Yes, God is still speaking, and will continue to speak and give instruction until He comes again. 

All of the doctrines, beliefs and practices in the LDS church come from this revelation to the Lord's prophets. I think I owe each of you the answers to the questions I asked in Part 2 of this blog series. 

As you read the answers I write, imagine that there are prophets on the earth, and they are in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If this is true, the answers below are the absolute truth as prescribed by Jesus Christ. 

The Commandments:

1. Keep the Sabbath Day holy (Exodus 20:8) - The Sabbath Day is the Lord's Day. We should attend church, yes, but we should also make the Sabbath a day of rest, a day of service, and a day of spiritual feasting. We should avoid causing others to have to work on the Lord's day.

2. Be baptized of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5) - 

a. Baptism of water: Baptism is essential to enter into the kingdom of God, as it shows our commitment to keeping God's commandments and trying to become like Him. It must be done by someone with priesthood authority. Baptism must be done by immersion. Babies and young children do not sin and do not need to be baptized. Only when they reach the age of eight or older are they tempted by Satan and sufficiently know the difference between right and wrong.

b. Baptism of the spirit: This means receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, an ordinance performed by the laying on of hands by one with priesthood authority. Once baptized, one receives this gift, which is a constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, dependent on one's faithfulness.

  

c. Baptism for the dead: Baptisms for the dead were performed during Paul's time, and are done in the LDS church in temples. Since all people must be baptized to be saved, baptisms by proxy give the deceased an opportunity to have that saving ordinance, and then choose to take upon them the name of Christ. 

3. Do not commit adultery and flee fornication (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18) - It is still a commandment to remain sexually pure until marriage, and then to maintain full loyalty to your spouse after marriage.

4. Love one another (John 13:34)- Love one another means that we are kind, tolerant and nonjudgmental, and that we serve others. It does not mean that we condone or advocate for sinful behavior. Loving God means keeping His commandments. We should never purposely break commandments, or encourage others to break commandments in the name of loving one another.

5. Let your light so shine (Matthew 5:14-16) - We should set good examples, and also share the gospel of Christ with others. Those of us who have been baptized have covenanted to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. We should defend our beliefs, and declare them in love. 

6. Throw away the things that make you sin  (Matthew 5:29-30)- The abominations spoken of in the Bible are still abominations to Christ. His higher law is still valid today. Modern day prophets have revealed to us the Lord's will regarding what is and is not sin as new technologies and practices are created. The definition of sin is not based on society's acceptance of any practice.

7. Pray to the father (Matthew 6:5-13)- You should pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. There is nobody else that you should pray to. Prayers should be done as a family and individually morning, night, and before meals. Prayers can be said aloud or in silence. They can be said anytime, anywhere. There are no prayers that need to be recited, except for prayers done for sacred ordinances, such as the Sacrament or baptism. Heavenly Father wants us to speak from the heart in sincere prayer. He wants us to talk to Him, to thank Him for our blessings, tell Him our fears, and ask Him questions. 

8. Partake of Christ's body and blood in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19-20) - When partaking of the emblems, you are not literally eating and drinking Christ's body and blood. It is symbolic. When you partake, you are promising to remember Christ always. It does not matter what is used for the emblems, so long as you remember Christ. Mormons use bread and water. The emblems should be blessed and passed by those having priesthood authority. Only those who are worthy should partake.

The Doctrines:

1. The truthfulness of the Bible - The Bible is holy and true. It contains the word of God as given to His prophets and apostles. The Bible is one book with the word of God. The Book of Mormon is also the word of God, and the Lord still speaks truths to prophets today to bring peace and clarity in a changing, and increasingly wicked, world.

2. The nature of God - Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings. Heavenly Father and Jesus have bodies of flesh and bone, while the Holy Ghost is a spirit. They are all one in purpose and mission, and they all love us, but they are not one being.

3. Salvation - The Lord commands that we follow Him and be baptized in His name. However, to be saved, this is not all we must do. When we make mistakes, we must repent. We must also keep God's commandments, and work hard to become more like Him in word and in deed throughout our lives.

4. The Second Coming - Jesus will come again in power and great glory. Nobody knows when it will happen. When He comes, the righteous will be caught up to meet Him.

5. Life after death - When a person dies, his body and soul separate. Only little children who die will go straight to Heaven. Everyone else will go to the Spirit World to await the Lord's second coming, the resurrection, and final judgment. Instruction occurs in the Spirit World. Those who did not have a chance to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel will be taught it, and be given the opportunity to accept Him. After the final judgment, the Lord will assign each of us to a kingdom of glory in Heaven based on our faithfulness, or to Outer Darkness for the most wicked. Paul saw a third Heaven because there are three degrees of glory in Heaven (the many mansions Jesus spoke of). 

6. The priesthood - The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name on the earth. Worthy males may be ordained to the priesthood, and receive it through the laying on of hands. 

Though not everyone holds the priesthood, everyone is blessed by it.

The Practices:

1. Abortion - Human life is a sacred gift. Abortion should not be promoted or encouraged. In most cases it is a practice contrary to the will of God, and is only acceptable in the rarest of circumstances. Even in cases when deemed acceptable, counseling and prayer should precede the decision to have one.

2. Suicide and Euthanasia - Because of the sanctity of human life, suicide and euthanasia are both wrong. However, in the case of suicide, only the Lord can judge if a person is responsible for his/her actions.

3. Contraception - Husbands and wives who are physically able have the privilege and responsibility to have children and rear them in righteousness. However, it is up to the spouses to determine when they wish to have children and how many they wish to have. Birth control is not discouraged, so long as children are not being postponed for selfish reasons.

4. Death penalty - This is a matter that should be decided by civil law. 

5. War and military service - Peace is always the ideal. However, sometimes war is necessary to preserve life, liberty, and family. Citizen should follow the laws of the land regarding war. 

6. Eating of meat - For health reasons, meat should be eaten sparingly, but it is not wrong to eat it. In fact, animals were created for the use of humans, for food and for clothing. 

7. Marriage - The family is central to Heavenly Father's plan. All children deserve to be born in a family with a mother and a father, and marriage should be between a man and a woman. Priests are not forbidden to marry.

8. Divorce - Marriages are sacred contracts, and should not be taken lightly. Divorce, though not encouraged, is sometimes a necessary action. One who is divorced is able to remarry, and still remain in full fellowship in the church. 

As you read these answers, some may have made perfect sense to you, though you didn't have a previous stance. Some you may already agree with because you have also been taught it. Others you may totally disagree with because of political/social views. There may be some that you just don't understand or think are too complicated.

Mormons feel very strongly about the safety and peace that comes from following the prophet. If prophets truly do speak to the Lord, then they will always convey the Lord's will and truths. However, it is not always easy to understand or accept all doctrines and practices.

That is where faith comes in. Heavenly Father has given us free agency. The truth is revealed, but it is up to each individual person to exercise faith in that truth, and find out through study and prayer if it be right. Nobody in the LDS faith is forced to do anything. Everyone is encouraged to build their own convictions, and doubts and questions are normal.

I am grateful to have choice, but also to know the consequences of actions I may take and positions I may hold.

I don't understand everything, but little by little, my faith and testimony grow as I am prepared and willing to receive more light and knowledge. 

I have a strong testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us. They love me and they love each of you. They wish for everyone to have eternal life. All we must do is follow the doctrines and commandments that Jesus has set forth.

I share the gospel as I know it so passionately and lovingly because it means the world to me, and I am such a better person because of it. I would love to clarify anything I have written about thus far, or talk about something you have heard about Mormons that I haven't addressed. I am here to help. 

I am a Christian and a disciple of Christ.