Hi, I'm Jodi

About Me

I grew up in Utah, USA but have since moved around the United States with my husband as he completes graduate school. I love music, art, nature, camping, traveling, and just being with and getting to know people. I'm excited to soon be a mother.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because it provides truth and answers to what God's plan for me is and brings happiness into my life everyday. I know where I came from, I know why I am here, and I know what I need to do in order to live with God again. It is home, and my spirit is able to recognize that. It is truth, and it is where I belong. I have a sure testimony of Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, and every other aspect of the Church that makes it what it is, and I wouldn't have my life any other way. I am a Mormon because I know it is true.

Personal Stories

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

The Holy Ghost is my constant companion. Because God has a body of flesh and bone, He cannot literally dwell within us. However, He has given us the Holy Ghost to fill us with inspiration, peace, comfort, and guidance.

Life is full of difficult choices, and I often feel concerned about which direction is best for me. As life changes, my husband and I have needed to make two major decisions about moving to very far away places. Both times, I was filled with assurance as to what we needed to do. The feeling was clear, peaceful, and brought tears to my eyes because I KNEW that the Holy Ghost was guiding me. It felt good to know that my Heavenly Father loves me and has given me this special guidance, so long as I keep His commandments and strive to live righteously.

The Holy Ghost teaches me everyday and strengthens my testimony. I get a warm feeling when something is true or good. Because of this, I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, The Book of Mormon and Bible are true, and that we have a living prophet on the Earth today.

How I live my faith

I live my faith through every aspect of my life. I try to begin each morning by thanking God for the good life I have and ask Him to guide me through the day. I read from the scriptures daily, the Bible and The Book of Mormon, because they bring me knowledge and strength. I try to follow their teachings in all that I do, and strive to be an example of Jesus Christ. I am always trying to become a better person and fulfill the potential that my Heavenly Father has planned for me. I am always trying to be a better missionary, and share with others what I believe and what I know to be true. My faith IS my life.

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

Jodi answered...

As a volunteer worker at the temple, I have had the special opportunity to witness and aide all that happens inside. It has brought me a greater understanding of temple work and how sacred it is. Similar to Old Testament times, God has told us to build temples where we can perform very important ordinances and ceremonies. These ordinances and ceremonies teach us about God's plan for us, our Savior Jesus Christ, and provide us with beautiful blessings that will help us everyday of our lives. We believe that in order to reach our greatest eternal potential, we must all perform these ordinances. Each member of the church is able to attend once for themselves, and then they continue to attend and do the work by proxy (which is to act for another) for their ancestors and others who have died. In the temple we dress in white and speak quietly. It is simple and beautiful, and is an opportunity to shut out the busy world and be closer to God. Because of the very sacred nature of the temple ceremonies and ordinances, one must meet certain requirements that show their dedication and respect to God and his work. To avoid desecration of the sacredness of the temple, we do not speak of what is done inside in detail. Temple work is not a secret, we invite and desire all to become worthy to enter into the temple. The beauty is unimaginable, and the blessings are endless.
Katie answered...

I used to play in a Balinese Gamelan ensemble here in Washington, DC on weeknights and had some of my friends ask me this question. First, I pointed out that anyone can go into the temple during the open house to see what it is like. After it is dedicated, it becomes holy ground and you have to make yourself clean or holy to go in. I told them that EVERYONE can go to the temple, as long as they are wiling to go through that process of becoming clean. I reminded them that you can't just waltz in to the White House either (much to the chagrin of many tourists here). You have to go through a background check that takes 6 weeks and that is just to get into the East Wing, the West Wing requires a job and security clearance. Our protectiveness of the temple is not a sign of secrecy, it is more a manifestation of how special and important the the building and its rituals are.

And I hope people don't get intimidated by the word "ritual", everyone who has gone through a school graduation has experienced a ritual. It just means that we are participating in life-changing experiences that turn our hearts to God, our families and our fellow men. The real difference is that we believe that process of making devotional promises to God in a sacred place is necessary for our salvation. That is why we encourage everyone to join with us and make their way to the temple.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Derek answered...

Are we not all brothers and sisters, with God as our Father? The Lord looks upon the heart, not upon the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The criteria to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is based on a willingness to do what he has asked us to do, not based on some outward feature.