Hi, I'm Brooke

I was searching for something *more* in my life. Now, I've found the Answer!

About Me

I grew up in the Bible Belt, and though I was a Christian, I was always looking for something more. One day the missionaries knocked on my door, and I decided to listen...

I loved college so much that I stayed around until I earned three degrees, but working out of the home wasn't for me. Being a Mom is my favorite job!

I love to read, I knit a little, garden a little, and I'm currently learning to can my own food. I love to learn new things :)

Why I am a Mormon

When I was ten years old, my sister almost died. A group of Mormons who were also waiting in the ER prayed with my Dad. This planted a seed in my heart, and I began to feel very strongly about the church. As I grew up and went to college, I began to ask questions of a few friends who were Mormon. Eventually, I read the Book of Mormon, but I put it aside.
Years later, after I'd become a mother, a Mormon friend of mine had a young child who died. She was given a blessing that stated that this little boy had died "to bring others to Christ". I felt like that meant me, so I began to learn more about the church. Then I put it aside again.
I went through phases of being interested in the church, and then putting it aside again. Then one day, I was reading an anti-Mormon book, and it made me feel awful. I put the book down, and the doorbell rang. It was the missionaries! It didn't seem like a coincidence to me, so I let them teach me. I went to church that Sunday, and I felt at home. I couldn't believe how much I loved it. However, my husband asked me to not go back. So, I didn't... for a while.
A year later, I started attending church every Sunday with my three little children. It wasn't easy to be there by myself, but I knew it was where we belonged. It took me about six months to make the decision to be baptized. I would have done it much sooner, but it was hard for me to come to terms with disapproving family members.
Very recently I went to the Temple for the first time, and I hope to one day be sealed to my family for all Eternity!

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

We believe that those who did not hear the Gospel during their life will have a chance to hear it and accept or refuse it after they die. However, baptisms and other ordinances must be performed on earth. Thankfully a proxy (someone can stand in for them) can be used for the dead. We believe that there are many spirits who have accepted the Gospel and are waiting for someone to be baptized for them. We do family history to find the names of some of these people who are waiting. It is an amazing feeling to find a name of an ancestor and KNOW that they want these ordinances done for them. It's even more amazing to be the proxy for that person.

What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?

My children and I attend church every Sunday. I'm teaching my children from the scriptures and having family prayers. We have a weekly family night to help us stay connected as a family. I try to be a good example to my children and my husband who isn't a member of the church.

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

I always believed in my heart of hearts that I lived with Heavenly Father before I was born, but the church I was raised in didn't teach that. When I started to learn about the Plan of Happiness/Plan of Salvation, everything seemed so logical. I love knowing WHY we are here on earth, and what to expect after we die. Having a Purpose has made living the commandments so much easier. I know that our Heavenly Father has given us these commandments (tithing, Word of Wisdom, law of chastity, etc) to help us. They aren't just a list of rules to follow, they are things that will make us truly happy.

How I live my faith

I teach Sunday school to 10 year old girls, and I adore them. I teach my own small children about the Gospel. I do my best to visit with and teach three women from church every month. I try to be a good example to my family.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Brooke answered...

They will teach about the Restoration of the Gospel, about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and The Book of Mormon. They will teach about the Plan of Salvation which explains what our purpose here on earth is and what will happen to us after we die. They will teach about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how He died to save all mankind from their sins. They will teach the law of chastity and the Word of Wisdom and how following these commandments will make our lives better. They will teach you everything you need to know to prepare for baptism.
Max answered...

We will talk about gods love for all of us down here on earth.
we will talk about how you can be with your family and loved ones forever.
we will talk about how the gospel of jesus christ has been restored to the earth and the evidence of this restoration which is found in the book of mormon.
we will talk about how god continues to talk to his children like he did in biblicial times!
we will talk about the steps that you need to take to insure eternal happines!
we will talk about any other questions you may have about god, Jesus Christ, and about this church.
we have the truth to share. why dont you just talk to one of us?

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Matt answered...

We believe that family relationships are the sources of life's greatest joys. We also believe that families can be together forever.