Hi, I'm Ciera

I'm a vegan athlete. I'm a community volunteer. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Well, I'm an avid outdoors-woman and a willing volunteer in all seasons. I'm known for being 'that bubbly tree-hugging Mormon girl'. Being a 'Mormon' is one of the reasons I find so much joy in all that I do. I love life! The greatest happiness for me is found in living the Gospel, especially through finding the beauty in the earth around us and in serving others. I love finding a sense of connection to the Lord when I go running each morning, or on my bi-monthly camping trips. Being a vegan (someone who doesn't eat any animal-derived products) isn't a part of being a Mormon, but I have found that it helps me appreciate my body as a gift from a loving Father in Heaven. I've been volunteering at various homeless shelters since I was a teenager, and I recently started coordinating volunteer dinners at a locate Ronald McDonald House. I am going back to school soon to get a degree in global health and social work. The Lord has greatly blessed me in all that I do - I try to share what I've been given through sharing my time and talents.

Why I am a Mormon

I'm a young single adult who was raised in the the LDS Church. I honestly consider myself to be a convert of sorts - I went inactive in Church (that is, I stopped attending Church and practicing what I believed) as a teenager ... it took years of literal and figurative wandering for me to find my way back to where I needed to be. The Lord knew me well enough to let me struggle for a while to learn some lessons the hard way, so that I was humbled enough to seek Him out. I had to be converted anew. I am so grateful to have gained a personal witness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's love for me. I am so grateful for quiet moments where the Holy Ghost gently, quietly speaks to my heart and peace becomes my constant companion. I know that my Savior lives, and I am so grateful for the Gospel in my life.

How I live my faith

I love to serve others, to give of my time, talents, and all that I have to offer, to help those around me. I honestly feel that real joy cannot be experienced until we learn to love others as Christ loves them - fully, completely, unconditionally. There are so many people who have blessed my life for the better, so why not pay those kindnesses forward? The Lord has given me so much - Jesus gave His life for me - that giving what I can to others is a small way I can show my gratitude for His infinite love for me. The best means to understanding Christ-like love (charity) is to offer service without any expectation of reward or recognition. I find more authentic happiness in service and volunteering than in nearly any other pursuit in life. Sharing of oneself is a testament to one's beliefs ... I'm beginning to realize that more and more each day.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Ciera answered...

I have found so much empowerment as a woman through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the men in my life, and for worthy priesthood holders. They are my equals, but we have different roles through which we bless each other. Women have a sacred place throughout history, a legacy of righteous women of all faiths who contributed kindness, charity, hope, and courage to those around them. I am grateful to be a woman who can carry on in the awesome tradition of 'charity never faileth', as a daughter of God, and hopefully someday as a wife and mother.
Nicole answered...

Mormon women are strong. Mormon women are sure. We are taught from the time that we are tiny that we are daughters of God. Many people question equality between Mormon men and women because we believe in the traditional roles of the family, the classic stay-at-home mom and the working father. It makes me sad that society has degraded the role of a mother and made it seem undesirable and less than an occupation outside the home.

We believe in eternal families. We believe that this life is the one time in all eternity that we are sent to be tried and tested. If those beliefs be true than there is nothing more noble and exciting than being a mother. To be chosen to bring life into the world and to steer that life to goodness and love is one of the greatest and most impressive things that can be done.

I am proud to be a woman. I am excited to be a mother one day. I am an advocate for education and self-betterment for all. I value the differences of women from men. All of these things I learned to do from my religion. If that's not feminism I don't know what is.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Alan answered...

No. "Worship" is reserved for members of the Godhead: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Worship means giving absolute devotion, adoration, and submission to someone, and only God is worthy of receiving true worship. God said "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)" So what do we think about Joseph Smith? He was a mortal man called by God to serve as a prophet, and he was a great prophet. We love Joseph Smith, we study his teachings, and we are grateful for the work he did. But we do not worship him any more than we worship Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Peter, or any other prophet. We worship God.