Hi, I'm Aubri

I love travel and my family, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a photographer, a voracious reader, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a granddaughter, and soon to be a mother. I love my family more than almost anything on the planet! I love to cook, I love to eat... I'm gluten-intolerant (Celiac) and I love creating fun recipes that all the people in my family, with all our weird allergies, can ALL enjoy!

Why I am a Mormon

My parents joined the church when I was two. Even though I grew up in the church, I still actively made the decision to be a Mormon. There was a period of time in my life where I wasn't sure what I wanted. I didn't know where to turn, and I had a lot of questions. I was going through a lot of really difficult challenges. Thankfully, the Lord knows me. He loves me, and He helps me through even the toughest of times. Turning to him, and praying, and reading His words helped me through that time and all the other tough times I've had since.

I know that my Savior lives, that he loves me. I know from my experiences of seeking for truth in the scriptures that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just as the Bible is the word of God, and that it truly testifies of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know these things not because I grew up in the church, but because I have asked our Father in Heaven for myself, and I received my answer! I am so grateful for all the blessings that His Gospel brings to my life! I know I wouldn't be the same without it.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

One of my favorite stories that beautifully illustrates the true and tender character of our Savior can be found in John, chapter 11. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were close and beloved disciples of Christ. He loved them dearly. Upon hearing the news of Lazarus' death, he went back to Judæa even though he was in danger of stoning there. He went not only to work a miracle, but because He loved these disciples. There are a couple different interactions in this chapter. First, Christ speaks with Martha. They talk of her faith in Him as the Savior, in His ability to bring about resurrection, and of her Faith in God. He gives her comfort in this way, and she feels peace. Next, Mary upon hearing that Christ has come "rose up hastily" to meet him. When she saw Him, she fell at His feet and wept.

Mary was inconsolable. She was in the depths of grief, but declared in simple faith, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Mary knew that He was the Son of God. She knew what power he had. This was a statement of sorrow, and loss. At this point, the Savior did something remarkable. Instead of telling her to stand up and stiffen her upper lip, we read that the Savior did something else. Something much more loving. He saw her weeping, and He was troubled. Then we read two of the most significant words, "Jesus wept." Rather than telling Mary to calm down, after all, He knew He had the power to raise Lazarus, He saw her pain and He wept with her.

I love this story. I love the compassion, and the power, and the love that Christ had for His disciples. I know that He has that same love for each of us. What a blessing to have a Savior, a personal Savior, who knows us and loves us. I try to remember this story, and to know that when I am weeping, He is there. He loves me, and though He knows the plan for me, He weeps with me in the moment.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by example. I lead the choir at church, and I love to help my choir members feel and share God's love through music. I believe that if you have beliefs, others should be able to understand at least a little bit about them by watching your actions. When I tell people that I'm a Mormon, it's usually not too much of a surprise. They can tell that my family and my relationship with God are important to me by my words and actions.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Aubri answered...

This question is my all time favorite "tough topic" to discuss. I want to start off right off the bat by saying that no matter what you've been told, or who has told you it, Mormons DO NOT "hate" gays and lesbians. Or ANYONE for any reason. Ever. As witnesses of Christ, we do our best to emulate Him and live as He would have us live. That's not to say that we're perfect, because we're not... but I do know that Christ never hated anyone.

Mormons believe in the sanctity of marriage. We believe that God has ordained marriage, and the sacred powers of procreation, to be between a man and a woman. Sexual relations are a sacred thing. We believe that they are to be reserved for marriage. This law, the law of chastity, applies to every spirit son and daughter of God. It doesn't matter if you are attracted to the opposite gender or your same gender, you are commanded to live a chaste and virtuous life. The neat thing about God is that He's "no respecter of persons". This means that God requires the same things of all of us. We are to remain chaste until marriage, and within marriage chastity means that you only have those sacred relations with your spouse.

As a church, we welcome all who want to draw near to Christ. We love everyone, regardless of circumstance, as Christ loves them. We maintain that every single man, woman, and child on this earth is a son or daughter of God, and we treat them accordingly.
Aman answered...

While I do not condone it, I will never look down on anyone for living a homosexual lifestyle. One of the greatest things God has given us is the right to choose, and I work hard not to judge anyone for the choices they make. I believe the church feels the same way. While not condemning those people who live said lifestyle, according to ancient and modern prophets, God has never condoned such a way of life. Therefore, the church continues to preach relationships and marriage between man and a woman, and families consisting of such an organization.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Lynn answered...

Some call Mormonism a cult because it is not a "traditional" Christian church. The primary complaint of the "traditionalists" (generally Protestant Churches) is that we do not believe in the doctrine of the trinity as it relates to the nature of the Godhead. The doctrine of the trinity was codified in the Nicene Creed in 325 AD, many years after the death of Christ and the Apostles. It basically says that the Godhead, The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, are one being in "substance." Since Mormonism does not accept this doctrine, they say we believe in a different Christ than they do and therefore are a cult. It is curious that this "trinitarian" doctrine is not taught anywhere in the Bible.

Mormons believe the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible (and the early church established by Jesus and His Apostles) teaches that the Godhead indeed consists of The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. But, it teaches that they are: 1) three distinct individuals as expressed in Acts 7:54-60 where Stephen is being stoned. "He being filled with the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God." And it teaches 2) they are one in purpose, not in substance (John 17 where Jesus offers his intercessory prayer, particularly verses 20-23.) This is what Mormons believe.

It is noteworthy that the early Christians were called the "sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5) and were considered a cult by the Sadducees and Pharisees, the predominant religions of the day.