Hi, I'm Janae

I'm a Mormon and I love it!

About Me

I'm attending BYU studying Linguistics and Anthropology. I love to learn everything about everything! I'm especially interested in how people think and choose certain paths in their lives. I got married to an amazing man in Jan 2009 and have a beautiful baby girl who is 4 months old. I love everything about my life and know that it will only get better.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in Oregon and didn't really attend church that much. I would go every once in a while when I was a teenager because I thought it seemed like the right thing to do. I always knew there was a God and felt His love for me and I wanted to do what was right. I didn't have the best family or opportunities, but I knew I was loved by someone. It wasn't until I found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I finally realized the true meaning of life. Who would have thought I could actually know the meaning of life? Now I do, and I am so much happier! I started going to this church my senior year of high school and never stopped. I love everything about the gospel and I can't imagine my life without it now. My children will grow up knowing how much Heavenly Father loves them and how their lives can be blessed by living the commandments. I'm so glad I can give them what I didn't have!

Personal Stories

Could you talk about your baptism?

I was baptized when I was 18, right before I graduated from High School. I had known for months that I wanted to be a member because I felt the spirit and knew that it was the right thing to do. I was able to have my Dad there and many friends that were not members. My best friend and I sang a hymn together and her Dad baptized me by saying the important prayer that Heavenly Father has told us to do and I was completely immersed under the water. It was a wonderful experience to be able to show Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that I was willing to follow the Commandments and live the gospel. When I went to the bathroom to change out of my wet clothes, my best friend was there with tears in her eyes. Ever since then, I've been sure of my decision to be a part of this Church.

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

The main thing I didn't know about the Book of Mormon is that it really is scripture, like the Bible. Before I was a member of the LDS church, I thought it was some modern book written with modern words and such. To my complete surprise upon reading a chapter, I realized how spiritual it really is. It's written by prophets of old who had amazing relationships with God. I'm grateful that I can not only learn about God from our modern-day prophets, but from prophets that were here thousands of years ago. It shows me that God knows all and especially that He knows each and every once of us. Because of the Book of Mormon, I know God can communicate not only with people in Jerusalem, but everywhere! He's here for all of us, no matter what age, race, gender, anything. He understands and He has sent His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. All of us, no matter our situation, as long as we're willing to follow the commandments.

Another thing I love about the Book of Mormon is that it was written just for us, specifically at this time. That's why Joseph Smith didn't find it until later. It was hidden away for so many years just so we could use it now, in its perfect form, to learn those things we need to survive in these harsh times. I love my Heavenly Father and my brother, Jesus Christ, for leading me in the right direction with this wonderful book of scripture.

How I live my faith

I attend my ward every Sunday in Provo, Utah. I go to a student ward with other young married couples. It's a great opportunity to meet new friends and serve each other. I love taking the Sacrament every week to show Jesus Christ that I am willing to take His name upon me and do His work. I try to go to all the groups and activities that my ward arranges like the Mother's group, sewing group, and temple trips. There is always something to do with others to build our faith.

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Janae answered...

Yes, families absolutely can be together forever! For all eternity, actually! I have complete faith that I will be with my Husband and children even after we all pass away. It makes dying seem a little less scary, huh? Obviously I sometimes get nervous that I'll leave my precious family before I'm old and feeble, but I trust Heavenly Father and know that He does the right thing all the time, every time. My husband and I were married in the Sacramento LDS temple during what is called a Sealing Ceremony. It was a wonderful experience and I felt the love of my Heavenly Father as well as my husband. As long as we are faithful and follow Christ's path for us, we know for sure we will live forever with God.
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Amanda answered...

YES!!! This is one of my favorite parts of the gospel. I believe that my family will live together in heaven. I will know my family as my family members. My husband is my husband for now and for all eternity. My children are my children here on earth and for all eternity. I know that if something happened to one of us that I will see them again. I love this about the church. Before joining, I always had a question about this concept and when taking the discussions from the missionaries this came up. Makes me love the church more and more.

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

Jenny answered...

My father is gay and I have many friends who are gay. Though we have some differing opinions and beliefs, we have a great relationship - each respecting the other's right to choose their own way. Its no secret that the Church does not support gay marriage. We believe that God's plan for the family is, always has been and always will be a man and a woman and their children. However, the perception that the church is anti-gay is inaccurate. We support the rights of all men and woman to exercise their free agency and be entitled to the same legal rights as anyone, as long as they don't erode the principles on which our country was founded - freedom of religion. The scriptures affirm that homosexual behaviors are a sin, but I believe Christ understands the extreme difficulty that a gay person would experience refusing to act upon their same-sex attraction. I also believe that through Him, all things are possible and that no person is unworthy or undeserving of His love and the benefits of His atonement.