Hi, I'm Ariel

I am a busy college student, an artist, an athlete, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a busy college student juggling work, school, a social life, time with my family, church and hobbies. Everyday seems packed, like I have a million and one things I could be doing.....or should be doing---and I love it that way.
I have a great passion for life. I am an artist and enjoy to express myself. I am an athlete and find great joy in pushing myself, and reaching goals. I am a sister, an aunt, a niece, a cousin, a granddaughter, a daughter and friend and I highly value those special relationships I have with others. There are a lot of things I enjoy doing and love, but PEOPLE are my greatest joy. I love being around people and making them laugh or smile. This is one reason why the gospel of Jesus Christ means everything to me. Our savior was the perfect example of a "people person," who loved everyone and was willing to do anything for them. Because of that, we all have hope. I love that.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised a Mormon, or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My grandparents were members of that faith, and so were my ancestors several generations back on both sides. It is part who I am, but I am not a Mormon because of a "family tradition." I am a Mormon by choice. I have, as everyone does, reached several moments in my life when I have to decide for myself. Those moments require us to examine our commitment, and take a leap of faith. I am a Mormon because I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides the help and healing we all need. I am a Mormon because I know that the same divinely appointed church Christ established on the earth, complete with the priesthood authority and apostolic organization was restored to the earth. I know that God is our Loving Heavenly Father. I KNOW that. That is why I am a Mormon.

Personal Stories

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints firmly believes in missionary work. This is because we can't keep it to ourselves. We are a community of people who have been changed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and as a result, we want everyone to know, and feel and experience this power too. We know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will answer any personal, family, business, or other concern. We know that there is a prophet on the earth today, and we want everyone to heed his council so they too can be blessed. This is, to us, the greatest message in the world, so you can imagine our excitement.
Because of this spirit, we have missions organized throughout the world. Thousands of young men and women and senior couples serve voluntarily and full-time for 18-24 months in any of these missions throughout the world. They talk to everyone about the good new of Jesus Christ. They learn to discipline themselves and lead and serve. They learn to love and grow a lot personally during these months and years.
I have a special place in my heart for the missionaries of the church, because I recently returned from my service in the California Roseville Mission. My experience was the greatest of my life. It was the hardest work I have ever done. I was exhausted more times than not. I learned and grew in ways I never thought I would or could. I grew to love the individuals I helped teach with all my heart.
My favorite experiences involved seeing lives change. People changed their lives as they came to exercise their faith in Jesus Christ, as they read and studied the Book of Mormon, and as they made prayer a part of their lives. Everyday I witnessed miracles that confirmed to me the reality that God knows and numbers every man, woman and child on the earth.
That is why we are a church of missionary work. We want EVERYONE to know, every nation, every race, every person and family.

How I live my faith

I realize that no human is perfect. I realize we all fall short, and I am certainly in that "falling short" category. That is why I try to feed my spiritual soul on a daily, even moment to moment basis. I think it is an essential part of being a disciple or follower of Jesus Christ.
I begin and end everyday with prayer. Heavenly Father listens, He really listens. Our prayer extend beyond our ceiling, I promise. In the morning, or afternoon, or whenever I have a chunk of time throughout the day, I study the scriptures. I prayerfully read and ponder the Bible, the Book of Mormon and writings and teachings of modern-day prophets and apostles. I consider these two things my armor that prepares me to face each day of stress, decision making, and work.
Every Sunday I also attend church. I LOVE going to church. It helps me recharge and reverently remember Christ and how important His presence is in my life.
I also serve voluntarily as a "ward missionary," or someone in a certain geographical region who helps others to strengthen their testimony of Jesus Christ and help them learn more.
I love serving and helping others and this is another essential part of my armor. We need to help those in need. And at one time or another that refers to everyone around us.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Ariel answered...

If you think of ANYTHING you want to know, how do you find the answer? If you want to know how a certain food tastes, you try it. If you want to know about a book, you read it. The world is full of ways to experiment and explore and discover.
Heavenly Father reveals truth and answers in a similar way. If we sincerely want to know about something spiritual, we have many tools available to find out for ourselves.
Coming to know if Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints is true requires this desire to know, and then the desire to act. There are a lot of ways to find information about this church, or other churches, but the most important source of guidance, and a crucial part of finding out for ourselves is our Father in Heaven. We can pray to him sincerely and He WILL answer our prayers. I know that He will, because this is a prayer I have offered many times. After I pray, I take some time to ponder and read the scriptures and then I Listen. God will speak to us, and touch our hearts in a way that will be identifiable and clear.
So if you are wondering, ASK! Try the experiment! Pray. Read the scriptures and then listen.
J. Sean answered...

Here is a simple step by step instruction on how to know Mormonism is true.

1. Meet with missionaries.
2. Pray to Heavenly Father with real intent and ask something like this, " I want to know if this is Your church, so is this Your church?".
3. READ THE BOOK OF MORMON! Ask God if it is true.
4. Look for an anwser from God. He speaks with us through our thoughts and feelings by the Holy Ghost. Ask the missionaries for more details.
5. Come to church to see for yourself.
6. Keep the commandments that the missionaries teach you.
7. Repeat until answer is received.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Daniel. answered...

No. I've never even met the man.

One night I was on the front row of a concert. A big star came to the edge of the stage and held out his hand. EVERYONE rushed forward, climbing over each other, pushing and wedging themselves along, just to touch him. I almost got caught up in that too, and was about to rush ahead when a little voice kicked in "He's just a man. What's the big deal?" At that moment I vowed to never adulate anything less than deity. I will not go to my knees for anyone but a Loving God.

I respect Joseph Smith like I respect any man who tries his best to live according to his conscience. I hope maybe one day I'll get to chat with him over lunch--or over whatever kind of meal they offer in the life beyond. But I cannot worship a man, for why should I place and value one person any higher than another?