Hi, I'm Kelsey

I've grown up on the west coast, live for the outdoors, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a current student at BYU-Idaho studying Recreation Management with Therapeutic Recreation. On my off-track, I live in Oregon with family who mean the world to me. I love being in the outdoors backpacking, camping, and hiking to just name a few. There is so much to learn and see while in the outdoors, and exploring what our Heavenly Father gave us is just one of the many perks of it all. I love to run, play sports and spend time with family and friends.

Why I am a Mormon

I know that those things that are taught to me in the church are true. I believe the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the only true and living church upon this earth, and that being a member of it is one of the many great blessings that my Heavenly Father has given me. I believe in Jesus Christ, and I have a firm testimony of the Atonement. It is life changing, and you don't fully realize the importance of it until you are able to apply it in your own life. I was born and raised in this church, and I choose to continue to follow in this Gospel because I know that it will lead to eternal happiness with family and those I love. That is why I am Mormon.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

I think the best way to develop harmony in our homes is by spending time together and growing closer. I have grown up with 4 older brothers, who at times could be a pain when we were younger, but other times it was the best. My mom always had a saying for me growing up refering to my brothers "They only tease you because they love you." And how true that saying was. Now as I have gotten older, I have come to realize that it was those times when my family went on vacations, played in the backyard, went camping, hiking, or the times when my brothers would let me play with them that the bond and happiness in our home grew stronger. It's realizing the family that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with is meant for us, and that we are there to help each other grow, to help be a strength and guide for each other. Learning from my parents was also a way that us kids were able to grow closer, following their example of going to church, of actively fulfilling callings that we are given within the church. That when times of trial happen within the family, that we are each there when support is needed the most. Harmony within my family's home as I have grown up, is what I believe has brought me closer to my siblings and parents today then ever before.

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

I share the gospel, by being myself and leading by example the things which I have been taught. In High School is when I had the most non-member friends, and the best way that I was able to share with them what I know was by setting the example of not going to parties, not putting myself in places where I know the Spirit doesn't reside. That would then lead them to asking me why I would never go to these things, and that is where I was able to explain some of my beliefs. They were people that I had fun with, but the gospel that I had was more important than putting myself in places where I know the spirit wouldn't go. It was simple acts each day of standing up for what I believe that little by little I was able to share the Gospel with friends. I share it with them because its what brings me happiness...and why would I not want others to have that same happiness?

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer plays a huge part in my life day by day. It is through prayer that I am able to have that one on one time with my Heavenly Father and come to him with anything that i may be facing where I know only his help is what can get me through. Prayer helps remind me what is most important in my life, and it is that comforting feeling that I get that helps me realize even more what I need to day by day. It is important for me as well to be able to keep a prayer within my heart throughout the day, as it opens up for more blessing to be received. It's amazing to think that no matter what, no matter where you are in the world...that being able to talk to my Heavenly Father is only just prayer away. And that he is there listening, wanting to help and more than willing to at all times.

How I live my faith

My faith takes place in everything I do, each day. Its not a one time deal, but it is an everlasting principle. I practice my faith in serving others, showing kindness to those around me, being forgiving, and being willing to do those things that are asked of me. The most important aspect of living my faith to me, is setting good examples for others to see. To not be afraid to share with others what I know to be true. You dont have to be a missionary out in the field serving for 2 years, or 18 months. But its the little actions everyday that can play a part in being a missionary. Helping those who are in need of it, and forgetting about yourself for just one moment can make all the difference.

Are Mormons Christians?

Kelsey answered...

We are indeed Christians. We believe in Jesus Christ, His ministry here on earth, and His Atonement that he so willingly sacrificed for us. He is our Savior, and we believe that he is the Son of God. The term Christian means “one who believes or professes to believe in Jesus Christ and the truth as taught by him." And, "one whose life is conformed to the doctrines of Christ." Therefore, Latter Day Saints fall under the category of being Christian. We follow the teachings and commandments of Christ, and we can only be saved through Christ.
Rob answered...

Christ said that his followers would be defined by their adherence to his teachings. Growing up as a member of the Church, I learned that Christ is The literal son of God and that through His Atonement we can somehow be forgiven of our sin and allowed to enter back into the presence of God, if that is what we want. Everything I ever learned at church or in my home was centered on the life and ministry of Christ.

Several years ago, we moved to the Southeastern United States and encountered the idea that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints are not Christians. Although I don't understand the need to define certain groups in or out of Christianity, especially given The Lord's frequent admonitions not to judge the faith of others, I understand this idea is rooted in some esoteric academic objections to certain gospel principles such as our belief that Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate individuals united in purpose and power. My experience has been that this idea is often passed on among those who have not met or do not have close relationships with members of the church.

Once people get to know what we teach and believe and how we live, they come to understand that we are Christians. While, The Lord has asked us to let our light shine so that others can see it and take strength from it, I believe that ultimately Christ, will judge our Christianity as individuals based on the thoughts and intents or our hearts.

What is the Book of Mormon?

Ben answered...

We believe in a loving Father in Heaven who desires all of his children to have His precious word. "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?" (2 Nephi 29:7).

Of course, with any thing concerning God, it is important to find out, personally, if the work is true. What better source can we trust than God Himself? Through prayer we can know, independently of anyone else, where the truth lies concerning any matter.

In the introduction to the Book of Mormon we read: "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost." I testify that this pattern of revelation is true. If we take the time to study it out in our minds, ponder upon the truth and ask God, in faith with desire to act upon our answer, that we will receive. He has answered me, and He will answer you when you ask in faith.