Hi, I'm Heather

I'm a mother, a reader, and a hiker. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I was born in Michigan, went to college and fell in love in Utah, had two children in Texas, and just moved to Massachusetts. I love to read, run, and try new things. I love to cook and even more I love to eat. My wonderful husband and I have been married for four years and pray every day to know how to be good parents for our toddler and baby.

Why I am a Mormon

I love that the gospel is one of forgiveness and change. It's so easy to feel you're never good enough, rich enough, wise enough, kind enough. But I know Jesus Christ loves me for who I am right now and He will help me when I struggle. He makes me a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, and a better citizen. I love being a part of His church because I am strengthened when I'm surrounded by others who know these truths.

Personal Stories

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

Every morning, I read the Book of Mormon while I nurse my baby boy. It is a quiet time of reflection and peace for me. The testimonies of Jesus Christ contained in the Book of Mormon help me approach the day with the right perspective, seeing my kids as children of God and trying to keep my family grounded in Jesus Christ and not just rushing from one thing to the next. The Book of Mormon brings me peace and lets me see the hand of God in my life every day.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

I recently spoke during Sacrament Meeting-- our regular Sunday meeting-- about forgiveness. Here is an experience I shared with my congregation about how patience and forgiveness have brought peace to my home:

I have noticed a difference in my own reactions in my family when I am consistently praying and studying the scriptures. Last week, after a fun morning at the library and playground, my two year old daughter did not want to come inside for a nap. I dragged her through the door to our apartment building where she collapsed in anger. With my hands full of library books and my hungry infant, I hurried into my apartment. I put down the books and the baby to the sounds of a crying toddler. I turned around with my mind full of the stern lecture I was about to give my daughter. "Can't you see that your brother is crying? I need you to help me. You need to listen to Mommy," all the lessons my daughter needed to learn!

But when I opened the door to the entry way where my daughter was, I saw a frightened little girl who was starting to wonder where Mommy was. I was completely surprised when my knees bent on their own, and a kind invitation to come inside to read our new books together slipped gently out of my mouth. Because I had been praying for help, when I had initially felt anger, God filled my heart with love. As I held my daughter’s tiny hand in mine and led her inside, I thanked Heavenly Father for bringing peace to my home instead of anger and contention.

How I live my faith

I am the service coordinator for our local congregation. Another woman and I look for service opportunities in our local communities like food banks, blood drives, community gardens, or community clean up, as well as international aid projects like hand-sewing dresses for African children. Then, we find ways to get children, youth, and adults from our congregation involved in this service. I love being on the front lines of community service and the feeling of comaraderie and it provides. It draws our congregation together and brings us closer to Jesus Christ because we're doing what He would do if He were here.

I also try to live the principles of my faith every day. One of the songs the children learn at church says, "Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught."

To do this, I try to overcome my shyness and talk to the other moms at the playground. I try to hold my temper when my two-year-old dumps the cereal on the floor. I try to really listen to the women from my congregation that I visit each month and help them feel loved and welcome. As I sincerely try to do the best I can, I can feel Jesus Christ supporting me and leading me.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Heather answered...

Joseph Smith is the founder of our church, and for that, we respect and honor him, but we do not worship him. We worship, praise, and pray to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ
Jerad answered...

No. We worship only God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness back on the Earth. We deeply respect the man and all that he did for man kind as through him the Church of Jesus Christ and the authority which is called the Priesthood was restored to the Earth. The anciant people of Israel deeply revered and respected Moses and all that he did for them, but did not worship him. Joseph was a true Prophet of God and we see him as such, and we only worship the Father and the Son. Joseph was a servant of God and taught about how we should only worship God and Jesus Christ. The purpose of a Prophet is to point us to Christ and help us to know his will, and in these times as terrible as they are, we need the guidance of Prophets to help keep us on the path that God has put before us.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Dan answered...

I grew up thinking, at one point, Mormonism was cult. I made this assertion based on nothing but hearsay, and didn't actually know any tenets of the LDS faith. Now, as a person who has thoroughly investigated the sincerity and divine truthfulness of this Church, I can resoundingly say that the Church of Jesus Christ is by no means a cult. I find that the major reason why people think Mormonism is a cult is simply due to a lack of understanding of the Church. For instance, not many people really know that Mormons believe in and strive to be closer to Jesus Christ we believe Him to be our personal savior and redeemer of the world. We read the Bible and know it to be the word of God. We take communion. We have an unpaid clergy. We live to serve others as Christ would have done.

When people take the time to understand what Mormonism is really all about, like I did, they will understand that Mormons are normal people with normal problems, and each of us relies on God to be a better, more Christlike person.