Hi, I'm Lydia

I'm a musician, a student, and I'm a Mormon! :D

About Me

I am 20 years old and just graduated from college with my associate's degree in May of 2010. I studied music! I love music! I have played the piano since I was 6 years old. In high school I was in choir and I did lots of accompanying for my show choir and concert choir. I've been in orchestra pits for musicals, competed as a concerto soloists, performed as an accompanist, and taught lessons.
I also love to cook, sew, dance (I was on the ballroom dance team during college), read, watch movies, eat ice cream, play sports, work out, and hang out with my friends.

Why I am a Mormon

I love this gospel because it helps to grow closer to my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Through their words taught in the scriptures, I know where I came from, where I am going, and my favorite: what my purpose on their earth is. When I read the Book of Mormon, follow its teaching, and pray regularly, I feel strength and protection every day of my life. I know that my Father has my best interests at mind and that he has a plan for my life. Because of this, I never have to stress or worry about anything because 1. I know that ultimately, my goal is to live with my Father after I die and 2. Father in Heaven will help me get through any trial that I face on this earth and Jesus Christ has already paid for my sins and if I repent, I will be forgiven. It is so comforting to know that I don't have to rely on just myself to get back to heaven. I have a loving Father and brother who are willing and eager to help me return to them!

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I will be going on a mission soon. I am doing it because as you can read from the rest of my profile, the church has changed my life! I know what I need to do to make it back to my Father in Heaven, and i want to share that with everyone. It is sad to think that some people do not know of the love their Father has for them, or have not heard that Christ suffered for their sins! It's like I have this huge, unlimited supply of the most delicious chocolate cake, and I just want to share with everyone! Some people may not even know what it is and have never had the opportunity to taste anything so sweet, but once they do, they will experience joy and happiness beyond what they have ever felt! I would not want to live my life without knowing of the love of my God and my Savior. They have asked me to share this knowledge with everyone and I WILL! I am so excited to serve his children and to obey his commandments because I know that I can bless lives and in return my life will be blessed

How I live my faith

I have been a member of this church since I was born. I was baptized at the age of 8, went to primary and young women's, received my young womanhood recognition (a program for young women to increase their testimony of the gospel), and am now serving as a ward missionary in my student ward.
I keep the covenants I made at baptism and in the temple. I don't drink alcohol or coffee, I don't smoke or do drugs, I don't swear or use the Lord's name in vain, I don't participate in unwholesome entertainment or watch R rated movies, I keep my self morally clean and chaste, and I don't shop or participate in recreational activities on Sundays.
I serve my fellow man, I share my testimony with those I come in contact with, I laugh and have fun with my friends, I am a friend to people of all races, religions, and backgrounds, I love God and Jesus Christ, I go to church every sunday, I fast once a month, I read my scriptures and pray daily, and I attend the temple.

How does the Church finance its operations?

Lydia answered...

The church finances it's operations through the tithing of faithful members. Each member pays 10% of his or her income. Tithing is a commandment from God because it helps to build the kingdom of God on earth. It is also a way to show our obedience to and love for God. Out Father in Heaven has given us EVERYTHING we have! What is 10% in comparison? Plus, our Father promises that if we obey his commandments he will "open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Father in Heaven has also said "as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me." One of the ways that we can do that is through tithing. The LDS church is one of the biggest providers of humanitarian aid in the world. We were first responders in Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, and many, many other disasters around the world. This would not be possible without tithing. In addition to humanitarian aid, the church has it's own welfare program, and what we call the Bishop's Store House where low income families can go to receive food. Tithing helps to build temples, church houses, and funds many other church organizations. I have paid tithing all my life and I know that it is a true principle that helps me grow closer to Christ and blesses my life in more ways than I can count.
Clint answered...

The Church finances its operations primarily through voluntary donations from its members, generally referred to as Tithing. The Lord commanded his people in the Old Testament to bring their tithes to his servants. Many Church members today voluntarily donate a portion of their income help the Church bless the lives of millions of individuals through providing meetinghouses for worship, schools for education, supplies for humanitarian aid, food and housing assistance to the poor, etc. In addition, the Church owns and operates taxable for-profit business enterprises that generate income to help fund Church initiatives. The Church invests a portion of its gross receipts to maintain a financial reserve, and income from these investments provide an additional source of funds.

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.