Hi, I'm Melissa

I am from a tiny farming town in Idaho, I now teach fourth grade, I love new adventures, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love things that go fast. Ever since I was small I have loved roller coasters, adventure sports, and the outdoors. I assure my mom that I am "safe dangerous," so I never get injured, but I definitely have an adventurous side. I have a bucket list that I am working on and have checked off fifty-three things so far, including sky diving. I also love baking, decorating, crafting, and creating new things. I play the piano, love musicals, and am happiest being with my family.

Why I am a Mormon

I have discovered that life is hard and it probably always will be but with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there is a peace and stability in my life that nothing else can offer. No matter what I pass through, I am never left alone.
I am awed to know that God loves me so much that He has provided a prophet for me to follow just as those in the days of Moses or Abraham. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes in continued revelation, which allows me to have additional words of prophets in addition to the Bible. Being Mormon answers the basic questions of my soul--like What has happened to those I love so much who have passed on? or Why am I here; why is life hard?--and allows me the peace of knowing what the purpose of this life is. In a few words because being Mormon makes me happy--the kind of happy that lasts. I know life will probably never be easy, but with the understanding about life that comes from being Mormon, that is okay.

Personal Stories

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

One summer I decided to move to Alaska and work to earn money for school. It was my first time living far from home and I was unbelievably homesick. I called home for Mother's Day and spent the whole phone call crying. I had good work hours and a lot of free time, so that summer I read the Book of Mormon. It was not the first time, but it touched me in a new way, very real to my own personal experiences right then.
I read in the Book of Mormon about a prophet who God called to sail to the promised land. He had to have faith that he truly was being led to something better than what he was leaving behind. The Lord told him that it would be a rough journey--there would be storms, there would be times that they would be tossed and buried by the waves, but also promised them that they would always have light, that He would be with them, and that He would always bless them when they called on Him. They began their journey, and as warned, the winds never did stop blowing. The trip was rough. The waves did come. But also, as promised, no sea animal harmed them, nothing could stop them, and they arrived somewhere that truly was a promised land.
That was when I saw that the Book of Mormon was for me, in my life. I was far from home. This life was my own journey across the sea and I shouldn't expect it to be easy. If I plan on making it back to God, I should expect a little wind. It reassured me, though, to know and to feel more strongly than ever before, that God IS in control, that he will NOT leave me alone, that if I seek Him I will always have light to guide me as I go. I felt so comforted, thousands of miles from home and felt a deep connection to God and His love for me. I knew as I still know that He is helping me, that he loves me, and that it will all be okay. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon for helping me see and feel that lesson in my life and for the many times since I have felt it as I've read The Book of Mormon.

How I live my faith

One thing I love about the church is that members have callings--opportunities to help run the church as they seek guidance from the Lord. With no paid clergy, all members get opportunities to serve. Therefore, I've been able to help live my faith in a lot of interesting ways that have helped me grow as a person. I have taught scripture study classes, helped plan activities, have worked with children, have played the piano for church choirs, and currently am the president of the Relief Society in my area. The Relief Society is the world's largest women's organization in the world and works to help foster faith, create strong families, and give aid to those in need. Each area of the church has a branch of women who are part of a Relief Society. I love getting to know others, feeling that I always have people who love me even though I'm away from family, and working with others toward common goals.
I also participate in regular scripture study and prayer and attend the temple--a sacred church building where members of the church make covenants, or promises with the Lord.

Mormons believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. Why do we need a Savior?

Melissa answered...

We need a Savior because all of us, no matter how hard we try or how good we may be will not be perfect, will not make it through this life unspotted, and will fall short of the requirements to live with God again. Not only did Christ allow us to overcome physical death so that we can be with those we have lost and have the chance to be resurrected with a perfect body, but he also opened the gate for us to be able to live with God again. When I think of how much love my own Dad, I can only imagine what it will be like to live with God again.
I have found that not only does Christ save us from death and from sin, but he enables us to become better. He helps us accomplish things that are not within our reach or abilities. He helps us overcome bad habits and continue with better ones. He changes our thoughts and our feelings. Without him, we would never be able to become our best selves.
Meaghan answered...

Have you ever met a perfect person? I doubt it. Why? Because everyone makes mistakes. When you make a mistake or are confused on what you should do, you want someone to help you, right? We all need someone to help us. We all need a Savior. We always hear that Jesus Christ saved us, but what does that truly mean? It not only means that he suffered and died for you personally, it means that he lived and lives for us too. He wants to help us. Jesus Christ is the only one who underestands everything that we go through. He not only wants to make up for the mistakes we make, but he wants to carry our burdens too. All we need to do is let him carry our burdens. Everyone faces personal challenges and Jesus is there to help. Everyone makes a mistake qa some point in life too. The beauty of having a Savior, is the fact that we can be forgiven. Sometimes our hands get dirty, but they can always be washed clean.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Emrol answered...

Members of the Church are encouraged to be actively involved in their communities. This involvement may even include political activity. The Church is made up members who hold differing political views, positions and opinions. While the Church will support any measure or position that will allow for the free practice of our religion, and the strengthening and supporting of families in general, it does not endorse any specific person involved in political activity, platform, or party.