Hi, I'm Heidi

I grew up in California, not far from the ocean. Now I'm trying to raise four kids in the desert. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a happily married mother of four young children, ranging from age 18 months to 9. Mostly my life revolves around making our house a home and volunteering at my kids' school. I also teach piano lessons and love to write fiction, especially sci-fi and fantasy stories. Some of my other favorite pastimes include reading, playing video games with my kids, and competing in triathlons.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents were Mormon and going to church was a big part of my life growing up. However, it wasn't until I was a college student that I really decided to find out for myself if this was the path I wanted to take. I was taking a class about the Book of Mormon, and I got so caught up in reading it that I finished the book long before I was assigned to do so. I felt so warm and calm inside every time that I read that I just couldn't put it down. The things I was learning just made so much sense. When I finished the book, I had gained such a strong conviction of its truth that I committed myself fully to living as a member of the church and following Jesus Christ.

Personal Stories

What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?

My husband and I decided at the beginning of our marriage to be very careful about the media that we allowed into our house. We do not own any R-rated movies, or even movies that may be rated PG-13 that we feel are inappropriate for our family. We also made the decision right from the beginning not to subscribe to cable or satellite TV. We screen the music that we listen to, trying to avoid songs with inappropriate lyrics. This has made a big difference in protecting our children so that they don't think that violence and immorality are normal.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

When I was going to college, I had made some dramatic changes in my life, mostly involving my goals and what I thought was most important. I had prayed about the Book of Mormon and received a clear answer that it was true. I had a deep desire to follow Jesus Christ. I also felt like it was important to do something to help others, to give back when I had been given so much.

As my graduation neared, I thought quite a bit about what my plans would be and what would make the most difference in my life and others' lives. I had considered joining the Peace Corps or perhaps just getting involved in a local volunteer program while working. After quite a bit of prayer and reflection, I decided to serve a mission. I felt that this would give me the most opportunity to share the joy and peace I had in my life with others. I also believed that the greatest way I could make a difference in the world was to help others come to know Jesus Christ personally and to join His church.

My mission was one the most challenging experiences I ever had, but also one of the most rewarding. What a difference I made in my own life, just by focusing so much on the lives of others! I made new friends, people I still love and cherish today, more than ten years later. I had so many opportunities to share my beliefs and to serve others. Most of all, I got to experience firsthand the love God has for all of us, whatever our nationality or background or beliefs.

How I live my faith

It's important to me to raise my children with a strong sense of values and a belief in Jesus Christ. As a family we read the scriptures together every day and pray regularly. Once a week we have a family night where we talk about how we can be more like Jesus and obey his commandments. At church on Sunday I play the piano for the children. They sing lots of songs about the principles they are learning, and my music helps them to feel comfortable and have fun. I also visit several other women who live in my neighborhood, checking to make sure that they are doing OK and enjoying some grown-up conversation time about our spiritual needs.

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

Heidi answered...

The tithing that we pay goes to support the programs and facilities of the church. All of our beautiful chapels, temples, and other church facilities are supported by tithing.
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April answered...

Tithing is paid in faith. I know these funds will not be misused. I pay tithing because it is a commandment, and because I love God and want to give Him back a small porion of what He has given me, to futher build up His church. These funds go to build and maintain church buildings and temples and other like expenses. Our clergy is not paid. There is no collection plate. We simply pay our tithing, our fast offerings, we share what we have gladly. This is God's way. For this is God's church.

Do Mormons only help Mormons?

Sam answered...

Absolutely not. I personally have been a part of countless efforts to serve those not of our faith. We don't just serve others because we want them to join our Church. We serve because it's the right thing to do. Because it's what the Savior taught and exemplified. I think God often places people in our path when we are in a position to help. Sometimes, this can be a litmus test for how committed we are to living a Christlike life, especially if this "opportunity" comes at a very inconvenient time.

Perhaps we sometimes overlook opportunities to help because we are too focused on the problems staring us right in the face. I do know, however, that the Church makes a very concerted investment of time, talent, and resources in humanitarian aid throughout the world. We are often some of the first to arrive and the last to leave in cases like Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, and areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. We often coordinate our efforts with other organizations like the Red Cross or the Catholic Church.