Hi, I'm Venus

I'm a First Generation Mormon.

About Me

Let's see.. I'm 27yrs old, I was born and raised in Northern, New Jersey & Yes I have an accent..lol. My nationality is Puerto Rican & Polish and I was raised Catholic until I converted to the LDS church in 2002. Once I graduated high school, I relocated with my mom to Virginia for college. I earned my BS in Bio-Chemistry and shortly after attended Med school. I had a change of heart and found my true calling in life... Teaching. I absolutely love kids, what a privilege to have the opportunity to help shape young minds. So I'm back in college working on my BA in Elementary Education. In my spare time I volunteer with non-profit organizations and of course in elementary schools. I also love to watch my sports, go to concerts, read, attempt to snowboard and just enjoy life.

Why I am a Mormon

“Please God take away this hurt from my heart and give me a reason to stop feeling this way. I’m tired of feeling so lonely and sad. I just want you to please help me. Send me a sign and I will take it and go with it. Just please help me.”

Those are the words that came out of my mouth one night in Oct. of 2002 when I was on my knees, crying and praying that God save me. In the past year, I had moved to VA from NJ, left behind my whole family, all my friends and the security of being in a place I knew so well. I found myself starting over again & I was lost. The only thing I had was my faith and I couldn’t find a Roman Catholic church I felt comfortable in. I began to change and started walking down a dangerous path I knew once I took, I wouldn’t be the same girl ever again. The next morning I woke up feeling the same, I went to class, came home. Because it was such a cloudy day no one was outside. I put my book bag done, sat on the couch and was about to start complaining to myself. Then I heard it…a knock at the door. I figured it was just a neighbor. But I as walked towards the door I saw two bikes and wonder who is that? Who is out on a bike when its about to rain? And then I opened the door, little did I know but my life was about to change forever. That bitter taste my life was starting to have was gone, I made two friends that day Elder McDonald & Elder Law.

One scripture from The Book Of Mormon I feel best describes How I felt when I first met the missionaries..

Mosiah 27: 28-29
“The Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God. My soul hath been are deemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was cracked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.”

I became Mormon because I prayed with an open heart for God to send me a sign and He did. I am a Mormon because I love the gospel and the warmth I get from reading it, living it & teaching it. Words could never describe how good I feel since I joined the church. I have a love for God now, not a fear. Many will say "Oh well, what if it was some other church that had knocked on your door?" I say to them do not live in the "What If" live in the "What Did". People will always try and bring down your happiness due to their own bitter hearts. But ask yourself what makes you smile every day.. I smile every day because I know Heavenly Father loves me. And through the good times and bad times, he will always be there.. walking with me, crying with me, laughing with me and picking me up when I fall because I have the full truth now.

Personal Stories

How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

With me being in church, I promised Heavenly Father I was going to be obedient with the commandments and stand as leader for those around me. After all I am a first-generation pioneer, I need to be a leader now not a follower. I remind myself every day of the people who came before me on their own as well. They lived each day enduring the challenges of family, every day life, and faith. When they fell down, they got back up and kept it moving. I tell myself I need to be as strong as them and stand as an example to my family of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

My family has noticed a change in me, I’ve become more understanding and forgiving. The gospel has helped give me these qualities. By being patient and sweet, people see the goodness in me and wonder where does it come from. They see this bright smile and hear such a cheerful giggle, it just makes them smile. The brightness is the Savior’s love coming through me. Without fail, me living a righteous and faithful life will establish great values which help shape my life and become a standard for my family and future

How I live my faith

I live my faith by teaching in Sunday school, visit teaching other sisters and being on the activities committee at Young Singles Adult Ward also known as YSA. YSA is for singles from age 18 to 30. I also Co-Coordinator our Family Home Evening (FHE) on Monday Nights. At FHE, we share scriptures, sing hymns then we play games or go out as a group. By giving my free time to the Church as a service, I know I'm also helping Heavenly Father by growing a closer bond in our ward.

What do Mormons believe is the purpose of life?

Venus answered...

The purpose of this life is to return back to Our Heavenly Father. After this life, we’ll go back to him where we’ll be forever with our families. So, when this life is over do not worry or cry for it’s only the beginning… We’ll meet again..
Sarah answered...

Perhaps one of the greatest blessings I have received by being a Mormon is a concrete understanding of the purpose of life. We believe that every human being is a literal child of Heavenly Father. We lived with Him in Heaven before we were born on earth. Our purpose in life is to keep His commandments, so that we can be worthy to return to live with our Father in Heaven again after we die. We cannot be worthy without allowing the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Savior, to cleanse us of sin.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Casey answered...

Love the sinner, not the sin. We do not uplift or support it in any way. We try to help those overcome this serious and difficult urge of same-gender attraction. To some it is very serious, they feel they are 'borne' that way. Others feel great peer pressure, some are simply curious. Not matter the case, it is simply wrong. It is not ordained of God, and God does not take it lightly. To those who may struggle with this very urge, as you avoid it, and try to overcome it, God will strengthen you. Some people struggle with an addiction toward pornography, or cigarettes, some it might a seemingly over-powering urge toward alcohol, or to some, same-gender attraction. No matter the urge, they are all not of God and all Satan's devices to bring down worthy and righteous souls down to his level of misery. The family is ordained of God and it is our responsibility to uplift and support the family in any way we can.