Hi, I'm Erin.

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a wife and mother. We have one son. I'm also a piano teacher, a grad student studying ESL at the high school level and multicultural education. I love reading, blogging, watching movies...and pretend to love exercise and whole wheat bread. Because they're good for me.

Why I am a Mormon

I'll be honest. Sometimes I ask myself this question, too. Being part of this Church means living high standards, it means serving others, and reaching out when sometimes...I'd rather just...not. But I've found the truth of it through my own personal experience. The times in my life that I have lived the Gospel the best I can, the times I've sought the scriptures for guidance and prayed often, and the times when I've attended my church meetings and the temple have been the seasons of greatest peace and the times I've felt the most sure about the direction I'm going. I practice this faith and live the principles that come with membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because they make me happy, protect my family, and reassure me when life seems far to challenging to handle. I'm a Mormon because I have felt the truth of this Gospel, organized in this way, through the Spirit of God. And I can't deny that I know the truth.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I went on a mission when I figured out for myself that this Church is true. A couple of years before I went on a mission I had an experience where I was asked to share what I believe. At 18 years old, a life-time member of this Church, I was startled to find out that I wasn't sure. I knew all the right things to say, but I didn't know if I really meant them. I spent a year working on it, reading the scriptures, really praying for the truth. I got my answer quickly, and I knew that I wanted to share the knowledge I gained with other people. I saw into the lives of people who suffered in so many ways. But I also saw their faith and their blessings. I was encouraged by them. When I made them promises about keeping the commandments and receiving blessings from God, I knew that the information would bless their lives. And now, when I struggle with a certain commandment, I think about what I would have told the families I met in England when I was on my mission. I think about the promises of blessings that God offered them for their obedience, and I apply it to my life now. I'm grateful that I was able to introduce people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and learn more about the challenge that life can throw at families, but I'm also grateful for the increase in faith I received from going.

How I live my faith

I live my faith first in my relationships with my husband and son. We encourage each other, teach each other, and I recognize my responsibility in helping them down the right path and serving them daily. I also teach a class at church full of kids 8-11 years old. This last year I've made the commitment to be prepared for every class I teach, and I can feel the difference in the classroom when I come in with activities, lessons, and scriptures prepared to share and discuss.

Why do Mormons perform baptisms for the dead?

Erin. answered...

First off, it's not nearly as creepy as it sounds. It is a simple baptismal service done in the name a person who has passed away, in order to give him or her access to the same covenants and blessings that we have access to. We believe that everyone needs to choose for themselves whether or not they want to be baptized, and there were many people born during a time when the Priesthood of God was not available to baptize them. Others people were either not presented with the Gospel at all, or not taught it in a way that they understood the importance of it. Because we believe that people who have passed away are still very much alive, they can benefit from a vicarious baptism. We are baptized in their name, and they can choose whether or not they accept it.
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Stuart Clark answered...

We believe that baptism is essential for salvation. It is a covenant with God to obey his commandments. Christ taught that we all must be baptized. Some people die without being baptized or knowing about the Church of Jesus Christ. They must also have an opportunity for salvation. Those who have died are taught the gospel in the world of the spirits. But, baptism is an earthly ordinance. So we can perform that ordinance for them by being baptized for them, just as Christ died for us as a proxy for us, we can be baptized for others. This is authorized by Christ in his church to be performed in the temples. The person who died can either receive this gift or reject it. They still have their agency.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

Amber answered...

President Thomas S. Monson is our current prophet. He is called of God to receive revelation for us today. I am grateful for living prophets and apostles to lead and guide us in this troubled world. I know that they are called of God, and if we follow their counsel we will be happy.