Hi, I'm Mary

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm undergraduate student studying Anthropology. I love to go hiking, camping, horseback riding and swimming.

I'm attempting to love running.

Why I am a Mormon

I'm a Mormon because God answered my prayers to know the Book of Mormon is true. The Spirit has continually witnessed to me of it's truthfulness as I have studied it and live it.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Everyone has their own personal reasons for going on a mission. I always wanted to go, ever since I was little. Then I turned 20 and boys, career paths and school became more important.

But when I turned 22 I began to have this re-occurring thought that I should go on a mission. I was hesitant because I thought everything in my life was perfect the way it was, but I could not get rid of the feeling that Heavenly Father wanted me to go -- so I went. It was the greatest decision of my life.

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

Something my husband and I have done to shield ourselves and our home is to be very careful about the movies we see and buy. Before we go see a movie, we'll check online for the parental guidelines. Then we can discuss if we think it's appropriate. This way we don't have to be faced with the decision of whether to walk out of the theater or not.

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

I share the gospel with my friends because it is such an essential part of me. Most of the time it just comes up naturally in conversations. It's refreshing to me --and I think many others-- to talk about God and religion.

Because I believe sincerely that this is the true church of God, I also often pray for opportunities to share my beliefs with the people around me -- especially with my friends and acquaintances. Sometimes people are interested, sometimes they're not, but I hope they always feel comfortable asking me questions.

How I live my faith

I live my faith imperfectly, just like everyone else -- but I try to remember to share the gospel with others.The church has given me many opportunities to do this.

I have recently been assigned to be a leader in over the youth (young women ages 12-18) in our congregation. I get the opportunity to teach lessons on Sunday about the Savior and his teachings. I also get to help the girls develop leadership skills by helping them plan weekly activities. It has been so fun to create friendships with these young women. Being their associates has strengthened my own faith in the Savior.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Mary answered...

We believe in it. We know that it is impossible to have eternal life without it.
The Bible and the Book of Mormon teach us how central this doctrine is. A scripture found in the Book of Mormon explains clearly the essential role of grace

"And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever therefore, of what have ye to boast?" Mosiah 2:23-24

Living the commandments is essential to our purpose here in this life, but because each of us is imperfect, we know it is only through the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ that we will be saved.
Kevin answered...

Mormons believe that grace is a vital part of the atonement of Jesus Christ. We believe that it is by grace that we are saved after all we can do. The good works of an individual coupled with the grace of Christ can lead us to salvation. The grace of Jesus Christ is also an "enabling power" that gives us the strength to bear up under the burdens and trials of life. I have found great strength by relying upon the grace of Christ at times in my life when there was nothing else to provide it. Many times, I have been enabled to perform daily tasks, church assignments, responsibilities as a father and husband that were well beyond my personal abilities. I know that this was the enabling power of the grace of Jesus Christ. Grace is Christ's power to save me after this life and His power to help me while still here on the earth. I must always do my part through faith repentance and good works, but I know that in the end, it will be His grace that will save me.

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

Jacob answered...

We all have the freedom to pursue happiness in their own way, and I would even be willing to allow that some desires may be genetically given. This does not make our desires right. In the scriptures we read " For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." (Mosiah 3:19) We all have "natural desires" that place us in opposition with God's purpose and desires for us and we must each seek to correct them if we wish true happiness.

I sympathize with those whose desires are powerful and poignant; you face a sore trial indeed. The scriptures give us hope though; "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) God is merciful and Christ is compassionate, while there may be yet an effectual struggle to be had perhaps for many years or the rest of our lives full repentance and change is possible.

If a homosexual individual desires to continue as such and marry only by the laws and rites of the state, then I have no qualms, I will do my utmost to be a friend to such an individual. I only ask that my rights, beliefs, and Church are respected.