Hi, I'm Jennifer

My family was converted by missionaries and members. I have a great husband and seven children. I am a Mormon.

About Me

My name is Jennifer. I was born and raised in Ohio. My parents joined the church when I was six. I have one sister. My mother died of cancer when I was 15. I went to college in Utah and Michigan. I met my husband at the Institute program at a college in Michigan. We were married in the Toronto Temple. We have 7 children. Things I love to do are: blogging, spending time with my sister and children, watching tv, reading and playing games.

Why I am a Mormon

Because being a Mormon is the best way for me to be happy. I find real joy in knowing there is a prophet on the earth today that talks with God and knows what the world needs. I find real joy in knowing that I am a child of God and that He loves me and knows me and wants to help me. I am a Mormon because when I ask Heavenly Father to tell me if things are true, He tells me by letting me feel the Spirit so strongly. I cannot deny it. I know He's there and He's real.

How I live my faith

I attend church with my family every week. I used to teach children's Sunday School but now I'm working with teenage girls, helping them achieve goals. I visit sisters I am asked to see to make sure they are ok and all their needs are met. I serve others by taking meals when they are sick or watching kids for them when they need help. I also volunteer in the community so I can set a good example for those around me. I want everyone who meets me to know that I am a believer in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Taylor answered...

Quite simply, no. The young men of the church have been strongly encouraged to serve a mission at age 19, and the sisters are able to serve at age 21, but no one is required to serve. We do it because we want to! Who in their right mind would give up two years and pay that's right, missionaries pay their own way to go somewhere they had never been and do all that they do? We serve missions becuase we know that Jesus is the Christ, and we want the happiness that knowledge bring to be available to everyone! So no, Mormons are not required to serve a mission. It's a personal choice to share the happiness and joy they've received from the Gospel.
Nick answered...

"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.

Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.

To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.

Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.

Are Mormons Christians?

Chad answered...

In the truest sense of the word, most certainly yes!
The main belief of the mormon church is that of Christ and His Atonement for mankind. We believe that anybody who wants to can be saved through Christ's Sacrifice for us.
Without Christ, our church would be meaningless, void, and pointless. He is the core of this church. In fact, He is the leader and head of this church.
Some people say we don't believe in Christ, but I wholeheartedly disagree; Christ is everything to us - He rescues us from sin and fear, He is the reason for our being.
We celebrate and rejoice in His life and works and know that He lives today! Christ is risen and is ready to help us in our lives.

View Other People:

Meet Mormons

Discover Mormons who share your personal experience:

Find a Church

Enter as much address information as you can to find a church near you:

Articles of Faith

Thirteen statements outlining some of our basic teachings and ordinances.

Learn More

Joseph Smith

As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.

Learn More

Mormon.org: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Chat With a Mormon Online