Hi, I'm Jen

I'm a Pre-Med student, studying neuroscience and Spanish. I love to read books, play music and meet new people. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a convert to the church, baptized on February 6th, 2010. I'm a Pre-Med student studying neuroscience and Spanish. I love to read The Harry Potter series, and anything by Jane Austen is amazing! Holidays are my favorite I love to over decorate for all of them. I'm a huge fan of horses and mountains. Medicine is my passion, music is my heart! I've played cello for the last 9 years, and I recently started learning how to play piano.

Why I am a Mormon

I was never looking to change my life. I was happy as a Catholic, which is the religion I grew up with; but Heavenly Father knew better. The church found me, and I am forever grateful for it. There is a spirit with this church that can not be found anywhere else. I know the Book of Mormon is true, and it has made a world of difference in my life. This church brings me happiness because I know it's where I belong.

Personal Stories

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

It comes back to the fundamental laws of physics: an object in motion will stay in motion, and an object at rest will stay at rest. If we start making good choices, we start moving; and once we are moving, we won't stop.

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

I am the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in my family. My ancestors never had the chance to learn about and join The Church. I do family history because I want my ancestors to have the chance to receive all of the wonderful blessings that come from being a member of this religion.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by being the best person I can be. I continually strive to share the things I've mastered, and perfect the things I have not. I know my standards, and I don't lower them for anyone. I dress modestly, refrain from swearing, and do not drink alcohol, no matter what. And I do this, not because it's a rule, but because I don't want to. Most importantly, I work hard to let the light of Christ shine through me.

What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?

Jen answered...

The word "testimony" is used frequently by members of The Church. When they use this, what they mean is they have knowledge that a certain principle or doctrine is true because they have studied it, and received a witness of it from the Holy Ghost. For example, to gain a 'testimony' of the Book of Mormon, you read it, study it, and ask Heavenly Father if it is true. He will typically respond with a feeling of peace or happiness. This feeling is the witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. Once you receive this witness, you have built a testimony of the Book Of Mormon. This process can be applied to any aspect of The Church, or your life.
Megan! answered...

A testimony is the knowledge that a certain principle is true, right, or good. For example, I have a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He did truly atone for our sins. In order to gain that knowledge, I have studied, reflected on what I learned in my study, and prayed to have that knowledge confirmed in my heart. As an answer to those prayers, (for there were many--building a testimony is an ongoing process) I have felt the truth in my heart.
We can gain testimonies of many principles. Another way is to put that principle into action, as sort of a test. In order to gain a testimony of prayer, we might try praying. To gain a testimony of the principle of tithing, we might try paying a full tithe. (10% of our income.) As we strive to live these principles, the Holy Ghost will confirm the truthfulness of them to our hearts. We will know that they are right; we will have a testimony of them.

Mormons also talk about "bearing testimony." This simply means to share the testimony we have gained with other people, either in a formal setting (like in church) or in a more informal setting (like in a conversation with a friend.)

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

Don answered...

Recently I taught a Sunday School lesson about the Apostle Paul who was cast into jail because of being falsely accused of taking non-jews into the holy parts of the ancient temple. The penalty for doing so was death. It caused me to think of the sacredness of the temple, and that people throughout history have gone through a preparation process in order to approach God through temple worship.

In our time, both members of the church and non-members who have not prepared are turned away from the sacred parts of the temple not because of secrets, but rather due to the sacred nature of the temple and the preparation required to go there. Anyone can go to the temple, given they prepare themselves and demonstrate that preparation in a visit with those responsible for qualifying persons for entrance to the temple.

I love the peace that comes from being in the temple, having prepared myself to approach the Lord in His house. I feel His Spirit there. I am grateful that others who are there have prepared themselves in the same way.

Anyone who wants to know more about the nature of the temples can ask any missionary what it takes to qualify to go there. My personal experience and witness is that it is worth qualifying oneself and experiencing the beauty and peace that is constantly there.