Hi, I'm Jenn.

I am a wife, mother and teacher. Hablo español. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a married mother of four children. I have lived in Missouri my whole life except for study abroad experiences in Mexico and Spain. I am a Spanish instructor by day and a wife/mother/PTA member/cook/maid/drill sergeant by night. I was raised on a farm but I am raising my family in the city. One of the things I love about living in an urban area is the great variety of people and beliefs that surround us. The longer I live in city, the more I see how similar it is to living in a rural community. As much as I value the diversity among the people where I live, I also see how much we have in common. First and foremost, we are children of God!

Why I am a Mormon

I often think of my conversion in terms of the August day that I went to church with the sister missionaries and listened to a talk specifically about the Book of Mormon and felt that whisper of the Holy Ghost in a way I could no longer deny. . .but really, I had been in the process of conversion for some time before that. First, I began to feel dissatisfied with my life as it was. Then I became certain that God was real, though I still wasn't sure if he objected to my partying ways. Then I met the man who introduced me to the missionaries and gradually learned that Mormons are not total freaks and weirdos. Then I met the sister missionaries who gradually, gently taught me line upon line about the truth.

For several months, I met with the sister missionaries and learned about the church. They corrected the weird things I thought I knew and taught me more about new things that were previously unfamiliar. Eventually, it all came down to one thing: is the Book of Mormon the word of God or not?

The answer to that question came during a church meeting. I had been to church many times with the Mormon missionaries and I had many experiences of good, peaceful feelings while I was there. But I couldn't be sure whether or not those feelings meant the church was "true," or if it just meant I was hanging out with good people who were trying their best. . .until one particular meeting I attended where the topic was the Book of Mormon and its importance in missionary work. The feelings in my heart as Sister Gardner spoke about the Book of Mormon were unmistakable. At that point, I knew it was true. It only took me another day or so to decide to do something about it.

I was baptized three weeks later, and have not looked back. I have been a member now for sixteen years and this gospel has changed my life completely. I had to change so many things when I was baptized. It was good-bye to coffee, tea, alcohol, partying, short skirts, and loose morals. There were so many things I had to give up, but I gained so much more in return. This gospel will now bless my family for generations to come. It brings me peace, comfort, joy, and love. When I struggle, I know where to turn for peace and comfort and I can never deny what I know to be true: The Book of Mormon IS the word of God, and a companion to the Bible, which is also the word of God. God DOES care what I do. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His Church and I feel blessed to be a part of His Kingdom.

Personal Stories

Could you talk about your baptism?

I was baptized when I was 21 years old. Once I gained a testimony and decided not to ignore it, I was excited to be baptized. I remember being a little nervous but the sister missionaries prepared me well for baptism. I understood that I was making covenants, and that I was being washed clean of all my sins. I longed for that cleansing! The baptism itself was quick and water-y. I remember feeling joy, but not much else. It's been sixteen years, and I remember very few specifics, except for the baptismal prayer and the joy I felt.

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

I read somewhere that the study of doctrine will change behavior more quickly than the study of behavior will change it. The best way to develop greater harmony in our homes is to grow closer to God by prayer and scripture study.

How has attending Church services helped you?

Attending weekly Church services is very important to me. It helps to lift my spirit and calm my soul. When I get to caught up in petty problems, going to Church helps me to focus again on what is most important. Attending Church services is also a little bit like going to school, but for my spirit as much as my mind. When I go to church, I listen to speakers who talk on gospel principles and I participate in Sunday School lessons where we dig into the scriptures and learn how to really use them.

How I live my faith

I live my faith most of all by remembering it, in everything I do. When I get up in the morning, the most important thing for me to do is to begin with prayer and scripture study. Some days/weeks are better than others, but my goal is to do this daily. I live my faith by serving in the lay ministry in our church. I work with other women in providing activities and planning Sunday meetings for women. I also help organize service projects and visit sisters who are new or our area, sick, or just in need of a friend.

Mormons believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. Why do we need a Savior?

Jenn. answered...

We need a Savior because we cannot be perfect on our own. The prospect of trying to be perfect is overwhelming and impossible, unless we have a Savior who can make up the difference.
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Trisha answered...

There are doctrinal answers to why we believe we need a Savior to redeem us from the Fall of Adam and to return us to our Father in Heaven that you'll probably come across here. But let me tell you why I need a Savior personally and what He does for me. Christ suffered personally for my pains, sorrows, and sins so that if I ask Him too, He can take them from me. I have been the victim of abuse in my life, and yet through Him I have been able to lay it all at His feet, freely forgive, feel peace, find love, and understand how important negative life experiences can be in teaching us humility. Daily He takes my pain and replaces it with pure love so that I am no longer a victim, but a victor. I need a Savior because He knows me, and through him my flaws become strengths and my pain becomes peace.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Craig answered...

There are no restrictions. Any such practices have been done away with and all the blessings of the gospel are available to any individual who chooses to follow Christ. This is something I have studied and prayed as I have wanted to know for certain that equality is taught in this church. I have come to know for myself that it is. There is a rich history in the church of black and African membership and there are efforts to celebrate this and other cultural diversity.