Hi, I'm Madison

I'm an apprentice mortician, a black belt, a knitter, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Lately you can find me studying mortuary science at the local college, reading books, trying to finish one of my many knitting projects, practicing martial arts, and being with my family and friends. I have a great passion for reading, especially young adult fantasy, classic literature, and the occasional historical fiction. Perhaps it is my overactive imagination, or maybe it's just that I love escaping to a different world for a time. Whatever it is, I love to read!

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up a Mormon, but that's only part of the story. I am a Mormon today because I know it's right. Growing up a member of the Church was something I've always been grateful for. I always knew the Church was true, but over the years my conviction has grown and matured. Through the gentle promptings of the Holy Ghost, I have come to a greater understanding of the truth. I know God lives and that He sent His Holy Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer. How grateful I am for this knowledge!

I was fortunate enough to serve a mission for the Church in Rochester, New York. One of the best parts of my mission was meeting new people and introducing them to the greatest blessing of my life: the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Seeing the dramatic change in their hearts further witnessed to mine that this is the right place.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Last year my brother suggested we read the Book of Mormon together as a family. We all studied the scriptures individually before, but we decided to make it a family effort. As the weeks went by, our one-chapter-a-day routine started to become something more than a simple routine. It became a source of strength and unity. We all felt the difference that reading the words of Christ together made in our family.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

When people ask what I am going to school for and they find out I want to be a mortician, there are a variety of reactions I get. Some people are mildly curious, some understanding, and some are downright shocked! "What made you want to do THAT?" they ask. My response, to anyone who asks, is the same.

I want to be a mortician because it's the best way I know to serve. I love giving service because it allows me to feel a tiny sliver of the love that God has for His children. I feel the most close to him when I am sacrificing some of my time for another person. If I can provide at least a little stability for families enduring a difficult time after the death of a loved one, then I have achieved my goal. That's how I can be more like Jesus.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by trying hard to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. As a Church children's song says, "I'm trying to be like Jesus, I'm following in His ways. I'm trying to live as He did in all that I do and say." It's a work in progress!

What is the Book of Mormon?

Madison answered...

The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ. It works with the Bible to teach His word to all nations.
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Scott answered...

It is my conviction that if one simply examines the patterns and information given about holy writ in general that they ought to be inclined to ask and pray about whether or not the Book of Mormon is inspired. I say this because the Book of Mormon is not just a book of prayers or ethical teachings. The Book of Mormon is a historical record that has a deep and powerful impact on millions of people every single day. Religion aside, a book as influential and striking as the Book of Mormon is worth the investigation of anyone genuinely seeking truth. There are very few books that have entire study manuals, curriculum, books, thesis papers, scientific research, grammatical and literary research, live performances, and general discussion entirely about its content. The Bible might be the only other thing with as much extensive literature and documentation pertaining to its writings and doctrines. The Book of Mormon is at the very least intriguing when supplemented with archeological finds, external historical information, unique writing patters such as chiasmus, and overall literary competency and beauty found within the writing. From a non-religious stand point it is impressive, but from a religious perspective it is life changing. To have a testimony of a thing is powerful, but to hinge an entire belief system on 530 pages is another thing. To be so emotionally and spiritually connected to a thing is powerful, but when that thing is a book - that book must be something more than just written words. That book must be something inspired by God, preserved by His hand, and prepared by His grace. I believe that the Bible is one of those books. I also believe that the Book or Mormon is one of those books. There is no proving the Book of Mormon just like there is no proving the Bible. We believe that the teachings and doctrines found in the pages of the old and new testament are real and trustworthy. We cannot explain how, except perhaps the mercies and merit of God, the Bible was preserved for our days. But though we cannot explain it, we simply know it. If you ask any latter-day saint to prove the Book of Mormon to be true, they will simply reply that they cannot prove it, but they know it to be true. One should not demand evidence for the bible, they should read it study it and pray to know if it is true. It is the same for the Book of Mormon. Now the interesting thing about the Book of Mormon is that it something that you can feel, see, test, and try. It is real and tangible. I am confident that if anyone who is level headed and reasonable reads what is in the Book of Mormon and then simply asks if it is true that they will have a profound feeling come over them. But this feeling cannot come if there is an ulterior agenda for the reader. If you don't want it to be true or want to find flaws and errors in the text then you certainly will not obtain this profound feeling. You have to grant the fact that all things are indeed possible with God, and that he certainly could provide something more to draw us even closer to his will. Think of the Book of Mormon like the New Testament to the Jews. During the time of Paul and Peter, the Jews were very set in their ways. They had the Old Testament, and that was all that they felt that they needed for salvation. There was no mention of 12 apostles or a New Testament in the Old Testament; it was doctrines that were added upon to bring Gods children even closer to him. To say that the Bible is all that is needed is to say exactly what the Jews said about the teachings of Paul and the apostles. Must we be so quick to limit Gods ability to speak to us? Is it not a blessing to have more of his written word? I can understand a skeptic of The Book of Mormon. Many and man has tried to con the world into believing his new religion. But that is simply not the case with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I challenge anyone to read unbiased biographies about Joseph Smith and his character. Read the entries of the people who knew him and what they thought about his life and motives. What you will find is not a usurper or power, nor a charlatan, but rather an amazing individual whose life was taken in the pursuit of preaching revealed doctrines. The Book of Mormon is something that people have sacrificed their entire lives for. Its teachings have a daily effect of millions of people worldwide. Its doctrines bring peace and Joy to the hearts of the humble and faithful. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. I have to doubt of that.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Chris answered...

Simple Answer: No.

Detailed Answer: See below.

Saying that Joseph Smith is the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (LDS) may cause a misunderstanding for some. LDS doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church that existed in Old Testament and New Testament times. The "of Latter-day Saints" in the church's name denotes that this is the last dispensation before Jesus Christ's Second Coming, or the last period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood. The Old Testament and New Testament discuss various dispensations when Christ's church existed on the earth in its authentic state.

So, what is the importance of Joseph Smith in relation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. He was simply a man called to speak for the Lord and played a key role in the restoration of Christ's church here upon the earth in these latter-days. Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, we do not worship Joseph Smith, but study his life and teachings to better understand the will of God. Joseph Smith may had been a leader, but he was not and is not the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The head of the church is clearly stated in the church's name. The Church of "Jesus Christ" of Latter-day Saints