Hi, I'm Karen.

I grew up in Southern California. I'm a writer and a wanderer. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a traveler with too few stamps in my passport and I'm always dreaming of my next adventure. I've volunteered with Habitat for Humanity's Global Village and am actively involved with a youth group for teenage girls. Plus, I have a day job.

I listen to all kinds of music, from REM to U2 to Green Day. I also read all kinds of books, though I imagine it will be decades before anything replaces Harry Potter as my favorite series. I'm a big fan of action movies and watch way too much television.

I'm conservative by choice and not by coercion.

I'm a single woman in a family-oriented church. There were times when that used to feel lonely. But now, I realize it gives me more time to serve. Plus, I get the benefit of enjoying my friends' children, and handing them back when they are in need of changing. Best of both worlds, really.

I'm also a writer and a blogger and I love the connections I've made with new friends all around the world. It's nice to feel like I'm part of a community.

Why I am a Mormon

I was 10 when missionaries first came to our door. I didn't know at the time that someone in the house had requested a visit, mostly as a joke.

After months of visiting the local LDS ward and being taught by the missionaries, I was baptized with my mother and my younger brother at the age of 11.

As a teenager and young adult, there were times that I still found myself questioning if I should believe what I'd been taught. Every time I hit my knees in earnest prayer and studied the scriptures, I received that confirmation again and again.

Today, my testimony comes in three parts:

1) The fruits of the gospel are good. Matthew 7 teaches that a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. I've had the privilege of witnessing so many good and wonderful things as a result of following the teachings of Christ in his church.

2) It makes sense. When I wonder about some principle or bit of doctrine, I can find the answers because they are out there, available to anyone who seeks them.

3) I've felt it. I feel the Spirit in church, and when I serve others, and when I share what I believe.

I am a Mormon because what I've been taught is true.

How I live my faith

I have the privilege of serving the women of my congregation and visiting with our members. I get to help with everything from teaching lessons to taking a meal to a family in need.

In addition, I choose my entertainment carefully, try to find uplifting ways to spend my Sundays, and am always happy to answer questions from my friends, family, and occasionally from strangers.

Why do you have 12 Apostles? They were just meant to be around for the time of Jesus Christ, not to be replaced with new apostles.

Scott Jackson answered...

When Jesus Christ was on the Earth, He established an organization of prophets, apostles, teachers, and other leaders to lead and guide the members of His church (the body of Christ, as it is referred to in the New Testament). When Judas died, and Jesus had left the Earth, the first order of business for the other 11 apostles was to fill the vacancy. They did so by praying and seeking out revelation. They eventually decided on Matthias. This example shows us that apostles were not only to be used for when Christ was on the Earth, but that God wanted Apostles to lead His children at all times. Unfortunately, apostasy stirred within the early church, and the apostles were killed one by one. The world was left without Priesthood leadership, until the time of the Restoration, when this same authority was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery from the very same Peter, James and John (as resurrected beings). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints has 12 apostles, just like in New Testament times. These special witnesses of Christ bear solemn witness that Jesus is the Christ. They help the Prophet and President of the Church to share the Gospel message to the four corners of the Earth.
Mark answered...

The principle of a perpetuating body of twelve special witnesses of Christ comes in ancient times from the fact that the eleven survivors of the death of the Savior chose a twelfth to replace Judas Iscariot (see Acts of the Apostles 1:15-26) Two were considered worthy to take his place, but only one was chosen. When the apostles cast their lots, the inspired choice fell upon Matthias.

In modern times, the Church's organization has been one of gradual building. As the needs of the Church have continued to grow, the prophet of the Lord has been directed to add not only the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, but other supporting quorums of the Seventy as well. The structure of the local organization of wards and stakes has been given by revelation to complete it. But as the needs of the Church continue to evolve so will the structure which supports it. Christ remains the chief cornerstone and the Apostles as the foundation with Him. (see Ephesians 2:19-20 also Ephesians 4:11-14)

What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?

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.)