Hi, I'm Valerie

I'm a senior in high school. I compete nationally as an athletic jumproper. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am one busy person. This is my last year in high school and I love being involved. I recently portrayed the character Lina Lamont in our high school production of Singin' in the Rain. Apart from that I serve on our school's National Honor Society council, am elected as senior class senator, sing in a girl's choir, and even participate in our school's Harry Potter Club. I love taking part in activities that encourage new friendships.
Apart from school I am part of a jumprope team that competes and performs. I participate in both single rope and double dutch routines, both speed and freestyle.
I have an awesome large family who strengthens my testimony.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised into a Mormon family. Growing up it was perfectly natural for me to go to church. The example of my friends and family encouraged me to learn for myself that Mormonism was true.
Eventually, by reading The Book of Mormon, praying, and actively acting as I was taught, I gained a testimony of the church through the witness of the spirit of God.
I know that God lives, I know Christ suffered for my sins and yours, I know God restored the true and everlasting gospel to the earth through his prophet Joseph Smith. The Bible and Book of Mormon have influenced my life more than any other books and I know they are true books of scriptures.
Daily God blesses me with opportunities to build my testimony further. I have witnessed His love in the numerous tender mercies He has granted me.
And that is why I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

How I live my faith

I am a true believer in "line upon line, precept on precept". Daily sacrifice of time to pray and study the scriptures makes all the difference if done with a sincere heart. Some days I don't get as much out of the scriptures as other days, but I challenge myself to do better the next day.
Having a goal, purpose, or question when I read helps keep me focused and makes my study that much more meaningful.
I make spiritual goals for myself often. Such as, being more selfless that week, reading conference talks, or magnifying my young women's callings.
Certainly I am not perfect, but as long as I do my best that's all God expects.

Why is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Mormons or Mormonism?

Valerie answered...

The nickname "Mormon" stemmed from our belief of The Book of Mormon. Like other christian denominations we believe in Bible and the teachings of Christ contained in it.
In addition, we believe The Book of Mormon to be a testament of Christ. Our church was restored by the Lord through Joseph Smith. Part of that restoration included the translation of the The Book the of Mormon. This book is what distinguishes our church from others and thus the nickname, Mormonism.

Why do Mormons perform proxy baptisms in their temples?

Donna answered...

We have a loving Father in Heaven, whose work and glory are to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He is our Father, and wants each and every one of us to return to him. Some of His children never had the opportunity to receive the blessings of the gospel and be baptized in their lifetime. Because our Father loves all of His children, each will have the opportunity to accept the gospel, even if it is taught to them after this life. We do baptisms in the temple by proxy so that those who did not have the opportunity in this life to be baptized into the church may receive this ordinance if they desire it.