Hi, I'm Abby!

I'm a college student studying Graphic Design. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My name is Abby and I am a college student majoring in Graphic Design. I love listening to music and spending hours finding new bands that nobody's heard of. I'm the oldest of 2 children and love spending time with my family. My family lives in Michigan, which is about 1600 miles away from where I am attending college. I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures, and dream of traveling the world someday. I love running and swimming, playing the piano, making cookies and laughing until my sides hurt!

Why I am a Mormon

I was blessed to be born into a family that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but that doesn't mean I haven't gained a testimony of my own, independent of my family. I'm a Mormon because I know that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel to the earth after a period of apostasy. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and was written for us in these days. I know that we have a living Prophet on the earth today and receives direction from our Heavenly Father. I know these things because I've prayed with sincere and pure intent to know of these things, and have been blessed with answers to my prayers.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer is one of my favorite aspects of worship. This is my chance to communicate with my Heavenly Father. In order to have a personal relationship with Him, there needs to be communication. The way that we communicate with Him is through prayer, and the way He communicates with us is through the Scriptures, Prophets and the Spirit.

I know that every prayer is heard. I just know it. That doesn't always mean that we will get an answer when we want it, or how we want it. But if you pray with a sincere heart and humility, your prayer will be answered.

How I live my faith

Being a college student and living my faith has been challenging at some times. It's something that I have to constantly work at, but brings me so much joy. I live my faith by actively participating in church assignment and activities, as well as doing my best to serve others and be an example to those around me.

I pray for discernment in being able to distinguish what is truth from that which isn't, regarding classes that I'm taking, colleagues I work with or my peers. If I ever have a question about something I make sure to ask my leaders, and/or parents. I keep myself in check, so to be sure that I don't go astray by the ideologies of worldly thinking. I rely on the wonderful examples of my roommates and other ward members, and always pray for guidance.

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

Abby! answered...

Visitors are always welcome! A typical church service is 3 hours long, with 3 meetings each lasting 1 hour long. Sacrament meeting is usually first in which members partake of the Sacrament, and often have speakers from the congregation. Then there is Sunday School where members meet together to hear a lesson prepared by a teacher who is called specifically to be a Sunday School teacher. Then the last meeting the men and women split up- Men go to Priesthood and the Women go to Relief Society. There they have another lesson taught by assigned teachers. Children attend Primary while the adults are in Sunday School and Relief Society/Priesthood meetings, and Youth attend Young Men/Young Women's meetings as well.

Typically Women wear skirts and dresses, and Men are wearing suits and ties. We want to look our best when we worship on Sunday.
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David answered...

Come to church with us! We would love to have you. I know attending an unfamiliar church meeting can be scary and intimidating. Feel free to go up to anyone you meet and tell them this is your first time coming. You should always feel welcome to come and attend with us. Mormon church meetings may be different than other church meetings you've attended. We typically have three meetings you can attend. Our main meeting, we call Sacrament Meeting, is intended for individuals and families to attend together. Sit up front, sit in the back. There are no assigned seats. In this meeting, we try to focus on the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. You will hear several prayers and gospel messages given in this meeting. Another meeting we have on Sunday is Sunday-School. This meeting is designed to focus on specific teachings of Christ. It is often somewhat interactive, with some class members asking questions of the teacher throughout the lesson. You are free to ask questions or simply sit back and listen. We hope you feel a genuine spirit of warmth and friendship as you attend. The final meeting we have on Sunday is a Priesthood or Relief-Society meeting. Men and attend the Priesthood meeting and women attend Relief-Society. Here we focus on the teachings of Christ that are appropriate to our roles as men and women. You should also feel free to participate, ask questions, or simply sit back and listen.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Nick answered...

"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.

Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.

To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.

Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.