Hi, I'm Shelley

I'm an educator. I'm a mom. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

When I was in college, I wanted a big-time legal career in Washington, D.C. A husband and two kids later, I have chosen to be a full-time mom instead. I still remain politically active, but my first love is my family. I'm so happy for the decision I made. My "career change" has made all the difference in my life.

I have discovered a new love of teaching, and currently teach preschool part-time in my home. I am very passionate about education, and believe that no mind is too young, or too old for that matter, to learn. When I'm not teaching or playing with my kids, you will almost always find me with my nose in a book.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in a Mormon home, so some might say I'm just following the traditions of my parents. But to me it's more than that. As an adult, I've had to make my own choices about religion, especially now that I'm teaching my own children. I am a Mormon because I know for myself that this is Christ's church, and that its teachings bring happiness.

Of course I love the Church's focus on families, on clean living, and self-sufficiency. But I find great hope and peace in its message of optimism. "Fear not," we tell the world. Because of Christ and His atonement, we know that if we turn to Him and keep His commandments, we need not fear. In a world of political, economic, social, and moral chaos, this is a great message!

How I live my faith

I teach the adult Sunday School class every week for our congregation. This has been a great blessing in my life as I have immersed myself in the scriptures to prepare for each week's lesson. Many people claim to believe in the Bible, but have never actually read it. I'm happy to say that I not only believe in it, but I've read it for myself, and taught from it to others. I know there is great power in the words of God.

I also teach the gospel at home to my children. This I feel to be my greatest responsibility. We read from the scriptures together as a family each night. We pray together. One night a week, we gather together for a special event called "Family Home Evening," where we share our talents, discuss family goals, and instruct one another on the things we know Christ would have us do.

My marriage is perhaps where I see the gospel make the most difference. My husband and I are not married until "death do us part," but forever. We have turned our marriage over to God. This perspective changes how we treat one another, approach disagreements, and support one another in our roles as homemaker and provider. Does this mean we never have problems? NO! But we continually turn to the Lord for guidance and help, and put each other first, before anything, or anyone else.

What do Mormons believe about the Bible? Do they regard it as Holy Scripture and the word of God?

Shelley answered...

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly..."

Of course we regard the Bible as Holy Scripture. In it we learn about the ancient patriarchs, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the promises God made to them. We learn about the creation of the world and the role of prophets. We learn about commandments and the things God expects from His children. But most importantly, we learn about the life of Jesus Christ as He lived on the Earth. All of these things are important to our theology and our faith.

It is no secret that the Bible has translation flaws. Just look at the many translations that exist today in an effort to provide clarity and understanding for many seeking to know God's word and do His will. The Bible is a narrative passed down over generations, through many hands. It is an imperfect record. We believe that as these sacred texts were passed down, teachings were lost. Through translation efforts of many dedicated scholars and clergy, things were changed - some inadvertently, some to conform to the particular clergy or scholar's personal beliefs. This does not discount the entire book, however. There is still much truth to be found in its pages, and a person can definitely come closer to God by reading from it and applying its teachings.

We as Mormons find great clarity and comfort in additional revelations that have come to modern prophets. We believe that the heavens are not closed, and that God still speaks to His children. As a result, we are not confused by the many contradicting messages the Bible seems to have. We invite anyone interested to read from modern scripture to gain clarity and insight into the Bible. The Book of Mormon, an ancient record translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith, proves the Bible to be TRUE, erases confusion, and allows us to understand God's commandments much more easily.
Jonathan Richardson answered...

We believe that the Bible is the word of God, given through his Apostles and Prophets in the days of old. Through generations the bible has been translated time and time again, and now it stands with some of the simple truths of Christs teachings being either removed or complicated. That is why there are so many different views on what the scriptures teach, and so many churchs created for those views. We believe that God has restored those simple truths and clarified the complicated view through the Book of Mormon which is a record of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas.

Who founded Mormonism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Mark answered...

The most direct answer to the question is a group of six men who signed their names to a founding document on April 6, 1830. The room was filled with believers, but six signed to fulfill New York state law. Preeminent among them was Joseph Smith, Jr. who was designated the first elder and apostle by revelation. It is Joseph Smith, Jr. who is most often referred to as the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joseph, as a young man of eighteen years of age, was visited by an angel, the one mentioned in Revelation 14:6, who told him where an ancient record was buried which contained a history of a group of ancient, American Christians, and which also contained the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This record was translated by the gift and power of God by the young man with the aid of others as scribes and witnesses of the translation.

During translation they learned of the need of further organization, and this tiny group sought out God who sent additional angelic messengers which conferred authority from God to organize His Church again upon the earth, as it was in Biblical times. This group and those who believed their stories of miraculous events met in a farmhouse on April 6, 1830 in upstate New York to create an officially recognized organization that could hold the copyrights to the record that was translated as the Book of Mormon as well as other rights granted to religious societies.

It is called the Mormon church because of the book revealed from heaven, which is unique from all other Christian churches.