Hi, I'm Lauren

I'm a Mormon. And I love it!

About Me

I'm a college student studying Linguistics and Editing. I absolutely love learning... although that doesn't mean I'm very good at it. I'm not an excellent student, but I enjoy going to school and learning about language. I love to write and I love to read. My biggest dream in this life is to publish a book.

I’ve always been a “homebody,” as accused by my family. I am the youngest of 6 kids and always loved being home in my “comfort zone.” My sister recalls taking me to Disneyland, “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and me asking her, “When are we going home?” It didn’t matter where we were or how awesome it was, I wanted to be home. In high school, my family was planning a trip to Hawaii; all my siblings were getting their SCUBA certification. Not me, though; I was terrified to SCUBA dive. My brother wasn't going to have it. He was sick of me not living life. Something clicked that day and I knew he was right. I had to conquer this fear of leaving my comfort zone in order to enjoy living. Of course, when I got to the beach on Hawaii, I was still scared to get in the water and leave the open air, but I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Finally, I changed: I was afraid of roller coasters so I went to Magic Mountain; I was afraid to snowboard so I took up snowboarding; I was afraid of heights so I went skydiving. Now I am a missionary for a year and a half and I leave my comfort zone every single day, but I absolutely love it!

Why I am a Mormon

I'm Mormon because it feels right! It feels right when I read my scriptures. It feels right when I learn of world history. It feels right when I study science. It even feels right when I don't understand something. I know that I won't have the answers to all of life's questions (not in this life, at least), but I also know that there are some things that people on earth can know. And the gospel of Jesus Christ answers many of those questions. The knowledge I have and the standards I follow make me happy. And when I'm not happy, I know that there's somebody who understands my sadness, guilt, or pain. Jesus Christ is the center of my religion and the center of my life and He understands all things.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

I used to wonder the same thing (and I've been around the church my whole life). I recently discovered that when I learn about my ancestors, I feel the spirit. It's not like they are people who once existed and will never be seen again. We are eternal spirits and these people are people that I hope to know in the life to come. Why not start now? I've been able to talk to my grandma about her father and mother and their lives, and it has been a touching experience for me. I've been able to learn about my ethnic history and even where some of my personality characteristics come from. It has helped me to see how keeping a journal is so very important for the future generation. I think that our reunion in heaven will be so much sweeter if we are greeted by people we have come to know and love.

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

We all have that sin that we just can't give up, right? I think pretty much everyone has experienced the feeling of guilt for doing something that they just cannot seem to give up, no matter how wrong it is. I've experienced it, and it is one of the most frustrating feelings on earth! Getting down on my knees and praying for strength every single day just did not seem to be working. I felt like I would be stuck in the stupid sin forever. And it was an awful feeling.

There's a scripture in the Book of Mormon... it's Ether 12:27. It says, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

I wanted so badly for this weakness of mine to become a strength, but it just did not seem like it would ever happen. I knew I needed to put in more effort, but it was so very difficult. I had made the decision to put in the extra effort many times, and each time I failed. I thought to myself, "will I ever be able to do this without failing?" Now that I look back, maybe I just needed to be humbled even more. At the time, all I felt was frustration. In a way, God didn't answer my prayer (answer, as in give me the strength I wanted) for over two years. The only way I found I was able to do it was to have faith in Jesus Christ and to believe that He really could, and would, help me, as long as I wanted it (truly wanted it) with all my heart.

Now I know that our prayers may not seem to be answered right away, but God hears us and He is not ignoring us. Ever. He loves us and wants us to be happy, but sometimes that involves more effort on our part. I promise that, through faith in Christ, our weaknesses can become strengths and we can be happy.

How I live my faith

Well, I'm leaving in February of 2011 to serve a mission. That's one way I have chosen to live my faith... to share what I believe with other people. I'm scared to be leaving my home, my friends, my family, and my life, but I know that I am doing the right thing. I know that sometimes we need to make sacrifices to do what is right and that's okay because the Lord will bless us for choosing the right!

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Lauren answered...

Whatever you want! Okay, they do have specific lessons to teach you so that you can learn about the church and its doctrines. But you are always welcome to ask questions.
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Jordan Christiansen answered...

I served a mission in South Korea for two years, so I can tell you. :) The missionaries will probably be as nervous as you are as they arrive at your home. The nervousness does not come from timidity or a lack of belief in the message they bring, but because they want so much to express their testimonies and the Spirit they feel to you.

The missionaries will likely introduce themselves and get to know you and your family. Though missionaries are called by God to preach His word, they come from largely every-day backgrounds and have lives likely much like yours.

After getting to know your family, they will likely ask what questions you may have about life or the Mormon church. Using the scriptures and their own personal experiences, they will seek to help you find answers. Don't be afraid of asking any question or thinking you may offend or sound silly to the missionaries. They are called to help and serve and are very understanding.

After answering your questions and sharing a spiritual message, the missionaries will ask you to act on the message. A soccer player does not listen to his coach during practice only to go home without kicking a ball, right? In the same way, the missionaries will invite you to read a chapter of scripture or seek for yourself that what they are saying is true. You don't have to just take the missionaries' word in what they say--a loving God is happy to answer thoughtful, earnest prayers seeking for the truth.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Andy answered...

It is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Grace is the only way that we can have eternal happiness. To acess that grace, we need to do the things that He has asked us to do: have faith in Him, repent, be baptized by someone holding His authority, recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost, and follow Him and keep His commandments throughout our lives.