Hi, I'm Emily

I'm a Mormon. I'm a Mother. I'm an Athlete. I'm a Writer.

About Me

I am a mother of two kids and wife of a med student, so I am constantly trying to find balance. I run marathons competitively for a track club, serve as the president of my condo association, work as a freelance writer and editor, and bake thousands of vegan chocolate chip cookies.

Why I am a Mormon

I am glad to have grown up in a home where Christian values were taught and Christ-like behavior was expected. I followed my parents' examples and then read the Book of Mormon for myself, prayed about it, and felt the Holy Ghost confirm to me that it is true. The truth of the Gospel is reaffirmed to me through the many miracles that I've witnessed and the positive changes I've seen in my life.

Personal Stories

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

The Holy Ghost has helped me make decisions big and small. On a daily basis, I pray for the Holy Ghost to guide me to people who may be in need. One day, I felt impressed to make dinner for a family that lived nearby - and I also felt that I shouldn't ask them if they needed it. I made a meal and dropped it off, only then finding out that the father had lost his job that day. The Holy Ghost has helped me make big decisions too. When I was dating my husband, I prayed to know if I was supposed to marry him. Just like when I read the Book of Mormon and felt the Holy Ghost tell me it was true, I felt the Holy Ghost tell me that I was meant for my husband. We've never looked back in our marriage because we know that our relationship is blessed by God.

How I live my faith

I attend church with my family every Sunday and serve as a teacher of 5-year-olds. We discuss scripture stories and gospel principles through presentations, songs, and art. Once a month, I visit a few women to share a short devotional and check on their physical needs. I make meals for new moms and serve in the community.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Keri answered...

Mormon women are like any other good woman who is trying her best to raise a family in love and trying to leave the world a little better for future generations.

Mormons do believe in equality of men and women. We believe husband and wives are to work side by side, not one dominating over another. But equality does not mean being exactly the same. We believe that God gave men and women distinct and different roles/assignments to fulfill. Men are primarily responsible for the physical welfare of their families while women are to nurture and care for their families. Although the roles are different each one is important and critical.
Angela answered...

Yes! We firmly believe that men and women are equal in the eyes of God and are given separate, but equally important responsibilities here on Earth. Men are given the power of the Priesthood, which allows them to do things for their families and others such as give blessings or baptize individuals. Women are given the sacred responsibility of bringing children into the world and to support their husbands with their responsibilities. Both parents are encouraged to teach gospel principles to their children together and to live in harmony with the Church.
This is not to say women are not encouraged to pursue educational endeavors or career opportunities. Each family is different, we are encouraged to pray and make decisions based on what is best for our families.
Every Mormon woman is different, but we all have something in common. We are all daughters of our Father in Heaven.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.