Hi, I'm Rachel

I grew up in Boise Idaho. I have four kids and a husband of 24 years and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My mom raised us kids pretty much by herself which was hard for all of us but she did the best she could. I have been married for 24 years and have four children. I have been so blessed by the gospel and the light it is in my life. I can't imagine a day without being able to talk to my Heavenly Father. I love to quilt and cook and spend time with my family and feel so blessed with these talents. I love friends and getting to know people and hope that I can always show others how fortunate I am along with so many others are to have the church and its teachings. I am so thankful for a latterday prophet that fullfills his calling in the same manner that ancient prophets did. I am so grateful for that guidence and for the scriptures that bring such peace to my life.

Why I am a Mormon

I have been a member all my life. My mother was a convert to the church and never waivered through all her trials to teach us the gospel and give us an example of perseverence and staying close to Heavenly Father. I never questioned the church, if it was true or not. As I have gotten older their have been times I have asked myself if it is really true. On these occasions the spirit has born witness to me in the most powerful ways that it is true. I am a mormon because it is true and although there are good people out there doing good things the fullness of the gospel brings so much happiness and comfort. To know that I can have my family forever and live with a loving Heavenly Father forever makes enduring thru the hard times worth it. The gospel provides such a steady path for me to follow and I am grateful for its teachings and for the example that Christ set for us and for His sacrifice on our behalf.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by striving daily to teach my children about the Savior and what He has done for us. I strive to progress and always find ways to improve myself and draw closer to my Heavenly Father. Reading the scriptures helps me see and put into action the things that need changed in my life and the way i need to go to make further improvements. I try hard to keep the promises & convenants I made at baptism and in the temple because I have found that as I do this my life is more peaceful. It may not be free of trials but I am better equiped to cope with difficulties that may arise.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Rachel answered...

We have been tremendously blessed by our sons that have served missions, one in Riverside California and the other is currently in Sonoyta Mexico. Our son in Mexico has only been in the mission field two weeks and already has a great love for the people he is serving. The pictures he sends home are so touching as you see their smiles and his as he writes about serving the Lord and teaching people the gospel and knowing that the Savior is with him even though at times he can't understand much of what is said. I too know that the Spirit is with us to give us comfort and encouragement as he is away. We have already been tremendously blessed with miracles daily from his service to the Lord. Many people asked me before he left if he had to serve a mission. I would tell them "No he chose to serve a mission". He couldn't wait to serve the people of Mexico and I know that he is supposed to be there. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to have a son who is so willing to do what he believes in even when it is hard.
Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Alan answered...

No. "Worship" is reserved for members of the Godhead: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Worship means giving absolute devotion, adoration, and submission to someone, and only God is worthy of receiving true worship. God said "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)" So what do we think about Joseph Smith? He was a mortal man called by God to serve as a prophet, and he was a great prophet. We love Joseph Smith, we study his teachings, and we are grateful for the work he did. But we do not worship him any more than we worship Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Peter, or any other prophet. We worship God.