Hi, I'm Kristi

I am a MN-born mom who designs online learning and loves to write. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am married to a kind man and we have two beautiful children and one lazy beagle. My days are filled with the following potty training, blog writing, people serving, good book reading, scrapbooking, instructional designing, scripture reading, show tune singing, baby kissing, storybook reading, dog walking, slow jogging, movie watching, cookie baking, dress smocking, non-profit volunteering, temple attending, house cleaning, children teaching, Disneyland attending, deal finding, phone chatting with family and time spending with friends.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up as a Lutheran. I taught Sunday School, attended confirmation and rarely missed a Sunday service. I never considered looking for a new church. However, I became really good friends with a Mormon when I was in high school. There was a feeling in her home I couldn't describe that I wanted to have in my own home. She gave me a Book of Mormon to read with some passages highlighted. I vividly remember reading 3 Nephi 17 one evening, the part in the Book of Mormon that gives the account of Jesus Christ visiting the Nephites on the American continent. As the Savior blessed each of the Nephite children, tears streamed down my face. For the first time in my life I felt that the Lord loved ME. The more I learned about the Church of Jesus Christ, the more it made sense to me. I knew Jesus Christ is our Savior. I knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon was true and that God calls prophets in our day. More than anything, I knew I wanted to get married in the temple so I could have an eternal family that was founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ. I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 18 and this was the best decision I have ever made.

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

On our honeymoon my husband and I brainstormed names for the many babies we wanted to have. Little did we know then that we would have to go through multiple infertility treatments and suffer through two ectopic pregnancies for six years before we would be blessed with our miracle baby. The road through infertility was wrought with sadness and frustration and often left us feeling isolated from our friends/family members whose families continue to grow while we remained childless. However, through all of this, I felt great peace knowing our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness. I knew He had a plan and purpose for us here on this earth. I knew He knew my sorrows and heard our prayers. I believe we do not have to go through trials here on earth by ourselves. We can receive comfort from the Holy Ghost and strength from the Savior.

How I live my faith

My truest joy has come when I have followed the Savior's example by serving others. I believe that when we give our heart to the Lord, we can help change the world for the better. I went on an 18 month mission in Finland where I served and taught the Finns about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I have also worked with the young women in our church ages 12-18, teaching them lessons on Sunday and planning weekly youth group activities. Most recently, I have been able to work with the kids in the Primary, our Sunday school organization for children. Though I have loved all the service I have done in church, this has been by far my favorite. Nothing helps me feel closer to the Savior than to see the simple faith and pure love each child has. The children I work with every Sunday make me want to be a better follower of Christ.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Peter Thatcher answered...

God has made it clear that such choices and behavior are not acceptable to him. We can't change God's standards. We can only choose to live them or not. At certain times in history, certain of God's commandments have been unpopular. But that doesn't change the moral standard God has set.

Also, families are very important to God. He wants men and women to join their lives and teach and raise children. This is God's way of blessing His children.
Casey answered...

Love the sinner, not the sin. We do not uplift or support it in any way. We try to help those overcome this serious and difficult urge of same-gender attraction. To some it is very serious, they feel they are 'borne' that way. Others feel great peer pressure, some are simply curious. Not matter the case, it is simply wrong. It is not ordained of God, and God does not take it lightly. To those who may struggle with this very urge, as you avoid it, and try to overcome it, God will strengthen you. Some people struggle with an addiction toward pornography, or cigarettes, some it might a seemingly over-powering urge toward alcohol, or to some, same-gender attraction. No matter the urge, they are all not of God and all Satan's devices to bring down worthy and righteous souls down to his level of misery. The family is ordained of God and it is our responsibility to uplift and support the family in any way we can.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Tan. answered...

We believe 100% that we are saved by grace. Absolutely. Period. No person can be saved by his or her works, no matter how great he or she is, and how many good things he or she did. In order to qualify for Christ's grace, however, we must live righteously, repent, and humble ourselves before the Lord.