Hi, I'm Amanda Jane

I'm a chef, a student, and a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a 22 year old culinary graduate working to finish my bachelor's degree in English Literature.

Why I am a Mormon

Despite being born into the church, I've made the decision to remain in the church now that I've reached adulthood. I've discovered for myself that the Gospel is true through studying the scriptures and praying to the Lord. I have a testimony of this church and I can't deny what I know. This Church is true.

How I live my faith

I currently attend BYU-Idaho, which allows me to feel the Spirit constantly, no matter what class I'm in. Being at a Church school has opened my eyes to all the different ways in which the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be a part of your ever day life. I've set personal goals for myself to study the scriptures and attend the temple as often as possible. I find that when I'm living righteously, I'm most happy. When I'm happy, people around me have the opportunity to experience the way the Spirit feels.

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

Aaron answered...

This issue is one that is rife with misunderstanding to outsiders. First, let me say here that we love and accept all of God's children, regardless of beliefs. That being said, we affirm that the central purpose of life is to make and keep covenants in a family relationship. By extension that means bringing children into the world, born in loving families with both a father and a mother.

We believe that our genders are an essential aspect of our eternal identities, that we were male and female even before we came to this earth. Neither sex is more important than the other; both serve the purpose of God to save His children. Both priesthood and motherhood are essential in the rearing of children.

I myself am unspeakably grateful for the blessing of having both a loving father and mother. They each supported me in different ways, unique to their identity as a man and a woman.
Miriam answered...

We believe that all sexual activity should be reserved for marriage and that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

We do not deny anyone the right to choose. Hate has no place in our church.

Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?

Susie answered...

A ward or branch is the local unit of the church. This is the place where members have the opportunity to develop friendships and to help one another. We get support and lessons on the scriptures and how to improve our family relationships.

Our Heavenly Father expects us to lift and serve one another in this life. This is the principle behind a volunteer clergy. The local leader of a ward or branch calls on various members on the ward/branch to volunteer their services in teaching and leading the other members. We all donate our time and thus are able to lift and serve on another. The leaders seek divine guidance in making these callings. We who have been called to also seek divine guidance in fulfilling our positions.

We each try to follow the teachings of an ancient prophet who taught that when we are baptized we "are willing to bear one another's burdens, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:8-9).

Through our volunteer service, members lift one another's burdens and express our love to one another.