Hi, I'm Sonja

I'm a wife and mom, a volunteer, love to be creative, love to travel, and chocolate is my friend. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I live in a Houston, Texas suburb. I love it here, minus the fire ants. I'm a mom of four, 3 boys and 1 girl, all teenagers and two of them in college. My oldest is getting ready to leave to serve his mission. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology- which I absolutely love. You could say I have three full time jobs- my family, church service and activities, and volunteering in my kids' schools. I just don't get paid in paper and metal coins. I also love to escape into a good book. I'd love to be an author and motivational speaker to youth and women one day. I enjoy trying new things and finding new ways to be creative. I love the thrill and overwhelming satisfaction of trying something new and being successful- even the failures are worthwhile because you still learned something. Life has its ups and downs, but I am enjoying the journey.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the Mormon church, but I had to find out for myself what I believed. This church makes total sense. The gospel principles taught answer any question I have. It is set up the way Christ set up His church when He was on the earth. I have tremendous joy because of this Gospel and living what this church believes. I know who I am, where I came from, and where I am going. I am able to have a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father that is so very precious to me. The power of His atonement for me and what my potential is because of it creates a sense of peace and courage that you get no where else. I know it's right in my heart and to my core.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

I have a family with kids with ADHD, Tourette's Syndrome, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Needless to say, life can get rather interesting. I have learned the principles of patience, unconditional love, the knowledge that everyone is a Child of God, and that there is a plan in place and a purpose for everything. Not only does this help me personally during the tougher times, but this knowledge has helped me to help my children when their disorders make their lives hard- when someone isn't kind or they struggle with something that comes easily to another. I have seen the difference it makes in self-esteem, courage, dedication, and just simply trying. It allows the gifts in life to be seen. It keeps my children found and not lost.

How has attending Church services helped you?

The gospel has so many layers to it, and you get new insights even to the same thing as you grow and experience life. The feeling you get there is so renewing and uplifting. Life isn't always easy, and that feeling can sometimes be what gets you through the week. It is a chance to give one day to Heavenly Father, to learn more of what He has taught, and to be a better me. I can't imagine not taking advantage of such a wonderful gift. It energizes me every week and reminds me on a regular basis what I need to be doing. The bonus is being able to do it with the members of the congregation who become a second family to you.

Could you talk about your baptism?

I was baptized when I was 8 years old, they day after my birthday, in fact. I was so excited. It was something I had been learning about and prayed about. I remember how wonderful I felt, warm and with more joy than I'd previously experienced, after coming up out of the water. I remember wanting to feel that feeling always. Smiling was very easy. I have since learned, that through the Holy Ghost, I can feel that way not just on my baptism day. While I only had a basic knowledge of the gospel, I knew, even then, that the choice I'd made was the right one and made my Heavenly Father happy. I could feel it. I've learned so much since then, and I am so greatful that I made that choice.

How I live my faith

My faith has really become more than something that I do, but a part of my personality, my way of thinking, and the basis for my choices. I try to read my scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon, every day. I pray in the morning when I get up, over my meals, before I go to bed, and all the times in between where I need help or just want to say, "Thank you." I try to serve my family, friends, and my community as best I can. I want to live my life the way Christ did. I try to make my actions match what I believe. Do I goof up...sure. But, because of my faith, I know I can pick myself up and try again. He is always there to help me.

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

Sonja answered...

They will talk about Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. They will talk about how the church was restored. They will use both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They will talk about prayer and getting answers through prayer to your questions so you know what is true. They will answer any questions that you have.
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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 is a ward/stake/branch?

Michael answered...

For purposes of organization, a Ward or Branch is the group you meet with for church, based on where you live. They vary in size, branches are slightly smaller than wards, and wards vary in the various 100's of members. Wards and branches are then organized into stakes, containing several wards/branches.