Hi, I'm Trista

I'm a born and raised Kansan studying Digital Media whose YouTube career has only just begun... and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Where I come from, you learn to appreciate the little things in life. Because really... if you step outside and look around the 200 acre farm where I grew up... there's not much else to see. :) And maybe it's a weird Kansan thing... but I like the smell of skunk. Alright, that's probably just a weird Trista thing... so maybe I'll move on and give you some of the standard information most people share about themselves. For example, I'm in my final year of college, in which I'm pursuing a degree in Digital Media and Technology Management. I can do anything from web design and print design to photography and videography. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with my nerdy computer knowledge yet... but I do know that my ultimate goal is to be a stay-at-home mom. I'm excited to be able to raise a family and still have the option of working from home if need be.

Why I am a Mormon

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ isn't just a title, but rather is a divinely perfect way to live. When we put our faith in The Lord, we find blessings and strength to overcome whatever awry situation we find ourselves in. "Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God?" We have nothing to fear, nothing to fret. My simple testimony is that I know the scriptures are truly the words of God. I know the Church is true. I know the Lord loves each and every one of us. His love and guidance have and will always be ever present. Christ is the Son of God, and chose to die for us so that we may return to live again with Him and with those who are most precious to us.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I know how my knowledge and personal testimony of what The Savior has done for me is credited to my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ. We have such a beautiful message about a Father in Heaven who loves every one of us, which is why we are so enthusiastic about sharing our faith with others, specifically by serving missions.

What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?

Even though I have yet to be married, one of the main ways I try to strengthen my family is by honoring and obeying my mother and father. In preparation for the privilege I will someday have in becoming a mother myself, I have followed the example of my own mother by learning the art of cooking and sewing, as well as how to clean everything from a fork to a catfish to an underground cistern. Among these practical skills I have learned from her, my mother has also set a wonderful example of how to be a righteous Daughter of God. Her unwavering faith is such a comfort to me. Because I know how even just one righteous example has greatly blessed my life, I am excited for the day when I will one day be able to use the positive influence I have learned from my mom when I am blessed with children of my own. When I become a mother myself, I hope to be able to influence my children positively so that they will have the desire to follow God's commandments and to always strive to be Christ-like. It may sound strange, but I have been preparing for the time when I will be able to start my own family for as long as I can remember. I know the choices I make today will indeed impact those I love in the future. From deciding whether or not to become a full-time missionary, to choosing what career path to take and what college to attend... I have always, always kept my future family in mind.

How I live my faith

As a ward missionary who helps teach those who would like to learn more about The Church, I've learned that the best way to live The Gospel is to keep it simple, focusing on the everyday importance of making right choices and serving others no matter where you may be.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Trista answered...

The Savior's grace is instilled upon us through the Atonement, which is the suffering, death, and resurrection Christ endured for our sake. Because of this, we can return to live with God and our families forever if we obey the principles of His teachings. If we are faithful to the Lord and exercise the beautiful blessing and gift we received because of His sacrifice, the Savior will be merciful and help us become perfected through His grace.
Matt Gibson answered...

We believe in grace 100 percent . No one can be saved, except by grace. There is nothing we ourselves can do to earn eternal life. But, we do believe that we will NOT receive grace unless we live our lives in accordance with what Christ has taught. When Christ ransomed us, became the author of our salvation, and also the perscriber of the conditions of repentance. He's told us that we need to have faith in him, repent, and be baptized for the remissions of sins, so that we may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. He also told us that we need to endure to the end, meaning continue to strive to live by his teachings, otherwise we cannot be saved by grace. There are many today who teach that baptism is not necessary because it is a "work". We know that Christ set the example to make it perfectly clear. He also said in John chapter 3 verse 5, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
You might be thinking now, "what about those who never got a chance to be baptized?", well Heavenly Father is perfectly fair, and that opportunity will be provided for everyone to make that decision, whether in this life or in the next. The point of Baptism is making covenants. Without making these covenants Christ cannot give us grace.
Hence the doctrine of grace, and doctrine of works, coinside with each other. One cannot be without the other.

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

Julianne! answered...

Mormon church services are dignified and simple. A sacrament meeting will be conducted by a regular guy wearing a regular business suit. The organ will be played by a regular member of the congregation who is not paid for his or her service. The singing will be led by a regular member of the congretaion. The prayers will be given by regular folks. The sacrament will be blessed and passed by regular folks, usually teenage boys. The talks will be given by members of the congregation, often teenagers. Special music might be presented by regular folks, or the ward choir. Members of the ward choir are just regular members of the congregation who like to sing, and are not paid for their service. Looking around the congregation, you will most likely see some singles but also families including little children and babies. Babies tend to be fussy so the room will not be totally silent. We try to maintain reverence, but it's a learning process. The kids are not perfectly reverent, and neither are the rest of us. People are dressed in regular clothes, usually conservative and modest. Men and boys usually wear dress shirts and ties. Women and girls usually wear dresses or skirts.

You are welcome to come and attend any of our worship services. You will not be asked to stand and sit, stand and sit, stand and sit. No one will pass a collection plate or ask you for money. You come in and sit and relax. And when you come, please sit by me!