Hi, I'm Wendy.

Cancer survivor, teacher, sci-fi fan. Single: living my Plan B, but God's Plan A. From a religiously diverse family. I'm a Mormon!

About Me

I've had to make a conscious choice to be Mormon. My family is religiously diverse, including other Christian faiths, agnosticism/atheism, and polytheism. The sister to whom I was closest growing up is in a committed lesbian relationship. All of our differences could be cause for discord. But instead we have chosen to love each other no matter what, and each person is an important and accepted part of our family. My family are my best friends, and I know God loves them even more than I do!

Yes, I do hope one day all my family members will find the love and peace that Jesus Christ offers them through His Atonement and Restored Gospel. But having a diverse family has helped me better appreciate my own faith, and to recognize the many forms of God's power in His children's lives.

I'm still waiting for "Mr. Right" to find me. I used to feel stuck in 'Plan B': I always assumed I'd be married and have kids by age 30. But God has reassured me that I am following His 'Plan A'; marriage will come later. So, I try to embrace God's 'Plan A'. Although I'd like to be married now, I'm doing great things that I may not be able to do if I were married with children of my own. I spend lots of time spoiling my nieces and nephews; I can't imagine loving my own children more. I teach kids with learning disabilities and autism, and I'm working on my Master's Degree to become even better at helping them. This is God's 'Plan A' for my life, and I rejoice that He knows me! My dreams will come.

Why I am a Mormon

My family has been LDS for generations, clear back to the days of Joseph Smith. I was born a Mormon. However, I definitely have had to choose for myself to remain Mormon, because several family members have left the church. At times, especially in college, I wondered what was the 'right religion' for me, if there was a single 'right' religion. Sometimes, I questioned Church teachings, and wished being Mormon were 'easier'. There were times when I questioned God's love and even His existence, times when I wondered how to reconcile my faith with scientific understanding. But I have grown.

Now I am firm in the testimony of Jesus Christ, and the Restoration of His gospel in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His truth is deep in my heart and fills my soul with love and joy. I feel the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know Heavenly Father is intimately aware of me in every moment, and that I matter deeply to Him. He will never give me a challenge that will not ultimately yield an eternal benefit, and He will strengthen me and give me peace as I seek Him in my trials. He loves me.

I am a Mormon because I have received for myself a spiritual witness that the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are true. I recognize the power of God in my own life. I feel closer to my Savior, and feel better about my life when I choose to follow the doctrines of the Church. Even though it's not always easy to be a Mormon, the challenges help me grow and ultimately make me happier. I know that following the church's teachings is what God wants me to do. As I follow the Savior's teachings in the Restored Gospel, I can become more like my Savior and reach my full potential as a amazing daughter of an awesome God.

Personal Stories

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

The Holy Ghost is the messenger that lets me know what Heavenly Father wants me to know. He can speak to my spirit or, if needed, to my ears. The Holy Ghost assures me of God's love for me, witnesses to my heart of the truth, warns me of physical or spiritual danger to myself or loved ones, and gives me comfort, strength, and purification through the grace of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost might help me in response to prayer, or 'out of the blue' in times of great need or danger. Warm and confident feelings can be a witness of the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, of the truth of what I am contemplating, or a witness of the correctness of a choice. Sometimes, a strong feeling of anxiety and restraint might also be from the Holy Ghost. When this feeling comes, I pause and pray for guidance what to do. Almost always, words of direction then come to my mind, letting me know how to avoid danger to myself or loved ones.

An example of warm confident feelings-- I was laying in a hospital bed waiting for a cancer treatment, exhausted and overwhelmed. I cried out to God in prayer, "Heavenly Father, I can't do this alone!" and immediately I was enveloped by strong warm feeling and the words came to my mind, "It's okay. You don't have to do this alone. I'm here." I have felt the same love when pondering whether doctrines of the LDS church are true. I have received for myself a personal witness that Jesus really is the Savior of mankind, that Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and Jesus Christ, and that the priesthood authority professed by the LDS church is real.

An example of anxious, warning feelings-- My parents were out of town and I was shopping. Suddenly I felt horribly anxious, with the feeling that I needed to go home right NOW. I left the store and drove home. When I arrived, my sister had just told our mom, over the phone, that she wanted to kill herself. If I had not have come home right then she might have tried to take her life.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by keeping the promises I made to God when I was baptized: to love and serve others, to keep God's commandments (including repenting as needed), and to dedicate my life to serving God. I try to keep my life centered on the Savior; frequent prayer, choosing uplifting media (music, movies, books) and studying the scriptures daily are a big part of that. I share my faith in Jesus Christ, and let others know that they can turn to God at any time. Prayer is my lifeline!

My family members follow a variety of religions, or have no religion. When these differences were first becoming apparent, it was hard-- we had to re-negotiate our relationships, and develop new family communication styles. Now, we've pretty much given up on trying to 'convert' each other. But we don't hide our convictions, either. Instead we choose to love and accept one another, and focus on the values we have in common: being kind, improving the world, and seeking spiritual strength (in whatever form). I do wish my family members had the blessings and joy that I find in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe it is ultimately the only path to enduring happiness and peace. But until their hearts are prepared, I keep embracing all the good in them and just love our time together-- we are a wonderful family!

Sometimes being an 'active' Mormon is challenging. There are a lot of meetings, and adult members are usually asked to take on additional responsibilities. For example, I teach Sunday School about twice a month to the adults in my congregation, and visit two women at home each month to share a gospel message and offer service and friendship. Balancing church and home responsibilities, work, grad school, family time, and recreation takes conscious effort. Sometimes I fail. But I'm growing spiritually, and making a difference to those around me. My life goes more smoothly when I am involved in church and keep my focus on my Savior. I know that I am greatly blessed of the Lord.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Wendy. answered...

No, although it is strongly encouraged for men to serve a mission, and viewed favorably for women to do so. Older married couples who have no dependent children are also encouraged to serve.

A mission can be proselyting or service-oriented. Missions can be in almost any part of the world. Although a prospective missionary can refuse an assignment, they cannot choose where to go-- they are expected to accept a calling to wherever the church asks them to go. Church officers making mission assignments are encouraged to take into account each prospective missionary's potential medical issues, emotional health, and ability to learn a new language. However, the assignments are ultimately made by inspiration and revelation, and each assignment is prayed over and ratified individually.

Young, healthy missionaries are usually assigned proselyting missions. Older couples may be assigned to proselyte, or assigned to duties related to the industries from which they have retired-- such as working in mission offices or servicing the automobiles used by proselyting missionaries, or providing medical, educational, or agricultural service in under-developed countries. Individuals with medical issues that may make it difficult for them to serve far from home are sometimes assigned as service missionaries. This allows them to live at home and work in a nearby church-run family history center, employment/welfare office, thrift store, or food processing plant producing food for the needy.
Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.