Hi, I'm Kristil

I'm a Theatre geek, I love to laugh, I wish I was a superhero, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Hey there! I’m the oldest of five kids, 4 girls and 1 brother, plus my mom and dad. I'm half Philippino and, even though I've lived lots of different places, I think of Georgia as home. I absolutely love Theatre, movies, food, reading, and music. Batman is my favorite superhero, but lately I’ve had this thing for Captain America too – they’re both pretty super. I probably drink more milk than anyone else on the planet, fish scare me (mostly small ones...weird, I know), and I was born on an air force base. I think best when my hands are doing something, so use more paper for doodles than for notes. I love to laugh and especially love to see other people smile. I love when people ask me questions about my standards or religion – there’s no better feeling than standing for something you believe in. Serving others is also up there; lightening someone else’s burdens or making them happier, even for a moment, makes everything in life seem a bit brighter. Oh, and I also like chicken quesadillas….a lot.

Why I am a Mormon

I’m a Mormon because I have learned, FOR MYSELF, that this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ and that following the teachings of this church only brings happiness – and not just happiness in this life, but for eternity. What an incredible blessing it is to know that I have a Savior who knows me personally, who experienced every pain and trial I will EVER experience so he can understand. Christ suffered for my mistakes and wrongs so that I have the opportunity to live with my Heavenly Father again, if I can only live the best life I can. How amazing is it that God has a plan for all of his children and wants nothing more than to have them return to his presence, where they can live with all the people near and dear to them and have eternal joy. He KNOWS us! He knows what will make us stronger, better people, and he will never put us through any trial we cannot overcome. THAT is why I am a Mormon. I KNOW, without a doubt, that this gospel is TRUE because I have tested its teachings for MYSELF. I’m not one to follow something blindly, and I’m not going to believe in something just because someone tells me so. The best way to find truth is by searching for it, testing out the standards, and asking God what is right – if you really want an answer, he’ll give you one. I’ll admit, it’s definitely not easy, but it’s ALWAYS worth it and will ALWAYS make you happy in the long run.

Personal Stories

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

Well, first of all, “Plan of HAPPINESS”. Of course, it makes me happy! Knowing that I have a purpose, that I am a child of God (and so are YOU), and that I can live with all the people I love for eternity is the greatest blessing I have. This life, with all its trials and hardships, is temporary. Heavenly Father sent us here to see what we’d make of ourselves and so we can learn – we need to prove ourselves. He will never forsake us if we’re doing our best to live close to Him. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and God’s plan, we have the opportunity to live with God, our Father, and Christ, our Savior, for eternity. We can have EVERYONE we love, ALL our friends and family, FOREVER. How great is THAT?!

How I live my faith

I think the most important part of living my faith is having courage. Living a faith is having the courage to do what isn’t easy, to go out of your way to help someone else, to smile at someone who – maybe – won’t smile back. It’s standing up for what you believe in, regardless of what other people are doing, or setting aside your own desires because you have faith God knows what’s best for you. It’s having courage to share your beliefs with others, even though they might reject you or don’t understand. It’s giving your ALL, day after day, step by step, working towards being worthy for all the blessings your Heavenly Father has given you in the past, all he gives you now, and all he has in store for you in the future. Also, I think it’s important to share what I know. This gospel is something INCREDIBLE, something that brings happiness and hope – I know it. If it’s so amazing and life-changing, WHY IN THE WORLD would I EVER keep that to myself?!

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Kristil answered...

Mormons aren't required to serve missions - it's not like they're going to kick you out of the church if you're not able! However, it is strongly encouraged if you have the opportunity. They're completely voluntary. I, for one, really really REALLY want to go on a mission! Having the chance to bring the truthfulness of the gospel to God's children all over the world is a privilege. If anyone's ever talked to Mormon missionaries, they can probably agree they have a sort of brightness about them, a heightened sense of determination, , responsibility, selflessness, and intelligence that most young people their age don't have. I've seen it and it's blessed my life, just being around them! Not only are they blessing the lives of those they serve, but their own lives are being changed in the process. Missions CHANGE LIVES, so why not go if it will only be a blessing?
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Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

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.