Hi, I'm Anna

I'm a Mormon. I married the love of my life this year and graduated from Southern Virginia University.

About Me

I graduated from Southern Virginia University April 2011. I am half Mexican but have been raised in a very "American" home. My husband and I got married in March 2011 and we couldn't be happier. Family is so important to me and I know that if all else fails in life I want to be a good mother.

Why I am a Mormon

I was baptized into the church at age 8. My parents and siblings are members of the church but we are not the cookie cutter Mormon family that I wish we would have been. I was taught the gospel in my youth at church but never had opportunities in a family setting to express my thoughts on the gospel. Through my years in high school I went through the motions of being a church member but lacked the personal testimony that is needed to stand on one's own two feet. Since going to SVU and being active in church and institute there I have gained a stronger testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I can say now, without a doubt, that Jesus is the Christ. He lived as an example and died on our behalf. The Atonement is real and can be accessed by anyone who is humble enough to ask the Lord with a true repentant heart. Today, President Thomas S. Monson presides over the Church under direction from Heavenly Father. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and restored the gospel over 200 years ago to the earth to benefit those for generations to come. I am so thankful for the blessings of the priesthood and the ordinances of the temple that can bless our lives if we remain worthy. I know this gospel to be true, without a shadow of a doubt.

How I live my faith

I have aligned my priorities with the teachings of the Church and have come to realize that what I may think may make me the most happy is not necessarily what Heavenly Father knows will make me most happy.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Jim answered...

Mormons see Joseph Smith in the same way Jews see Moses - while we respect and honor their lives and their contributions, we understand that they are real people, worthy of our veneration but not our worship. We understand that they were selected for important duties that God called them to complete and we respect the work that they performed. Joseph does occupy a unique place in Mormon theology because so many doctrines of the re-established church can be traced to revelations that were given to him. The scriptures tell that it is "by their fruits" that an individual will be able to determine if someone is acting on God's behalf, and this is one of the central messages of the re-established church, we invite all men everywhere to read and pray about the Book of Mormon since it a tangible fruit of the prophet Joseph Smith's calling as a prophet and restorer of Christ's church. It is my witness that if you do so you will know that the book is true, Joseph is a prophet and the church he founded is true.
Chris answered...

Simple Answer: No.

Detailed Answer: See below.

Saying that Joseph Smith is the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (LDS) may cause a misunderstanding for some. LDS doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church that existed in Old Testament and New Testament times. The "of Latter-day Saints" in the church's name denotes that this is the last dispensation before Jesus Christ's Second Coming, or the last period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood. The Old Testament and New Testament discuss various dispensations when Christ's church existed on the earth in its authentic state.

So, what is the importance of Joseph Smith in relation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. He was simply a man called to speak for the Lord and played a key role in the restoration of Christ's church here upon the earth in these latter-days. Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, we do not worship Joseph Smith, but study his life and teachings to better understand the will of God. Joseph Smith may had been a leader, but he was not and is not the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The head of the church is clearly stated in the church's name. The Church of "Jesus Christ" of Latter-day Saints

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Nick answered...

"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.

Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.

To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.

Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.