Hi, I'm Sarah

I'm a wife, a homeschooling mom of 3, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in a home where religion was a hot topic. My mother, a latter-day saint (Mormon), and my father, a protestant, who didn't have the greatest of feelings for Mormons. Through much trial, we were able to start going to church little by little, where I developed a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the age of 8, I knew I wanted to be baptized into this church though we weren't able to go very often. It would be 10 years until I received permission and entered the waters of baptism. I was able to be married for time and eternity to my husband in the temple of the Lord a little over a year later. Since then, we have had 3 beautiful children that I am blessed to stay at home with. I love spending time with my husband, my children, teaching my children from home, finding ways to reuse almost everything, designing and sewing clothing for myself and my children, and dabbling into home decor here and there.

Why I am a Mormon

Growing up in two different churches, I was able to get a first hand experience of another religion without a bias. In fact, as a younger child, I liked going to the baptist church better, because we went there more often, and I was familiar with it. It was when I realized the doctrine of the Godhead (three separate beings vs. the trinity) was taught differently in each church that I came to gain a testimony of the truthfulness of this church. Even as a child, I had always felt a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father, and my Savior, Jesus Christ - as two separate beings. Learning that he was taught elsewhere to be an impersonal, ever-changing substance was almost offensive to me. I knew I had a relationship with Him as a father here on earth has with his daughter. It was easy for me to accept all other points of doctrine after that. I also find much comfort in the doctrine of living eternally with our families. I feel blessed to know that my husband and children will be mine forever, even after death.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer is such an essential part of my life.

Just as I cannot go a day without talking to my family (husband, children, parents, etc.), I likewise can't go a day without talking to my Father in Heaven. I find so much comfort in expressing my desires, concerns, and feelings to Him, and feeling His spirit give me answers that I had been seeking for. When I pray, I feel and know He cares about me, and wants me to succeed.

When I forget to pray in the morning or at night, I can feel it. I feel like something's missing from my day. I feel like I miss that communication with Him.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Everyone has gifts and talents that our loving Heavenly Father has blessed us with. He was us to use those talents to bless the lives of others, and to help bring His children back to him.

Some have gifts and talents that are readily recognized, such as, musical talents, athletic talents, or being able to create beautiful things. These talents can be used as leisure, but also in spiritual capacities. Someone who is a talented musician can compose or perform music that speaks to the spirit, and strengthens testimony. Someone who is a great athlete has a physical strength that could be of great service to many people. Someone who can create things may be able to uplift others through thoughtful gifts, or teach self-sufficiency by creating rather than buying.

Some people have gifts or talents that aren't readily recognized. Some people might have the gift of humor, or just a positive outlook, having the ability to brighten another's day. Some people have the gift of faith and/or testimony, being able to feel the truth within their hearts concerning many matters, and being able to touch the hearts of others through their testimony. Some may have the gift of love, that they might be able to be a friend to those in need, and be sensitive to others.

No matter what gifts or talents we all have, there are two things that are certain: 1) that we all have them, and 2) that we can use them to for a spiritual benefit to ourselves and others.

How I live my faith

I try to teach my children the gospel in some way everyday. We have family nights at least once a week where we set aside for us to spend time as a family and learning from each other about the gospel. We read scriptures together as a family, as well as individually, and discuss their messages. We also go to church every week and serve in various areas there.

I currently am serving as a nursery worker in our church, teaching children who are between the ages of 18 months, and 3 years. I love serving in this capacity, watching all the beautiful young children develop a love for their Savior, Jesus Christ. No other place in the church I'd rather serve. I have also had many opportunities to serve older children as well, as a leader, a teacher, and as an Activity Day (bi-weekly activities for girls 8-11) leader. I have also taught our adult Sunday School class, and served on an activities committee.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

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.
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.

Mormons believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. Why do we need a Savior?

Nate answered...

The fundamental principle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the faith in, reliance upon, and relationship with Jesus Christ. We regard Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. Everyone on the earth today has made mistakes. All of us have come short of the perfect example that Christ set for us. The problem is the laws of God state that “no unclean person…hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:5) Because of these laws, we needed a way to be cleansed from these sins and mistakes. God knew that we would fall short of perfection and by His grace he provided us a Savior, Jesus Christ. Being a perfect soul without blemish, Jesus was capable and willing to take upon Himself our sins. Because He paid the penalty for our sins, the atonement, we must take upon ourselves His name to reap the blessings of forgiveness. We do this by having faith in Christ, admitting and repenting of our sins, and being baptized in the true and restored church of Jesus Christ.