Hi, I'm Mel

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a Mormon, a wife, a mom, a cook, a baker, a crafter. I grew up in the church, went to Brigham Young University, on a mission and then married in the Los Angeles Temple. I have three children, two girls and one boy. While attending BYU, I studied math education and earned my Bachelor's degree. I taught high school math at an alternative school for two years until my husband and I moved across the country for law school. After law school we moved back to the west to be closer to family. Currently, I am a domestic diva (a.k.a. stay-at-home mom.)

Why I am a Mormon

As I stated, I grew up in the church. One of my earliest memories of feeling the Holy Ghost in my life is when I was about 12 years old. I remember reading the story of the brother of Jared in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Although I was young, I know that moment was when my testimony began, I guess you could say. In high school I attended Seminary and it has had such an impact in my life. Almost eveything I know regarding the gospel, I learned during those four years.
Fast forward to my mission...I never planned on serving one, but I felt strongly prompted to prepare and go. I was called to serve in southern Brazil. While there I gained such a love for studying and understanding the scriptures. At one point early in my mission, I starting having doubts about what we were teaching people. I went to my mission president and told him how I was feeling. He told me to pray and keep studying the scriptures and that I would receive the answer that I needed. The very next time that I was bearing my testimony about Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ, I knew with all my heart that what I was saying was true. I knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he translated the Book of Mormon and that no matter how unlikely it seemed to the world that it was true. I knew it was all true from then on and I shared that with the people I met. I now share it with my children.
I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that it extends to all people. I know that our Father in Heaven loves us. He sent his son, Jesus Christ to live, suffer and die for us that we may repent and return to live with him some day. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet today. And I know all these thing because I asked God to know if they are true. He answered me.

How I live my faith

My family and I are fairly new to the area, but where ever we go, we have people we can relate to, friends because of the church.
My husband and I are working hard to raise our children with high standards. We TRY to study the scriptures with them and spend one night each week talking about a gospel principle. I say try because they are young, so many times their is frustration and screaming, but we are consistant. The kids know these things are going to happen.
Currently, I have the opportunity to help plan and execute activities for the women in the church. It is a lot of fun. We, as women have the chance to meet other sisters and bond and make friends.

What is the Relief Society?

Mel answered...

Relief Society is an organization in the church where women love, serve and bond with other women. It provides opportunities to serve neighbors and those in need as well. the Relief Society motto is "Charity naver faileth."
Karen answered...

To me, Relief Society means friendship. It's an opportunity to know and love and learn from other women from so many different backgrounds and situations and ways of looking at life and yet they are truly my sisters! I can't tell you how many times I have been wrestling with an issue in my own life and there, during the course of our class or other conversation, comes the answer. I know that Heavenly Father so often works through others to answer our prayers, and to me Relief Society is a huge example of that. I'm grateful not only for those who reach out to me, but for the opportunies to reach out to others through Relief Society. It is an inspired program and a wonderful asset to my life!

What is being a Mormon like?

Brad Hill answered...

One word: "Awesome".

Another word "Happy".

Although we face trials we are able to be happy and know that things will be alright. As a Mormon, day to day life is how I live and I try my hardest to do my best. It's difficult sometimes, but after the hard work comes the great blessings and the ability to rest from our cares and sorrows.

Nothing is easy about being a disciple of Christ, but we have all the help and resources we need from God to do what we are called to do... be ourselves, be a brother or sister, father or mother, friend, servant, leader, and many many other things! Yes there is opposition in life, but that is how we can learn.

As you come to understand what being a Mormon is all about you will then begin to understand God's infinite love for you and can see the blessings and miracles in your life!