Hi, I'm Tracy

I grew up a "military brat". I am a Registered Nurse. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My dad was in the Air Force, so we moved around a lot when I was growing up. My parents became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 5-years-old. As we moved around with my dad's job, it was always comforting to know that the church is the same wherever we went, and we were always welcomed into every new area we moved into.

I am now a mom with kids of my own. I am also a practicing Registered Nurse. As a working mom, with a teenage kid in today's society, it is comforting to know that there are people and places in this world which share the same values and beliefs that are the same no matter where we are in the world. In addition, it is comforting to know that my child is exposed to wholesome values and influences which reinforce the teachings she receives at home.

My husband and I have two children, but one did not stay with us for very long. He died before his birth. We count ourselves lucky to have enjoyed his presences for the short time he was a part of our family. Although we miss his presence in our family, we know we will have the opportunity to be reunited with him again, and our time apart is only temporary.

As a family, we enjoy doing family history. We have had the opportunity to learn many amazing stories and facts about our ancestors. It is humbling to learn about the sacrifices which have been made by our ancestors as they pursued their dreams to provide a better life for their descendants.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents joined this church when I was 5-years-old. When I was about 14, I began a serious study of the scriptures and churches to learn for myself if the church as established by Christ, as described in the New Testament, had really been restored to the Earth. I knew what my parents believed, but I needed to know for myself. My parents supported my search. Over the next few years, I studied, questioned and prayed as I came to understand the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I studied the scriptures with my friends, visited many other churches, and questioned a variety of religious leaders. But I learned that the only true answers come through faith and prayer. I testify that God does answer prayers. I will never forget the day I came to know with every fiber of my being that the true church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the Earth and that the gospel taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

As I have continued to study and learn in my life, I have found comfort and answers to lifes challenges and questions within the scriptures and the gospel. We are lead by a living Prophet today. The scriptures state that the Lord is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday. Through his Prophet today, I have the opportunity to share in the same opportunities as the saints of the scriptures. I am grateful to have the knowledge of a loving God and hope that the love I have for him and his restored gospel will aid others in finding the answers they are seeking in their lives.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

I do family history or genealogy work because I am interested in my ancestors. My ancestors left a legacy for me which has provided the opportunities I have had in life. I will leave a legacy for my descendants. I believe I will meet my ancestors when it is my time to leave this earth. I would like to know more about them and their lives prior to meeting them. If they are interested in learning more about Jesus Christ, I look forward to the day I do get to meet them and share my love and testimony of Christ and his gospel with them.

How I live my faith

I work with the youth in the community as a Girl Scout Leader. I gained the skills to be able to share leadership skills through my opportunities to serve as a Young Women's leader at church. I am currently working with the younger children at church as a teacher, but have had other opportunities to teach the women in gospel principle and couples in family history research skills. As a nurse, I have also had the opportunity to serve as a camp nurse.

In the work force, I have always felt that God gave me specific talents and I had the opportunity to gain the education and experience to develop those talents. As a result of this, I have had opportunities as a nurse to assist others in meeting their individual challenges, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Having a personal knowledge of God and his son, Jesus Christ, has helped me grow in the skills of becoming more Christ-like on my service throughout the community.

Are Mormons Christians?

Tracy answered...

We are very much Christians. We are called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our church and the gospel is the restored gospel Christ originally established when he was on earth.
Rob answered...

Christ said that his followers would be defined by their adherence to his teachings. Growing up as a member of the Church, I learned that Christ is The literal son of God and that through His Atonement we can somehow be forgiven of our sin and allowed to enter back into the presence of God, if that is what we want. Everything I ever learned at church or in my home was centered on the life and ministry of Christ.

Several years ago, we moved to the Southeastern United States and encountered the idea that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints are not Christians. Although I don't understand the need to define certain groups in or out of Christianity, especially given The Lord's frequent admonitions not to judge the faith of others, I understand this idea is rooted in some esoteric academic objections to certain gospel principles such as our belief that Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate individuals united in purpose and power. My experience has been that this idea is often passed on among those who have not met or do not have close relationships with members of the church.

Once people get to know what we teach and believe and how we live, they come to understand that we are Christians. While, The Lord has asked us to let our light shine so that others can see it and take strength from it, I believe that ultimately Christ, will judge our Christianity as individuals based on the thoughts and intents or our hearts.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.