Hi, I'm Jen

I grew up a Kansas girl. I love to spend time with my family and I am a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in what I thought was a big town—well in Kansas it was a big town! I was able to attend Brigham Young University (and learn what a big town is really like) and study Sociology Education. I worked in the education field for several years and then went back to school to study Massage Therapy. I love to help people!

I was married for 3.5 years. I am now divorced. I do not have any children so sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in. My experiences have made me who I am. I have learned too many lessons to let it keep me down.

I enjoy card making, photography, singing, and spending time with my family.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in the LDS faith. I have always felt the peace of what I was taught. I don’t have one specific moment of knowing this was my conversion experience. All the little moments of learning truth and experiencing faith taught me this was right. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and I am His daughter—and I know that He knows that I know.
As I read the Book of Mormon I am taught what I need to know to be a better person and how to serve the Lord. When I put it aside and forget to read, my day is not as smooth. When life is challenging I rely on my faith and knowledge—I am able to keep moving one step at a time. This knowledge has come from my study of the Book of Mormon.
The Priesthood Authority has been restored to the earth. I have received blessings of health that have healed me. I have received blessings of comfort that have carried me through hard times. It is the governing power of the Church and that brings me peace.

How I live my faith

I live my faith each day: I pray, I read, and I strive to be better. The principles of the gospel guide me to live a healthy life (No alcohol, drugs, coffee or tea). I take the time to study and meditate. I feel of my Father’s love for me and appreciate His creations.
My mother passed away a few years ago. Because of my faith in the temple ordinances I know I will see her again. We will be a forever family. This knowledge keeps me grounded and focused.
I am who I am because of the knowledge the gospel has given me.
I currently teach the 4 year olds. I enjoy their enthusiasm and faith. I love to hear them sing!

Why is authority to perform a baptism important?

Cary answered...

If baptism is the gateway to Heaven, then the baptizer is a border agent. Would you want any old person who claims to know how it's done to just start letting whoever wants to into your country? Why do you insist they carry a badge and wear a uniform, and have an ID which proves they are legitimate representatives of the government? It's the same way with God's rituals. All over the scriptures, whenever there's a ritual performed it was performed by a duly authorized representative. Doesn't it just make sense that if something essential for our salvation would be required, that it should need to be done God's way, by God's authorized representatives? Acts 19:1-6 even shows a time when the authority of the baptizer was in doubt, and Paul re-did the baptisms for good measure. With all the confusion that comes from competing people claiming to speak for God, or claiming to know His will in this matter or that, I'm glad Mormons teach about authority. There's so much more clarity about who we should listen to, and who might be perfectly well-intentioned, but who really shouldn't be listened to because they're not authorized.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Siegfried answered...

To make the administration of this world-wide church possible, the church is organized into geographical regions and sub-regions. The most basic administrative unit is called the "ward". The wards in the church vary in size but are comprised of a geographical area with anywhere from 300 to 700 members. The ward is presided by a bishop. A group of five to twelve wards are combined to form a "stake". A stake is presided by a stake president.
In regions of the world where there is a lesser concentration of members, "branches" are formed. These branches are equivalent to wards but usually have less members. A branch is presided by a branch president.
This organization makes it possible for 14 million members to each have local leaders that can provide guidance, teaching, and administering of the sacred ordinances of the gospel