Hi, I'm Rochele

I grew up in the rural lands of Southern Indiana. I love to write. I'm a 2nd degree black belt and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a crazy fun loving college student! I am in my final year as a Human Development/Family Studies major and I hope to go to grad school for my Social Work degree. Some experience that I have gained over the past few years was the opportunity to go to southern Chile and be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and let me tell you it was the BEST experience that I have had in my life so far.
My personal hobbies include writing, reading, playing Ultimate Frisbee, cooking, enjoying the outdoors, and hanging out with friends. I currently have a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and am still kicking strong! On a cold evening, sometimes I like to drink some hot chocolate, curl up on the couch and watch a movie or read a book.

Why I am a Mormon

Just because someone grew up somewhere does not necessarily mean an automatic conversion or commitment to live the gospel. My own personal conversion is the accumulation of events, feelings, impressions, desires, answers, knowledge, and miracles that I have received over the course of my life. No, I have not seen a burning bush, an angel, nor the Atlantic Ocean part before me as signs of God's existence. Nor have I witnessed miracles like someone regaining a limb, winning the lottery, or etc, but I still know that God lives as well as Christ. The day to day miracles that I have seen are enough for me to know that He is there and cares for me.
An example is this story: When I was twelve years old, I saw a very frightening movie one night and when I tried to go to sleep, I could not because I was terrified. I tried everything to console myself; singing, reading a children's book, everything, but I could not shake the feeling. So when I prayed to God to help me not be afraid, a sweet feeling of peace seemed to come upon me and all the previous feelings of dread left and I slept. This experience may not be something grand in many people's eyes, but to that terrified twelve year old, it meant the world to her.
I am a Mormon, not because of great miracles or fancy doctrine, but because I know that there is a God that watches over and cares for me. I am a Mormon, because I have felt His love and guidance in my life. I have seen people who have changed their lives and are now happier than they ever were. I am a Mormon because I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He in fact has died and suffered for me and my sins and my pains. He did this for me and that is why I follow Him.

How I live my faith

I always liked the phrase in James 1:22 "be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only" because it demonstrates to me that being part of Christ's church is a part of my daily life, not just something I am called by. To me, to be a follower of Christ is a disposition, not a title. Therefore, how I interact and treat others should reflect how I would interact and treat Jesus Christ.
Sometimes its hard to be "nice" all the time and I really do get frustrated with let downs and trials, but I also know that by doing my best and keeping the commandments, I can have the help of the Savior, who will help lead me and guide me as long as I am doing my best. I know that He will help me, because He has before and I know He will again.

How is the Book of Mormon different from the Bible? How did Joseph Smith obtain the “golden plates” or Book of Mormon?

Rochele answered...

The Bible is a testament of Jesus Christ -both the Old and New testaments. The Book of Mormon also is a testament of Christ, and one the differences the Book of Mormon has with the Bible is that the history within the texts takes place on the American continent instead of Jerusalem and the lands around it.

Joseph Smith obtained the "plates" around September 1827 buried on a hill after being visited by a heavenly messenger who directed Joseph to obtain (he was previously shown where it was). So after he received them, he proceeded to translate them by the power of God. They were published in 1830.

We use the Book of Mormon as a second witness to the Bible, which testifies of Christ, and as the only holy writ, whose translation is the most correct on the earth (because it has not been passed from man to man, but God to man). I testify that it is true and you can find out its divinity and validity if you read some of the words then pray with real intent, exercising faith in Christ to tell you if its true.
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What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Nadja answered...

How could we ever hope for anything if it weren't for the grace offered by our Saviour Jesus Christ?

God is just - which means His laws are just. They are eternal. This means that His dealings towards us will always be just, but it also means that He exacts justice from us, His children. Regardless of the commandment or law, justice demands a recompense for obedience, but also a punishment (or consequence) for disobedience.

Jesus Christ has paid for these trespasses, and He willingly extends that payment to each one who earns or deserves it. This grace is awarded based on our repentance, a change of heart so profound, we abandon the desire to repeat the offense.

That is grace: forgiveness (meaning: not having to suffer ourselves for our own mistakes and disobedience) which follows sincere repentance. What an incredible gift!