Hi, I'm Heidi

I grew up in Northern California. I am a reluctant "Cat Lady", an avid reader, a chocolatier, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am married to a wonderful man who is an overgrown Eagle Scout.(I think he's still inventing new merit badges for himself!) I love nature, music, and literary humor. I have never had children, but I do have cats! I have been an Apparel Designer, Food and Beverage Director, and Chocolatier. I have a nerdy sense of humor that I am only now beginning to find amusing.

Why I am a Mormon

I come from a liberal, intellectual, Reform Judaism background. My parents were both born in New York to Jewish immigrant parents. I have always been proud of my Jewish heritage. When I turned 17, I had an overwhelming feeling that my faith was no longer right for me. This was extremely painful. I basically put my spiritual life on hold, not knowing what to do about this feeling.
When I met my husband, he had just become an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after some thirty years of inactivity. I felt something very special about this man. I was impressed that he mentioned his faith to me on our very first date in a way that was sincere and unapologetic.
When I met his family I felt the spirit so strongly in their home, that I was moved to tears. Within a few weeks I had taken the discussions with the Missionaries and my husband performed my baptism.
I love the members of this church! I have always felt so welcomed and loved. I have a strong testimony that this Church is true, that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, that The Book of Mormon is modern day revelation and that we have a living Prophet, President Monson, to guide us today. I have had MANY trials since my baptism. I still count my decision to join this church as the single best decision I have ever made in my life. I have met many people of faith throughout my life and yet I feel the pure love of Christ so strongly amongst people of this Church. It warms my heart.
I am a Mormon because I really can't imagine being anything else! I love this Church! I love being married for time and all eternity--having this eternal perspective has added so much joy to our relationship. My faith has also brought me so much closer to my family--none of whom are members. I just have a greater capacity for love.

How I live my faith

Whenever I find myself tempted to judge others, I am reminded that we are all kindred, all children of the same Heavenly Father, and my instinct to love is awakened anew. I live my faith by loving and serving in mostly small ways every day.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Tan. answered...

We believe 100% that we are saved by grace. Absolutely. Period. No person can be saved by his or her works, no matter how great he or she is, and how many good things he or she did. In order to qualify for Christ's grace, however, we must live righteously, repent, and humble ourselves before the Lord.
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!

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.