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Hi, I'm Christy

I'm a mom, I'm a writer, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I come from a military family so I grew up moving all over the country every few years. I think that sparked my love of travel, and I love to see new places whenever I get the chance. I studied journalism and education in college and worked for several years in the publishing industry and teaching college. Now since I've had kids, I'm able to do some freelance writing and online teaching while being a stay-at-home mom. In my free time, I enjoy throwing parties (especially themed parties), celebrating holidays, and training for triathlons and other running and cycling races.

Why I am a Mormon

Although I was taught about the church from the time I was very young, during my teenage years, I wanted to know for myself whether or not I truly believed the things I had been taught. I studied the Book of Mormon for several months, and as I finished it, I prayed to ask God if it was true and if I should continue as a member of the church. As I finished my prayer, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness. I felt that God was telling me that everything I had been taught was true. Since then, I have received that witness several times again, assuring me that what I believe is true. I know that the Book of Mormon and the teachings of the gospel have helped me persevere during hard times. Every time I get discouraged, I pick up the Book of Mormon and after reading a few pages I feel that sense of calmness and security. I know it is a true book and that it is God's way of guiding and comforting me.

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

I believe that each of us have been given unique talents and gifts. I believe that we come in contact with certain people because we have something to offer them. As we search for ways that we can help others, we will find that our talents and gifts may be the answer that someone is looking for. Likewise, I have been blessed by the talents and gifts of those around me. For example, I had a teacher in high school who encouraged my writing. I believe that his talent for writing (and for seeing the potential in me) helped me to choose to major in journalism in college and become a writer myself.

How I live my faith

I feel that the most important way I can live my faith is by being an example of a Christ-like person to everyone I meet. I try to be a friend to my neighbors and look for ways to serve them. I enjoy getting to know people and being their friend. I also try to be an example to my children and teach them how to respect others and treat people with kindness. I also try to focus on the positive and show gratitude to both God and those around me for the good things that I have and that happen in my life. I currently teach the 11-year-old children in our church. I love to help them learn stories from the scriptures and teach them how they can apply those stories in their own lives.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Christy answered...

All members of the church are not required to serve a mission. However, young men are strongly encouraged to serve a 2-year mission when they are 19 years old. Young women may go if they choose when they are 21. I chose to serve a mission when I was 23. I served in Mendoza, Argentina for 18 months. It was one of the highlights of my life. I grew to love the people and the culture of Argentina and I enjoyed sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. Older married couples are also encouraged to serve missions with their spouses. I plan on serving another mission with my husband after we retire.
Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Leeny answered...

This is a question I had to really consider before joining the Church. My mother is a non-denominational chaplain, and both my sisters are pastors. Female leadership in church settings is very important to my family.

It is to me as well. I think many people become offended when they learn that only men hold the priesthood because they misunderstand it. The priesthood is a tool given to men in order that they might serve others more. It does not in any way give them power or dominion over women. Those people who suppose the priesthood is a way to control others are deeply mistaken.

My husband is a priesthood holder, this means I am too. I have claim on my husband's priesthood power. Even more than he does. If I am sick, discouraged, or in need of help I can call upon my husband to give me a blessing through the priesthood that he holds. I then recieve many blessings because of my husband's worthiness to work in behalf of Christ. My husband is never able to give himself a blessing though. If he is sick or discouraged he must call on other priesthood holders to administer to him. My husband holds the priesthood so that he can bless me and our child - never himself.

The priesthood is the power of Christ on the earth. It allows those who hold it to serve their families in the same way Christ served the Church. Did Christ do any deed for himself during his earthly ministry? No. Christ spent all his energy serving the people. This is what the priesthood does for my husband. It infuses him with Christ's compassion and ability to love, and then my husband is able to use that celestial love in our family.

Why don't women also recieve this special gift then? The simple answer is women don't need it. As women we are innately endowed with compassion, selflessness, and love. Think about the way a mother loves her child. I believe there is nothing more pure and similar to Christ's love for us, than a mother's love for her children. Women naturally have the ability to love as Christ does.

In an ideal situation, which is what God always intended for us, there are two partners in marriage. There is the husband and father, a priesthood leader who can be called upon to administer blessings and serve in Christ's name. And there is also the wife and mother, who is blessed with the ability to love as Christ loves and sacrifice for her family. These are two seperate and divinely appointed roles. Each complementing the other. Both make a complete home.

Women do not hold the priesthood because they do not need it. Women have other God-given powers that raise them up to the task they are called to. A man is appointed to serve his wife and children - it is the power of the priesthood that enables him to do this.

I am grateful to have a husband who is worhty to use the priesthood in my behalf. It has blessed me many times and I know that it is a special gift from God - not only to my husband, but to me as well.

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