Hi, I'm Hillary

I'm a designer, a student, a lover of dogs and the GB Packers, and a missionary. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I was raised in the Midwest but attend school in Utah, studying graphic design, and dreaming of attending law school. I have a love for all types of design, fashion, politics, baking, foreign languages, and art. I love to sew, to make cards, and (re)upholster furniture. I love dogs, the temple, religion, playing the harmonica, sunshine, vacations, going to concerts, and most importantly, missionary work. I am currently serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in the LDS faith in Indiana. Where I am from, the number of members is limited. However, through the example of my family members, and close friends of many faiths, I was able to gain a strong testimony on Jesus Christ. After graduating high school, I wanted to attend a college where I could be surrounded by many people of the same faith. Coming to Utah helped me strengthen my testimony, strengthen my family relations, and strengthen the desire to serve a full-time, 18 month mission. Sharing what I know about the gospel, about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and giving service to others is a dream come true.

How I live my faith

When I was a teenager, I started worrying about others more than myself. I decided that helping others and giving service not only brought others joy, but brought joy into my life as well. That desire to help others got me on the right path and helped me find happiness through the gospel. When I have an opportunity to share the gospel with those around me, I take the chance, to help others feel the love and comfort from the gospel. I believe that every person is loved by God, no matter their circumstances, trials, or faults. This desire pushed me to serve a full time mission, to teach people everywhere the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ and the happiness that comes from knowing the truth. I try to follow in the words of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic preacher, ‘Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.’

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Hillary answered...

The family is the center of God's plan for us. The family unit is a tool to strengthen relationships, learn of love and care, provide necessities for, and a source of strength, guidance, and testing. The opportunity that families have to be sealed to each other, for time and all eternity, enable the relationships we have on Earth to proceed into the eternities. There are many types of families, but none are perfect. However, through the help of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we have the capability to become perfected and be with our Earthly and Heavenly family forever.
Greg answered...

After I joined the Mormon Church I learned about the importance of families. Not long after that I realized that if I was going to follow this teaching I needed to tell my father that I loved him. That was very difficult for me since my dad and I argued so much. I spent the better part of 2 weeks trying to determine how I could do this. When the time came I found that the words came more easily than I had thought. From that point to the time he died, about 22 years later, he and I had an entirely different relationship. We were now friends. And I found how much I regretted all our arguments while growing up. And now I find that I miss him and more fully understand how important our families are.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Todd answered...

No. There have never been any race-related restrictions on who joins the church. People of all races and colors have been baptized from the beginning.

However, for a period of time priesthood ordinations in the Church were restricted - This policy was officially changed in 1978 when Official Declaration declared that “every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.”