Tag Archives: Mormon

Family Life, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Why I only support marriage between man and women

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I claim full responsibility for this post. These are my beliefs. I do not speak behalf of anyone else or any organization. 

Where do you draw the line between church and state? Was America founded by the hand of God and His laws? If so, what are His laws? Are there a universal defined morals that can not be changed? I’ve heard a lot of your beliefs and debates. Here is my beliefs (you don’t have to read if you don’t want to… it’s very religious and it most likely be different than yours):

I don’t believe this is an issue on equality rather an issue of is there a God? I believe there is a God and He has defined laws/morals. I believe that God’s laws will always be decided by God Himself and cannot be changed by majority vote or democracy. Just like I believe that God has said sex before marriage is immoral and adultery is immoral. I believe that a relationship between two same-genders is defined by God as immoral. I believe that by allowing same-gender marriage is similar to if we all voted in the right for us to run red lights, to steal or to murder. I believe that as a nation will have to face the consequences of what ever laws are put in place whether those consequences are good or bad. I believe that when we obey God’s laws we are blessed and when we don’t we eventually have to face negative consequences. It may seem unfair that God doesn’t want same-gender relationships but it’s may also seem unfair to people who want to have sex before marriage or people who want to have multiple partners or people who want to steal to get things for free. I believe that these acts all the equivalent in God’s eyes but the good news is that God has the power to help us overcome our temptations to sin. We can also repent for the mistakes we make. I also believe that it’s easier to avoid sins rather than repair sins.

I believe that ideally children should be born to a mother and a father who are married. Now, because the world is not perfect, I believe that the government should have laws that support traditional family values and help families that do not have both a mother and a father for the betterment of our society.

This is why I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a women. I believe that our government laws should uphold good moral principles that are established by God himself.

I also believe that God has given us a choice to choose for ourselves what to believe and how we want to live our lives. He can only give us guidelines. He can never force us to believe what He wants us to. I believe that God loves everyone and He will allow us to make choices for ourselves even if those choices are not aligned to His will.

So weather or not the supreme court decides on Prop 8 is now up to the supreme court. The voice of the people have already spoken and the issue is equally divided even within different religious congregations. I will accept what the supreme court chooses but I won’t change my beliefs. Everyone can and will continue to live their lives the way they want.

I believe the future is as bright as I can make it be. The best thing I can do is live by what I believe. Our society needs to work together to love, to vote and to compromise because all our individual choices will affect the future of our world.

It always brings me peace to know that no matter what happens God will be the final judge and everything will turn out the way He wants it to.

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If you want to know what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes on this topic you can look on their website:

http://www.lds.org/topics/same-gender-attraction?lang=eng

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-votes

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-mormon-responds-to-human-rights-campaign-petition-same-sex-attraction

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Feel free to express your beliefs, opinions and comments. Please keep it nice and kind.

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Child #1: Micah, Family, Family Life, Photography, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Happy Saint Valentines Day 2013!

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Happy Saint Valentines Day! Feb 14 is the day St. Valentine was martyr. His heart is apparently somewhere in Dublin (meaning that he’s buried here). He was killed because he was performing marriage ceremonies for soldiers and young coupled even though marriage was not allowed at the time. What a great reason to have a holiday!

We as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that marriage between a man and a women is ordained of God. We believe that a man and a women can be married in the Holy Temples for time and all eternity.

For Valentine’s day, Micah and I decorated the bedroom to surprise daddy when he got home from work. Of course afterwards, I had to do a mini photo shoot for our guy:

Ireland, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Taxi Ride and 35 Euros Pooer

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We had an exciting adventure on Sunday. We woke up a little late. I was trying to get Micah ready for Church. Dallin was still sleeping at 10:00 am. Our train was going to leave at 10:25 am to get to 11:00 am church at the Bray Branch. We planned this perfectly to get to church right on time. We leave our apartment sprinting to the train station. I was standing in line buying a round trip ticket for 5.50 Euro. Dallin already scanned his transportation card which keeps track of how many stops you go and then deducts money from the account. The train went by right before our face.

Great! The next one doesn’t come for 30 minutes. We would miss sacrament meeting. We hesitated for a few minutes then Dallin thought we could go catch the bus. There was no way the bus was going to get us to church on time. We left the train station looking for the bus. Dallin forgot to scan off his transportation card so it automatically deducts the maximum of 8 euros.

Hmm ok 13.50 Euros down the drain. Now what? The bus doesn’t come for another 15 minutes and it’ll take another 30 minutes to get there. That won’t work.

Can we call anyone? No everyone is already heading or headed to church! What are we going to do?! Taxi!

There were about 10 taxis lined up in the taxi line.

“Can you take us to Bray? Do you take a credit card?! We don’t have a car seat!!” we asked.

“Yes. No cash only. We can buckle the tad in.” said the driver.

We needed to find cash! So we sprint to the ATM to get out cash and it charged us 2 euros for ATM fees.

15.50 euros gone!

We got in the taxi and he took us to Bray. Surprisingly the taxi driver knew all about the Mormons since he lived in Utah for a few years. We invited him to church but he kindly said no. He was nice. The taxi ticker when up and up. It reached 21.65 euros by the time we got to the Bray Branch. The driver was kind to cut it down to 20 euros.

35.50 euros later… we made it to church at 10:59 am.

*Sigh of relief*

All I wanted was to make it to church to partake of the sacrament. We didn’t do a very good job of keeping the sabbath day holy that morning and I needed to be forgiven of my mistakes. I’m so grateful that we can go to church each week to take the sacrament. By taking the sacrament we can renew our baptismal covenants, be cleansed again from our sins and have a fresh start. The Savior administered the first sacrament the night before he was crucified. The sacrament is to remind us each week of  the great sacrifice He made for us.

35.50 euros equals to $47.94; however the blessings of the atonement and taking the sacrament are priceless. It was definitely worth it. We were even blessed because someone offered us a ride home.

We learned our lesson to wake up earlier next Sunday!

Ireland, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Travel

The McDonald’s to Gospel Analogy

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Gotta love all the analogies that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make about the gospel. At church last Sunday I heard a really funny one and I just have to share it.

“The Church is like McDonald’s”

There is this really nice looking McDonald’s across the street from the Bray Branch’s building. Everyone comments about how it’s the best looking McDonald’s in the world.

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How is the Church like McDonald’s? 

  • Pretty much where ever you go you’ll find the same McDonald’s or Mormon Church

Mormon-Temples-chapels

  • You can recognize the same logo all around the world

  • They adapt to different cultures but in the end it’s still the same McDonald’s or it’s still the same Church

Irish Beef McDonald’s Burgers | The Church in Ireland

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McDonald’s Red Bean Pie in Hong Kong | The Hong Kong Temple

Big Bulgogi Burger — South Korea | The Church in South Korea

McPork — Japan | Elder Kikuchi from Japan, Emeritus General Authority

Full Vegetarian McDonald’s in India | The Church in India

The person making this analogy concluded by saying just like the McDonald’s corporation knows the needs of their customers, Heavenly Father knows the needs of his Church and each individual person. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located world wide but no matter what ward/branch you attend there will be taught the same gospel. The organization of the modern Church is run by Jesus Christ himself like it was back when Jesus Christ was on the earth. Jesus Christ delegates responsibilities to the prophet and his apostles. The prophet and apostles then delegate responsibilities to area authorities, presidencies, and bishops. The functioning of wards/branches around the world is flexible due to the size and needs of the congregation as stated in the newest church handbook. This Church is ran by revelation from God. Authorized Church leaders receive inspiration from God on how to run this Church.

The gospel is quite amazing and while this is a silly analogy I thought it was interesting enough to share it with you.

To find out more interesting international McDonald’s menu items you can check out these links:

To find out more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you can check out:

May be the next time you’re traveling you’ll stop at the local McDonald’s to check out their menu and also find the closest ward/branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to see what they’re up to! Let me tell ya… Irish beef does taste better than US beef but the gospel is the same where ever you go.

Ireland, Travel

Going to Church at the Bray Branch

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I didn’t think we would end up in a branch. I thought I did my research before coming to Ireland that we would end up in a the Terenure ward. We couldn’t find an apartment until we got to Ireland. The apartment we found is in South Dublin. When I typed our new address into www.mormon.org meeting house finder it popped up with Bray Branch! I was overcome by the spirit at that moment because I felt like that’s where the Lord wants us. I was so excited to go to church the next day.

Indeed, we love this branch! We’ve been to the Bray Branch for two weeks already. There about about 60 people who attend each week. The Church building is tiny! The primary class rooms are the size of a church closet in Utah and everyone is jammed three rooms for sacrament meeting. The hallways can only fit one person. Nevertheless, we felt so loved by everyone there. It’s a small branch so everyone knows if you’re new.

The Branch President immediately interviewed us in his tiny office (again the size of a small closet). The Relief Society President introduced us to families who live close by and told them to watch over us. To our surprise, the Elder’s Quorm President live on the street next to us and another member lives about a five minute walk away. We surely picked a good location for our apartment! The second week at church we also found out another member family moved in down the street and another member family will move into the city within the next few weeks. Can you believe it? There’s only 1500 members in Ireland and we picked a city that will have five Latter-day Saint Families!

During Relief Society and Priesthood you pretty much sit in a circle powwow with about 6 to 7 people. The presidency makes up three of the people in the group. Everyone else has callings in the primary or young womens so they attend those meetings. During the lesson, the people in the circle, takes turns making comments and you can tell everyone are super close friends.

Unfortunately, my long time wait for Micah to be 18 months so he can go to nursery is no longer. The branch doesn’t have enough 18 months to 3 year old kids to have a nursery here but that’s ok. Micah likes church anyways. 🙂

It’s a very tight knit group at the Bray Branch. I’m super excited to go to church again today!

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Best Birthday Present

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My husband is really good at making me feel really loved on my birthday. His gifts are always perfect but his words are what means the most to me. I have yet to have a birthday without tears of gratefulness.

Today, on my birthday, my husband shared with my his testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ because I’ve been wanting to learn more about the atonement recently. Being a convert to the church (4+ years and counting), sometimes I feel embarrassed when I don’t know the simple stories of Jesus. When the Sunday school teachers says “Everyone knows the story of ____ “… I am usually the one who does not know that story but is too embarrassed to raise my hand. I admit that I have not studied the bible as much as the modern revelations of the church. My husband is very well versed in gospel doctrine and I feel blessed whenever he teaches me or answers my questions. However, it always comes down to the fact that I have to read, learn, and gain my own testimony.

I realized in order for me to better understand the atonement of Jesus Christ I need to study the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the words of the prophets, attend the temple, and also receiving personal revelation. If I only choose one of the sources, it is not comprehensive enough to understand the importance of this great event. Understanding the atonement is a lifelong process and it’s ok that I don’t know everything right now.

I’ve been studying and watching the new bible videos made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are absolutely amazing and they make it simple enough for me to understand.

Here are 10 interesting things I’ve learn about the atonement:

  1. Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane “the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.” (2 Nephi 9:21) He also suffered “temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great [was] his anguish.” (Mosiah 3:7)
  2. The suffering in Gethsemane was so much pain that Christ pray to God saying: “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36)
  3. Jesus Christ was also denied by his own disciples, who were his friends, during his greatest time of need. Christ took three of his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. The entire time that Christ was suffering in the garden, the three disciples fell asleep. (Matt 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:47-48, John 18:2-3)
  4. After suffering for all the pains of the world in Gethsemane, Jesus Christ was denied, mocked and spit upon by government leaders (Matt 27:2), chief priests (Matt 27:41), and a multitude of people (Matt 27:20). They all wanted him to be crucified. (John 19:6)
  5. Jesus Christ was beaten 39 times with a Roman whip (Mat 27:26). Roman whips had “had pieces of bone, glass, or metal on the ends of it to tear the flesh”. The reason why he was beaten 39 times is because anyone who survives 40 whippings are released from their punishment. (2 Cor 11:24) After whipping they put a crown of thorns on his head. (Matt 29:29)
  6. Jesus Christ carried his own cross to Golgotha to be crucified. (John 19:17)
  7. Jesus Christ allowed wicked people to crucify him after all the horrible events that have already happened to him. The unbelievers drove nails through the palms of his hands, wrists, and feet. (Ps. 22:11–18) Being in the position of crucification is the most horrible slow punishment and death anyone could ever experience. (Crucifixion)
  8. While on the cross Jesus Christ said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”. (Luke 23:34)
  9. After being on the cross Jesus Christ, He said “it is finished” meaning the atonement was completed. He gave up the ghost which means he chose to die a mortal death. (John 19:30)
  10. Jesus Christ was resurrected and we will all be resurrected because of His atonement. Everyone who is willingly to have faith in Christ, repent of their sins, are baptized in His name, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmation into Christ’s Church” and endure joyfully to the end will be received into celestial kingdom. Those who repent will not have to suffer what Christ went through and be able to have a happy life. (The Atonement of Jesus Christ)

What a great birthday it is to learn more about the greatest gift anyone can ever receive!

Children, Family Life, Ireland, Photography, Travel

Full Time Student to Full Time Mom

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I’m not going to lie. It was very strange to transition from a full-time student to a full-time mom.  Aside from also moving to a different country, it was just pure weird!  I don’t have homework, classes, teachers, or grades.  I didn’t know what to do with myself!  I felt like I was aimless and there wasn’t no more direction in my life.  Granted, I am making gourmet dinners for my family (compared to Top Raman during finals week) but making dinner doesn’t take all day!  The first few days after Dallin started working in Ireland, I had dinner ready by 4 pm. Hmm… Dallin doesn’t get home till 6 pm.  I sat on the couch, dumbfounded…. I was bored!

The next day, I picked up some knitting needles at the local thrift store… I haven’t knitting for years. But I thought to myself… I can’t spend all my days knitting!! I need to do something with my life.  Micah didn’t like it either.  He just wanted to take the needles and poke his eyes out.

Our awesome friends gave us a pocket size Preach My Gospel to take with us to Ireland. During my daily scripture study one day I decided to read the section on “Using Time Wisely“.  I thought to myself… I really need this! I didn’t feel like I was using my precious time from God wisely. Even though I am not a full-time missionary, it was very beneficial. The chapter gave really good suggestions. I need a weekly calendar. I need to make goals. I need to progress to become more like God.

Elder M Russel Ballard said: “I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life.”

I quickly repented of my idleness and aimlessness.  I realized my most important investigator is my little Micah.  He needs me to teach him everything I know.  I made a progress report for Micah.  I labeled four areas: Social, Physical, Mental, and Spiritual (Luke 2:52).  I wrote down how Micah was doing in those areas and made a small goal for each of the areas.  I planned out my week and decided to focus on Micah’s needs.

Small things does bring about great things (Alma 37:6). Being home has allowed me to read more books, sing more songs and spend more time than I’ve ever had with my son. I’m grateful for my education but I’m so glad that I finished in December. Just cause I got a degree doesn’t mean my learning has stopped. I’m learning every day as I try to become a better mom. This is learning that they can never teach you in a classroom.

What was the first thing I planned for the week? Feed the seagulls and Micah loved it!

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Ireland, Travel

Finglas Ward – First Week of Church in Ireland

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finglas ward

Every time I’m traveling I get so excited to go to Church on Sunday. It’s always a hassle trying to figure out how to get to church in a new place but the minute I walk into sacrament meeting is like a breath of fresh air.  The Spirit of the Lord is always the same at all sacrament meetings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world.

We went to the Finglas Ward in Northern Dublin for the first Sunday in Ireland (See picture of ward building above). We took two buses and miraculous got to church without getting lost. As we walked into the chapel two minutes late, (apparently they start church on time here… LOL!), they were singing “Joy to the World” but with an Irish accent. 🙂 At the beginning of the meeting,  a girl was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was given the gift Holy Ghost after being baptized the day before. Afterwards, were two deacons were passing the sacrament. There were about 70 in the congregation but a lot were on vacation for the Holidays.

As we were singing the sacrament hymn #195 “How Great the Wisdom and the Love”, Dallin was putting the hymn book away at the end of the song but they sang all the extra verses in the song! This seems little but we were surprised. We didn’t know the extra verses to the song. I guess sometimes we take for granted little things like that.

In mem’ry of the broken flesh We eat the broken bread And witness with the cup, afresh, Our faith in Christ, our Head.

How great, how glorious, how complete Redemption’s grand design, Where justice, love, and mercy meet In harmony divine!

Micah went to nursery, even though he’s only 16 months old. He was causing trouble in Sunday School so we sent him to nursery. He loved it. He played with a double decker bus and got lots of snacks.

On the way home from church we got lost and it took us like 2.5 hours to get back to the hotel! We ran into a cool cemetery though. It was a nice long rainy walk but we survived!

Ireland, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Travel

Running into a Mormon in Ireland

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We were on the bus trying to get to the train station. The train is called the Dart. We only landed in Dublin a few hours before. We were feeling very jet lag and lost. I told Dallin he should ask this elderly lady for directions. In a matter of minutes the conversation went like this…

Dallin: We’re from the United States

Lady: Are you from Utah?

Dallin: Why yes! We’re from Utah.

Lady: That’s where my church headquarters are located. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin: I’m a Latter-day Saint!

Wow… after feeling overwhelmed in a big city… suddenly the world seemed small again. I felt right at home. There are only about 1200 active Church members in Ireland out of 4.5 million people. I doubt it was a coincidence we met her but a gift from God. I wanted to cry when I met her because I was so sleep deprived and grateful for directions. She got off the bus with us and walked us to the train station while telling us her conversion story.

She was a Christian before. She told us the missionaries kept coming to visit her and telling her to read the Book of Mormon. She didn’t want to read it so she lied to missionaries but they kept coming back. Very quickly the missionaries could tell she wasn’t actually reading the Book of Mormon.  Finally, she decided read the Book of Mormon, felt something good about the Church and got baptized.  She also told us that church was at 11:00 am on Sunday at the Finglas Ward and that it was very close by.

We were very blessed to meet that nice elderly lady and very excited to go to church the next day. She led us to our next destination and gave us a bunch of directions. I felt like it was Heavenly Father helping us and telling us that Ireland is going to be great experience for us!