About Me
I am finishing up my bachelor's degree in Spanish Teaching right now, and I'm currently working on recording my first EP. I love to sing, write music on the guitar and perform. It's therapeutic to express myself through music and to share my love of music with others. When I'm not doing homework, working or singing, I'm usually running a race or doing something active and fun. I love being outdoors and I love a challenge.
Why I am a Mormon
Both of my parents joined the LDS church right before I was born. Growing up as a member of the church, I always felt good about living the standards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was constantly encouraged to serve, love and help others in all that I do.
As I grew into my teenage years, I began to feel more and more alone in my decisions to stay sexually abstinent, to refrain from using drugs, tobacco and alcohol as I watched many of my close friends do the opposite. One day I came home from high school saddened by the news that yet another good friend of mine had become pregnant. I went straight to my bedroom and began crying at my bedside. Then as I began to pray to Heavenly Father, I explained to Him how alone I felt and how sad I was. While I knelt there weeping and praying, I felt a warm, calming sensation come over me, and my loneliness subsided. I had felt the Spirit comforting me. In that moment I felt Heavenly Father's great love for me, and I knew that He had indeed heard my prayer. I felt courage to continue living obedient to His commandments, and I knew that If I ever felt alone again, all I needed to do was pray.
Throughout my life, I've continued to receive comfort during times of trial as I have remembered to pray. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and that He hears and answers prayers. I have asked Heavenly Father to know for myself if the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith were true, and on several occasions I have felt a strong confirmation from the Spirit that it is. I know that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has brought more peace, joy and assurance into my life than I could ever hope for. It has been and continues to be a constant source of comfort and inspiration in my life.
Personal Stories
How has attending Church services helped you?
Every Sunday, we have two hours of sunday school wherein we study the Bible, the Book of Mormon and other materials containing the words of the prophets of God. And the third hour of church is called sacrament meeting, in the which we partake of the Sacrament, the bread and the water symbolic of the Savior's sacrifice for us when he atoned for our sins and suffered for our pains, weaknesses and sorrows. Also during Sacrament meeting different members of the congregation are given the opportunity to prepare and deliver 8-10 minute talks. Once a month we open the time we normally use for talks during Sacrament meeting for anyone present to come up and share his/her personal testimony of Jesus Christ.
Attending church every week has helped me strengthen my relationship with Heavenly Father and with my Savior, Jesus Christ. It helps remind me of what is most important in this life, returning to live with God again one day. And it helps me refocus myself at the beginning of every week as I renew promises I have made with God to keep His commandments. Also, I have received great strength simply from interacting with and surrounding myself with other people who are also striving to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What is the Book of Mormon?
Charla answered...
The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. The …
Show moreThe Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets of God who lived in the Americas before, during, and after the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. It contains a record of Christ's visit to the America's after His Resurrection. In John 10:16 Jesus tells His apostles, " And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." During Christ's visit to the Americas he says to them, "And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (3 Nephi 15:21, Book Of Mormon). As I have read the Book of Mormon, I have felt that the book is true, that it is indeed another testament of Jesus Christ. As Latter Day Saints, we read the Book of Mormon alongside the Bible. I know that anyone who will read the Book of Mormon, ponder on its message, and pray with real intent to know if the book is true, they will receive an answer from God. Because I have personally done this, I know without a doubt that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. As I continue to read from its pages, I am filled with joy, peace and hope, and I am given strength to continue living the Gospel of Jesus Christ as I learn from the example of the prophets who lived in the Americas many years ago. The Book of Mormon can provide us with many answers to the most important questions of life such as, "Where did we come from? Why are we here on earth? What is the purpose of this life? and Where do we go after we die?" If you've ever had any of these questions, I encourage you to read the Book of Mormon and to pray about its message.
How I live my faith
It's all about love. The Savior, Jesus Christ, set the perfect example of love during His earthly ministry. As I begin and end each day with sincere prayer, I make time to think about how I interact with those around me. I often ask myself questions such as, "Was I kind? Was I thoughtful? Is there someone that I need to treat better? Is there someone I can serve or help?" As I pray, I often am inspired to change something that I am doing in order to show more love to my fellow beings. As I engage in this activity everyday, I rememebr to see everyone around me as Heavenly Father's precious children. I am reminded to love them, to help them, and to serve them as the Savior would if He were standing in my place. Additionally, as I strive to show more love to those around me, in turn I feel more frequently the great love that Heavenly has for me as well.
