Some people who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share some of their thoughts in response to this question.

This video from Latter-day Saints in Canada includes several people’s thoughts, including youth and children.

What brings you peace? Missionaries in Australia share some of their thoughts and invite people to do the same.

“Before I decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I had faith, but it wasn’t very strong. My life was not as happy. I had happy moments, but didn’t have that lasting peace that faith in Jesus Christ brings. I remember the day that I decided I was going to start growing that faith.I was going through a rough time in my life, and wanted a change. I started by praying every day. It was difficult at first, remembering to pray in the morning, but I found that as I continued to pray my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ, was strengthened. I then wanted more so I started reading the scriptures, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon….I am [a] different person than I was five years ago, and I would never go back to who I was. I know that it’s all because of my faith in Jesus Christ.” Sister C

Krista shares how a reminder about trusting in God when struggling when family members have made hurtful decisions has allowed her to show more love to her family, and brings her peace regardless of the choices others make. “Putting trust in God, that’s having faith….I’m so thankful to know about Jesus Christ, about God. I’m so thankful for my faith, because that’s what makes life beautiful.” [Krista’s thoughts start at about 2:30 in the video]

A family from Canada shares this: “The gospel [of Jesus Christ] has brought direction and guidance to our family during these difficult times. The song, “there is peace in Christ” is one that our children really enjoy singing. The gospel and our Savior have brought peace to our family. In our everyday, we often face little challenges and family prayer has helped us spiritually and brought peace into our home. We are especially grateful for the plan of salvation which allows all families to be together forever.”

Other young missionaries share experiences that have strengthened their faith here.

A family from Australia shares this: “When the world is full of discontent and strife. I am grateful for my little family, and our home where the cares of the world disappear and we can enjoy our times together. We find peace reading from the holy scriptures each day and and discussing our eternal natures. We especially love watching the Tv series, The Chosen together. The life of Jesus is brought to life with his teachings and miracles put into real life scenarios. One of the greatest teachings that gives us peace and hope for the future is knowing that we can live together eternally. The Son of God conquered death and offers eternal life to his true disciples. If I can teach my children anything I hope they can learn that they have a Father in heaven who they can rely on. And that by following the Lord Jesus Christ and his teachings they can find true joy in living this life and eternal life in the world to come.”

The post How has faith in Jesus Christ helped you? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

~by Whitney

I am only a few days away from starting my service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It does not seem possible that something I have waited for all my life is finally within reach. Knowing what is ahead is daunting, but my feelings of inadequacy and nervousness subside when I think about the lessons God has taught me this past year and especially this past semester to prepare me for “that which will be my finest hour” (to quote Winston Churchill found in Elaine S. Dalton’s talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/…/come-let-us-go-up…)

Here are some of the lessons I have learned these past couple of months.

1. “Own it.” These words came after pleading to Heavenly Father to help me out of the whirlpool of negative thoughts about myself. These two words changed everything for me. Now, I am choosing to own my body, my thoughts, my personality, my family, my weakness, etc. Through this, I can repent and find satisfaction in my life because I am honest and grateful.

2. Be deliberate in bettering the relationships you care about. This is probably a “no duh” for most, but I needed to remember it. I need to remember it for my mission for both those at home and those I work beside.

3. Ask questions. They change everything. Because of a simple question, I’ve been able to spend my time between school and a mission with two of my favorite families. Because of a simple question, I get to do my MTC at an unimaginably perfect place. Because of simple questions, I have gained some of the sweetest relationships with strangers on planes and in the classroom. If you don’t believe me, just look at what a question did for Joseph Smith.

4. “Trust it, even though you don’t feel it.” Another powerhouse phrase that the Spirit inspired me with when I was consumed in anxiety. In my life right now, I know that the mission is the right next step. So even when it feels daunting or crippling, I can trust what I know rather than what I feel in the moment.

5. “Whitney, it’s true.” These were the words my coach said to me after receiving my temple endowment. I’ll never forget how I felt when he said those simple words to me.

6. Like any parent, Heavenly Father does not respond to everything His children ask for. This sounds harsh, but just picture what a day would be like if a toddler got their way the whole day. It simply would not be good. It is the same for Heavenly Father. I do not know if He always responds. But for me, that does not matter because I know He always listens.

7. “Cheerfully do all things that lie in your power; and then… stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17). Just show up (as my mom puts it). God is aware and will work a marvelous work for us.

8. Heavenly Father wants to help us know we are on the right path. And when we know what we are doing is right, it is exhilarating.

9. When I know it and I know that God knows it, that is enough.

10. I #HearHim through the words “that is what I can do.” I know Christ wants us to press forward. Therefore His words of correction and inspiration motivate and excite us. This principle was emphasized in my Portuguese study: He gives us power through revelation (power in Portuguese = poder) and with that, we can do what He asks us to do (poder as a verb = to be able to).

I love truth. I love my Savior. I love my Heavenly Father. I love this Gospel. I love what is coming in a week. It is all so good.

The post Poder: Power to be able to… appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

One summer, I decided to learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Actually, this is not as strange as it seems. As a college professor, I was off for the summer and had a lot of time to myself. I also happened to live a few blocks from ‘Mormon Trek Boulevard’ and near the Mormon Handcart Park in Iowa. New to the area, I often wondered, what was the ‘Mormon Trek’? And why is there a park for handcarts? So, I went to the university library and borrowed a handful of books about the history and culture of the Church, topped it off with a Book of Mormon, and began reading.

I learned about the Church’s teachings, such as Family Home Evening, the Word of Wisdom, and its support of family life. It all appealed to me as a good way to live. At the time, my grown son shared my home. I’d read, get excited, and go talk to him about it. It got to the point where he’d hear me coming and call out, “Are you going to talk about ‘Mormons’ again?”

I also watched any Church-related YouTube videos I could find, especially opening mission calls, which I found intriguing. While some were serious, others were full of good-natured fun, with families pinning their guesses on a map – and everyone seemed so happy. Why? I’d seen missionaries in the cold and rain. I learned that they didn’t get paid and couldn’t watch TV. I wasn’t sure what there was to be happy about. And yet, there must be something about this Church that made people ecstatic about giving up part of their lives when others enjoyed a carefree college experience or starting a career. Around this time, I also felt prompted to do something a little weird. One day, I drove up to the church and took a look. I don’t know what I expected the building to tell me, but I went and sat in the parking lot anyway.

As I worked through my readings, I learned about General Conference, the semi-annual meeting during which Church leaders give talks on “how to find peace, hope, and joy in Jesus Christ; how to strengthen families by following Jesus’s teachings; and how to receive personal guidance and inspiration from God”¹ and decided to watch. I figured they were probably going to scream and tell me I was going to hell, but misgivings aside, I tuned in. Maybe I’d find out why those missionaries were so happy.

It turned out that Conference was nothing like I expected. I often describe it as ‘homey’ – so warm and comfortable.  Instead of being told I was an irredeemable sinner, I heard caring people speak on a variety of topics. Most meaningful to me were Elder Claudio R.M. Costa’s² talk on obeying the prophets (the concept of a living prophet was new to me) and how Elder Jeffrey R. Holland³ showed that ‘regular’ people could serve the Lord as they served His children. I didn’t need to be perfect. Again, I rushed to share my feelings with my son (“You aren’t going to talk about ‘Mormons’ again, are you, Mom?)

A week or so later, I was preparing for class one evening when there was a knock at the door. I peeked out to see two missionaries standing in the chilly October night. What luck! Finally, I could talk to someone about the Church. I asked them to wait while I got myself together. When I opened the door again, I had my stack of books and blurted out excitedly, “Did you see the Conference?” Eyes like saucers does not begin to describe the look on their faces! We spent an hour on my front porch talking about Conference and what I’d read. One of them looked at my books, noting I already had a Book of Mormon. “Oh no, this belongs to the library. It isn’t mine,” I responded. Again, his eyes got big and he gave me my own copy. Months later I learned that they had gone to all the other houses on my street. I was the last one and the only person who opened the door! I was meant to have that book.

Even though I tried to convince myself that I was only curious and not looking for a new religion, I invited the missionaries back. I went to a few services. I also went to activities at church and found a wonderful community in the Relief Society, the Church’s organization for women. At times, I thought I could never be one of them – they were so nice, they had such close-knit families, and they could quote scripture, which I still can’t do.

After a few months of investigating and with my son suggesting, “Why don’t you just get baptized already?” I started to give it some serious thought, but hesitated. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was more than just going to services on Sunday and doing what I wanted the rest of the week. It was deciding to make Christ an integral part of my everyday life and to join a community of people who had committed to the same. While I struggled with the decision, I was reminded of a scene in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.’ Indy stands at the brink of a chasm separating him from the Holy Grail, which he needs to save his father’s life. Like me, he also struggles with the decision to move ahead, but finally he steps out into the void, taking a leap of faith, and a bridge appears. I knew that’s what I had to do. I didn’t have all the answers. I wasn’t sure what being a member would mean, but I knew I needed to take that leap to have the life I wanted. So, I got baptized. A year later, three of my original missionaries were still in the field and were able to join me at the Nauvoo Temple as I received my endowment. What a happy day it was for all of us!

Now, with almost 10 years in the Church, I have been blessed by the knowledge that whatever happens, God is there, and I cannot fail. When I faced a life-changing trial, people asked how I remained calm, even happy. Before baptism, I might have given in to despair, but as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ, I felt secure in the Lord’s saving grace and that there was a heavenly plan for me. I knew I would be all right – and I was.  

I have been blessed by following the Prophets’ guidance. As of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic still affects daily life in my town. By following the Prophets advice, I had enough food storage during the height of the pandemic and did not struggle to fulfill my needs.  Importantly, since I didn’t need to go to the store, whatever I would have purchased was available for another.

Finally, I mentioned I live near Mormon Handcart Park. Saints immigrating from Europe left from here to go to West. Those who could not afford wagons, built handcarts and walked across the prairie to Utah. When I learned that, I was awestruck. What do you mean men, women, and children walked over a thousand miles to Utah? How was it possible? It was possible because they had faith in the prophet and believed the Book of Mormon was true. Because of faith, not only could they walk across the prairie, but they could endure the many trials along the way – and keep walking. In my home office, I have a print of a young girl pulling her handcart in the snow. She reminds me that although I didn’t walk to Utah like this pioneer, whatever difficulties occur, I will have faith because I know I am in God’s hands. I know I can keep walking on my Mormon trek.

1. What is General Conference? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/share/what-is-general-conference?lang=eng

• Costa, C. (2010). Obedience to the Prophet.  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/obedience-to-the-prophets?lang=eng

• Holland, J. (2010). Because of Your Faith. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/obedience-to-the-prophets?lang=eng

The post What Do You Mean, They Walked to Utah? A Latter-day Saint Convert’s Experience appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

As missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Amanda Abel and Sister Ryceejo Nordström were put together as companions, and discovered their shared love of singing and music. A recording artist lived in the area in which they were serving, and helped them make this video.

You can read more about these sisters and the making of this video at Mormon Soprano.

The post Nearer, My God, to Thee — Sung by Mormon women missionaries appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

~By Michelle

You have likely seen young adult missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in your area…the ones with black nametags who work two-by-two, and can often be seen on bicycles or walking the streets with backpacks on their backs.

But did you know that there are also married couples (usually in the “empty nest” stage of life) who also serve as Mormon missionaries? Some do proselyting work, but there are also many who do service missions, such as talked about on this Mormon Channel Faith in Action episode. From the podcast description: “Alan and Linda Turner speak about their experience as humanitarian missionaries in Harare, Zimbabwe. They discuss their feelings upon being called, what it was like when they arrived in the country, and the various humanitarian projects they were involved in.”

There are many other ways Mormon missionary couples serve. For example, LeAnn (pictured above with her husband) has written about how she and her husband have been serving as inner city missionaries, working to help those in need right in their area.

Not long ago, our family went to some Church historic sites, where senior couple missionaries were serving. The Spirit was strong as they shared their testimonies with us, and helped us understand more about the Mormon history of the area and the particular site we were visiting. It’s just another example of the kinds of thing Mormon missionary couples do.

We have senior missionaries (both couples and those who are single) who serve locally. For example, we have a sister in our ward who serves in the Church’s addiction recovery program. Others are serving in family history capacities, ready and willing to help anyone in our area who wants to do more family history work.

At any given time, there are always a variety of opportunities for service. Many of the opportunities allow those who have retired to continue using skills they have developed through professional and church work to help with various needs, both within the Church structure and also in serving those in need and sharing the gospel. Missionaries often are able to develop and build skills and talents as they serve. But the primary reason missionaries serve si because they love the Lord, Jesus Christ, and His gospel and church.

Missionary opportunities include a variety of full-time and part-time opportunities. Besides humanitarian service or other service listed above, Mormon missionaries also serve in any number of our temples in various places all over the world; helping with local lds.org customized websites in various countries; help with curriculum needs, education/teaching, education or leadership or basic music training; serve in various capacities in LDS Family Services and employment resource centers. The list goes on.

Here’s another list of many things Mormon missionary couples do. From Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

Consider these examples: A couple called to India helped a school for blind children build sanitary facilities and acquire braille typewriters. A couple in Hawaii nurtured a little branch of 20 members to 200 and prepared 70 members to attend the temple together. A couple in Peru arranged for medicine and Christmas toys to be provided to 550 children in an orphanage. A couple in Cambodia taught institute classes and gave leadership to a branch which, after only 10 months, grew to 180 members. A couple in Russia helped local farmers increase their yield of potatoes to 11 times that of the state farms, while a couple in the Philippines helped nearly 700 poorly nourished families learn to raise rabbits and cultivate vegetable gardens. A couple in Pennsylvania assisted 60 individuals, half of them members of other faiths, in preparing their family genealogical records. A couple in Ghana helped drill and refurbish wells, bringing water to 190,000 people in villages and refugee camps.

As is the case with younger missionaries, Mormon missionary couples serve because they love the Lord and want to help in His work. Service sometimes comes at great sacrifice…not only of the missionary couples, but of their families. My parents served a mission for three years in South America. They missed births and baptisms, holidays and family reunions, and many comforts of home and their familiar life. We missed having them here to help and support us in our lives. But my children watched their grandparents, who through their example, testified that God’s work matters.

I’m grateful for the missionaries worldwide who sacrifice time, means, and talents to help where help is needed. I look forward to someday serving with my husband in this great work as a missionary couple.

The post What do Mormon missionary couples do? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

This article by James Faulconer shares several links to charitable organizations for those interested in helping Japan and its people recover and rebuild after the terrible things they have faced.

The post A Mormon Missionary’s Experience with the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Watch this video below to learn more about what the Book of Mormon means to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe the Book of Mormon has power to change lives. We invite people to read it and discover its teachings for themselves, and seek to know from God if it is true.

Mormons also cherish the Bible as the word of God. The Bible and Book of Mormon work together as testaments of Christ.

Read more about what Mormons believe about the Bible, including LDS members’ feelings about this sacred book of scripture.

There is much focus on the Bible right now as we recognize the 400th anniversary of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. You might enjoy browsing the links at LDS Media talk that focus on the KJV and its value in the lives of all Christians, Mormons included.

You can request a free copy of the Bible or request a free copy of The Book of Mormon at Mormon.org. You can also read or listen to the Book of Mormon online. You can also read the full text of the LDS version of the King James Bible online at scriptures.lds.org (find links to audio files in each chapter of the text, or download a .zip file of the Bible at audio.lds.org.

Read one man’s testimony of the Book of Mormon in this Patheos article: The Book of Mormon, A Gift

The post Mormons Believe in The Book of Mormon and the Bible appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

My name is Tequitia and I have been a member of the Mormon church for 13 years. My husband introduced me to the church when he told me he wouldn’t marry someone unless she was a member of the Church. At the time we had been dating almost five years and I had no idea he was a member.  I wanted to marry him, so I called up the missionaries to find out what this church was about. I had the first discussions and honestly, didn’t feel anything from it.

I didn’t continue with the discussions after that. However, I believe that that was the turning point for me in my life. I wasn’t a religious person. I believed in God and Jesus Christ, but I had no formal teachings about Them and my purpose in life.

A few months after meeting with the missionaries, I experienced many changes. I was having financial problems, family issues, employment issues, etc. I was experiencing adversity that eventually led me to discover my faith. I began to have a strong desire to learn about God and live the way he would have me live. I started going to the church of my youth. I started reading the Bible.

At the same time, my boyfriend (now husband) started going back to his ward [congregation]. One day he asked me to attend church with him. I didn’t think of it as him trying to convert me, but as me being supportive, so I went.

Soon I was coming to church with him every Sunday and afterwards having the discussions with the missionaries in a member’s home. One fast and testimony meeting, I felt the Spirit so strongly. I had been reading the Book of Mormon and praying about the church. That evening, the Spirit was so strong amongst us, I knew that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was where the Lord wanted me to be. I got baptized and hold strong to that testimony that the Lord blessed me to receive.

My husband and I were married in the Washington, D.C. Temple a year later. We have been blessed with four beautiful children. I have served in several wonderful callings over the years, but currently serve as the Enrichment Counselor in my ward Relief Society. Besides being a wife and mother, I write a bi-monthly column, East Meets West, for Mormon Times. I fancy myself as an mixed-media artist and enjoy singing, crocheting, sewing, and reading.

I always tell anyone interested in the church to read the Book of Mormon and pray about for themselves. If you ask the Lord earnestly, really having the desire to do what He wants you to do, He will answer.

—

For more Portraits of Mormon Women, please click here.

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The Missionary Spirit was written for my daughter Joann’s birthday when she was on her mission in Argentina…. She had one birthday while serving in Argentina, and I wanted to send her something special that didn’t cost a small fortune. I thought of her and how badly she wanted to serve, the sacrifice on the part of the whole family, and the blessings we all received for her service.

The Missionary Spirit

The glow of missionary spirit
Is welling in your eyes.
Love for the children of the Lord,
Yet, unknown, waiting for His message.

A droplet slips across a cheek
Blushed with joy.
The message is delivered,
Reaping gratitude in return for salvation.

Cherish the moment,
Don’t dab it away,
Relish the days,
Hold fast to the spirit.

Return in triumph, knowing
Christ is love, love is charity,
Charity is service,
Service is you.

– by Dianne Billstrom

*This is Dianne Billstrom’s third poem she has shared with us. We are thankful to her for her willingness to share! If you would like to submit your own poetry, please send it to us via email: ‘mormonwomen’ (or ‘mormonwoman’) at ‘gmail’ dot ‘com’.
——
For more Poetry, please click here.

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My friend and I caught up on family news over lunch a few months ago. “How‘s your son doing at college?” she asked as we reviewed our children’s activities.

“Did I tell you he’s on a two-year leave of absence so that he can complete a mission for our church?”

“No,” she replied.

“He’s been gone about six months. I’m looking forward to Mother’s Day because I get to talk to him on the phone. The only other time I can do that is on Christmas Day,” I explained.

“You’re kidding.” She shrugged. “That must be hard.”

I knew Sarah was putting her response mildly. Many non-LDS people can’t believe that a mother could send her child to a location anywhere in the world that is not her choosing for two years (18 months for women). “I’d never do that to my son,” an acquaintance once told me when we were discussing LDS missions.

Do I miss my son? Is it difficult to be apart for two years with only letters and emails to keep us connected? Do I worry about his health and how other people are treating him? You bet! Would I want it any other way? Absolutely not. My son is a bright, friendly young man who completed his freshman year at a Baltimore college before leaving on his mission. His college friends are supportive, but incredulous. Two months into his mission I received a letter that warmed my heart:

“I am grateful to be here and wish so much you could be here with me experiencing such miracles. What we get to do as missionaries . . . is so humbling. It is hard to describe . . . I want you to know that I love you more than you know and that I love our Savior and that I am glad you and certain others [helped] get me here.”

From Self-Centered to Self-Less

As parents, we want our children to have the best in life–the best opportunities, good friends, success in school, and health. From the time they are born, our children claim the center of our attention. If they cry as babies, our immediate goal is to eliminate any discomfort. We nurture and encourage, feed, clothe and provide shelter. Not surprisingly, our children respond by believing that their needs are more important than anything or anyone else.

We can counteract self-centered behavior when we teach our children to share their toys, when we ask for their help preparing dinner for a sick neighbor or when we assign our children chores, like taking out the garbage, to help our homes run smoothly.

Imagine what can happen when we focus entirely on helping others for an extended period of time. A mission is an incredible opportunity to do just that. My son spends six days a week dressed in a suit and tie, riding a bicycle, meeting and talking to anyone with an interest. He reserves one day a week [called preparation day, or P-day] for laundry, grocery shopping, and writing home. He has helped people move, clean, and do yard work. He assisted a single woman to stop smoking, encouraged an alcoholic father to give up drinking, introduced a single mother of two to a new “church family”–one that supports her by providing activities for her children and a place to socialize and discuss values that build families. He spends hours studying in order to effectively share his understanding of how to find joy with others. His letters include phrases like, “I have come to love him.” They describe tender experiences with people like the 93 year-old woman he met at a bus stop:

“She told us some moving stories about how she migrated here from Lithuania during World War II and how she went through all these hard times, but through it all gained a testimony of God. She didn’t really want to talk about our religion but it was just amazing to sit and listen to her.”

Developing Skills & Talents

Mormon missionaries work as pairs. They are assigned a companion to live and work with. Learning to get along with companions from a variety of different backgrounds teaches tolerance and patience—valuable skills for any friend or future spouse. My brother-in-law recalled that his mission was where he had learned to be a “better father and husband.”

Missionaries serve without compensation, many earning the $400 a month required for service before leaving for the “mission field” or assigned area. Missionaries receive a modest monthly amount to pay for food, expenses like bike repairs or a haircut. My son is developing budgeting skills and learning how to be frugal. He proudly sent me a photograph of one of his “budget dinners”—a bowl full of noodles sprinkled with something resembling shrimp.

Before he left, my Stake President (congregational leader) advised my son to utilize his talents on his mission. My son is serving an English-speaking mission, but many missionaries learn foreign languages as they serve in countries around the world. “I’ve played the piano just about every week in church,” my son reported a few weeks into his first mission area (missionaries can be transferred to a new area as frequently as every six weeks). At college, my son was a music minor who taught piano and played the saxophone in a jazz ensemble. He describes a memorable event in another letter:

“This Saturday night will be our musical fireside. I am pretty much organizing and playing every song. It’s gonna be sweet. We have choral numbers, quartets, guitar and piano medleys. I have a couple of solos, and even one of our investigators and I are playing some gospel versions and hymns. My favorite is our arrangement with the whole zone singing Come Thou Fount as well as a medley of Praise to the Man and We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet where I get to go wild! I’m excited.”

Blossoming Leadership

Six months into his mission my son was assigned to be a “trainer”—a senior companion who tutors new missionaries on how to accomplish their duties. A trainer sets an example of leadership by demonstrating hard work, spiritual strength, and a willingness to meet and teach others even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.

During his ninth month of service, he became a “district leader” with responsibility for six missionaries in his area. In addition to tracking their physical well-being, my son prepares weekly training sessions. “[I] . . . planned a meeting about unity since the district is pretty new and we don’t know each other,” he wrote home. He noted that during a role play activity the sister (female) missionaries, “just went at it, tearing into each other . . . loud enough that everyone else in the room could hear—very uncomfortable.” One of the sisters called later that night to say that the role play was just what she and her companion needed to work out their differences.

Developing Spiritual Maturity

It is easy to put our finger on the tangible elements of success–a college degree, a thriving career, a comfortable home or opportunities for interesting travel. These elements are important, but they are only part of what I believe is a complete life, one that includes helping others and feeding our spiritual hunger–the search for answers about the meaning of our existence, what it means to have peace, and where we can find the ultimate source of our desire to be “good.”

I believe we learn truth through the heart as well as through the mind. Knowing and understanding spiritual truths is what I (and most Mormons) call a testimony. It begins with a feeling in the heart–a warm sense when we do something good or learn something that rings true. Consider a time when you did something that made you feel good. At work, I have had several opportunities to volunteer in my community serving lunch at a homeless shelter, planting trees at a local zoo, and setting up tables for a fundraising dinner for a non-profit foundation. I came away from these activities feeling happy that I was able to do something worthwhile. These warm feelings are the same “messages of the heart” sent from God that can come when we learn spiritual truths or truths that bring us pure joy.

On his mission, my son has been able to cultivate and refine his quest for spiritual truth in order to share it with others. Excerpts from several letters describe his growing spiritual maturity:

“We see miracles all the times, what a privilege.”

“The Lord truly blesses us when we always do what we are supposed to do.”

“This week I am focusing on faith, always believing anything can happen. Such a simple principle but hard to actually do. . .”

“This week I want to just bear my testimony. I know the church is true, without a shadow of a doubt.”

I Would Do It All Over Again

The brief conversation I had with my friend over lunch is something I hope to repeat many times in the upcoming months. I enjoy explaining what my son is doing as an LDS missionary and how I feel about it as his mother.

When my son returns from his mission, he will be two years older and no further along in school –but he will have developed a number of priceless character traits. He will return a sensitive, giving, talented, and spiritual mature leader who will have lifted the lives of the many people he will have met, served, and taught.

Would I do it all over again? Of course.
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For more Missionary Mondays posts, please click here.

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