i believe

I’m a strong and independent women who does what I love…whatever that might be at the moment – blogging, writing, cooking, gardening, exercising, thrifting, crafting, ect. I believe in being the true me and helping others realize who they are and helping them be them. I am a Mormon.

I am the youngest of three kids and when I was born my parents were baffled with how to handle me – their thought “We have two kids, but what is this?” I was independent, wanted to do everything my own way. As an infant I didn't want to be cuddled unless it was my idea (maybe I’m part cat), which made bedtime interesting. As I grew I wanted to dress myself, feed myself, whatever it was, I wanted to do it myself and at 100 mph. At the store I would wonder off the second my mom took her eyes off me - I wasn't being deviant, I just had things to do, like try on some shoes or test drive a riding lawn mower. This continued as I grew, causing some turmoil in my teenage years.

I remember in my teen years looking at the religion that I had been raised in and needing to decide if it was for me and something I wanted to live. I was being faced with pressures from school to do things against me beliefs, but was this even what I wanted to believe? I knew that if I was in I had to be all in – you can’t do God half-way. My parents had taught me how to get my own answers and make my own decisions – which I am still so grateful for, I was never forced to believe or follow the Mormon church. I was raised in it, but to continue in it was my choice. I took some time in my teenage years to pray, ponder, read and research what I believed. I thought a lot about my future – sure, I might want to be a rebellious 18 years old, but did I want that lifestyle for forever? I learned for myself that being a Mormon would always keep me to my Heavenly Father, help me learn who I need to be and help me accomplish that.

Since deciding to continue on the path of Mormonism I've had plenty of trials and struggles, but I know that God is there to help me and I wouldn't be who I am today without Him. I have dealt with normal life struggles of deciding where to attend college, what to major in, dealing with people who were mean to me, figuring out how to afford everything, ect. I've also dealt with some heavier things like depression. With my relationship with God and I knowledge that I have of His plan for me I've been able to get through and continue onward. I no longer ask ‘why me’ or ‘why this’ to God, but ‘what should I learn.’ I know that because I am a strong that the Lord has given me trails so that I can help others with my experience.

You can find out more about what I believe at http://mormon.org or you can ask me any questions you have. I’m not trying to convert you, but if you’re confused about the Mormon church (actual name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) let me know, I’ll answer.