by Charlotte Wilson | Dec 11, 2013 | About Mormons
If you have a shot at winning $50,000, you take it, right? For Nancy Judd, resident of Alpine, Utah, the possibility of a $50,000 prize wasn’t enough to get her to depart from her convictions to keep Sunday a special day. Nancy’s a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) and takes the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy seriously.[1]
In the For Strength of Youth booklet published by The Church of Jesus Christ it says the following:
The Lord has given the Sabbath day for your benefit and has commanded you to keep it holy. Honoring the Sabbath day includes attending all your Church meetings. Go to sacrament meeting prepared to worship the Lord and partake worthily of the sacrament. . . . Refrain from activities that would distract you or others during this sacred meeting. . . . As you do these things, you invite the Spirit of the Lord to be with you.
When Nancy Judd won $10,000 in the World Food Championship contest, she had a chance to compete for the larger grand prize. The competition day took place on a Sunday, and she repeatedly declined to attend. The judges were taken off guard by her response and continued asking her to participate–Nancy held to her original stance and officially turned down the invitation. (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | Dec 9, 2013 | About Mormons
When Nelson Mandela, prominent and visionary South African president, passed away in December 2013, the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) expressed their condolences at his passing. As part of the published statement, The Church of Jesus Christ expressed that “[Mandela’s] courage, kindness and extraordinary moral leadership have been an example to all people.” [1]
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by Charlotte Wilson | Dec 3, 2013 | About Mormons
At the beginning of November 2013, raging Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippine islands. By the end of the month, the death toll rose above 5,500, with the numbers continuing to rise. The Philippines hasn’t ever seen destruction like this. Many people around the world may see the storm footage and say to themselves, “Gee, that’s too bad. I wish we could do something.” Miles Bell, however, owner of Dave’s Auto Center in Layton and Centerville, Utah, decided to do something more.[1]
Opening Up Shop
Bell is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a faith often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) and served his full-time mission in the Philippines. Thanks to social media, Bell is able to stay in touch with many of the people he served in that country. So when Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the islands, Bell was devastated.
Instead of wishing he could do something to help, Bell took action. He decided to open up his auto shop on a day when they were usually closed. All labor proceeds that day were donated to relief efforts in the Philippines. Customers came in for repairs both big and small and were asked to donate at least $50, regardless of the repair. During the fundraiser, customers were also allowed to bring in their own parts or to purchase the needed parts wholesale. (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | Nov 21, 2013 | Do Mormons Celebrate Holidays?
Mormons in America love Thanksgiving. (And Mormons in other parts of the world also celebrate any national holidays centered on gratitude.) Thanksgiving is a time where Mormons gather with friends and family to make pies and roast turkey and drink Martinellis. It’s a time where they unite with their country in giving thanks for all they have. Mormons are thankful for the usual good fortunes, and they also give thanks for some unique blessings that come only through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church).
1. Eternal Families
One of the most central doctrines to The Church of Jesus Christ is that families can be together forever. This possibility for families demonstrates much about Mormons and what they do and teach. Families can become eternal families through special ordinances performed in temples. Temples are houses of special worship open only to worthy members. This discretion is not because temple ceremonies are secret, but because they are sacred. In temples Mormon couples can be sealed for eternity, meaning that their marriage and family will be bound together even after physical death. This is such a great blessing to God’s children. (more…)
by megan | Oct 25, 2013 | Mormon Single Adults
I have one problem with this question: “The One.” Is there really one other person out there just for you? The person who’s the yang to your ying? The one guy that will make you perfectly, supremely happy, while all other guys will make you miserable? The guy that heaven has decreed will be your husband?
Nope. There’s no such thing as “the one.” Sorry to burst your bubble.
I mean, think about it: what if the guy who’s “The One” for you is killed in battle? Or born in North Korea and can’t get to you? Or makes a mistake and marries another girl who wasn’t destined for him? Then your entire future is lost. Your one true soul mate isn’t there, and you’ll be the single cat-lady forever.
Obviously this is ridiculous. There’s not just one true soul mate for every guy and girl out there; it would make dating impossible! (And it’s already pretty dang hard).
No, instead I’d like to introduce you to this great maxim–words to date by, if you will: “Choose your love; love your choice.”
This would imply that we can choose whomever we want to love. Whoa. Suddenly the whole wide dating world has opened up! You and I can choose the person we love. I know sometimes it seems that we have little choice in the matter; you’re either attracted to a guy or you’re not attracted, and there’s not a whole lot you can do to change that. (more…)
