by Karen | Mar 21, 2013 | Jesus Christ
I remember being afraid to die.
I remember being surprised when an acquaintance securely and serenely spoke these five words to me, “I’m not afraid to die.” “Really?” I asked.
A lot has changed since that day 35-ish years ago. Spiritually, I was not then awake. My eyes were still closed, not yet supernaturally opened by God. In other words, that incident predated my coming to really know personally of the Savior Jesus Christ’s love, ministry, Atonement, Resurrection, and Plan of Redemption for each of us, as taught in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
An August day in 1980, things changed, preceded by a 25-year search for truth.I’m no longer afraid to die but look forward to seeing the Savior and the Father, and loved ones again. Death is but a doorway. Heaven is real.
When I first opened the New Testament, parched for light about life’s meaning and for knowledge of the real character of God and His Son, I was overcome. Overcome by the fact that Jesus died for me literally, that He died for me spiritually. He had saved my life physically just days before, intervening in a thought pattern that was moving me to take my life. I didn’t proceed with my desperate plan because of unmistakable impressions that appeared on the screen of my soul. When He speaks, we don’t doubt it. We might not know it’s Him at first but ultimately we do; we at least know we’ve been hit by the sweet sword of truth as I was then. (The Spirit, an agent of truth, testifies of and ratifies truth. We’ve lost trust in this possibility in our culture. I affirm it. You can know for yourself that Jesus died, atoned for your sins, and was literally resurrected). (more…)
by Karen | Jan 14, 2012 | About Mormons, Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
Of all the numbers in the Pew Research Center’s recently released survey of “Mormons in America,” the highest, most overwhelming numbers are these: 98 percent of respondents said they believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 97 percent say their church is a Christian religion.
This comes on the heels of earlier surveys indicating that 32 percent of non-LDS U.S. adults say the LDS Church is not a Christian religion, and an additional 17 percent are unsure of LDS Christianity. The theological and semantic reasons for this can be complex, but for the 1,019 self-identified Mormons who participated in the Pew survey, their theological position is clear: Mormons believe in Jesus Christ, and they consider themselves to be Christian. (more…)
by Karen | Aug 9, 2011 | About Mormons, Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values, Mormon Single Adults
M
usic is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father (See Doctrine and Covenants 25:12). However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit.
Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices.
(more…)
by Karen | Aug 9, 2011 | About Mormons, Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values, Mormon Single Adults
How you speak says much about who you are. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Use language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others. Do not insult others or put them down, even in joking. Speak kindly and positively about others so you can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love one another. When you use good language, you invite the Spirit to be with you.
Always use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as jokes about immoral actions, are offensive to the Lord and to others. Foul language harms your spirit and degrades you. Do not let others influence you to use it.
(more…)
by Karen | Aug 9, 2011 | About Mormons, Mormons in the News
Daily News Wire Services
Posted: 07/22/2011 08:39:52 AM PDT
Updated: 07/22/2011 08:43:05 AM PDT
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers will conduct Mormon Night tonight with more than 4,100 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attending the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. The Christian-country group Joshua Creek will perform the national anthem and “God Bless America.” (more…)
