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 Christopher Cunningham | Nov 21, 2013 | About Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church, announced in Autumn 2013 a new semiannual meeting of all female members of the Church 8 years old and older. This meeting will replace an adult women’s and young women’s meeting each held annually. Here are four reasons why this change is great!
1) Prepares Young Women for missions
Until last year, women could not become full-time missionaries until they were 21 years old, after three years in Relief Society (the LDS women’s organization, which young women enter at age 18). Last year, the age for possible missionary service was lowered to nineteen. With so much less time to prepare for a mission as an adult, young women can now benefit from hearing messages that will prepare them for the rigors of missionary work. (more…)
by megan | Nov 20, 2013 | Mormon Single Adults
I don’t claim to be the foremost expert on dating. I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to be an expert on dating. I didn’t date much, and when I finally started dating, I was rather passive about it. But I did get married, so I feel slightly qualified to say a few things. I’ve come up with 8 dating tips to help you navigate the very confusing world of dating.
1. Go on dates just for fun
This can really take the pressure off dating, for both guys and girls. Knowing the other person isn’t going to try and have a deep conversation about the future of the relationship makes it easier to be yourself. Have fun. Build a friendship. (more…)
by Delisa Hargrove | Nov 4, 2013 | Mormon Single Adults
A driven and motivated teen, Audrey Denison of Las Vegas, Nevada won the Miss Nevada Teen title in 2010.
People often ask me why I do pageants. I do them because every interview I’ve been on since age 16 resulted in a job. Every single pageant I’ve competed in resulted in a lifelong friend that changed me for the better, and every time I’ve walked away more confident, determined, and ready to take on the future. … True character is being happy for whoever wins – sometimes it’s your year sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s time to move on and sometimes it’s time to kick it into high gear. 1
Audrey’s Search For A Church
After graduating from high school, Audrey attended George Mason University in Virginia. Raised by her Christian mother in the Baptist faith, Audrey sought to understand the role of religion in her life and to find a church to attend. She attended almost all available Christian churches in the area. One large congregation reminded Aubrey of her church at home, with thousands of attendees, where she could worship in relatively anonymity. Yet, she still felt unsettled spiritually. One day while online, Audrey visited mormon.org and requested a visit from missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church). She had attended The Church of Jesus Christ with a high school friend and decided to learn more about that church. (more…)
