I consider myself a very religious person, and I love living in a diverse world and hearing about other faiths and what they believe, so today I share with you a little more of what I believe, because darn dittly my faith seems to get a lot of misunderstandings, and it can be frustrating. A year ago, I wrote a post called What I believe (part I), and it’s on my sidebar to easily access if you haven’t read it before. I talked about how I was raised, and how I chose my faith as an adult. It’s a nice, long read.
{My brothers and me, I love them.}
I mentioned in that post that I have a service calling to teach the youth girls. I’ve been blessed to do that for a year and a half, and I hope to stay longer. I revel in sharing weekly lessons that vary in topic about our Savior, dressing modestly, and having daily scripture study. We all know that just because we TEACH it doesn’t mean we are perfect. It is my weekly reminder to be better as well. I also love being a part of the “village” that with other parents, we work together to raise strong children.
When I was in high school, each day before school I attended a religious study class known as seminary. It started at 6:10 a.m. and ended at 7 a.m. I went dressed for high school which started at 7:30. Each year we studied a different book of scripture. My freshman year it was the New Testament. We were given the challenge to memorize 25 key scriptures, and the only one I fully memorized and still remember from that year is still one of my very favorite scriptures. A few verses that I consider to be my life motto, how I aim to live:
Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do man light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
{source}
This past July, my husband was thanked for serving among the boys scouting group, and asked to serve as an early morning seminary teacher. Without hesitation, he said yes. He knew it would be hard–and it is. But he also knew it would bless him beyond measure–and it has. I kiss him goodnight at 9:30 p.m. each night so he can wake at 4:45 a.m. to get ready and head to the church to arm those amazing teenagers with the Armor of God.
{They got all dressed up for a scripture competition with the other grade, and they won!}
My religion effects every aspect of my life: Â my attitude, my lifestyle, my choices, my mothering, my marriage etc. I feel so much light and happiness from my faith, and it is with that light that I aim to live my life as the scripture above states–to shine as an example to the world. We have nightly prayer and scriptures study with the kids before bed, and this scripture came up a few days ago, and we explained to them what it means to hide your candle under a bushel (basket) and the difference it makes when the candle is out for all to see. We hope they will strive to be the light amongst their peers.
{image taken by Heather Walker}
I’ve joined forces with a good handful of other creative bloggers who are also Mormon, to share our faith. To dispel untruths, and shed light onto what we really believe–from us.
If you’ve ever wondered more about Mormons—or why anyone is Mormon—you will find this project involves thoughts and stories dear to our hearts, we are making it available only to those who truly wish to read them (offline).
Here’s how it works:
If you are genuinely interested in learning more about why some of my creative blogger friends and I are Mormon, send an email with your name and address to me at kristenduke @ gmail.com with the subject “I’m interested in learning more about Mormons”. You can also just ask me a question that I will be happy to answer in an email or you can receive the packet we have put together.
Along with the blogger packet, you will find our favorite scriptures and a free copy of The Book of Mormon. It would be difficult to truly understand us without a copy of this great book. It is, as we like to say, the keystone of our religion:
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is the ancient records of prophets who lived in the Americas before, during and after Christ’s time on earth.
If you do request a packet, I will not use your address for any purpose other than sending your packet. If Mormon missionaries show up on your doorstep, blame it on or thank someone else. Due to the sensitive nature of this post, please keep your comments upbeat and kind. We are lucky to live in a free country where we are able to share our feelings and thoughts, whether or not we all agree, so let’s please encourage one another and help each other along this journey of life 
