I have spent days trying to write this page.  My faith is such an integral part of me, I want to share it with others, but I want to say things perfectly, in a way that people can understand my beliefs without being misled.  But I guess there is no “perfect” way to write one’s core beliefs, so here it goes.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LDS, or Mormon church.  While I my faith is greatly shaped by the teachings of my church, it is something personal that I have discovered for myself, not just something others have taught or told me.  Also, I am a member of the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints but I do not speak for the church as a whole.  I try to follow the church standards but like everyone else, I am human and make mistakes sometimes.  If you have any questions about my church I am more than happy to answer them!  I do ask that you respect my opinions just as I try to respect yours.

I believe in God.  I believe that He loves me and is very aware of my family and our situation.  He loves me and wants me to be happy.  That is why He has blessed me with a family and with the atoning power of His Son Jesus Christ.

I believe in the power of prayer.

I believe in families.  The most sacred and important unit of society is the family.  I will do everything I can to defend marriage, family, and parenthood.  I believe that the most important role I will ever fill is that of a wife and mother.

I believe in reading from scriptures every day and in taking time to ponder the teachings.  This pondering or meditation helps me gain perspective and check my emotions.  It’s especially helpful when I feel like nothing is right in the world.  Those days when it’s raining, my hair is a mess, I’m tired, I’m stressed about bills, Henley is cranky, or things just aren’t peachy, it really helps me to sit down, read a verse or two and take a minute to think about the big picture.  Then I realize that it really doesn’t matter if I’ve worn my hair in a knot on the top of my head for three days straight.  I’m still a person of worth.  My hair does not define who I am…thank goodness for that!

I believe that people from all backgrounds, opinions, races, and personalities can and should get along with each other.  And I mean ALL.  Growing up I always seemed to be best friends with people of different  faiths, political opinions, and ethnicity.  Somehow we were able to get along despite discussing heated topics frequently.  Just because I think differently than you do, doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.  I’ll respect your views and try to expand my perspective.  I ask that you do the same for me.  So much of the negativity in our culture could be changed if people quit defining others by their race, political party, religion, sexual orientation, gender, sports team or occupation.  I’m not saying we all have to think the same way or vote for the same initiatives, but we all should be nice to each other.  Respect.  Kindness. Charity.  Tolerance.  Understanding.  Positivity.  Let’s strive to live these values.

I believe in being happy.  Life isn’t always easy.  In fact, it rarely is.  I believe that we are meant to find joy in the challenges we face.  We are meant to be happy.