I am a Mormon

I have seen some interesting commercials lately. I am sure you have also. They are everywhere. Television, radio and billboards. They follow an ordinary person, living an ordinary life through an ordinary day. They show us how this person lives a normal life just like you and me. Then at the end of the ad we hear the tag line.

I am a motorcycle lover ...and I am a Mormon.

I am a red head ...and I am a Mormon.

I am a third grade teacher...and I am a Mormon.

I am confident that the message of these ads is to inform us, the viewer, that Mormons are just your average run-of-the-mill people. That Mormons are no longer the stereotypical skirt-wearing, long-hair-rolled-in-a-bun, polygamist. That everything we think we know about this sect is no longer true anymore.

I am also confident that these ads have something to do with the fact that we have a presidential candidate this term who is a...wait for it...Mormon.

Now, don't get me wrong, Mormons have some wonderful family values. They practice tithing. They practice chastity before marriage and fidelity in marriage. They practice obeying the laws and submitting to authority. They even have the words “Jesus Christ” in the official name of their religion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (LDS)

But before we jump on that band wagon of thinking Mormons are same minded as Christians lets look at their belief system. Before we decide that our next president should be a “religious” man let's make sure his religion is a worthy one. Let's not believe every ad we see. Because we all know that the Big Mac we get in the drive through doesn't always look like the one on the screen of our TV.

I have found their basic principles online. (http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith/ )

In a future blog I will dissect these beliefs and compare them to what the Bible, the true Word of God, teaches us.

Our Princess

We knew it might cause problems the first time we told he. We just never thought it would get this bad.

About a year ago we were reading a Bible passage with our kids about the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev 19:16) Ou kids had also learned that they are children of God. (Gal 3:26 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith...”) So, without missing a beat, our oldest daughter put two and two together and came to the conclusion that if she was God's daughter and He was the King, then, she must be a princess.

And who are we to tell her any differently? She is a princess. Not only through supreme lineage but also in attire and attitude.

Rebekah takes great pride in her appearance. Her nails—both toes and fingers—are always painted (usually pink!) and looking pretty. She has an enormous set of head bands, scrunchies, bows and, of course, crowns and tiaras. And she is rarely ever seen not wearing a dress. Her overall outlook on clothing is that “only workers wear jeans”.

Then there is her attitude. She really does think she is a princess. She tries to act like royalty. The problem is that she really only has one role model to set the example of how to be a true princess and that living example lives on the other side on the pond. She also expects to be treated like a princess. She repeatedly reminds her classmates that she is a princess and should always get to choose the game, movie or other activity for the day. Which, as you can only imagine, does not go over well with her friends.

If only she realized that most of her classmates and friends are children of the King too. That they are also princes and princesses. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. But, maybe all of us need to realized that we are also princes and princesses and we should start acting like it. Because Kate might live on the other side of the world but our father is the ruler of the world.

Happy 7^th birthday Princess Rebekah. You have truly been a delight. You are an outstanding student—even though you hate school. You are an amazing artist—even if it is coloring just about everything. You are an spectacular shopper—no matter what store we are conquering. You bring a smile to my face every time I see you—even in the morning when you have no desire to get out of bed. Six was great. I am hopeful that seven will be even more wonderful!

Life Goals

I remember the day so well. I was working part-time at a car dealership. I walked through the shop to clock in for my last couple of shifts. As I walked passed everyone I realized no one noticed. Not one person mentioned. I doubt any of them had even heard. I am sure none of them even cared.

You see, less than 24 hours prior I had accomplished a goal that many of them have never nor will ever achieve. Most of them haven’t even attempted to obtain it. I had just graduated from college. The first in my family. With a 3.8 GPA. While working 3-4 part-time jobs. But I did it. I officially earned a Bachelor’s degree.

I am not sure what I expected from my co-workers. It is not like my education effected their lives at all. I guess I was just expecting some form of recognition. A pat on the back. A job well done.

My next life changing event was slightly different. I got married. I had my dream wedding including the horse-drawn carriage. Many took part of the celebration. This time everyone had heard. Everyone knew. Numerous friends and family acknowledged this life goal. I was even introduced to the congregation the next day by my new uncle with my new name.

The only problem is that pulling off an impressive wedding is not the same as making it to the “death do us part” part. Marriage is hard work. There are days that I need someone to realize the struggle and give me compliments for staying in for the long haul. Sometimes a pat on the back can go a long way in making it happily ever after.

Last week I accomplished yet another life goal. I ran a half marathon. (Now before you go judging me on only running a half marathon, let me inform you that it is still 13 very long miles. So unless you can do it, don't judge. And as my new bumper sticker clearly states: “13.1 because I am only half crazy!”) But I did it. I can now mark that goal off the list. (Mostly because I will never run one again!) This time I had several individuals encouraging me along the way. Literally and from home. I crossed that finish line and that was the goal.

Now I only have one more finish line to cross. And much like the marathon one, it seems like it will be forever before I get there. Some of the things that I will do before I finish will be noticed. Some will not. I anticipate many days being difficult and tiresome. I just hope not all of them. Some people will support me. Some will not. But my only desire is to cross that line and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Because it doesn't matter what degree I earned, who I married or how many miles I ran, It's about doing my best and pleasing Him. Not only will He give me a well deserved and much anticipated pat on the back, I will also get my crown of life. And then I will know it was all worth it.

Go run your race. Do your best. Accomplish your goals. I will see you at the finish line. We can share stories and battle scars. Then we can take our crowns over and place them at the feet of the One who deserves them.

I just hope His aren't as blistered as mine.