Missionary work is important in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church). As members of the Church, we take literally the words of the Savior, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Mathew 28: 19)

We make solemn and sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father. These sacred promises that we make with God include sharing the gospel of Christ with everyone that will listen. Alma, a prophet of the Book of Mormon, taught his people about covenants:

And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma.

Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord.

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in,(emphasis added) even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life. (Mosiah 18:7-9)

Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places! This sacred charge is why Mormons are so dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, one of the "places" that has need of those who stand up as witnesses of God, a need for voices that are lifted up to Christ, is the Internet.

The following sites are wonderful examples of voices that are dedicated to sharing our faith in Jesus Christ.

Reflections of Christ - This beautiful photography exhibit focused completely on Jesus Christ is a collaboration led by photographer, Mark Mabry. The images are absolutely stunning. The accompanying music is moving and inspiring. Reflections of Christ is a traveling fine art photography exhibit so be sure to check the Events link for location information. Check out a review of this wonderful exhibit by Jeff Lindsay, a prominent LDS blogger who was fortunate enough to see the exhibit on a visit to Arizona.

Mormon Women - This awesome site is managed by a great group of Mormon women. This blog provides an avenue for discussions about their faith and experiences. As the name suggests, the focus is primarily on womanhood so tune in for honest thoughts on what it means to be a woman in the Church today. Parts of the site is still under construction so check back often. This is a wonderful resource for women in the Church and others who have questions about us.

Temple Study - Bryce Hammond is the owner and editor of this unique site. Bryce said this site is "inspired by and dedicated to the exemplary LDS (Mormon) scholar Dr. Hugh Nibley, whose landmark temple studies have strengthened the faith of many." Bryce lists as his credentials a strong and abiding testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and it really shows. If his latest entry on Stonehenge is any indication, we have a lot to look forward to from Bryce.

Truth is Restored - Rusty Curtis addresses a lot of questions and misconceptions that are prevalent about the Church in his blog. Be sure to check out Rusty's powerful testimony of his conversion as well.

Thoughts of a Seeker - This blog by David Stoker is an exploration of two time periods, "the most ancient times possible and the time of Early Christianity in the first century." David's firm belief in the Restored Gospel came after in-depth personal study of the Scriptures. His story of personal conversion and his goals for this blog are truly that of a seeker - one who is continually searching for knowledge with faith. David lists a number of important questions that he feels are significant to any serious seeker of truth.

LDS Women's History - Erin's blog is dedicated to telling the story of the many amazing women of the Church. Erin has researched, compiled, and presented inspiring histories on a number of women who sacrificed much in the early days of the Church. I hope she continues with this great project as I look forward to reading about other great women in the Church, both past and present.

Thirteen years ago Alvin and I moved into the home we live in now. The ward we belonged to has turned out to be the most astounding group of people whom we have come to love and adore over the years of our acquaintance and friendship.

I was called to be the Young Women President within a month of our marriage. I was professional, young and apparently "hip," according to the girls. I wouldn't ever have classified myself as such, but there you have it . . . me . . . hip.

There were two particular girls, seniors, who were having personality conflicts with some of the people in the Young Women organization. They decided to give me one chance, on the day I was called and sustained, before leaving for good.

I stood that Sunday and bore my testimony of Jesus Christ, His Restored Gospel and the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus Christ. I talked of how my study of the New Testament had led me to seeking my testimony and confirmation of the principles and precepts I'd been taught growing up. I spoke of the beauty of eternal marriage and having my family around me throughout the eternities. But most of all I spoke of how happy I was to be called as the Young Women President and was looking forward to getting to know each and every one of the girls.

Rosa and Tara became frequent visitors in our home. Alvin and I came to love them so deeply. Rosa eventually moved in with us before finally taking the leap and moving out on her own. Tara married a wonderful man who joined the military. They were stationed in Turkey and then ended up stateside before her husband was shipped out again, to Iraq.

Tara became my visiting teacher and I was privileged to get know her better, as a grown woman, wife and mother. She has grown into a marvelous woman, with a firm grasp of the gospel and an iron strength typical of military wives.

A few months ago, really probably about 8 to 10 weeks, Alvin was rushed to the hospital with yet another infection which threatened his life. He spent three days in ICU before they moved him to a regular floor. During that time Tara came to visit and she learned we'd lost the donor we thought was going to give Alvin a kidney. She asked me more questions and as we were walking down the halls of the hospital she asked what blood type Alvin was . . . I responded.

"That's my blood type. I'll give Alvin my kidney."

I was shocked, stunned . . . really, my head was reeling because of the suddenness. Although I knew the chance of her being a match was slim to none, I gave her the transplant coordinator's phone number. Three weeks later we received the call, Tara was a match! Now, on April 15th, as mentioned in a previous post, Tara will be giving a kidney to my husband.

I have paused to reflect over the last thirteen years and all the interactions between Tara, Alvin and me. I shudder to think, had we been condescending, arrogant, impatient or obnoxious at any given time in the last decade would be arriving at this moment today?

An age-old lesson applies here, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Never could I have imagined that Tara, with her husband in Baghdad, would one day be the one who would save Alvin's life. I can certainly say this much, we are forever indebted in gratitude to her for the astounding gift of life she has given him. Because of her Alvin will be able to live free of dialysis and all that comes with it.

May God open the windows of heaven and pour them out upon this little family that they may be protected and blessed beyond their wildest imagination.

Today we received notification of Alvin's transplant surgery. From the moment he was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure seven years ago we have pushed forward with faith, diligence and an astounding amount of courage and strength. My husband has remained unfailingly cheerful and optimistic even when the greatest of trials weighed him down. Me, there were times I shut myself in the bathroom where no one could hear and cried. Nonetheless, the moment is finally here. A chance for my husband to live a life free of dialysis and the innumerable dialysis induced traumas and illnesses.

As I have paused amongst the hustle bustle of trying to get everything organized and in place (you cannot imagine the amount of doctors appointments, paperwork, etc. that have be waded through) I have begun to realize the magnitude of the Lord's hand in this miracle.

Thirteen years ago Alvin and I were married for time and all eternity in the Bountiful Temple. It was an extremely sacred experience which culminated a very long start and stop courtship. We have been very happy since that day, except for the instance of Alvin's health.

Faith is a very simple thing. There were times when it appeared Alvin would not survive the illness striking him down. At those times I became so confused because I was told to have faith and I did and do, but I also realize that we must be willing to submit ourselves to the Father's will. That is simply not as easy as it sounds.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th called prophet in these modern times, said:

We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.

In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.

He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is “risen from the dead, … the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). He is the Lord who shall come again “to reign on the earth over his people” (D&C 76:63; see also Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15).

None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Testify of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Mar 2008, 4–7)

For one, even as I, who might struggle with understanding where faith leaves off and God's will picks up I have come to a single conclusion:

We must have faith that God's will is the best way to go.

I do know this, in times of great despair I have felt the comfort and love of my Savior sweep over me. At moments when I feared I was facing Alvin's death, the peace, despite the overwhelming sorrow, swept over me and calm settled within my soul.

Now is a time of great rejoicing for our family. We are so thrilled Alvin will be receiving a new kidney and a new lease on life. We have faith that whatever the outcome it will be in our best interest. But to be honest, we're believing the best of everything is going to happen and preparing for the worst. And we will lean on our Rock, our Redeemer . . . for only through Him can we truly find the faith to continue down this path.

Life can be circular at times. Sometimes we are up. Other times we are down. And sometimes it feels like we are just merely going in circles.

I believe this—not only from personal experience, but also from my religion. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (known as the Mormons) said that our lives are indeed like a wheel.

Oliver B. Huntington remembered Joseph Smith’s statement this way:

"‘Every man will fail sometime. Be charitable and liberal with your substance, for it is only a secondary consideration. You may do good to some one who is down today and who will rise and be on top of the wheel when you are down, for every man will fail some time.’”

“He [Joseph Smith] said that he would compare our existence to a wheel that was forever revolving—we are on the outside of the wheel, and some times we are on the top and some times on the downside.” (They Knew The Prophet, 69-70)

This has become very apparent to me in recent weeks. This Easter Sunday my grandfather passed away. It was no surprise, since he was in his 90s, but actually hearing the news stirred up emotions. Ralph Waldo Hunter was preceded in death by my grandmother Mavis Claire Poulton, and by two of my uncles, Dale and Samuel. So he is not alone. But I still grieve.

Of course, this means that I am on the bottom of life’s wheel.

So how do I reach to the upside of the wheel? And where do I draw my faith? Simple: Jesus Christ. He is the great Atoner,“the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25).

Thomas S. Monson, the current president of the Church, reaffirmed Christ’s atonement with these words:

My brothers and sisters, we laugh, we cry, we work, we play, we love, we live. And then we die. Death is our universal heritage. All must pass its portals. Death claims the aged, the weary and worn. It visits the youth in the bloom of hope and the glory of expectation. Nor are little children kept beyond its grasp. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “It is appointed unto men once to die.”

And dead we would remain but for one Man and His mission, even Jesus of Nazareth. Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, His birth fulfilled the inspired pronouncements of many prophets. He was taught from on high. He provided the life, the light, and the way. Multitudes followed Him. Children adored Him. The haughty rejected Him. He spoke in parables. He taught by example. He lived a perfect life.

Though the King of kings and Lord of lords had come, He was accorded by some the greeting given to an enemy, a traitor. There followed a mockery which some called a trial. Cries of “crucify him, crucify him” filled the air. Then commenced the climb to Calvary’s hill.

He was ridiculed, reviled, mocked, jeered, and nailed to a cross amidst shouts of “Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” “He saved others; himself he cannot save.” His response: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” “Into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” His body was placed by loving hands in a sepulchre hewn of stone.

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, along with others, came to the sepulchre. To their astonishment, the body of their Lord was gone. Luke records that two men in shining garments stood by them and said: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” ...

With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. Because He died, all shall live again. “Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’ ” May the whole world know it and live by that knowledge, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, amen.

(Thomas S. Monson, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives!,” Ensign, May 2007, 22–25.)

There are also other things I turn to for strength. One is the temple. Although my grandparents eloped, they were later married in the Salt Lake Temple.

When Latter-day Saints marry, it is not “till death do you part” or “for long as your love shall last,” but “for time and all eternity.” After all, our baptism is something eternal—it being the gateway to heaven. Likewise, our marriages and families must also be eternal.

I also rely on the members of my Church. Of course, living in Utah that is about 75% of everyone here. Yet I can honestly say that everyone has been supportive of me. From kind words to adjusting work schedules so that I could make the pilgrimage to Oakley, Idaho for the funeral, they all have been kind. I am truly grateful.

However, there is one tragicomic sidenote. Joseph Smith spoke of the wheel of life as being antipodal: one person is up while the other is down. But this may not always true, in an over-precise view of things.

For example, this past Sunday I visited a member of my ward (or congregation) as part of a home teaching assignment. Earlier last week he had caught the flu, became dehydrated, and then passed out and slipped while in the shower. He was taken to the ER, and then later had surgery where they placed pins in his ankle. As we visited him, his left leg was bundled in beige wrappings, and kept cool by an ice pack. And all this while being newly married and enrolled in school.

So what do we do when both spokes are on the downside? I had a death in the family and he had this stunning reaffirmation of Murphy’s Law. Where do we get the power to help each other out?

I believe that it is in these types of situations that Christ’s Atonement shines. Christ is able to make up the difference, lifting us both up. The scriptures record that “He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth” (D&C 88:6). Christ rode the wagon-wheel of life all the way around, and in a bigger orbit than we do. Thus the experience of atoning has, in the words of a Latter-day apostle Neal A. Maxwell, made “Jesus … a fully atoning [and] also a fully comprehending Savior” (Men and Women of Christ, 72-73).

In this meeting with my friend we discussed Jesus Christ. I read the words of Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church, about the overpowering reach of the Atonement:

How the Atonement was wrought we do not know. No mortal watched as evil turned away and hid in shame before the Light of that pure being. All wickedness could not quench that Light. When what was done was done, the ransom had been paid. Both death and hell forsook their claim on all who would repent. Men at last were free. Then every soul who ever lived could choose to touch that Light and be redeemed.

By this infinite sacrifice, “through [this] Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3). (Who is Jesus Christ?)

I know that Jesus is the Christ and the Resurrection and the Life. That faith of mine has been the one thing I have relied on in the past few days. And I know I can rely upon it always.

Nephi, an ancient prophet whose emigration from Jerusalem to the Americas is recorded in the Book of Mormon, revered two particular Bible men: Moses and Isaiah.

As we read through Nephi’s words we can see that he has taken studying his scriptures quite seriously. It is obvious how much he respects the words of the prophet Isaiah as he quotes entire passages of Isaiah’s prophecies. It is also quite obvious he considers Moses to be one of his greatest heroes, as Nephi refers to him, and the great man he became, time and time again.

His purpose in doing so was to remind himself as well as his family the importance of studying scripture, of learning from the examples and righteous words of the prophets of God, and of likening the scriptures to our own lives.

“And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23).

The written word is sacred, so sacred records have been kept since the beginning with Adam and Eve. Scriptures are a written record of the words of the Lord. How can we truly follow in the footsteps of the Lord if we have not feasted upon His words?

There are steps we can take in our journey of feasting upon the words of the Lord and of likening all scriptures to our own lives. Five steps to help you begin have been addressed by David A. Bednar, an apostle of the Lord and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church).

1. Pray for understanding, and invite the help of the Holy Ghost. How can we learn the things of the Spirit without the help of the Spirit? We are encouraged to pray before we begin studying, as we study, and after.

2. Work. Does that sound a little odd? Take a moment to think about the difference between reading for fun and reading the words of the scriptures. I can often read a 300+ page book in less than a day when it’s purely for entertainment. When it comes to reading my scriptures I find my mind tired after reading a few pages. Why do you think this is? When we read the word of the Lord there is work involved: lessons to be gathered, studying to be done, truth to be unfolded in front of our eyes.

3. Be consistent. Studying the Bible or Book of Mormon every day is a choice. It won’t simply happen. Even if it’s just for ten or fifteen minutes before school or after dinner, we daily need to make the choice to study.

4. Ponder. What do you think of when you read that word?

“The word ponder means to consider, contemplate, reflect upon, or think about. Pondering the scriptures, then, is reverent reflecting on the truths, experiences, and lessons contained in the standard works. The process of pondering takes time and cannot be forced, hurried, or rushed” (David A. Bednar, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,” New Era, Apr 2006).

Don’t be so concerned with reading a certain amount every day, like three chapters. Instead make the time you spend studying mean something to you. As you read you might find something catching your eye, like the blessings given to Jacob’s sons. This leads us to the final step.

5. Write down impressions, thoughts, and feelings. I call this a Scripture Journal, and recently took a class where a young lady had put this idea into action. She now has dozens of journals, and has fine-tuned her writings to an art. Revelations about her life have come through this activity. Just as Richard G. Scott, another apostle of the Lord, has taught us:

“You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life. Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit. Express gratitude for the help received and obey it. This practice will reinforce your capacity to learn by the Spirit. It will permit the Lord to guide your life and to enrich the use of every other capacity latent in your being” (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Knowledge and the Strength to Use It Wisely,” Ensign, June 2002).

Likening the scriptures to our own lives takes work, but it can only lead to blessing our lives in such a way as to guide us on our journey to becoming more like Jesus Christ.

May God help each and every one of us to remember that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not only a gospel of conversion, but it is a gospel of forgiveness...There is nothing that will bring us more of the Spirit of God than to be kind, considerate, charitable, long-suffering and forgiving. There is nothing that will bring more joy to us than to be ready and willing to forgive the trespasses of our neighbors against us, and there is nothing that will bring more condemnation to us than to harden our hearts and to be bitter and vindictive in our feelings towards those by whom we are surrounded. (President Heber J. Grant, seventh Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

There's an object lesson about forgiveness that many of us are familiar with. It requires a backpack, a couple of bricks, and a class of willing young men or women. For this lesson on forgiveness, the bricks represent the burden that we carry around when we are unforgiving of others or even of ourselves. Removing the bricks from the backpack immediately lightens the load. When we forgive, we are literally letting go of the 'bricks of anger and hate' that can weigh us down.

All of us have probably felt offended at one time or another in our lives. We've all had to forgive others and others have had to forgive us. Sometimes, forgiveness is easy and almost instantaneous. Other times, forgiving can be very hard. There are also times when the offense appears to be almost unforgivable, at least in our eyes. If you are one who had to carry such a burden around for awhile then you understand how heavy such a load can be. If you are one who was able to forgive such a trespass, then you've also felt what it was like to have such a weight lifted from your shoulders. You know what it feels like to be free from the chains of an unforgiving heart. You've felt the immediate sense of peace and happiness that comes when you finally forgive with all your heart.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

You may be carrying a heavy burden of feeling injured by another who has seriously offended you. Your response to that offense may have distorted your understanding so that you feel justified in waiting for that individual to ask forgiveness so that the pain can leave...
Don’t carry the burden of offense any longer. Genuinely ask forgiveness of one that has offended you, even when you consider you have done no wrong. That effort will assuredly bring you peace and will likely begin the healing of serious misunderstandings.

As Christians, we know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ gave us the greatest example of forgiveness. He also commanded us to forgive:

Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.(D&C 64:9-10)

I read recently of this great and wondrous gift of forgiveness by members of the Catholic faith towards those of my faith. The inappropriate behavior by those of my faith who should have known better saddened and angered us as well. What a beautiful example our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ showed with their forgiveness. If we could all be as forgiving of each other, how much happier and peaceful would we all be in these troubled times?

I've often been plagued with feelings of anger towards those that defile that which is sacred to my faith. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as the Mormon Church), I've had to walk silently by as others waved our sacred garments in the air just a few feet from me. During General Conference, even there we are accosted by many that mock our beliefs. I've had to ask my children to sing a Primary song with me to drown out those that yell and wave signs that demean our leaders and beliefs when we attended the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti,Utah and the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra, New York.

Did I have anger in my heart? Yes, but then I immediately realized that by allowing such feelings to linger and grow in me, I was doing exactly the opposite of what Jesus taught. And so like my Catholic brothers and sisters, I forgave and by doing so was able to feel the peace and happiness that the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring to each of us.