And guess what? I’m not the only one.
Okay, so that’s not news. Mormon bloggers have been a source of (sometimes heated) discussion over the past couple years. (Don’t believe me? Check out “Why I Can’t Stop Reading Mormon Housewife Blogs” from Salon magazine.)
But this post isn’t about whether or not our blogs portray what really goes on in Mormon homes.* To be honest, I have yet to make a green Jell-O salad with shredded carrots or refinish a dresser I picked up at the local thrift store. I’m pretty sure those things aren’t even on my bucket list.
Green Jell-O aside, Mormons have received a lot of attention lately. I’m almost positive it’s due to our humanitarian service in the wake of Hurricane Isaac or our crazy amazing genealogy efforts like the 132 million names recently indexed from the 1940 U.S. census.
Wait, what? There’s a Mormon running for President? And some stage production in New York? Ah, now I get it.
With the recent spotlight on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, not everything you read paints a positive—or true—picture of our religion. That being said, though we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ to be perfect, people are not. Funny how easy it is to forget that.
In an effort to combat all the negativity and uplift and inspire, Mariel from Or So She Says asked a group of Mormon bloggers to share their testimonies about the church and a few of our most favorite scriptures.
…
For the record, here are mine:
…
The project was a good exercise for me. Though I’ve been a member my entire life, I’ve only shared my testimony on a handful of occasions—and usually surrounded by other members (i.e., testimony evening at girls camp). I had to really think about what I believed and how best to convey that via the written word. I discovered my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a simple one…no life-changing experiences or challenges to my beliefs.
But simple is what I have, and that’s enough for me.
I’ve had the chance to read through quite a bit of the packet and am amazed by some of the stories. While reading them, my heart was touched and my testimony strengthened.
If you’ve ever wondered why I’m Mormon—or why anyone is Mormon—now is your chance to find out. Because this project involves thoughts and stories dear to our hearts, we are making it available only to those who truly wish to read them. On that note, please respect our beliefs as I promise to do the same.
…
…
Here’s how it works:
If you are genuinely interested in learning more about why many of your favorite bloggers are Mormon, send an email with your name and address to info@halfscratched.com.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
A packet filled with the personal thoughts of the following bloggers:
…
| Me (of course!) Mariel ~ Or So She Says Becky ~ The Crafting Chicks Camille ~ Six Sisters Stuff Leigh Anne ~ Your Homebased Mom Tausha ~ Sassy Style Redesign Megan ~ Brassy Apple Reachel ~ Cardigan Empire Mandy ~ Sugar Bee Crafts Caroline ~ Armelle Blog Carrian ~ Sweet Basil Melissa ~ 320 Sycamore Shawn ~ I Wash…You Dry Becky ~ Babes in Hairland Shandra ~ Deals to Meals Kristyn ~ Lil’ Luna Ruthie ~ What’s Cooking With Ruthie |
Nikkala ~ The Crafting Chicks Krista ~ Budget Gourmet Mom Kelli ~ Lolly Jane Stephanie ~ Somewhat Simple Mel ~ Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Becky ~ UCreate Arianne ~ Still Parenting Shawni ~ 71 Toes Nikki ~ Chef in Training Lindsey ~ The R House Jamie ~ The Crafting Chicks Aleisha ~ She Calls Me Mama Leisha Kirsten ~ The Crafting Chicks Melanie ~ Sugardoodle Kierste ~ Brown Paper Packages Shelley ~ How Does She? |
…
Along with the blogger packet, you will find our favorite scriptures and a free copy of The Book of Mormon. Why a copy of The Book of Mormon? It would be pretty difficult to truly understand us without it. It is, as we like to say, the keystone of our religion. From Mariel:
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. Honestly, I think it’s the coolest book ever.
And FYI, if you do request a packet, I will not use your address for any purpose other than sending your packet. If missionaries show up on your doorstep, blame it on thank someone else.
Oh, and if you think a few bloggers sending copies of The Book of Mormon to their readers is a bit crazy, how about famed singer Alex Boye giving a copy to Prince Charles? Alex Boye is also featured in an ad taken out in the playbill for the LA production of The Book of Mormon Musical. How crazy awesome is that?
…
…
Speaking of Alex Boye, one of Madison’s favorite YouTube videos is Alex singing Coldplay’s “Paradise”…in Swahili.
…
…
* If you’ve been a reader for a while now, you know I try to keep it as real as possible. This really IS my life.
…
Feel free to “like” is this REALLY my life? on Facebook. It won’t earn you an extra entry in any giveaway but it will give you warm fuzzies. Even better.
Don’t forget to sign up for free is this REALLY my life? updates via RSS or email so you don’t miss a single awesome post.
…
Krista
This was so perfect Emily! Had to make me laugh out loud…there’s a Mormon running for President!? Really!? What a fun project it has been.
Emily Hill
I’m glad you laughed out loud…and I’m glad you’re one of my blogging buddies. :)
Kristina P.
I knew you were hiding your horns underneath that adorable hair.
Emily Hill
Kristina, I love you. Can I see you soon?
mom
LOVE your contribution to this awesome project! Can’t wait to read all the others.
Emily Hill
Thanks for the support, Mom. You’re the best! xoxo
Flavia
Loved this post Emily. My sister has two good friends who are Mormon, and I know them well too. We learned a lot about the Mormon faith from them, but I have always been curious to learn more. Thanks for providing such a generous information packet to your readers. I’m so happy I was able to meet you this year at EVO and to now call you a friend. :)
Emily Hill
Flavia, your comment has put a perma-smile on my face. It’s moments like these I wish we loved closer.
Melissa
That’s a great idea! I’d like to read it all and I’m already a Mormon!!! :)
Emily Hill
Shoot me an email and I’ll send you the packet. Seriously. Also, you’re more than welcome to move here so I can see you more often.
Mariel
You’re the best, Emily! I so admire your willingness to share and be so open. Whoo!!
Emily Hill
It wouldn’t have happened without you, so thank you. YOU are the best!
Leigh Anne@YourHomebasedMom
What a wonderful post – so well said and so fun to read! So grateful to be part of such a great project with so many amazing bloggers!
Emily Hill
Me too! Love the project and meeting some new blogging friends.
Aleisha
HA HA! Do you think Mitt Romney tans? HA! I swear he “man tans.”
EMILY! Your blog is as adorable as you are. I’ve enjoyed my time stalking you for the last 20 mins. (Do I creep you out? With my obsession with your cute haircut and my stalker-like tendencies!? I swear I’m nice. And relatively normal. And I drink DIET COKE too!)
I’ll have you know, my computer is in my basement. My washer and dryer are ALSO in my basement. I originally came down here to fold (blech!) the laundry. Have I done it yet?! NO!!! I hopped on the computer and started reading your blog instead. HA HA! I really love it. And this post was excellent! (As was your testimony. I read it!) Gosh, I just feel so grateful and blessed to be a part of such a neat project. Happy Tuesday!!
Emily Hill
Aleisha, when I finally meet you in person–and I mean really meet you–I am going to give you a ginormous hug. Truly I am. Just be prepared.
Daria
Incredible! So proud of you, and all that you are. You’re amazing my friend. I’d love to be involved too!
Love you
Emily Hill
Three words: I miss you.
Becky @ Babes in Hairland
I love your fun way of “laying it all out there!” Now it makes me double think some of the stuff I’m going to post! Have had fun looking around over here! Love your sense of humor! :)
Emily Hill
Thank you for stopping by! Can’t wait to read your post!
Wendy Orme
Such an awesome project! So glad to see so many of my fave bloggers participating.
Emily Hill
Me too! Thank you for stopping by for a visit.
Katie M
I’m LDS and would totally love a copy of the packet. How can I get a copy of it? Thanks for putting this together, I hope that it a success! I’m sure you will touch many lives through your testimony.
Emily Hill
Thank you for the nice comment, Katie! Just shoot me an email at the link above and I’d be happy to send it to you.
carrian
I sure love you. THank you for your sweet example. I think this turned out beautifully.
Emily Hill
You are so very, very nice. Loved your testimony. Touched my heart.
Amy Trusler
Totally awesome! I am going to email you for a packet:) I am a new member of the church…less than one year…and I am so excited and proud to be Mormon. Thanks for being a great example. I can’t wait to read the testimonies of all the amazing ladies!
Emily Hill
Thank you for your sweet comment. I am so excited for you and your newest adventure. You’ll love reading the testimonies. They’re beautiful.
vanessa
I thought for some reason that Alex ad wasn’t real, now is it?!
Also I loved this part “testimony evening at girls camp” ha ha me too me too
Emily Hill
The ad in the L.A. playbill is real: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865561906/LDS-Church-buys-ad-space-in-Book-of-Mormon-musical-playbill.html?pg=all The article doesn’t show Alex Boye, but Boye did talk about it on his Facebook page. That’s all I know!
Weren’t those testimony evenings so crazy (but in a good way)? Oh my heavens!
misssrobin
What a wonderful thing. I have often been frustrated with the way everyone tries to define us without asking. I guess I didn’t realize there were Mormons out there who didn’t want to talk about our religion, even when asked.
I’m not pushy, but I am always willing to answer the questions. I’ve been a member all my life, sometimes devout, sometimes not so much. Six years ago my husband had his name removed from the records of the church. It was the worst time of my life. But it has helped me define what I believe and helped my kids develop their own testimonies. Horrific though it was, much good has come from it.
Sharing our testimonies is important. I don’t believe in shoving it down others’ throats, but I love the idea of gathering and providing it when wanted. Thank you for being a part of this. It matters.
Emily Hill
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more. I think many of us find we go through different phases with our membership, but you going through such a trial and finding the good is pretty dang awesome. And letting me know it matters has made my entire week. Again, thank you so very much.
Kathy Nelson
I’m already a member, but I’d love to get a copy of your testimonies. I work with the young women in our stake and I’m always looking for great stories and examples of stellar women to share with them.
Thank you!
Emily Hill
What’s great idea! If you shoot me an email to the address above, I can send you one. :)
jennie
i loved this post! i found you through the article on deseret news! thanks so much for posting the list of bloggers!! i am now following all of you on pinterest!!
it is refreshing to find wonderful people who share my passions and beliefs!
jennie
Emily Hill
So glad you found us and have some new Pinterest friends. :)
Amy
I love this. I’m going to have to go and check out some of these blogs now. I’d love to ask and answers the questions for my own sake and for my little family.
Emily Hill
It’s definitely a good exercise. And those gals’ blogs are awesome.