Teri's Story

Doctrinal divide confronts Mormons on immigration

2010-09-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting story. Not to sound sarcastic, but I wonder if we will see a new "revelation" come from the president of the Mormon church regarding immigration...

Here in Utah, the push toward tougher immigration laws has become increasingly tangled in Mormon doctrine as divided Latter-day Saints defend their politics by pointing to conflicting interpretations of what Jesus would do.

Would God, one side asks, demand strict obedience to the law — and penalties to those who transgress it — as suggested in Mormonism’s Doctrine and Covenants 58:21? “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.”

Or would he, the other side counters, look beyond border violations and extend a hand toward the nation’s undocumented population under principles preached in Matthew 25:40? “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

The “What Would Jesus Do” question isn’t easily answered in a scripture-laden debate that has pitted biblical passages from Exodus to Ephesians against one another and placed the parable of the good Samaritan on the opposite side of the ideological debate from an anecdote delivered by LDS President Thomas S. Monson about Saints behind the Iron Curtain.

So where does the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really stand?

Read more at the following link: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50282447-76/church-immigration-law-lds.html.csp

A Word for Those of You Who Do Not Pray | New Demonstration

2010-09-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

I recommend that you read this. It reminded me how important it is for me to make a habit of prayer. I have fallen back out of the habit since returning from Utah. It is strange how easy it was to pray while I was visiting my grandmother and how quickly it became difficult when I came back home to a routine. Even though I need God just as much if not more than I did when I was at my grandma's, it just didn't seem as important. I have some repenting to do... again! Here is the link to the article. A Word for Those of You Who Do Not Pray New Demonstration

Groundhog Day Evangelism and Prayer Request

2010-09-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Since returning to Nashville, I have been running nonstop with children's activities and catching up at work. I do however want to share more about my visit with my grandmother last week. Because her short term memory is pretty much gone, our conversation the entire week was related to her asking about my children and family.

There were a few times where the conversation would change. This is when my evangelism attempt would begin. Her question usually centered around my marriage. She asked the question "Are you and your husband sealed for time and all eternity?" in some form. With this question I explained that no, because it is not biblical and then proceeded to share why it is not biblical and attempted to share the truth about God and Jesus Christ in some form or fashion. Although my answer changed each time she asked it, the message never did. It was similar to the movie "Groundhog Day" in that the conversation continued as if it had never happened a few minutes before.

I love my grandmother and am grateful that I had the chance to share the truth about Christ before her memory started to fade. I am also grateful that God gave me the opportunity to share with her again this past week even if she doesn't remember my visit. I know that if He chooses, she will remember the pieces of our conversation that He wills and He can save her even with my pathetic attempts to bring her to the true Christ.

Based on the fact that I believe she will be meeting God soon, I would like to ask for your help in praying that God will work in her life and bring her to a true knowledge Him if He chooses. Also please pray that she in turn uses the truth to repent of her sins and believe in Jesus Christ and thereby allow His righteousness to fully cleanse her so that when she passes from this Earth, she may go to Heaven to be with God.

Thank you!
Teri

Airplane Trip to Vegas

2010-09-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a quick note before going to bed. On the plane ride from Nashville to Vegas, I had the opportunity to bring Christ into the conversation and took it. Actually, it pretty much just came out of me before I even thought about it. God is so great to be able to use a wretch like me to share His good news! I will try to share the rest of the story later. Mini time zone jet lag setting in... Night!

Traveling to Utah

2010-09-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am going to attempt to post from my phone next week due to the fact that I am traveling to Utah. Yes right back into the heart of Mormonism. :) I am going out to visit my family, namely my grandmother who is 89 years old. I am so excited to see her. I have been praying that she will come to know God and believe in the true Jesus before she passes on to the next life. Please pray for me this week. I am going to be surrounded by all of my family members who are still Mormon. Pray that I may reach them and that God may use me how He will. If I can't post from my phone, my next post will be after the 12th.

God Bless!
Teri

Sometimes He Calms the Storm...

2010-08-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog almost two years ago, it was with the intent of documenting my journey from Mormonism to Christianity. As I continued to post, it became less about my journey and more about perfection. I felt that if what I was going to post wasn’t perfect, then I couldn’t submit the post. It finally felt like too much work to even continue the blog especially since I was learning a new job at work and could barely keep my home in order. By the time I had a few minutes to sit down and post, I didn’t want to have to research the next post. I forgot that this blog was about my journey and not what information I could spout.

Although it is important to know what Mormons believe and have the facts, the facts are not what are going to reach a person who is blinded by Mormonism. After all, a Mormon is told from day one not to read “anti-Mormon” material and considers any of the information that we give them to be propaganda. So we have to reach them in other ways. First of all, you have to build a relationship of trust with the individual you want to pull from Mormonism. But that is for a later post. Right now, I want to explain my long absence.

This summer has just disappeared. In July, I ran my first 5k and enjoyed it so much I signed up for two more which I completed at the beginning of this month. It is amazing to me how appropriate Paul’s use of running a race as an example in Galatians 2:2 & 5:7, 1 Corinthians 9:24, and Hebrews 12:1. One thing I noticed during each of my races, was that there were points where I wanted to just give up and not continue. But by focusing on the goal, I was able to continue and finish the race. The other thing I realized, was that I have been really out of shape and I should have prepared for the races a bit better before signing up for them. In that way, it is a lot like what I was trying to do with this blog.

I was new to the true faith of Christ, and instead of taking the time to study God's Word, I was trying to post after a manner of individuals who had been true Christians much longer than I have. There were many posts that I threw out simply because they did not fit what I felt was appropriate for a Christian blog. In fact, you may have noticed, I started posting other items such as my daily Grace Gems instead of creating my own post. It is not surprising that a few challenges coming along caused me to buckle and stop posting. I apologize for taking shortcuts and trying to look like I am further along in my understanging of Christianity. After all, my original intent for this blog was to show the creation God is making in me as I walk the Christian path and not to show how much I know about Christianity. I hope that going forward I can throw my sin of perfectionism aside and simply blog as God permits.

There is a song that is one of my favorites right now. It is called, “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by Scott Kripayne. Through this beautiful song, God has reminded me that sometimes we have to go through things that we consider to be difficult at the time because it meets His purpose whether we can see it or not. I am not sure that I have come through many of these struggles as gracefully as others I know who have gone through much harder difficulties than I have, but I know that God has had a reason for it and hopefully I am growing in Him.

All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong

Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ

No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place

Wise People Radio Interview

2010-04-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

I recently was interviewed for a radio program called Wise People Radio. Part 1 of the interview aired yesterday (Saturday 4/17/10) morning. Part 2 will air this next Saturday (4/24/10)morning at 8:30am.

You can hear Part 1 by clicking here.

Additionally, you can hear next week's show at www.kdkr.org by clicking on the listen live button. After Part 2 airs it will be available at the archive link above.

Quote from Brigham Young (2nd President of Mormon Church)

2010-04-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

"We must believe that this same Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world, that is for the original sin, not the actual individual transgressions of the people; not but that the blood of Christ will cleanse from all sin, all who are disposed to act their part by repentance, and faith in his name. But the original sin was atoned for by the death of Christ, although its effects we still see in the diseases, distempers and every species of wickedness with which the human family as afflicted (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 153).

What do you believe?

2010-01-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been stuck on John 20 recently in my bible reading. Today I read the following verses:

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."
John 20:24-29

Why is it so hard to believe in something that we haven't seen? I know there have been times where I thought it would be so much easier if I had lived when Jesus lived and witnessed first hand His Majesty. But would I have been one of the scoffers, or one of the believers? I hope that I would have been one of the believers, and fear that I would have been one of the multitude yelling, "Crucify Him!"

However, when I make a choice to sin instead of following Christ, or believe the lies that throw me into a self-pitying pool of depression, is that not me yelling, "Crucify Him!"? Even now, God is stripping my and exposing my sins one by one. But even through this, Christ is taking me and saying, "you are Mine!" and scouring each of the sins from my life. I use the word scouring, because He is not just removing the sins that I have embraced for so long, but He is removing them and refining me with fire.

I think the reason that I doubt sometimes as mentioned in my previous post is that I see the other possibly real Christians around me that look like they are not walking through the fires at all. They have everything that we judge to be the perfect Christian life: the kids, the home, the car, the attitude, the missionary work, the homeschool, etc... The list goes on and on.

And then I look at my life thinking here I am trying to trust in God, believing that His work will be done, loving my children wishing I could be at home with them as a good Christian mother would do... but then slowly, I am realizing am I not coveting my neighbor's life? There I go breaking the tenth commandment.

So what should I believe? That I can have my best life now? Or that if I endure, and wait patiently on God, that He will finish the work He has started in me until at last I can stand before Him and hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I don't think I have a choice in what I believe anymore. I have to believe in Jesus Christ and the promise that He has made that "whosoever should believe in Him [Jesus Christ] should not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16. Not because it is the right thing to do, or because some preacher told me it's how I can get into heaven.

No, it is only because God told me that by trusting in Him and believing the promise of His Son, that I am His and it doesn't matter how much scouring or fire I have to endure, it is no more that I deserve from a just and merciful God who sent His Son to bear the wrath for my sins all the while hearing me joyfully proclaim, "Crucify Him!"...

What do you believe?

The art of living a Christian life

2010-01-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

Care of Grace Gems

(J. R. Miller, "How to Live a Beautiful Christian Life" 1880)

"Whoever claims to live in Him--must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

We have only successfully acquired the art of living a Christian life--when we have learned to apply the principles of true religion, and enjoy its help and comfort in our daily life.

It is easy to join in devotional exercises, to quote Bible promises, to extol the beauty of the Scriptures. But there are many who do these things--whose religion utterly fails them in the very places and at the very times--when it ought to prove their staff and stay!

All of us must go out from the sweet services of the Sunday--into a week of very real and very commonplace life. We must mingle with people who are not angels! We must pass through experiences, that will naturally worry and vex us. Those about us, either wittingly or unwittingly, annoy and try us! We will meet many troubles and worries in ordinary week-day life. There are continual irritations and annoyances!

The problem is to live a beautiful Christian life--in the face of all these hindrances! How can we get through the tangled briers which grow along our path--without having our hands and feet torn by them? How can we live sweetly--amid the vexing and irritating things, and the multitude of little worries and frets which infest our way, and which we cannot evade?

It is not enough merely to 'get along in any sort of way', to drag to the close of each long, wearisome day--happy when night comes to end the strife. Life should be a joy--and not a burden. We should live victoriously, ever master of our experiences, and not tossed by them like a leaf on the dashing waves. Every earnest Christian wants to live a truly beautiful life, whatever the circumstances may be.

A little child, when asked 'what it was to be a Christian,' replied, "For me, to be a Christian is to live as Jesus would live--and behave as Jesus would behave--if He were a little girl and lived at our house."

No better definition of the Christian life could be given. Each one of us is to live just as Jesus would--if He were living out our little life in the midst of its actual environment, mingling with the same people with whom we must mingle, and exposed to the very annoyances, trials and provocations to which we are exposed. We want to live a life that will please God, and that will bear witness to the genuineness of our piety.

"Leaving you an example--so that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

One cannot have an omelet--without breaking eggs!

2010-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Care of Grace Gems

The goal of noble living, is to gather new virtue and grace--from all life's struggles, cares and sorrows.

A mark of a all noble character--is its desire to do hard things!

The man who seeks only easy things--will never make much of his life.

One who is afraid of hard work--will never achieve anything worth while.

In an art gallery, before a lovely masterpiece, a young artist said to Ruskin, "Ah! If only I could put such a dream on canvas!" "Dream on canvas!" growled the old master. "It will take ten thousand touches of the brush on the canvas--to put your dream there!" No doubt, many beautiful dreams die in the brains and hearts of people--for lack of effort to make them realities.
In all departments of life--this indolent, easy-going way of getting on in life--is working its mischief. People do only what is easy--and never grapple with anything that is hard.

Indolence is the bane of countless lives! They do not rise--because they have not the courage and persistence to climb!

There are too many people who try to shirk the hard things. They want to get along as easily as possible. They have ambition of a certain sort--but it is ambition to have the 'victory' without the battle; to 'get the gold' without digging for it. They would like to be learned and wise--but they do not care to toil in study, and "burn the midnight oil," as they must do--if they would realize their desire. They may have a certain longing to be noble and Christlike, with a character that will command respect and confidence--but they have not the spirit of self-denial and of earnest moral purpose, which alone can produce such a character.

They may want to be godly and to grow into worthy manhood--but lack that passionate earnestness which alone will yield vigorous piety, and manly virtue, and the heroic qualities of true Christlikeness. Mere "holy dreaming" will yield nothing better than spiritual effeminacy! No religion is worthy--which does not seek to attain the best things; and the best can be won only by the bravest struggle and the most persistent striving!

We should not forget, that no one ever did anything of great value in this world--without cost. A quaint old proverb says, "One cannot have an omelet--without breaking eggs!" If we would do anything really worth while, that will be a blessing in the world--we must put into it, not merely . . . easy efforts, languid sympathies, conventional good wishes, and courtesies that cost nothing!

We must put into it . . . thought, time, patience, self-denial, sleepless nights, exhausting toil.

There is a legend of an artist who had found the secret of a wonderful 'red' which no other artist could imitate. The secret of his 'color' died with him. But after his death an old wound was discovered over his heart. This revealed the source of the matchless hue in his pictures. The lesson of the legend is . . . no great achievement can be made, no lofty attainment can be reached, nothing of much value to the world can be done--except at the cost of heart's blood!

"I labor--struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me!" Colossians 1:29

(J. R. Miller, "Choosing to Do Hard Things" 1902)

The Gospel Old and New

2010-01-02T12:29:00.001-08:00

The Gospel Old and New

Posted using ShareThis

Outward Appearance

2010-01-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

A comment was left in chinese on one of my posts that was removed because it contained a link to an inappropriate site. However, I thought the comment itself was interesting (after translating it). The individual stated that the way something appears is not always consistent with the facts themselves and people are easily deceived by the superficial facade.

It's interesting, because I have been thinking a lot about this lately. The fact that there are so many people who claim to be Christian, even in the current movement toward evangelism, etc., who may not truly be Christian. I have to admit there are times I have my doubts even about myself, especially when stumbling through the trials that I am facing.

I think I stated in a previous post that it is so difficult to stay in the middle of the pendulum between liberalism and legalism. Lately I have been struggling with the pendulum being stuck too close to legalism and have almost become cynical about anything that I don't believe shows a true conversion. Yet who am I to judge? I know that I shouldn't, but since my flesh is weak, I find that there are times where I do judge someone who isn't acting or living the way that I think that they should if they are a true Christian. Instead of loving the person and hoping that they are saved or attempting to covert them, I get frustrated with them and scrutinize every word that comes out of their mouth.

Unfortunately, this has carried over to my church and I no longer like going. I go in order to help my husband with the Children's praise band and sometimes listen to the Children's Minister's biblical lesson. However, that is the extent that I have been involved at church lately.

The reason I am posting this struggle is that I have learned through this, that I must always be on guard against cynicism and judgementalism. Even if I don't think someone is Christian doesn't mean that God isn't working in or on them. Who am I to come along and crush the seed that has been planted or the tender sprout by my hyper-legalism? Unfortunately, I think that there have been too many times where I have done this.

Even Samuel in the Old Testament did this in a way when choosing the new king:

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

"This is a lesson the church needs to learn today. When
we look for leaders, we often seek those who possess certain characteristics
that we think spell success and ability. We look for people of influence,
power, intelligence and means. God, however, looks for people of integrity
and character. He wants people who are faithful and holy. What a
contrast! God is not nearly as impressed with people’s achievements as we
are. He is not concerned about the beauty of our outward man. He is
caught up in the condition of our heart!

"As God looks at your life, what does He see? Does He
see a handsome face, a pleasing physical appearance and a well-kept,
well-dressed body? No, He sees your heart. He sees the real
you! But, here is the real question: Does God see a heart that He can
use? Or, does He say about your life the same thing He said about Eliab,
“I have refused him?” What does God see in your heart?

"By the way, often we judge people by what they are.
God, on the other hand, looks at what they can become. Thank God He judges
us on the basis of amazing grace, not what the eye can see."

--Alan Carr, Sermon Notes

References:

http://www.truthforlife.org/resources/article/find-church/

http://www.sermonnotebook.org/old%20testament/1%20Sam%2016_1-13.htm

It's about the Cross

2009-11-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

"I am blessed because He was cursed."

Every year at thanksgiving, we gather around a table full of food to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I will be the first to admit that I am not a great historian, so I am not going to go into the history of thanksgiving. I am going to say that every year going through the list of things I am thankful for seems more like a memorized list. I'm thankful for my family, the bible, having food, etc.

Today I was listening to a podcast titled The Cross of Christ and realized part of my problem. Besides the obvious (my sinful nature), the problem with this holiday is that it is about what we are thankful for and not necessarily Who we are thankful for. I could even say that this carries right on over to Christmas, especially since both holidays are seeming to run together anymore (tried to find a Thanksgiving decoration lately?).

The past week, I have been reading John 20:1-18. How is the empty tomb and Thanksgiving related, you might ask, okay, I am known for stating the obvious, so I will just spell it out. Without the empty tomb, there wouldn't be anything to be thankful for. Just imagine for a minute that the New Testament never happened. We would still be stuck under the law and doomed to hell. But, guess what? It happened! And we are blessed because Jesus was cursed. He took our punishment for the sins we have committed. And because of this, we get to know and be with God someday!

1 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 2:9-18
Ephesians 4:17-24

Quick Gem

2009-11-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2093_when_you_dont_feel_like_it_take_heart/

Mormon Missionaries

2009-10-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

If you've ever had a chance to witness or meet a Mormon Missionary, I'm sure you have found that they are a unique character (for lack of a better word). These young men and women believe so much in their religion, that they leave their homes for 18 months (women over 21) to 2 years (men over 19). Why is it that there are so many of these missionaries all over the world when we are having a difficult time keeping our youth interested in church? (there are quite a few good books on this topic of youth and Christianity, I'm not touching it in this post).

There are a number of things that attribute to the desire of youth to become missionaries in the Mormon church. For those of us that were raised in the church, we were taught how wonderful it was going to be to go on a mission. Our grandparents, parents, cousins, friends, etc. all talked about how great their missions were and intrigued us on how neat it would be to serve half way across the country or world even.

We were given saving boxes in church that had three slots in it. One for Tithing, one for Savings, and one for Missions. Typically you were to put 10% of your allowance, etc. into each section. I have to admit, I was never very good at saving money so my box was usually pretty empty. In order for me to go on my mission, my dad paid the cost of my mission. Others pay for their own out of their savings. Even others are sponsored by individuals in the church who are willing to help those who can't afford the costs.

At the time I served my mission, everyone paid the same amount into the mission fund every month (I believe it was roughly $325ish). That money was then placed in a mission fund and divvied out among all missionaries around the world based on costs of living. While I was in Russia, my monthly allowance was $200 (roughly 1,000,000 rubles at the time I was there). Our travel and rent also came out of this general missionary fund.

This way we could easily say that there were no paid missionaries in the Mormon church. It became a uniqueness that we were proud of. Again, work righteousness we were taking care of our own way and not relying on the church to provide for us (in most cases).

Another bonus was that we knew we would not be called to serve in the state where we lived. I remember when I opened my "call" letter. I did not know where I was going to be sent. No missionary in the Mormon church selects where they will serve. It is chosen for you at the First Presidency level (so we were told, not sure how accurate it is...). Anyway, my brother was sitting at the table when I was opening and trying to read my letter. I was so excited to learn where I was going.

When I found where it stated that I would be serving in Russia, I started screaming at the top of my lungs. My poor brother had to cover his ears I was so excited. In fact, I think my entire apartment building heard me screaming. The reason I am sharing this is to help you understand how important these "calls" are to Mormons. A mission ranks right up there with a wedding (for a girl).

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 3:10-11

"Christian"

2009-10-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how many "Christian" things there are right now? Christian books, Christian blogs, Christian businesses... you get the idea. I started thinking how easy it is to slap the word "Christian" on something to open up a whole new market. As long as the items are "family friendly" who cares whether they are 100% biblical right?

I guess right now I am on this kick because I've been listening for what passes as "Christian" radio on my drives to work lately. Honestly, I think traffic irritates me less than some of the songs that play on the radio right now. For instance, "I'm free to be me and you're free to be you." Really? Where is that in the bible? Holy jeans aside, I wonder what that artist is thinking. The biggest reason I've even tuned in lately is because recently "The Revelation Song" has become popular. Talk about worship!

Next have you listened to some of the commercials that are played? I think that might be a topic for another day, but if I hear one more commercial about the homebased business expo, I think I will scream (nothing against home-based businesses, the station has just had some weird commercials).

Okay, I'm going to get off my rant now. However, I posted a Grace Gems devotion that I felt was appropriate for this topic right before this post.

There is but one standard of true Christian character

2009-10-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

(J. R. Miller, "Copying but a Fragment")

"Whoever claims to live in Him--must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

Nothing is more striking to a close observer of human life, than the almost infinite variety of character which exists among those who profess to be Christians. No two are alike. Even those who are alike revered for their saintliness, who alike seem to wear the image of their Lord, whose lives are alike attractive in their beauty--show the widest diversity in individual traits, and in the cast and mold of their character. Yet all are sitting before the same model; all are striving after the same ideal; all are imitators of the same blessed life.

There is but one standard of true Christian character--likeness to Christ. It is into His image--that we are to be transformed; and it is toward His holy beauty--that we are always to strive. We are to live as He lived. We are to copy His features into our lives. Wherever, in all the world, true disciples of Christ are found--they are all trying to reproduce the likeness of their Master in themselves.

One reason for the diversity among Christians--is because even the best and holiest saints realize but a little of the image of Christ, have only one little fraction and fragment of His likeness in their souls. In one of His followers, there is some one feature of Christ's blessed life which appears; in another, there is another feature; in a third, still a different feature. One seeks to copy Christ's gentleness, another His patience, another His sympathy, another His meekness.

Therefore, a thousand believers may all, in a certain sense, be like Christ--and yet no two of them have, or consciously strive after, just the same features of Christ in their souls. The reason is, that the character of Christ is so great, so majestic, so glorious--that it is impossible to copy all of it into any one little human life; and again, each human character is so imperfect and limited--that it cannot reach out in all directions after the boundless and infinite character of Christ.

Care of Grace Gems

Missionary Work

2009-10-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

The past two months have been so busy around here. During our Wednesday night children's bible study, we are learning about different missions around the world. I have had the opportunity to lead many of these sessions. It has been so neat watching the childrens' hearts turn toward the missionaries working out in the fields.

Missionary work is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. Partially due to the fact that my brother just left for the Phillippines to serve a two year Mormon mission and partially due to the fact that his leaving has made my heart yearn for the people who I misled in Russia when I served my mission so many years ago.

My prayers are with my brother that God opens his eyes to the fallacies he is teaching as He did with me. I also am praying that the people who I misled in Russia might find the truth and in turn find Jesus.

Repeated Requests and Mistaken Recall

2009-08-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

My five year old has a very bad habit of asking the same question three or four times. Even after I have said "no" at least once. She will continue until I am so frustrated with her, I send her to her room. The thing is, how many times do we do this to God? Ask Him for the same thing over and over and over again when He has already said "No!"

This has been a constant battle with me lately. It seems like I keep asking for things which God has already told me "no." Why are we continually drawn back into the same pattern, even when we think that this time is different?

Why do we think that if we just ask in a different way maybe God will say "Yes" to our request? Or if we ask the same question over and over and over again, do we think God is going to "change His mind" and grant our request?

I am having a red herring moment. I have been challenged recently with scripture recall. I am so sure of a verse or a story that I am positive is in the bible, and when I sit down to find it, it is not there. This is such a hurdle! I know it comes in part from my Mormon background and the extra "scriptures" that I studied until I could recite most of the contents. There are times when I remember a passage that I realize later was in the Book of Mormon.

The reason I am bringing this up is that I just had one of those moments. I was trying to find a passage in the bible regarding a king who asked a prophet to ask God for something and when God said "no," the king asked the prophet to go back and ask again, this continued until God said "go ahead" which of course was against God's will and the king was defeated. Since I can't find this in the Bible, I am assuming it is from the Book of Mormon.

Why am I sharing this with you? I want to make sure that if you are reading my blog you understand that you need to check everything I say against the Bible for accuracy. I am fallible and will remember things from my Mormon past which seem right, but are not Biblical. I also need to know when something I am saying is not biblical so that I can discern between the truth and the false teachings that I was raised on.

For this reason I will close this post with a request for you to be as the Bereans: "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

My Recent Inactivity

2009-06-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Please forgive my recent inactivity. My computer finally decided it was too overworked and crashed. I hope to have it up and running again soon.

How has the economy affected you? As many of you know, I am currently in a season where God wants me in the workforce. Strange as it may seem, I was rather excited when my boss announced the layoffs for our department last December. My job was one of the jobs that were to end. I had it all figured out that I was going to get to stay home with my kids and attempt homeschooling, be a good wife and homemaker, etc.

God had other plans for me. A little more than a month ago, my boss called me into his office and asked me if I would consider staying on until October. It meant a change in my duties. I accepted. Since then I have been extremely busy and my husband has stepped up on more than one occasion to assist me with picking up the children from school and taking care of them. Even with his busy schedule.

Now before you say that I am being selfish by continuing to work. God knows that my heart yearns to be at home with my children. However, I continue to work for His Glory. Besides having the opportunity to witness to my co-workers almost daily, God is showing me that my desire to stay at home is, in part, a form of selfishness on my part. In my desire to control my situation, I have been using the desire to be at home to show how "good" I am. Pride has reared its ugly head in my life again bringing along its cousin control issues.

In the past, I have used my desire to be at home with my kids as a reason for not working hard and even in instances as a reason for despising my husband. I believe this is the reason God has said to wait and that it is not my time yet to stay at home. So to His Glory, I will continue to work until He says it is time to stay home whether five or twenty years from now. Instead of coveting what my homeschooling neighbors have, I will be content with what God has given me and work hard for the Lord in the career that He has planned for me.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:23-24

The Word of Wisdom

2009-05-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to discuss the reason why Mormons do not drink alcohol, coffee, tea or smoke or chew tobacco products.

According to Brigham Young:
"The first school of the prophets was held in a small room situated over the Prophet Joseph's kitchen.... When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry." - LDS Journal of Discourses, volume 12, page158.

According to this rendition, the "revelation" was in response to the complaints of his wife. Another part of the story that I have read is that Emma was fond of her tea and coffee parties, which is why the "revelation" also banned "strong drinks" which includes tea and coffee.

David Whitmer stated:
“Some of the men were excessive chewers of the filthy weed, and their disgusting slobbering and spitting cause Mrs. Smith... to make the ironical remark that ‘It would be a good thing if a revelation could be had declaring the use of tobacco a sin, and commanding its suppression’' the matter was taken up and joked about, one of the brethren suggested that the revelation should also provide for a total abstinence from tea and coffee drinking, intending this as a counter dig at the sisters. Sure enough the subject was afterward taken up in dead earnest, and the 'Word of Wisdom' was the result ” - David Whitmer quote in Des Moines Daily News, October 16, 1886, page 20.

More information about how the Word of Wisdom was followed in the early days of Mormonism can be found here.

A Marvelous Work

2009-04-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Please let me know what you think. This is the first time I have shared my testimony in a woman's ministry event.

The Lord's Supper and Sharing the Gospel

2009-04-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

Isn't God amazing? I have been listening to Paul Washer tonight and preparing my talk for tomorrow evening (yes, I'm a midnight procrastinator) and I am just amazed at the great love of God that he was willing to crush His Son for me. It is amazing to me that although I am the one who deserves to be crushed, Jesus willingly accepted my punishment that I might live eternally with Him.

Last week we had the opportunity to take the Lord's Supper again. It was the first time that it did not feel like a ritual to me. I finally got it. While chewing the wafer I realized it represents Christ's body being crushed by my sins. Every time my teeth crushed the wafer, I felt worse and worse about the fact that it was my sins that did that to Christ. And just as I was in the depth of my despair, the "wine" (grape juice) representing the blood of Christ came and washed away the remnants of what I had done to the wafer just as the blood of Christ washed away my sins. This is a poor description of my realization. However, I know that the meaning is clear. God Lives! Christ is Risen! What more is there?

Amazingly, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with someone close to me this past week. The fact that it happened so naturally is evidence of Christ's work in my life this far. Although I am sure that there are many who could have done it more eloquently, but the fact that God was able to use me gives me cause to rejoice in Him. I am looking forward to tomorrow night and yet dreading it at the same time. I am excited to share my story and God's Love with those who will attend, yet fear that in my weakness, I will not be as effective as someone else may be. However, my faith lies in Christ and I know that it is not me who reaches a person but Him and I will rejoice in the fact that He will use me for His purposes.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister!

2009-04-17T23:51:00.000-07:00

(Charles Spurgeon)

"He appeared first to Mary Magdalene--out of whom He had cast seven devils." Mark 16:9

Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only--but seven. These dreadful inhabitants caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case! She could not help herself, neither could any human support avail. But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power--and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the saving power of Jesus.

What a blessed deliverance!
What a happy change!

From delirium--to delight,
from despair--to peace,
from hell--to heaven!

At once, she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His winding steps, sharing His toilsome life; and withal she became His generous helper, first among that band of saved and grateful women--who ministered unto Him of their substance.

When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame--we find her drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus--but she stood as near to it as she could. She was the faithful and watchful believer--last at the sepulcher where Jesus slept; first at the grave whence He arose!

Thus, grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister!

Grace delivered her from Satan--and united her forever to the Lord Jesus!

May I also be such a miracle of grace!

(courtesy of Grace Gems)

My thoughts for today...

2009-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today my soul is weary of fighting, but I have not yet given up. The past six months have been filled with struggles and trials. However, are they not less than what I deserve? Why then should I complain and become depressed? I have succumbed more times than I like to these two sins the past few months.

However, even with all of the trials I have faced God has still given me more than I deserve. He gave me six extra months at my job after being told I was being downsized. He has given me four beautiful children who can always bring a smile to my face when I am starting to feel down. He has given me a husband who has a stable and thriving job. He has given me a sorrow for the poor choices I have made in the past and an awe for His great mercy. He has given me a despair for the results of my actions and a great hope in His Son Jesus Christ. When my sinful nature starts to turn inward, He pulls me back out by showing me someone who is struggling worse than me. How is it that He can be so merciful when we are so wicked?

I wanted to shout it to the world today. I wanted to go stand on the corner with just the Bible in my hand and tell of the glorious goodness of Jesus Christ. But you know what I did instead? I came home and I finished the dishes the girls started, I made dinner for my family, and I found out that my parents have put their home up for sale. Then I learned that we may have to put ours up for sale also. At least if I had gone out and stood on the corner with my Bible I would have been prepared for the blows. But through all of this, God has never failed to provide.

Therefore, through the trials that I am facing, I will continue to praise God. My Comforter, My Redeemer, my Rock. And, I think tomorrow, I am going to go out on that corner and open up my Bible and start telling everyone who passes of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Care to join me?

-------------
HE cares for ME!
by - Charles Spurgeon
Courtesy of Grace Gems

"Casting all your care upon Him--for He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7

It is a happy way of soothing sorrow, when we can feel--"HE cares for ME!" Christian! do not dishonor God, by always wearing a brow of worry! Come--cast your burden upon your God! You are staggering beneath a weight--which your Father would not feel. What seems like a crushing burden to you--would be but as small dust to Him. Nothing is so sweet as to,
"Lie passive in God's hands,
And know no will, but His."

O child of suffering--be patient! God has not overlooked you in His providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows--will also furnish you with what you need. Do not sit down in despair.

There is One who cares for you!

His all-seeing eye is fixed on you!

His all-loving heart beats with pity for your woe!

His omnipotent hand shall yet bring you the needed help!

The darkest cloud--shall scatter itself in showers of mercy.

The blackest gloom--shall give place to the morning light.

If you are one of His family--He will bind up your wounds, and heal your broken heart. Do not doubt His grace, because of your troubles--but believe that He loves you as much in seasons of distress--as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead--if you would leave providing--to the God of providence!

If God cares for you--why need you care also? Can you trust Him for your soul--and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens--He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! Be done with fretful worry--and leave all your concerns in the hand of your gracious God!

I will be speaking in Nashville!

2009-03-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in the area, I will be sharing my testimony on the 19th of April at New Hope Baptist Church in Hermitage, TN. For more details, please click here or go to the main website at www.newhopeforyou.com. Hope to see you there!

Thanks!
Teri

Just a Quick Note...

2009-03-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the silence. I have become almost overwhelmed this past month and have had to set aside my blogging for a little while. I hope to return to posting in the next little while, but it may be sporadic. Please feel free to read over my previous posts especially my testimony which was the main reason I started this blog. I will be back soon!

Sincerely,
Teri

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

2009-02-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks a recurring theme has been coming up during my devotional time and while listening to my favorite podcasts. Recently, I was referred to a couple's blog that was such a great example of glorifying God in sickness and even death. It has had such an impact on me in that I have started to question how I would handle a situation like that. I would hope that I would have the same desire to use my situation to glorify God, but I fear that my flesh would give way. After all, I have struggled with glorifying God with the small things, how can I expect that I would react differently in a life changing situation?

I was reading my daily verses last week and came upon a confusing verse: Exodus 4:24. I decided to study it using commentaries and corresponding verses (still new to Hermeneutics, not sure I did it exactly right) and ran across a sermon by W.A. Criswell which talks about women (Moses' wife in particular) who can be overbearing to their mild husbands. Now I am not sure how biblically sound his theory is, but it started me thinking again about how I would like to be remembered: as a woman of fury, or as a woman of virtue (Proverbs 31:10-31) who loves God. I hope for the latter and fear for the former.

But God is good and He knows my heart. And through Jesus Christ, I have been washed clean and will stand before God someday with an advocate who died for me and who took the punishment that was reserved for me. Then why should I fear what people think, other than fear that in my weaknesses I do not turn them away from God. However, God works all thing for His Glory... even my weaknesses.

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. " Romans 8:26-28

The Lawman Chronicles: Mormonism

2009-02-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last night's edition of Ambassadors' Alliance Radio provided some very helpful information regarding Mormonism and how to reach Mormon's with the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

The Lawman Chronicles: Mormonism

Visit from the Mormon Missionaries

2009-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

This evening we had a visit from the missionaries and a member of the local Mormon church. This encounter was so different from the last time the missionaries stopped by for a visit (almost 2 years ago). First of all, I have been praying about this visit most of the day, more for my husband than for me. I was so afraid this was going to be a "bible-bashing session" as I used to call them (when both sides start throwing out bible verses to argue their point). It didn't turn out like that at all. My husband did a wonderful job leading the discussion and witnessing to them. Although we cannot be sure what was in their hearts as they left, it seemed as if one of the missionaries was really affected by the conversation. My prayer is that God works in their hearts and pulls them out of Mormonism into the truth as He did with me.

Where will you go after you die?

2009-01-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

In the Mormon's plan of salvation after this life ends there are three degrees of glory. That is to say there are three heavens where you will probably end up.

The three heavens are:

The Celestial Kingdom (reserved for Mormons who have met all of the requirements of the temple and have, according to the Doctrine and Covenants, entered into the new and everlasting covenant (polygamy) and paid their "fire insurance" (10% tithing) faithfully, and so on and so on and so on)

The Terrestial Kingdom (reserved for people who never had a chance to hear about Mormonism... very few people will end up here what with baptisms for the dead and all the missionary work going on in the spirit world before the judgment... more Mormon mythology)

The Telestial Kingdom (reserved for everyone else... well... except for a select few which will go somewhere worse)

And although many Mormons now believe that there is no hell (an idea that modern Christianity is quickly falling/being deceived into), we were always taught that if we were to leave the Mormon church, then we would be sent to Outer Darkness, a place reserved for Satan and his minions.

However, the final destination will not be known until after the millennium. Until then, Mormons believe that our spirits go to paradise or to spirit prison depending on whether we accepted Mormonism in this life... to be continued

Leadership

2009-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

This morning on the way into work, I was listening to the radio. The host was discussing James 3:1-2. The discussion made me start thinking a bit about the past couple of months. Since the beginning of this blog, I have become very aware of the things that I consider posting. Many times I have started to post something only to change my mind, erase it and post something else. I hope to only post those things on this blog that will glorify God.

Whenever I post something, I try to evaluate my motives behind what I am posting. Many times I fall short of having pure motives (if pure motives are truly possible with my wretched nature). I am both drawn to leading and shy away from it for this very reason. However, I know that God is able to take my meager offerings and use them for His good. I know that if I am going to lead/teach, I will be held to a higher standard than if I do not, but if I avoid leading/teaching for fear of being held to a higher standard, then is that not being selfish?

This then becomes the Romans 7:14-25 struggle. And as such shows my weakness, in which I shall continue to post and teach and whatever else God may choose for me to do. For through my weaknesses, others' may see God's marvelous workings and their faith may be made strong. For God has promised: "power is perfected in weakness" (from Paul speaking of the thorn in his flesh 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

My final question at the close of this post is are you praying for those who lead you and those who teach you? Today we have a new president, and though I did not vote for him, I know that God has chosen him to lead the country at this time. It now falls on me to pray for him that he may lead the country in accordance with God's will. And so I will pray for the president just as I am praying for my pastor, my family, and my local leaders.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-09T19:27:00.001-08:00

I hope you had a great Christmas and are having a wonderful New Year. I am sorry for my blog silence over the past weeks, but I did not realize so much time had passed since my previous post until I sat down to write a new post a few days ago. God has been working on me over the past couple of weeks in ways I cannot even begin to describe. He has been molding me and shaping me into the person He knows I can be. I only wish that my resistance were less, maybe I could have learned a few of the lessons an easier way.

My weakest and most difficult moment during my recent trials, came last weekend when I was stuck in bed, literally. Prior to visiting the doctor first thing Monday morning, I could not take care of my children or my husband. I could barely stand, let alone walk. I do not know what caused my back to spasm as it did. But I do know that God was there helping me through it and teaching me with it. Wednesday, I was able to return to work with minimal pain.

During this trial, the selfish part of me asked God to heal me, and the person God is making me into added to my prayer that if He chose not to heal me, that He would use it for His Glory. Not only did He heal me, but He used my trial as a teaching tool for me.

When I was at my weakest and did not think I could take a step but knew I needed to get to the other room, I cried out to God to give me the strength to push through my pain. He gave me strength. When I needed help to get into the bathroom, He sent my amazing husband in to help me up. He also gave me the courage to be weak. Yes, I admit, I am afraid of being weak and needing to ask for help. But God showed me that I have a wonderful support in my husband. And through this trial, God showed me person after person who continue on everyday and somehow manage to get past the pain and heartaches that I was merely tasting for a moment. And maybe in the same way strengthening me to be able to get through the trials that are yet to come.

Oh, how I pray that I can be a window to His Glory and stand strong through the trials that are to come and yet be weak when He desires me to be weak and pliable.

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." Psalm 63:1-4

Just When I Needed It Most...

2008-12-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed by God's Grace and Mercy. The past couple of weeks I have been struggling spiritually as my resolve to follow Christ has been tested.

Today, in my Sunday School class, God gave me an answer to my recent prayers. I walked in our class late this morning after struggling whether to even go at all. The class was discussing Luke 21:12-17. As we discussed being persecuted for Christ, I realized that if I cannot be faithful to Him in the small trials that I am facing, how am I going to be faithful when the real persecution starts? Or am I going to buckle when being faced with losing a family member or even my own life?

There are people who are currently being persecuted and killed for declaring the word, who continue to stand strong and true to Christ. (See Voice of the Martyrs) And here am I, comfortable in my faith and the minute a negative breeze swings in my direction, I buckle. What good am I then for Christ? What a wake up call for me!

But how gracious and loving is Christ that He would remind me of this. He could have simply let me continue my downward path and let me quit. But no, he gently reminded me that I am His and that the trials that I am facing were promised to me the moment he claimed me as His own. And how much more wonderful that through my trials, a person has come to a better understanding of who God is! Who am I to minimize this victory by selfishly focusing on the trials instead of focusing on God and His Greatness?

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:26-39

Twilight Follow Up

2008-12-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a follow up regarding my previous post about the book Twilight.

At the time I posted this, I was considering reading the book to understand what the hype is about, but the more I research the book, the less I want to read it. Yes, it is fiction. And yes, if we are teaching our children between good and evil, they will know the difference between fact and fiction.

However, personally, I don’t want to put anything into my mind that will cause me to stumble. And by stumble I mean cause even a momentary doubt or shadow to cross my mind. If I were to read this book, knowing full well that it is about vampires and written by a Mormon. I would be opening myself up to fall once again. This may seem harsh, but is it? Compare it to a Victoria’s Secret ad for a man who is tempted by pornography or to a piece of chocolate cake for a woman who is on a diet.

Satan’s strongest tools are persuasion and tolerance. Persuasion as in persuading a person that evil is not in fact evil (see Isaiah 5). Tolerance as in building up a person’s tolerance for evil. For example: “It is only an apple” (funny how that is the cover of the first Twilight book, isn’t it?) Or “it is only has one/two/three curse word(s).” This quote reminds me of a story I heard on the radio the other day:

Dad's Brownies---Great lesson!!
A father of some teenage children had the family rule that they could not attend PG-13 or R rated movies. His three teens wanted to see a particular popular movie that was playing at local theaters. It was rated PG-13. The teens interviewed friends and even some members of their family's church to find out what was offensive in the movie. The teens made a list of pros and cons about the movie to use to convince their dad that they should be allowed to see it.
The con's were that it contained ONLY 3 swear words, the ONLY violence was a building exploding (and you see that on TV all the time they said), and you actually did not "see" the couple in the movie having sex - it was just implied sex, off camera.
The pros were that it was a popular movie - a block buster. Everyone was seeing it. If the teens saw the movie then they would not feel left out when their friends discussed it. The movie contained a good story and plot. It had some great adventure and suspense in it.
There were some fantastic special effects in this movie. The movie's stars were some of the most talented actors in Hollywood. It probably would be nominated for several awards. Many of the members of their Christian church had even seen the movie and said it wasn't "very bad".
Therefore, since there were more pros than cons the teens said they were asking their father to reconsider his position on just this ONE movie and let them have permission to go see it.
The father looked at the list and thought for a few minutes. He said he could tell his children had spent some time and thought on this request. He asked if he could have a day to think about it before making his decision. The teens were thrilled thinking; "Now we've got him! Our argument is too good! Dad can't turn us down!" So, they happily agreed to let him have a day to think about their request.
The next evening the father called in his three teenagers, who were smiling smugly, into the living room. There on the coffee table he had a plate of brownies. The teens were puzzled. The father told his children he had thought about their request and had decided that if they would eat a brownie then he would let them go to the movie. But just like the movie, the brownies had pros and cons.
The pros were that they were made with the finest chocolate and other good ingredients. They had the added special effect of yummy walnuts in them. The brownies were moist and fresh with wonderful chocolate frosting on top. He had made these fantastic brownies using an award-winning recipe. And best of all, the brownies had been made lovingly by the hand of their own father.
The brownies only had one con. The father had included a little bit of a special ingredient. The brownies also contained just a little bit of dog poop. But he had mixed the dough well - they probably would not even be able to taste the dog poop and he had baked it at 350 degrees so any bacteria or germs from the dog poop had probably been destroyed.
Therefore, if any of his children could stand to eat the brownies which included just a "little bit of foreign substance" and not be effected by it, then he knew they would also be able to see the movie with "just a little bit of smut" and not be effected. Of course, none of the teens would eat the brownies and the smug smiles had left their faces. Only Dad was smiling smugly as they left the room.
Now when his teenagers ask permission to do something he is opposed to the father just asks, "Would you like me to whip up a batch of my special brownies?" (Copied from the following link:
http://www.rushonline.com/visitors/familyvalues.htm)

As one last example about tolerance, simply consider the difference in the shows our parents watched on TV or in the movie theaters compared with today's shows/movies. The topics that were such a big deal when Three's Company was shown on air are no longer even discussed thanks to the show paving the way for shows such as My Two Dads, Friends, or How I Met Your Mother.

Here are a few more links that you may find interesting:

For a fairly decent review of the first book by someone who has read it, see:
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review---twilight.php

This is the author’s blog about how she came up with the idea for the book:
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html

This article is an additional viewpoint about Twilight:
http://bereanwife.blogspot.com/2008/12/twilight-praised-by-christian-groups.html

Which links to the following article from my last email (in case you didn't have a chance to read it):
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?p=1311&c=1

This article is not about Twilight, but I thought it was a good article about discerning how a true work of the Holy Spirit can be distinguished from a false work:
http://www.gty.org/Resources/issues/611

In conclusion, I am quoting the following Bible passages to show a small portion of the Bible’s viewpoint on how Satan operates (please try not to take these verses out of context by applying them to Twilight – in that it is a work of fiction):

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4

so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10

I would love to hear your viewpoints on this topic!

God is Great!

2008-12-04T20:37:00.001-08:00

Tonight, I am rejoicing in the Lord. He is Great and Mighty to Save. He has worked such a work in my life. He has grasped hold of me and pulled me from the jaws of hell and made me His own. The trifles that I write will never begin to describe His Mighty Goodness. He has led me to His Son, Jesus, who died that I might live. What more is there? Nothing can compare to Him, and for that matter, why would we want to compare Him to anything anyway?

"Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in holy array.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
The God of glory thunders,
The LORD is over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful,
The voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
And Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everything says, "Glory!"
The LORD sat as King at the flood;
Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.
The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace. "
Psalm 29

Mormons and Atonement

2008-12-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, this morning while I was listening to one of my radio podcasts, the host stated that Mormons do not have an atonement. I have to clear this up a bit, because the way that Mormons use the term atonement is different than the way that Christians use the word Atonement. Here is what I was taught about the word atonement:

Atonement: To be "at one" with Christ. I was raised believing that the atonement meant in one aspect, while Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, He experienced every sin that anyone has ever committed. This meant that He could sympathize with us and help us through every struggle that we had as we were striving to become perfect. According to the Mormon belief, Jesus took on the sins of all other mortals which caused him to bleed from every pore suffering in both body and spirit. (Mormon's Doctrine and Covenants 19:18, "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— ")

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. " (Mormon's Article of Faith #3)

For an idea of what the Mormons teach, you can review the Atonement of Jesus lesson plan or this more detailed atonement lesson plan on their website.

One thing that struck me as interesting as I was thinking about this earlier, is the fact that according to Mormons, through the atonement, you can become at one with Christ just as He is at one with "Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost" -- Three personages, One purpose.

At this point I need to tell you that even though most of you who read this information will see the fallacies in the teachings, as I delve into the material to post, I struggle to keep Mormon beliefs separated from Christian beliefs. Even now, after being free from the Mormon church, if I spend too much time reviewing their theology, it starts to seem familiar again... remind you of a bible verse? (hint: "familiar spirits").

The things that Mormonism teaches can so easily seem right ("There is a way that seems right to a man..." Proverbs 14:12), but they are fallacies twisted with just enough of the truth to confuse and send you off the narrow way.

I am going to wrap this post up with one last thought about Mormon's beliefs about the atonement... According to Mormon belief, our sins are our spiritual debt and without Jesus we would pay for our sins with a spiritual death. Oh, and one last thing, Mormons believe that Everlasting Torment, etc. is temporary. How do they explain it? Well, Everlasting is a name for God, therefore it is Everlasting's Torment... make sense...?

P.S. for more information, CARM has a great article about Mormons and the Atonement.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I will be posting later tonight about Mormons and their view of the Atonement (due to a radio podcast I am listening to this morning).

Teri

Family and Community... with an Evangelistic Message thrown in...

2008-11-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

If you have ever visited Utah, no doubt you have noticed a difference from "the rest of the world." One thing that I do miss about Mormonism is their focus on their families and communities. Everyone in a certain radius attends the same church every Sunday. Monthly visits by the visiting and home teachers are expected, as well as Monday night Family Home Evenings. It is no wonder so many people find it difficult to leave Mormonism. Leaving Mormonism means leaving family, friends, neighbors, etc.

Wouldn't it be amazing if this is how Christ's church operated? Isn't this how Christ's church is supposed to operate? Visiting, sharing, ministering, guiding (after all, these are all things that the Mormon church focuses on in its good works driven theology) all with the glory of God in mind and with a heart for Christ (and not trying to work our way into heaven).

http://www.mrm.org/multimedia/video/mormonisms-impossible-gospel

Regarding Previous Post about Purpose of Marriage...

2008-11-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

After my previous post regarding marriage, I have been worrying that it may have come across as aimed at husbands. This was not my intention at all. When I listen to sermons such as the one that I posted by Paul Washer, I attempt to listen to them with an ear for how I need to change, or what applies to my life per biblically sound principles. The passage of scripture that I posted at the end of the post was what my husband radiated yesterday. I am so proud of the growth that he has gone through over the past year.

On the way home from work today, I was listening to another sermon by Paul Washer. In it, he mentioned how we have a tendency to overlook what I'm going to call the good factor in our spouses. I know that I am very guilty of this. My husband does not physically or verbally abuse me. He is not out running around on me. In fact, if I had one complaint, it is that he spends an excessive amount of time ministering to others and not me. Of course, that is the selfish part of me that I am working on ridding myself of. How much more blessed could I be than for God to give me a husband that I don't deserve, who genuinely cares for others more than himself, and who is so focused on Christ, pretty much everyone who knows him knows what his beliefs are and feel comfortable coming to him when they have a question about religion, Christianity, etc.

Truth Matters

2008-11-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

TRUTH MATTERS: Prayer and Help For My Mother, Carol

A request has come from a brother in Christ. His mother has been diagnosed with cancer. You can learn more here: http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2008/07/prayer-and-help-for-my-mom-carol.html

Purpose of Marriage...

2008-11-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

Once again, I have learned that I am not perfect (not that I need much help being reminded of that!). You would think I would get it after the first hundred times. But no, pride keeps rearing it's ugly head. Fortunately for me, I have an amazing husband who knows exactly what to say to diffuse the situation. The best part about it, is that most of what he says in these situations, he backs up with scripture. The worst part about it is the fact that I am having such a struggle with pride. God is so good! He has given me such a good man who despite my failures continues to love me even when I am being prideful and want to just quit.

Paul Washer on Marriage:

Today, God showed me who my husband is becoming through Christ. I am so amazed by how gracious He truly is and am equally awed by His work in my family's lives. There is hope for the rest of my family (the mormon side) yet!

"For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:23-27

Twilight

2008-11-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago I bought a book for my oldest daughter, who thankfully has been blessed with a gift of discernment. At the time, Twilight was an almost unknown series. I figured since it was written by a Mormon it should be okay, meaning no sex or major violence. During the past couple days full of hype about the movie, I have changed my mind.

Here is the thing. The author (a self-proclaimed Mormon) has stated that a lot of her basic beliefs are ingrained in the story. "Meyer, a wife and mother of three from Phoenix, who is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and graduate of Brigham Young University, says she has become accustomed to people asking her, “What’s a nice Mormon girl like you doing writing about vampires?” But as she told one Mormon-themed Web site, “Unconsciously, I put a lot of my basic beliefs into the story.”" http://www.sj-r.com/beliefs/x466663776/-Twilight-author-s-Mormon-faith-a-big-influence-in-books-film

While it may be a "decent" book, I have not yet read it myself, therefore, I can only discuss here the following points that I feel are important:

First, everything else aside, the book is about vampires. Are these not considered to be demonic? We are already raising the status of witches to acceptable, are we also going to raise demons to good creatures? Oh, wait, that was a different charming tv show...

Second, the book is laced with Mormonology. While that may seem harmless, the more you are exposed to the beliefs the more they make sense until soon what seemed so wrong previously starts to seem more like fact. This indoctrination is what scares me about this book. Mormon missionaries are taught that the first step to "bringing the gospel" to a person is to build relationships of trust.

Think about it. This means that with the popularity of this series, Mormon missionaries now have an "in" with anyone who is a Twilight fan. All they have to do now is go up to your child and say something like, "Hey have you read Twilight? Isn't it great? Did you know the author is Mormon? Yeah, she reads this book (holding up the Book of Mormon). Would you like to read it too?"

Okay, yes, this is a poor dramatization, but I'm hoping that if you are reading this you get the point. Here are a couple other links on this subject that I recommend reading:

http://bereanwife.blogspot.com/2008/11/do-you-know-what-your-teens-are-reading.html

http://virtuealert.blogspot.com/2008/11/lets-talk-vampires.html

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. " Philippians 1:9-11

Burdens

2008-11-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

It is interesting how much has happened in the two weeks since I posted my testimony on this blog. I started posting with the hope that even one person in my family would read the post and turn to God. It seems that God has something else in mind, however. Through my posting, God is showing the areas in my life that need improving. For example, I am currently in a season of life where I have to work outside of the home. My heart has been yearning to come home to raise my children, especially with Kaesi starting Kindergarten next year. I have let this desire consume me during the past week enough that I have had a lot of trouble focusing at work.

Although I have completed my work, I have done it begrudgingly. I have even started to think about ways that I could end my job. Here is the thing, I gave this burden to God the last time I started to feel this way (months ago). This past week I tried to take it back from God. He "gently" reminded me today that I gave this burden to Him and that I couldn't have it back. The interesting thing is, he used something almost unrelated to show me the truth.

I was looking for a way to "politely" tell someone to guard their tongue, and instead found the following verse:

"...and do not give the devil an opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:27-32

As I read these verses, God opened my eyes to the fact that by not working wholeheartedly while at work I was in essence stealing. And by holding on to the bitterness that I was quickly stockpiling because of issues at work and home, I was/am grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Ouch!

It reminded me of Romans where Paul struggles with wanting to do good, but failing because of his humanity. Please forgive my paraphrase, here is the Bible passage: Romans 7:14-25 And you have to read Romans 8 when you are finished with that...

Since I am unable to say it any better than Paul, I will end this post with this: Though I am weak, God is sending me through the refiners fire and will make me strong in Him. He is creating in me a new person through Jesus Christ His Son.

Regarding Supposed Child Abuse...namely Jean and her four year old...

2008-11-19T05:59:00.001-08:00

Please view my most recent post on my Evangelism Diary Blog.

Regarding Good Works and Having Your Best Life Now...

2008-11-16T20:11:00.001-08:00

We were discussing Paul and his conversion (Acts 9) in our bible study class this morning, and it hit me how great and awesome God is. He didn't have to pull me out of Mormonism, but He chose me as one of His own. I have been reading a lot of posts lately about people berating others for thinking so low of themselves and/or teaching their children to believe that they are wretched sinners. All I can think is how deluded we who call ourselves "Christians" have allowed ourselves to become. When did Christianity become all about "me"?

I am the worst of sinners and was once like the people who hold self-esteem so high and self-righteously cling to their good works. But as Paul was changed on the road to Damascus, God plucked me out of Mormonism and created in me a new person. Here is the amazing part of all of this. I do not need to tell myself that I have a purpose or that I am a good person. I do not need to listen to men speaking about how to have a better life now. I am a worthless sinner whose offerings are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). However, through Jesus Christ, I am clean.

My best life is not in this life but in the life to come and my time is best spent right now raising my children for God that they may serve Him someday and also in sharing my story of how God changed me, with the hope that even one person who reads it or hears it may come to know Jesus Christ who lived a perfect life, took on the sins of the world, died on the cross, rose again, and is seated at the Right Hand of God!

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; " Romans 5:1-4

Mormons are Christians Too... Really?

2008-11-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

It is my hope that the posts that I make on this blog will not be construed as being against people who are Mormon. I am merely against religions that hide the truth from their followers. Not too long ago, a family member joined a group that went by the title Mormons are Christians Too. At first, I was sad that she thought that way (as most Mormons do). However, as I started to think of the recent trend in Christianity to misconstrue who Christ is, I realized there may be something to what she and other Mormons think. Maybe Mormons are more like Christians than we think. After all, when we twist the truths of the Bible to become relevant and/or politically correct, aren't we merely creating our own version of who Jesus Christ really is? Then aren't we guilty of the same sin as Mormons in following a false god? How far must we go before we turn our version of Jesus into someone who is not the same as the Jesus in the Bible?

While reading in Ephesians this evening, I came across the following passage in Chapter 5:

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:1-13

What is Paul's concern in these verses? I believe that his concerns are the same that we should have today. With much of "Christianity" becoming silly and vain, how much more should we who know the truth warn people against these things. How can we bring those stumbling around in the darkness into the light? There are so many people, like my family, who have been deceived with the "empty words" or empty promises (i.e. "you shall not surely die, but shall become as gods") of the men they follow. I know there are times when I have been more afraid of man than of God when it comes to speaking the truth, especially when it comes to witnessing to members of my family. According to these verses, the times when I succumb to my fear and joke or make light of the things of the spirit (isn't this considered a form of blasphemy?) are times when I have looked silly or foolish to Him. Which is worse? Looking foolish to men, or looking foolish to the Almighty God, the One who gave you life?

Self Righteousness and Making your Calling and Election Sure Mormon Style

2008-11-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

I was thinking a little bit today about how it seemed so easy to knock on doors and talk with people while I was on my Mormon mission compared to trying to witness with people now. I think part of it is that I struggle with trying to figure out whether the facts that I know from the Bible are really facts, or the twisting of facts that were ingrained in me while I was a Mormon. The other part could be because I was so swept away in my self-righteous all-knowing attitude that if I didn't know the answer, I would make up an explanation that sounded correct and state it as fact.

Imagine for a minute being told your entire life that you were to become a god and that Jesus would help you get to heaven after all that you could do. The struggle I find in this is that you doubt that you are going to make it to heaven because you keep breaking the rules, so in order to make yourself feel better, you focus completely on the rules you keep well and the things that you do to make up for the areas in which you falter. This in turn makes you start looking at other people like, "well, if I can keep this rule, why can't you?" and the cycle goes on and on until you are so caught up in the sin of self righteousness that you deny that anyone else could be right about any subject that you have even a smidgen of knowledge in.

The only thing that you have left to strive for at this point is making your "calling and election sure." For more of an idea about what the Mormons think about this concept, please review the following article (with a grain of salt knowing that it comes from the Mormon Church) in the Mormon Church's Magazine (The Ensign) titled, "The Accepted of the Lord: Making your Calling and Election Sure." My friends and I believed this to mean that after you have done everything that you need to do to become perfect your calling and election will be made sure and that you will be translated like Elijah was "in the twinkling of an eye."

It is no wonder that Mormons struggle with depression knowing that with every sin, they fall farther and farther from their goal of making their calling and election sure. How great is our God that He has sent His Son to bridge the chasm and cleanse us of our sins if we turn from them and trust in Jesus, and that he is preparing a place for us in heaven without "all we can do!"

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
"I acknowledge my sin unto you, and my iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
"For this shall every one that is godly pray unto you in a time when you may be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near unto him. Your are my hiding place, you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye. Be not as the horse, or as the mule which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto you. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusts in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, you righteous: and shout for joy, all you that are upright in heart." -- Psalm 32

Thoughts on past conversations and regrets...

2008-11-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." -- Matthew 7:21-23

My aunt and I would talk about various things when she was alive. Sometimes when we were talking about my grandpa, she would say that he used to tell her that a lot of people in our family were going to be surprised when they reached the other side (meaning after they die, of course). I always wondered what that meant. Until recently, I didn't quite get it. It makes me wonder if my grandpa figured out the truth about Mormonism before he died...

Another conversation my aunt and I had was regarding the Temple ceremonies. When she first went through the temple with my grandpa, there were additional ceremonies that were removed before the first time I went through the temple. We were talking a bit about the first experience of going through the temple. She said that while the ceremonies were taking place, she felt uncomfortable and thought that it wasn't right. However, she looked over at her father who had taken her there and thought that if it wasn't right he wouldn't be doing it. Oh, how right she was at being uncomfortable about the ceremonies.

One major regret that I have is this: I had the opportunity to share the truth with my aunt before she passed away and I did not do it, because I was afraid what my family members that were in the room with me would say. I also wasn't born again myself at this time, only thought I was (although this is not an excuse). However, all that aside, I will always regret not speaking up. The lesson learned is that every opportunity I have to speak to someone about Jesus Christ, I must speak and push past my fear of man.

"Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against you shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them, and shall not find them, even them that contended with you: they that war against you shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not; I will help you." Isaiah 41:10-13

My Testimony

2008-11-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have been asked by a number of people to write my testimony down. I have not written it down prior to today because, first, I did not know where to start, and second, I did not feel like I had a story, finally, I am afraid of what my family (95% Mormon) will say. However, after a conference my husband and I attended a couple weekends ago, I have decided that it is a story that needs to be told. So here is my story:

My name is Teri Campbell. I grew up in a 5th or 6th Generation Mormon home. I am not quite sure how far back it ran in our family, but that is not important. I was baptized into the Mormon religion when I was eight years old. I received my patriarchal blessing when I was twelve. I temporarily rebelled when I was eighteen but returned to Mormonism when I was nineteen. I served a Mormon mission in Novosibirsk, Russia when I was twenty-one. And I finally left Mormonism when I was twenty-seven. How? It started while I was on my mission. Surprised? It is all by the grace of God.

During my mission, I truly felt blessed to be able to share the "gospel" of Jesus Christ with people who had previously not heard of Christ. While there, I was confronted by a woman who was also from the states. When I said to her, "what does it matter what religion we are from, we are bringing the knowledge of Jesus Christ to people who have never heard of Him," she turned to me and said, "your Jesus is not the same Jesus as my Jesus Christ." With that we separated company and went our separate ways. Her words, however, continued with me.

During the year and a half I was in Russia, I read the Bible for the first time from cover to cover. I had questions, but didn't ask anyone. After all, the Bible was fallible... that is to say we believed in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly. I figured my confusion was merely mistakes in the Bible. There were other instances during my mission that I found confusing.

One that stands out is that while we were visiting with a family who were interested in the church, I asked them to pray to find out if Mormonism was false and God would tell them that it (Mormonism) was true. I had read an article in the Ensign (a Mormon publication) that spoke about that being effective in sharing the "gospel" with people. I got in so much trouble for asking them this question. I couldn't understand why we couldn't ask something like this...

After my mission, I continued on strong in the church for a while, but questions kept coming up especially the more I studied the History of the Church, and other Mormon books. I finally left the Mormon Church after sitting in front of a counsel of men, where I confessed my sins and asked for forgiveness. After being sent out into the hall while they deliberated on what to do with me (all of which I was able to hear from where I sat), I began to become more and more angry with the fact that these men who were as fallible as I am were judging me, which I believed was God's job. As a side note, I know that anger was leading my judgment with them at this point, but this is what made me leave the church for good. I was called back in and disfellowshipped. This is what they do prior to excommunication. It meant that I could go to church but I could not participate (i.e. not allowed to pray, give a talk, take the sacrament, teach a class, etc.)

The next two years after I left the church were full of pride and rebellion against all of the rules that the Mormon Church had held me under for years. Then, I decided I was going to chase my dream of singing and headed to Tennessee. After moving to Tennessee, I visited a Mormon church off and on. I now call it "getting my fix" of Mormonism. I would go, feel better, and then do what I wanted until the next time I needed my fix.

Fast forward to a few months after I met my future husband, at this point, I felt like something was missing and I was beginning to search for what it was. My future husband took me to my first Baptist church. I was so amazed that I could "feel the spirit" in a place that wasn't a Mormon church. Little did I realize at this point that emotions are deceptive and do not mean that something is of God.

After a couple of visits, I decided that I wanted to be Baptist. I think I mainly wanted this because of my future husband and not because I was saved. I prayed the sinners prayer with the pastor at the church and walked a way being told that I was saved.

A note about my husband (my rock through my struggle with Mormonism): He grew up in a little town in Idaho, which is 95% Mormon He had many friends who were Mormon and had many opportunities to learn about Mormonism first hand. In his own words, “I personally love the Mormons and wish we as Christ’s church could emulate the fellowship love within the LDS (“Latter-day Saints” aka Mormons) walls.” Despite his background and proximity to Mormonism, he was never drawn into their ranks and is adamant against the false teachers and doctrine that lead these sheep away.

Even after my husband and I married, I kept feeling a pull back to the Mormon Church. While I was pregnant with our daughter, I went back to the Mormon Church twice, behind my husband's back. While there, I was told I needed to divorce my husband since he was not Mormon. This was after two visits... Anyway, I finally broke down and told my husband what I had done. He was upset and concerned about the fact I had gone to the church (rightly so since I had gone behind his back) and after a long conversation, I promised I would not return to the church again.

A couple months later, we moved to a church that was closer to our house that has an awesome children's program. We became very active with the children's program. After attending this church for about a year, I realized that I had not truly made a commitment to Christ. Instead, I had been going to church for the wrong reasons, mainly because I felt important at church. At this point, I decided that it was time that I was baptized in the Baptist church. I had not been baptized previously, because up to this point, I had felt that my Mormon baptism had been me showing my commitment to God. Plus, I still had one foot in Mormonism. The following Sunday, I walked the aisle and asked to be baptized.

At this point in my story, I need to pause to say how great God is. There are so many times when He could have decided that saving me just wasn't worth it and struck me down. He could have let me continue in my sins and not show me the way, but He didn't. He sent His Son to die for me, the wretched sinner that I am, because of His great Love for me, although I do not deserve it...

Again, following baptism, I was renewed. I became more active in the church, doing all of the things I felt I was being called to do. Then I became pregnant again. I began to burn out. I started to find people to take over the things that I was leading, claiming that it was because of the pregnancy. Around this time, my husband found "The Way of the Master." The girls and I would get so irritated with him playing the radio program every time we rode with him. Mainly because he would play it so loud, the radio host would grate our ears.

One day, I had a couple errands to run, and my husband had left his IPod in the van. I decided to listen to the program while I ran my errands (at a decent volume level). I started to get hooked. After a couple months, my husband got irritated with me listening to his podcasts when he wanted to, so he got me my own IPod and downloaded the program onto it for me. Whenever I could, I would listen to the program.

Then, one day, a lady called in, I think her name was Katie. She was searching for assurance that she was saved. I had doubted my salvation for a while. This program gave me the courage to send an email to the ministry. They directed me to a couple of links which I had already listened to, so again I decided that I was saved and I was okay.

At this point, I really started struggling with my life. I joked around saying that my hubby turned 40 and I had a mid-life crisis. On the outside, I tried to keep everything together, but on the inside, I just kept getting worse and worse. God was showing me all of my sins and how worthless I really was, and I didn't want to see it. My pride was getting the best of me. I kept worrying about what everyone else would think knowing that I was a false convert. And I did not want my husband to know that I had not been saved. Because (strangely enough) I did not want him to rejoice if I became saved. My selfishness and anger at my husband had caused me to be so prideful God had to break me to bring me to Him.

The fact that my husband and I were registered for the Deeper Conference (hosted by Living Waters) was the only thing at times that kept me from walking away from my marriage or my job. This was because my selfishness was blinding me to what I have: A faithful husband who has been right beside me even when I have been downright mean to him and four beautiful children who are my life and my joy. That weekend at the Deeper Conference, changed me.

After the conference, I realized the reason I struggled with sharing my testimony, was because I wasn't sure I had one. I began reading my Bible, listening to podcasts of Paul Washer, Johnny Hunt, The Way of the Master, etc. I finally gave up. I began praying. Of course, I choose the worst times to pray. I was driving down the road on the way to pick up the kids from daycare. I gave it all to God. I asked that He forgive my pride and arrogance. I also asked Him to search my heart to rid me of any unclean thought and wash me in the blood of Christ. I know I am a wretched sinner who does not deserve the great love of God, that He would send His Son to suffer in my place because He wanted me with Him on that final day. He has saved me! This is my Testimony of Jesus Christ in me and of the Greatness of God that He would save a sinner such as me.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16