What you’ve heard about is what we (and the bible) call “tithing.” Like any other church, the Mormon church operates through donations.  In the bible, you can read about tithing in the book of Malachi 3:8-10, where it says:

8. Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10.  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

“Tithe” literally means “tenth,” and anciently, followers of the bible were expected to give 1/10th of their “increase” (back then, it might have been sheep or crops, etc) to support the work of the Lord. Today, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, members are expected to donate in the same way.

Is tithing optional? Are Mormons forced to pay tithing?

Like all of God’s commandments, being “optional” is more about whether you choose to follow them or not. The Mormon church does not enforce any of God’s commandments; members are taught what is correct, and they choose for themselves. We are expected to pay tithing, just like we are expected not to steal, or just like we are expected to show love an compassion for others. There is no “enforcement” of the commandment to pay tithing.

In fact, it is rather backwards to think about forcing individuals to live any of God’s laws. A more accurate way to look at it would be to consider the commandment, and then consider the benefits of following the commandment. When we love others, we are more patient and loving with our own mistakes. When we pay tithing, we are blessed to be able to serve and provide for others, we are blessed with wonderful places of worship. There are many blessings and benefits to living the laws of God, and those should be the real focus.

So, what is all that money used for?

One question people have a lot is “what is tithing used for?” 10% is a generous donation, and there are many things that the money is used for. The Mormon church has one of the most transparent accountings of any charity on the planet. Here are a few of the things that tithing money is used for:

• Constructing temples, chapels, and other buildings.
• Providing operating funds for the Church.
• Funding the missionary program (This does not include individual missionary expenses, the missionaries pay their own way in large part.)
• Preparing materials used in Church classes and organizations.
• Temple work, family history, and many other important Church functions.
• Education.

Is tithing used to pay salaries? Are Mormon church leaders paid?

One unique fact about the Mormon church is that it has what is known as a “lay clergy,” which simply means that the leadership of the church is made up of regular working men and women, who are unpaid. No tithing money goes to paychecks of church leaders. Church service in the Mormon church is voluntary; we work together to help make the church work, everyone has a responsibility and everyone helps.

Other questions about Tithing?

If you have more questions about tithing, or what it’s used for, please feel free to ask them on this site!

In this post, I’ll try to cover some of the basics, while providing some links for additional information and answers.

Tell me about this “Mormon” thing? Why is it called the “Mormon Church”

Let’s get this one cleared up first thing. Our church isn’t really called the “Mormon” church. In fact, that was a derogatory title that detractors of our church gave us early on, though today the term Mormon isn’t an insult at all, it’s just a friendly nickname that even members of our church use! The real name of the church has always been “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” It is the church of Jesus Christ, and the latter day saints part simply distinguishes the church today from the church in ancient times.

“Mormon” is actually the name of a man, a prophet and historian, who lived about 311-385 A.D. This man took a collection of ancient religious records and compiled them into a single volume, which we today call “The Book of Mormon.” We appreciate and respect his work, but we don’t worship Mormon, we don’t pray to Mormon, etc.

Well, what do “Mormons” believe?

This is a question that the world has asked since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was restored (the LDS church is organized the same way Christ organized the church in ancient times, this organization and the authority was “restored” in our time). Luckily, there are plenty of authoritative answers to this question already out there. I’ll quote one, and then I’ll post my own understanding:

Some of our “Articles of Faith”

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

For my part, I believe that Jesus Christ lived and died  for all of us, so that every human that ever walked the earth would have the opportunity to return to live with God one day. I believe the gift of living again is a free gift to all, and that we each will also have the opportunity to choose to live God’s commandments, receive the ordinances (like Baptism) of the Gospel, and become perfect. I believe that Jesus Christ set the perfect example through his life and actions, and that we should try our best to emulate that example. I believe that only through Jesus Christ can mankind be saved.

How do you know all of this is true?

In all honesty, this is one of my favorite questions to answer. When people ask me about the core of my beliefs, how I really know that this, or anything, is true, I light up. Why? Because of the simple fact that no one inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has ever, ever, asked me to “take their word for it” or to “just believe.” Never. In my mind and heart, this would be contrary to what God wants, which is to put our trust in Him. There is a scripture in the Bible, from James, chapter 1 verse 5, with emphasis added (KJV quoted):

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Notice that we’re not told here that we should ask a pastor, that we should consult a book, or that we should consult the creeds of men or any other thing. We’re told that we should ask of God. We can hear the truth from a pastor, we can read the truth in the Bible, we can learn the truth from a friend, but we can’t know the truth until we ask of God, who will verify the truth of all things through the testimony of the Holy Ghost that will burn within our hearts. God did not leave us alone to figure it out for ourselves blindly. He left us with another comforter, to testify of the truth and lead us in all that is good and right.

There is another scripture, this time in the Book of Mormon, that really sums up how Mormon’s feel you can find the truth. It is at the end of the Book of Mormon, and was written by the son of Mormon, named Moroni. From Moroni, chapter 10 versus 3-5 (emphasis added):

3. Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Quite simply, no man on earth can speak truth to your heart. When you hear, read or understand truth, if you ask God with a sincere heart, the Holy Ghost will witness of that truth.

What else is there to know about the Mormons?

There is a lot to know about us, just like there would be a lot to know about anyone! We’re a diverse, global group of individuals, all bound by the bond of charity in Christ, and love for our fellow man. We try to do what we can to help in our communities, where we are. We want to be good neighbors, good friends, and good Christians. We reach out and share our beliefs, but we don’t want to be pushy or overbearing. We love answering questions. We’re excited about the Gospel of Repentance and Hope.

An exceptional way to learn more about us as a people is through Mormon.org. We’ve created a website where Mormon’s from around the world can share their own personal stories, thoughts, ideas, and feelings. You can read answers from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, from all walks of life and from all backgrounds. You can find people who might have similar life experiences with yourself, and see how they view things.

Mormon.org also has live chat, where you can discuss questions you might have about us and our faith. There are links to videos, and reference material on our beliefs. I can’t stress enough:

Visit Mormon.org and learn a TON more about what Mormon’s are all about!

Want to ask a question here?

If you want to ask a question here, feel free to use the links at the top and on the right to send your questions to me. Your questions/comments won’t go live on the website, but rather they’ll go to my email, where I can respond to you personally. I look forward to providing any information I can!

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our Redeemer. The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ’s mother was Mary, His father on earth was Joseph, that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and labored with Joseph as a carpenter. When he turned 30, He began a three-year ministry of teaching, blessing, and healing the people of the Holy Land. He also organized His Church and gave His apostles “power and authority” (Luke 9:1) to assist in His work.

In “The Book of Mormon,” a volume of ancient writings that were translated in the early 1800′s, you read:

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

On LDS.org, another official Mormon church website, when you search for Jesus Christ you get about 24,000 results; on a main page about Jesus Christ on the same website you read:

A little more than 2,000 years ago, the Redeemer of humankind was born in Bethlehem of Judea. While yet an infant He was brought to the temple in Jerusalem. There Mary and Joseph heard the wonderful prophecies spoken by Simeon and Anna about the tiny babe who was destined to become the Savior of the world.

And let’s not forget, the “Mormon” church has the actual title: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” The “Latter Day Saints” part is simply to distinguish the church of today from the Church in the time of Christ, the members of the church being called “the saints” in former times as well  (see Acts 9:32, Ephesians 2:19, Philippians 1:1). You can read more here on why people call us “Mormons” today.

Quite Simply, Mormon’s are Christians

Everything you will find in what Mormon’s read and write, study and teach, is focused on Jesus Christ and his Gospel. The actions an lives of many Mormon’s strive to be in harmony with what Jesus taught while he was on the earth. Every prayer you might hear uttered by a Mormon will end “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Every ordinance in the church, including baptisms and marriages, is done “in the name of Jesus Christ.” The “Book of Mormon” has thousands of references to Jesus Christ.

No matter what nonsense the media chooses to glamorize, the proof is in the church and people themselves. We strive to be followers of Jesus Christ, and his teachings. We don’t necessarily agree with every other church out there on every point, but they don’t agree amongst themselves either; and yet we can all be followers of Christ, or “Christians.”

Questions about Mormonism?

If you have any questions, please always feel free to contact me here using the link/page at the top. Your comments won’t be posted, and I’ll respond to you personally!

This is just a short video with some audio clips of John F Kennedy speaking on Mormon’s in America. I believe that the compliments he paid to Mormon’s could be shared with many, Mormon or not, and I am thankful for the recognition of the efforts of early Mormon’s and Mormon’s today to help make this country great.

Questions on Mormonism?

If you have any questions about what Mormon’s are all about, feel free to ask them here! I answer all questions personally, and your email or post will not show up on the website. All questions are welcome!

When “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” was formed in April of 1830,  we were far removed from the “information age.” There was little understanding about our church, and many fears and misconceptions. We had our share of “persecution,” which was largely the result of misunderstanding concerning our beliefs. One misunderstanding was that we were not Christians, but a “cult.” Luckily, those misunderstandings are all but evaporated in today’s information and fact-driven world.

Still, even with the facts of our faith readily available for all, and despite our own Christian proclamations, some individuals continue to drag out the century-old insult of “cult” and “un-Christian.”  When called to answer on these insults, the offenders generally shy away or hide behind technical definitions of their speech, rather than address the facts of our faith directly.

We as a Church adopt the following approach: let people look at the facts for themselves, and decide for themselves whether we are followers of Christ, a cult, or anything else. Like many Christians, we make every effort to follow Christ’s teachings. Those efforts, along with any sort of investigation into our teachings and beliefs, speak for themselves.

Wait, “Church of Jesus Christ…” I thought you were “The Mormons?”

“Mormons” is a nickname that was first used pejoratively, then stuck as a common reference to members of our faith. Today, it’s how people know us, and no one that I know is offended by the nickname. However, the full and official name of our church is, and always has been, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” It’s a mouthful, so it’s no wonder people welcome the shorter alternative!

When people start to question our belief in Christ, it helps to point out that the full name of our church, the one that “LDS” actually stands for, is first and foremost the Church of Jesus Christ.

So why the media uproar?

If you’re wondering why the media is up in arms about the recent “cult” insult, you need look no further than the elections forthcoming in 2012. With a “Mormon” potentially on the ballot, the question of religion comes in to play, especially with a large base of Christians in our country as possible voters. Each candidate wants to get their share of the action, and often it comes at the expense of the other candidate’s personal beliefs.

Still, it is important to remember that “Mormons” have a long history of being involved with civil matters in the USA and elsewhere. In some sense, we feel it our duty to be involved personally with the countries in which we live. We are encouraged to be active participants, but never told how to vote, think or act. This is evidenced very clearly by a variety of different Mormon politicians and leaders over time. You can learn about a few of them on this website that I found.

Mormons: Christians, Politicians…. People.

Regardless of the hype, the reality of all this is that Mormons are just average folks: Christians, Politicians, Mechanics, Sportsmen, Inventors, Teachers, Farmers, Police… People. We, like any other group of people, have our share of members in all walks of life. But in an election year, you can bet your lunch that since people don’t necessarily know much about us, any Mormon candidate will have to introduce the public to our Church, and it won’t be made easy by the competition.

More questions?

If you have more questions about Mormonism, please feel free to ask them here!

If you live in Phoenix Arizona, you may have noticed something interesting starting October 3rd. On TV, billboards, and generally everywhere you look, ads about Mormonism are taking over. Don’t adjust your dial, it’s just our church’s way of getting the message out and letting people know who we are.

So, what is this ad campaign all about?

If you’ve seen any of the ads, it is immediately evident that the Mormon Ads are about showing people that Mormon people are just like everyone else. We do a variety of things, and live a variety of lives. In essence, we’re just like you. Fair enough, many people don’t know what Mormon’s are all about – this gives us a chance to set the record straight. In case you’re curious, I myself have a profile on the church website that is being advertised (all members of our church are encouraged to make a profile). You can view my profile here:

I’m Joe, and I’m a Mormon

Ok, Mormon’s are normal people. But what do you believe?

So, with this ad campaign to show you just how normal a Mormon really is, the question remains: what makes Mormon’s different? What do you believe that makes you Mormon vs. some other religion? Let me present my own version of Mormonism 101:

1. We believe in God, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. We believe they are three separate and distinct individual beings, that they are perfect, and that they love us.
2. We believe that we lived with God, our spirit Father, before this life. We believe that we have come here to be tested, to see if we will be faithful, and that after this life we will return to Him.
3. We believe that everyone will be judged for their own lives, and that we will be judged based on our own personal knowledge and opportunities. Everyone will have an opportunity, in this life or the next, to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and accept it if they choose to.
4. We believe that the power and authority that existed in the Bible, namely the Priesthood, was restored to the earth in our time. We believe that through this authority, the power of God is manifest on the earth.
5. We believe that through the authority of the Priesthood, we can be baptized just as Christ was (he also went to one with the proper authority, John) and be cleansed of our sins.
6. We believe that through the authority of the Priesthood, Christ leads His church today through revelation, just as He did in biblical times.
7. We believe the Bible to be the word of God; we also believe the Book of Mormon (a translated ancient text covering about 1000 years of religious history, starting in 600BC) to be the word of God.
8. We believe that all people can know the truth of all things, through the Spirit of God. We won’t ever ask you to take our word for anything; we’ll only ask you to ask God in prayer.

The story I read today was about a group of Mormon volunteers who have been driving 7 hours and spending days helping flood victims in North Dakota before returning home. They are providing service, gutting homes for flood damage repair. According to the article, such service would normally cost the home owner $8000-$20,000. They are doing it for free. You can read the entire article online here:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/local-mormons-help-gut-homes–in-flooded-minot-126308583.html

From the article:

Church members from states or provinces bordering North Dakota are volunteering. The Manitoba contingent was part of a group of almost 300 men from the Latter Day Saints helping out. The Mormons wear yellow T-shirts to indicate they are with the church.

“The people down there are just so grateful,” Robison said.

In two weekends, the Mormons have helped gut more than 200 homes. There is much more to do. Another 600 homeowners have requested their help and are on the Mormon group’s list.

Service, a teaching of Christ

Jesus Christ taught, primarily by example, that we must serve one another. He spent most of His mortal ministry going about doing good works, healing and helping, and lifting up those around him. He served his friends and loved ones, his followers, and even his enemies. Never seeking for glory, power or praise, Christ often went about helping people privately, even asking some not to speak of the miracles they had received.

True service speaks for itself, and is a mark of a humble follower of Christ. These volunteers gain little or nothing in the way of power, popularity or fame through their efforts- it’s unlikely the world will ever know their names. Their work is done quietly, and their reward is the feeling of joy that comes from helping another human being, a child of God, to overcome hardship, trial and sadness. I’m glad to see that the news media can’t help but notice, and that good deeds are still a thing worth looking at, reading about, and emulating.

Questions about Mormons?

LDS.org is a great resource if you have questions about mormonism. If you’re curious about Mormon humanitarian efforts, another great website is http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/

And as always, feel free to ask me any question you’d like!

Mormon church meetings are open to the public

Every Sunday in Mormon church houses around the world a service is held. Following the service, there is a “Sunday School” consisting of Gospel-centered classes separated by age. Following that meeting, there are two main meetings for adults: Priesthood Meeting and Relief Society Meeting. All of these meetings, every Sunday, are completely open to the general public. You can come and watch one meeting, or any combination of all three. You can participate if you want, but you never have to, and you can always ask questions.

Visitors welcome and encouraged

Not only do we welcome visitors, we encourage them! Many people have heard of the Mormon church, but not very many have seen how their meetings go, and how the people worship and learn on Sundays. Attending a Mormon church meeting is probably one of the best ways to learn more about the church with very little effort or commitment. Anyone can stop by, any time.

Special meetings; still open to the public!

Every first Sunday of the month our first worship service is a special meeting, call “Fast and Testimony Meeting.” In this meeting, anyone from the congregation can walk up to the podium and share their own feelings on God, Jesus Christ, and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has worked in their own life. It is a time for anyone, of any age or background or experience, to share their thoughts and feelings. If you’ve been to a regular meeting, but not a Fast and Testimony meeting, come back on a first Sunday and see what they are all about.

What about Temples?

The Mormon Temples are usually closed on Sundays, and they don’t have general “meetings” like our meeting houses do. They have marriages and other ceremonies, that aren’t open to the public. However, you can always visit the temple grounds to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the setting. You can also ask questions at the desk, take tours of the grounds, and some even have visitor centers. If you have a Temple nearby, take the time to stop by and see the parts that are open to the general public!

How do I find a Mormon church?

Use the locator link at the top of this page to find the nearest Mormon meeting house, and also to get information on when meetings are held, and a phone number to call for more information about your local meetings. If you need help, use the ask a question link at the top of this page and I’ll do what I can for you!

Today I realized that I have been storing food for about ten years now, but haven’t shared much of my experience. In sharing my views and thoughts and stories, small as they are, I hope to pass along some useful information for those just getting started, or interested in getting started, in storing food. This is not a complete article on food storage, but we learn in little bits, so enjoy!

Why store food?

People often ask, “why do Mormons store food?” As a church, we’ve been told by our leaders to store food for our families, so that we can take care of our own needs in times of emergency. If we are well prepared, we can also help take care of those around us. An “emergency” is not always a disaster; food storage can come in handy in case of job loss, economic hard times, or in many other circumstances. Mormon’s are told to store food, but no matter who you are, there is no doubt that it is a good idea.

How our family got started in food storage

When we were first married, my wife and I started out by purchasing a few extra cans of food on every shopping trip. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we definitely had enough to buy a little extra. We stored them in the cabinets when there was room, then under the bed or in the closet (if memory serves me!)

Right away we noticed something: it became easier to budget. Now, don’t get me wrong- we’re STILL not great with our budget. However, when you start to store food, you realize that when you need something, you don’t necessarily have to run down to the store to get it. First, you check your own “store house” of supplies. We began to see the time, energy and money savings that come from storing food.

Going “Bulk”

After doing the small-purchase of canned goods for a while, we decided to take a chance and “go bulk.” We had about two hundred dollars from somewhere, and decided to spend it all on grains, beans and dried milk. We got a simple, manual wheat grinder as a present, and made the leap.

Now, buying the supplies was relatively easy. In fact, anyone can buy bulk supplies at a Mormon Cannery. The hard part was storing them. We ended up buying large plastic tubs, and keeping the grains and other items in an unfinished, full-size attic.  They took a lot of space, and looking back, they weren’t well protected in those tubs. But it worked; we lost only one bag of grain from storage problems.

Once we went bulk, we could never go back. It took a long time to learn how to use the bulk goods, but it was a great feeling of security to have them there. Over the years we’ve expanded our bulk purchases to include all of our sugar, brown sugar, rice, and other items. When the jar in the kitchen is empty, we don’t have to go spend a few bucks at the store to fill it. Instead, we walk into the pantry and refill from the food storage, which costs pennies on the dollar in comparison. Bulk gave us even more of that feeling of not needing to run to the store for every little thing.

Using what you store

The biggest benefits come when you not only store food, but use the food you store. This is the secret, and it’s where the real budget savings, and real security come in. Instead of stored food being some obscure thing, hidden and reserved for some potential but unlikely future event, food storage becomes a part of your daily life. You’re healthier from the fresh whole grains, and you’re saving more because you’re eating less prepared foods, and making more yourself.

At least, you get to that point eventually, if you just take the leap and start using your food. We quickly found out our manual grinder was too slow and ineffective, so we bought a Retsel Grain Mill (though today, we do most of our bulk wheat grinding with a WonderMill micronizer). We bought a good mixer, and my wife learned after MUCH experimenting, how to make the perfect loaf of whole wheat bread (a lost art almost).  We now make it a point to use EVERYTHING we store, so that we are familiar with it, and understand how to make good things with it. Now, if there is a need for using our food storage exclusively, we won’t have to tackle that steep learning curve, and we’ll have the right supplies for the job.

Learn by doing

When it comes to food storage, remember, we’re not talking about hazardous chemicals and delicate science- this is food! It might be a stretch for you to make something from scratch, but don’t be afraid to dig in and try it out. Pick up some wheat berries and pop them in your mouth (did you know you can eat them like that, as long as you have the teeth for it!) Grind them up, see how they work. Make pancakes (a great starting item), biscuits, tortillas (this is a great one to learn- they cost a fortune at the store), bread, and your own pasta!

Learn to prepare stored beans and other items as well; whatever you buy, open up some of it and figure out how it works. This will do two things for you. First, if you ever need to use your storage items, you’ll know how, relieving stress in what might already be difficult times. Second, you’ll most likely love living this way, so you’ll rotate through your storage more, save more money and time, and general live a better life!

A word on storage

Storing your food properly can make all the difference when it comes to shelf life. We buy in bulk, leave it in the package in most cases, and place items in rubber-seal 5gal food-grade buckets. These are usually made from polyethylene, so they’re not technically air tight, but the grains store for 30+ years in the bags alone, so we consider the buckets as a protection against bugs, etc. You can also can your food into #10 cans, which gives them a great deal of protection against air and moisture, but this becomes expensive. Still, if it’s in the budget, it is very nice to have.

Once your food is in a container, the goal is to keep it indoors, and at a constant temperature. We have a large pantry (part of the reason we chose our house!) but pretty much any moderate area will do. Foods stored in too hot of an area simply don’t last as long, so make sure to keep that in mind when you’re choosing how much to store.

Always keep learning

I think when it comes to food storage, you’ve never really “arrived.” It is a constant learning process, which is best done over time. The benefits are real, and measurable. Store food, jump in, learn as you go, and you’ll be better prepared to meet whatever challenges life might have in store for you.

If you have any questions about food storage, I’ll be more than happy to help however I can with the knowledge that I have! Just click the link at the top of this page that says “ask a question.” Your question will come right to my email, and won’t get posted on the website. Thanks for reading!

This short video shows highlights from a cultural celebration connected with the recent dedication of a temple in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Mormon church is very culturally diverse, and has been since the very beginning. Even in the 1800′s, mormon missionaries were travelling the globe, sharing the message of the restored gospel that our church has to offer.

We believe in the value and importance of culture in our faith. We celebrate through dance, music and many other art forms, both in the US and in almost every country around the world.  In the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is very little that separates us, no matter where we live. These expressions of our culture are reminders of who we are, and were we come from in our earthly history; and they are important. They unify and help build understanding and love.

When I was a teenager, our local churches in Oregon celebrated our pioneer heritage by putting on a dance event where the youth groups of the area learned various dances from around the world, and performed them on stage to a stadium full of people. It was an amazing experience, and one that gave me an appreciation for the value of culture and heritage.

More about the Ukraine temple

You can learn a little more about the Ukraine temple here (including some details on it’s construction). The Mormon people build temples around the world, so that all the members of the church might have access to the blessings that come from the temple. Many people think that those blessings, and the things that we do in the temple, are secret; this could not be further from the truth. They are “sacred,” and we treat them that way, but they are not secret. If you’re curious about Mormon temples, this website is a great place to start for more information.

As always, feel free to ask me any questions you might have with the link at the top of this page!