Not long ago, we had dinner with some Muslim friends of ours. We were treated with such kindness (and, I might add, served a wonderfully delicious meal!). We enjoyed a meaningful discussion about the importance of marriage in today’s society. Evidences of their faith were present in their home. I could tell that Allah meant much to them, and that family was important to them.

And we were important to them. I felt that they would give us the shirt off their backs if we needed them. (In fact, I still have a sweater loaned to me that day; it was a cold day for which I was unprepared!) I felt loved, cared for, respected. It was wonderful. I left with a happiness as we rejoiced in our common beliefs, in our desires to try to do and be good, and with a strengthened friendship.

While, of course, Mormonism and Islam have doctrinal differences, I have been impressed with so much goodness I see in Muslim people in general. I respect their dedication to God, to family, and to values and principles that I believe can strengthen individuals, families and societies. I am grateful for those of other faiths as well who also live lives of goodness, faith, solid values, and service.

Readers might be interested to note that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes partners with Islamic Relief to help provide relief to those affected by natural disasters, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti. As another example of working together, see this article on our website that has a story about Mormon and Muslim women working together in a spirit of service. We as members of the Mormon Church appreciate the opportunity and blessing to work side-by-side with our friends of other faiths such as Islam to serve and help those around us and to take a stand on important issues of moral import.

I found this article that may be of interest to those wondering more about Mormons’ view of Islam (and/or can help LDS Church members understand more about Islam).

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

OK, well let’s start this answer with a confession. I’m a total Trekkie. My favorite Star Trek series were Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. I dream in Sci-Fi; I love to imagine being transported from one part of the globe to another in an instant or take a Caribbean vacation on a holo-deck.

But, do Mormons believe that aliens from other planets visit the earth in spaceships traveling far distances to aid or hinder life on earth? No.

Do we believe there are other worlds out there? Yes, God created them.

In a book of scripture we use, called The Pearl of Great Price, God proclaims:

“And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.”(Moses 1:33, 35)

Do we believe that earth has been visited by highly powerful and knowledgeable beings? Yes. In the form of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and, heavenly beings, or angels.

We believe these glorified beings look like us, only more radiant. We believe visitations from these loving yet powerful beings have not ceased, that God lives, and angels still aid the work of God on the earth.

Joseph Smith gave the following testimony after a visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ.

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me….When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

And this is Joseph’s testimony of seeing the Angel Moroni, who informed Joseph about the existence of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated:

While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom. Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person.

Many others have seen Jesus and/or have been visited by angels. I believe these visitations are evidence of God’s love. These visitations are documented in scripture and in the testimonies of people who have sought out God. While such visitations like these are not common, they are real. Most people on earth have their witness of truth come in simple but powerful ways, such as a feeling of happiness or peace in their soul, a comforting feeling that what they are learning is truth, or tears springing from their eyes when they experience beauty, love, goodness. Although these experiences are less fantastic than a visitation from an angel they are nevertheless ample evidence that God loves us.

Do Mormons believe in aliens? No. But we do believe in truths that are even more fantastic than warp drives and cloaking devices and UFOs. We believe that the Son of God, the Creator of all the universe came to this earth as a tiny babe to redeem the world from death and sin. We believe that the heavens are open, that God communicates to man through living prophets and through the Holy Ghost and yes, through angels. The message brought to us from heaven is that He has created a way for joy and hope in a fallen world and in the one to come.

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!” D&C 18:10-13

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

Julie talked recently about how members of the LDS (Mormon) church attend meetings for three hours each Sunday. The main meeting, for all ages, is sacrament meeting. 

Sacrament meeting is held in the chapel of the church building. (Click here for a video tour of a chapel.) Members are encouraged to arrive to sacrament meeting a few minutes early. I love doing this so that I can hear the prelude music, and also because when I’m early, I get the seat I want! Arriving early helps me because I feel a peace wash over me when I enter the building, since I am not rushed and stressed out. I believe that my children can feel it too. Often they are running in the parking lots and yelling, but once we sit down in the pew, they whisper instead of yell and they sit quietly (most of the time).

Prayer is a big part of a sacrament meeting. Before the meeting begins someone from the bishopric (similar to a pastor and his assistants) asks a member of the congregation to say the opening and closing prayers. These prayers are said at the beginning and end of the meeting. These prayers are not memorized. They are not said the same each week though you may hear some of the same things said. During these prayers we are able to give thanks for the building that we have, for the chance to gather together for worship and we pray for those that may be sick or in need, as well as other things.

Music plays an important part of the sacrament meeting as well. At the start and end of the meeting we will sing from the hymn book. We do this before the sacrament as well. I love the sing the hymns. They make me realize what the Lord has done for me. They help me to understand that He loves me. They soothe my soul.

Following the opening prayer, a member of the bishopric will conduct any ward business – changes to callings, announcements, baby blessings, and the occasional confirmation.

Next is the actual taking of the sacrament. In my part of the world, we are given a bite of bread that is passed to us on trays, followed by a small cup of water. The bread and water each have a prayer said over them by young men (16+) holding the Aaronic priesthood. Younger boys (12+) bring the trays to the pews and the trays are passed along and everyone is given the chance to partake. The prayers are simple, and spoken the exact same each week. During this time it is very quiet in the chapel. Sometimes I spend this quiet time reading the scriptures, praying and just thinking about Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity to think about the sacrifice that he gave us. The bread is meant to symbolize the body of Christ and the water is meant to symbolize the blood of Christ.

Following the bread and water we hear the speakers. Once a month, usually the first Sunday, is Fast Sunday. This is a day that we are encouraged to fast by not eating or drinking for a certain amount of time and concentrate our prayers on a special cause, for ourselves or others. On Fast Sunday, members of the congregation have not been called to speak; rather, we bear testimony, or share what we believe to be true, if we feel prompted or have a desire to. We believe that when we share testimony we are making our faith stronger.

On a Sunday that is not Fast Sunday, the bishopric will assign 2-3 speakers. Often there is a youth (ages 12-17) speaker and two adult (male or female) speakers that have been assigned a specific topic. Topics for speakers vary from pre-mortal life to missionary work to personal revelation and everything in between, always relating to Jesus Christ and his central role in the plan of salvation.

Sometimes sacrament meeting can be challenge – there are kids that don’t want to sit still, or the temperature isn’t quite right for me – but it is among my favorite times of the week. Seldom is there a time when I don’t learn something. I always feel a confirmation of the truth of the words that are spoken – and this is the spirit of the Lord.

If you would like to attend a sacrament meeting, click here to find meeting times for your area.
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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

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See more Ask a Mormon Woman posts here.

Do we as members of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in healing? Absolutely.

Our seventh Article of Faith reads: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

The scriptures are full of stories of miraculous healings — those performed directly by the Savior during his mortal ministry and during his post-mortal visit to the American continent, and also those performed by His servants. There are also myriad stories from people’s personal lives, from latter-day church history, and from our family histories.

Just recently, we heard such a story about one of my husband’s ancestors. John Tanner had a mysterious disease take over his leg. The doctors could do nothing for him.

He had decided to attend a meeting given by Mormon missionaries, with the intent to protect his friends and neighbors from what he thought would be heresy and to set those young men aright. Their message, however, ended up touching his heart, and he invited the missionaries to his home. By 11:00 that night, he was ready to be baptized. The condition of his leg, however, prevented him from entering water.

The elders asked him if he believed in the power of healing in the ancient gospel. Yes, he did. Could that same power be present now? he was asked. John Tanner discovered that it was. The elder commanded him in Jesus‘ name to stand up and walk. John Tanner describes what happened next. “I arose, threw down my crutches, and walked the floor back and forth, praising God.”

I share that story to illustrate that yes, we believe in healing, and sometimes that healing can be dramatic, instantaneous, and an obvious miracle that others can witness in a tangible way.

But I am coming to understand how the Lord’s healing power can come to us in different ways as well.

I have suffered from undiagnosed, chronic illness for seven years now. It has been a difficult trial. It started when my children were very small. For quite a while, I was afraid I might be dying, and the resulting fear was paralyzing. My heart has ached to listen to my children’s prayers (coupled with the ones in my heart) for another child to join our family, but to not have my health improve enough for that to happen. It’s also extremely difficult to not have answers for what is going on, and to often not have relief from the symptoms.

I have had numerous priesthood blessings that have talked of healing. And yet, physical healing has not yet come. Sometimes I have struggled to read stories of the Savior’s miracles, wondering why such instant, miraculous healing has not taken place in my life.

At a time when I was struggling with this, Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk that has had a significant impact on me. I recommend the entire talk, but will quote one small part of it here. He said:

Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a “healing” cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are “healed” by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.

As I have worked to let go of my preconceived notion of what *I* want healing to mean, I have come to recognize how real His healing power has been in my life these past years. My journal is filled with experiences where I have known that God has been aware of me, known that He was giving me strength, understanding, peace, and patience. He has brought people into my life who have helped me, given me opportunities to serve that have changed me, brought my little family together in remarkable ways.

I am reminded of a scripture where the Lord says this:

And after their ^atemptations, and much ^btribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and ^cstiffen not their necks against me, they shall be ^dconverted, and I will heal them.

And as much as I continue hope for physical healing, I am deeply grateful for the many evidences of healing I am witnessing in my life. I feel they are helping me come to and trust the Savior more, helping me become more converted, enabling me to feel His love and power in tremendous ways.

I testify that you can find that healing power, too, whatever your affliction may be.

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

“As part our Midwifery studies we are researching the Mormon religion and any effects it may have during pregnancy and child birth. What are the views on pregnancy, and child birth particularly on medical intervention? Also do you have any particular traditions or beliefs?”

Answer: By Janelle**

I am currently pregnant with our fourth child and have had all of my children within private medical care in California. All of my children have been delivered by midwives employed by my health care provider. I found all of my midwives to be expert, caring and attentive. Good luck in your studies!

I’ve divided my response into sections, based on the process of conception to birth. Feel free to ask more questions if I have missed something that you wonder about. Of course, consider this personal perspective and not official doctrine. For official information on these topics, you can search lds.org on relevant topics.

1. Since medical intervention can begin even with the process of conception, let me start there. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we believe that the Biblical command to multiply and replenish the earth is still in effect and that the greatest joys in this life and the next will be found in family life This is one reason why Mormons in general tend to be a group that has larger families than average.

Family is so important to Mormons that LDS couples who long for a family may choose to use medical intervention to aid in fertility if they find that they are unable to conceive. (Foster care and adoption are also options for a LDS couples struggling with infertility.)

We also believe that life is precious and that the power to create it is sacred, reserved for marriage between a man and a woman, to enable children to be born to a father and a mother.  We believe in chastity before marriage and fidelity after. Thus, in our doctrine, abortion is not considered an acceptable type of birth control. LDS women may implement various other types of birth control as they prayerfully make decisions with their husbands about the size of their family, but on the average, we often have larger families than many.

You might be interested to read the following links. To learn more about an LDS perspective on Birth Control please read the following link:  “Birth Control” I encourage anyone interested in this topic to read all the associated documents given in this link. Very informative. For more information about LDS doctrines that relate to family life, you can read the following: The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2. During the pregnancy a mother and father may or may not choose to do genetic testing. Since we believe that life is precious, many (if not most) LDS women will choose to continue a pregnancy knowing that a child may have genetic or physical defects to give their baby the opportunity to have a body. We believe that all people are spirit children of our Heavenly Father who need a body to progress spiritually and physically and so just the opportunity to receive a body is of great worth to a new soul coming to the earth. Although this is a painful situation for mother and father to give birth to a child with known defects, they seek to prepare themselves emotionally and spiritually. Many mothers find joy in their children for as long as they live (seconds to years) and the children often find satisfaction in life if they are mentally capable of doing so.

Abortion in pregnancy is only considered an option in extremely rare circumstances when the pregnancy threatens the life of mother, or in cases of rape. Even then, the counsel is to be prayerful and to earnestly seek guidance from God about such difficult situations.

If a child can be benefited by an in-utero surgery, LDS parents would carefully consider whether to do procedures that would aid both mother and child. There is nothing in our doctrine discouraging such intervention.

3. Most LDS women in the United States go through normal physician care throughout their pregnancy. That may vary from country to country since we are a worldwide church and every culture is a little different in that regard (and every country has different levels of care). LDS women who are pregnant are typically quite healthy because of our health code called The Word of Wisdom. It encourages all people to avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking, not only during pregnancy but throughout life. Our health code also encourages healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Despite these good practices, mothers may still have various problems that can arise during pregnancy. Most LDS couples would welcome medical assistance that would keep both mother and child safe.

LDS mothers in the United States typically make their own birth plans. Most choose to have their babies in hospitals but some choose home births. Some will LOVE hospitals that provide epidurals while another mother will think it best to have a completely “natural” (drug-free) birth. There is a lot of room for opinion and choice in this regard, and in all aspects of our church. Choice is paramount; even if an LDS woman makes a choice that is inconsistent with doctrine, that is her right. We all have the freedom of choice.

4. If there are any problems (with mother or child or both) at or after the birth , any and all medical procedures deemed beneficial would be considered and most often taken.

You might be interested to know that doctors, midwives, and nurses who are attending LDS women and children who are very sick may encounter what is known as a Priesthood blessing. In this case two men (often the father/husband and a friend or leader of their congregation) will lay their hands on the head of the afflicted member (mother and/or child) if it is medically possible, often preceded by an anointing with oil. Sometimes premature or ill infants can only be touched gently with a finger or two through an incubator. During the blessing, the words offered (much like a prayer) are whatever the man feels is right to say. These blessings are usually given in conjunction with appropriate medical assistance, not in replacement of such help. If a woman is alone, or if her spouse is not an LDS Church member, she may ask medical staff to contact local clergy members in the area for a blessing like this.

You might also be interested in the following as well:

-The choice whether or not to circumsize a new baby boy is left completely up to the parents.

-The choice whether or not to breastfeed is completely up to the parents.

- The choice whether or not to immunize is up to the parents. (It should be noted, however, that the Church does help with immunization programs in underdeveloped countries, and also requires immunizations for missionary service in such countries.)

- Most LDS parents regularly and freely use pediatric care, particularly in more developed countries.

- We do not believe in infant baptism (children in our church are baptized at age 8). In fact, we believe that all children are born perfect and if they die as children, they are saved through Jesus Christ’s atonement. Of course, the physical loss of a child is tragic; LDS parents will seek solace from friends, family, clergy members like their Bishop [congregation leader], and they may choose to seek professional help to deal with their grief. But the loss of a child during pregnancy or at birth would not trigger a lament by believing LDS parents for the spiritual well-being of the child.

5. Since we are a worldwide church, regional customs may influence other choices at birth, like keeping the placenta and burying it at home. Church members are often encouraged to keep customs that are beneficial to their lives that are in keeping with church doctrine. If all goes well with mother and child, a birth is a very happy event in our culture.

I cannot speak to all of the regional customs of LDS people around the world, but in my family my husband stays with me throughout the birth and for my entire hospital stay. After delivery he holds the baby and takes a bunch of pictures, then he goes out and buys me my favorite type of pie and we eat it together. Our other children will visit us in the hospital with Grandma and Grandpa.

I hope this gives you some insight and information about how members of my religion react to medical intervention during pregnancy and birth as well as LDS customs that affect childbirth. We are very open to medical care and are appreciative to the helpful staff that administer it.

I wish you the best in your studies. Thank you for your desire to serve women and children and their families in this sacred process of helping a child come safely to this world.

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

Answer by Heidi**

I had the opportunity to answer this question in a high school sociology class.  The discussion of the day centered around organized religion, and it wasn’t long before Mormons became the subject of conversation.  Suddenly the misconceptions and half-truths I had heard all of my life started cropping up all over the classroom.  When someone piped up with “Mormons believe that Jesus Christ and Satan are brothers!” the electricity crackled from person to person like fire sweeping down a field of dry cornhusks.  Everyone began to babble.

Tears sprang to my eyes and my heart began such a strong and insistent thumping that I thought it would break out of my chest.  I knew that what I was feeling was my strong belief in the truthfulness and pure precepts of the gospel as well as my gratitude for the direction it gave me in my life. I wanted to defend my religion but, like most teenagers, I was afraid of ridicule and rejection.

Finally, a friend who sat behind me started kicking my chair and saying my name.  She was not a member of my faith but her expectation that I stand up for my beliefs gave me the courage to speak.  Dashing the tears from my face, I spoke in a voice shaking with emotion.: “We believe that we are all children of our Heavenly Father,” I began — but the bell rang and I was not able to say anything more. If I had had the chance, I would have told them that, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we believe that we all lived as literal spirit children of our Heavenly Father in a pre-mortal existence.  This means that all the children of our Father in Heaven are brothers and sisters, including Jesus Christ and Lucifer [otherwise known as Satan or the devil].

“Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning.”  This statement, as well as the following, was made by Jess L. Christensen, former Institute of Religion director at Utah State University in Logan, Utah in the June 1986 issue of the Ensign.  ”Lucifer, too, was an angel ‘who was in authority in the presence of God,’ a ’son of the morning.’ (See Isa. 14:12; D&C 76:25–27.) Both Jesus and Lucifer were strong leaders with great knowledge and influence. But as the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus was Lucifer’s older brother. (See Col. 1:15; D&C 93:21.)”

However, as Elder M. Russell Ballard, a general authority of the LDS church, stated in a talk given on February 2, 2010, “. . . he {Satan} chose to use his agency [the power to choose] in an unrighteous way.”

Jess L. Christensen adds that

. . .he was not created evil, but became Satan by his own choice.  When our Father in Heaven presented his plan of salvation, Jesus sustained the plan and his part in it, giving the glory to God, to whom it properly belonged. Lucifer, on the other hand, sought power, honor, and glory only for himself. (See Isa. 14:13–14; Moses 4:1–2.) When his modification of the Father’s plan was rejected, he rebelled against God and was subsequently cast out of heaven with those who had sided with him. (See Rev. 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–37.)

An example in the Bible of two brothers who made dramatically different choices, choices which led to evil works in one and great and righteous works in the other, is that of Cain and Abel.  There are other examples throughout the scriptures of people choosing different paths, of the contrast between good and evil. It’s been the story from before we came to earth.

Mormons worship Jesus Christ as our Lord and Redeemer who rose above all things, who died on the cross for our sins and whose power and glory will reign forever.  We regard Satan as someone who is real and who still wants all the power and glory to be his alone.  Unlike our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, both of whom we worship with all our hearts, Satan has no body, and can earn no glory. We strive to avoid the devil and his evil influence at all costs.

Knowing that we who live on this earth are all brothers and sisters and are potential heirs to a royal heritage is a testimony to me that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us to return to live with Him again one day.  They love us and I love Them as real personages who fill powerful roles in my life.  As long as I seek to follow Christ, repent when I make mistakes, and obey the commandments, I can be with Them again.  This is what gives me the strength and the power to endure great adversity as well as the desire to be more like Jesus Christ . . . my Brother, my Savior.

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

~Answer by Michelle**

This is a great question. One of the things that I love about being Mormon is the focus on family. We receive guidance and counsel that I feel make a significant difference in our family life. I was thinking tonight about how grateful I am for what church teachings regarding family life have done for our family. It isn’t about a list of rules in my mind; it has become a way of life that enables us to feel God’s influence and power in our home and our lives, and helps keep us focused on keeping our family strong.

Following are some of the things Mormon families are encouraged to do regularly. At the end of the post, I include some links to content on our site where women talk about these different practices.

Usually on Monday nights, most Mormons have what we call Family Home Evening (or Family Night). We sing and pray and learn and play together, and usually eat treats, too! We try to be deliberate about not scheduling other things on Mondays whenever possible. We do a wide variety of things together. We enjoy discussing gospel principles and finding fun ways to teach them. This is a great opportunity to talk to our children about things that may be concerning them, or us. We’ll sometimes plan schedules, too. Our children love playing church music charades (a guessing game where you act out what the others try to guess — no talking allowed!). Another favorite activity is “doorbell ditching” — making a treat and then delivering to someone in our neighborhood by ringing the doorbell and running. (The goal, of course, is to not get caught!) We also have gone bowling, played basketball, played board games. Last week, we went to visit a widow from our former ward whom the children consider as another grandma. We love Family Night. Try it, you’ll like it — tailor it to whatever suits your family!

We are encouraged to have daily personal and family scripture study and prayer. Family Dinner is also encouraged (which usually includes a prayer as well). These rituals help us stay focused on bringing God into our daily lives and into our homes, and in learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ together. I have felt a real impact in our home with the practices of reading the scriptures and praying together. I feel blessings of peace, love, understanding of truth, and eternal perspective as we do these things. I love hearing my children talk to Heavenly Father and discuss and ask questions about what we are learning as we read. In our home, we focus most of our reading on The Book of Mormon, although, of course, we like to learn and read from other books of scripture as well. We also try to read the most recent General Conference talks together to help keep the current counsel of living prophets and other Church leaders fresh in our minds. I shared some of the ways we try to make scripture reading memorable and enjoyable here.

I can’t say enough about family dinner, either. Again, if this isn’t something you do, I’d say give it a try. Research has shown its benefits (see links below, and see a video about this topic here).

Sunday is an important day for Mormons — a day focused on faith and family. The usual routine on Sundays includes our church meetings. How each family spends the rest of the day can vary somewhat. In our home, we love just being together, relaxing, playing games, watching inspirational videos made by the Church, talking, reading, writing in our journals, doing family history work. We also looooove going to Grandma and Grandpa’s! Our goal is to make Sundays different from the rest of the week. Except on rare occasions, Dad doesn’t do work. Mom isn’t running around doing errands or laundry. Sometimes Sundays will include additional church gatherings, meetings (if our callings require it) and service. We do our best to try to stop the usual routine and try to rejuvenate our spirits and our relationships so we can tackle another busy week. (We all tend to lament the end of Sunday. We love Sundays!)

We are also encouraged to have fun and to be creative in our families. In 1995, our leaders published what is called The Proclamation to the World on the Family. This document delineates many important teachings regarding family (a topic for another day). A simple phrase from that document reminds us that wholesome recreation is an important part of family life.  The Family Fridays posts we have are designed to explore the many facets of family life, including the things we do to laugh and play and enjoy life together, from birthday parties to family vacations, as well as the day-to-day moments. Family fun often involves extended family as well, such as with family parties, family reunions, and other activities. Every family also develops its own family traditions that can enrich family life.

Now, please don’t misunderstand — we Mormons have our family problems just like anyone else! But just like anyone else, we find that making time for fun family activities can be a really good thing…and also help give us opportunities to learn to work together and love each other.

A broader facet of LDS family life includes doing family history (genealogy). This not only helps us learn more about our ancestors, but is important to us because of our belief in eternal families — in family relationships being able to exist beyond “death do us part.” A central element of our faith includes doing vicarious ordinance work (like baptisms and eternal marriages) in our temples on behalf of our loved ones who have died. This work broadens our perspective on family, helps us face trials and the loss of loved ones, and brings a spiritual power into our lives.

I am so grateful for the family rituals we are counseled to have in our family life. I feel they have blessed my family in so many ways, some of them immeasurable but nevertheless tangible. Our family is far from perfect at doing these things, and we are far from perfect as people, but I feel that participating in these practices helps us be better and draw closer to God and to each other.

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To hear more from Mormon women about the above topics, see the links below:

Family Home Evening:

Family Home Evening
Family Friday: Notable Quotables
Family Fridays: Family Home Evening

There is more information and some resources here on the Church’s official website.

Family Scripture Study and Prayer

We Believe: Family Scripture Study
Portraits of Mormon Women: Rebecca
Family Fridays: Amen, Sister!

Family Dinner

Family Friday: Dinner Together

(As a sidenote, you might be interested in some research that has shown the tangible value of family dinner — for parents, for children, even for corporations! Read more here (article includes ideas for making family dinner happen in your home). This research, conducted by Brigham Young University professors in conjunction with IBM, has also been mentioned at The Wall Street Journal’s Front Lines, U.S. News and World Report, and Slate Magazine.)

Sunday Worship and Family Time

Ask a Mormon Woman: Why Do Mormons Go To Church For So Long?
Ask a Mormon Woman: What Do Mormons Do On Sundays?

Family Fun and Creativity

Family Fridays: Jane’s Family Fun
Family Fridays: Camping
First Person: How I Create as a Mom
Family Fridays: Hiking Together
More posts on family fun, traditions, etc. can be found here, here, and here.
(From a BYU Women’s Conference Sharing Station) Finding Fun in the Family Tree

Family History and Temple Work

Finding Family is Fun
First Person: Touching the Temple
We Believe: Perspective

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

Hi, I’m currently doing an essay for school on religion. The Church of the Latter Day Saints is one that grabbed my attention. I was wondering what a typical Mormon woman thought of the aspect of polygamy, as it is incredibly difficult to find a comment on the internet which is reliable. There’s been a lot of speculation in the news about the subject and I feel as though it would be a great insight to ask someone who is actually affected by those comments. Thank you for taking the time to read this question.

~Response by Kathryn**

“Does your husband have several wives?”  The guide’s question didn’t surprise me;  I’d been asked it already that summer.

“No,  Mormons haven’t practiced polygamy for over one hundred years.”

He rolled his eyes as the eery glow of the bonfire captured the dubious look on his face. “That’s not true.  I KNOW some of your men have several wives.”

“No really–we don’t….”

He spoke perfect English;  I knew there wasn’t a language barrier.  He had been our guide as we wandered through the 100-year-old forest which saddles the Polish/Belorussian border. Our guide was charming and knowledgeable about royalty, trees, mushrooms, and birds; however, he had been misguided by the international media when it came to Mormons.

I was asked other questions about polygamy that summer; fortunately they were not quite as awkward. I studied at a Polish university and most of my friends were graduate students preparing to do research in the Polish archives. We had long conversations about the Mormon church.  They understood that groups who currently practice polygamy who may call themselves Mormons are not part of the thirteen million member Church headquartered in Salt Lake City.

In April of 2008, Elder Quentin L. Cook, an apostle for the Church, asked the news media to make a clear distinction in their reports between the Church and the polygamist FLDS sect in Texas that had made headlines throughout the world. But there is still much confusion. Perhaps it bears repeating here that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discontinued polygamy officially in 1890. Stories in the media about the FLDS polygamous lifestyle do not represent Mormon life. Photos of FLDS women are incorrectly labeled on the internet as Mormon women; they don’t look like me or any of my Mormon neighbors and friends. [Editor's note: To see what Mormon women do look like, feel free to browse our Portraits of Mormon Women series. Each post in that series include a photo. Other content on our site contains images of Mormon women as well.]

While polygamy has not been part of Mormon life for a long time, some of us are descendants of men who did have several wives. In my family tree, I have several great-great-great-grandfathers who had three or four wives.

For several years I have been researching the lives of all my ancestors, because I’m compiling a book of family stories. Polygamy is part of some of those stories, but it is not what defines who these people are to me. What has impressed me is the courage and faith of my forebears in the challenging times in which they lived. I hope to continue their legacy of love for the Savior and a desire to follow Him and live the gospel through faith, diligence, humility, and service to others.

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

My husband and I have a book keeper for our business who is necessarily privy to our salary information. She and I our friends and she recently saw a check that I had written to the Church. Although she is of a different faith, she knew that Mormons pay 10% of their income toward tithing. When she saw the amount of the check she immediately said, “I think you made a mistake, that is more than 10%.” I explained to her that the extra amount was to pay our fast offering. Which of course prompted her next question, the topic of today’s post: “What are fast offerings?”

Fast offerings are monies donated by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to help the poor and needy, in their local areas and also worldwide. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints participate in church-wide fasts once a month, usually on the first Sunday of every month. We call these days “Fast Sundays.” Typically, two meals are skipped while participating in the fast; fast offerings are at least the value of those two meals, although we are encouraged to give much more when we can. But like the widow’s mite, it is the heart of the individual who is making the offering that is most important to the Lord. The goal, of course, is not to see who will give the most, but the spirit in which the donation is given. This is one way we show our love for God, and follow His command to love one another.

No fast should last long enough to cause physical damage. Also, people who are advised by their doctors that fasting would be harmful are excused from participating, but may choose to give up something else to show the Lord they are willing to obey.

These offerings are made to be as near anonymous as possible. No member of a congregation should ever know the amount of tithes and offerings any other member gives, except the bishop [congregation leader, who is responsible for determining how local offerings are distributed] and those who are assigned to record transactions (usually a financial clerk and a counselor in the bishopric).

Every month on Fast Sundays, we are encouraged not only to abstain from food and water for two meals, but to bear our testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ during the Sacrament Meeting portion of our block of church meetings. We are encouraged to accompany our fasts with fervent prayer, for others’ needs and/or for our own. A common saying in our church is, “Fasting without prayer is just a diet.” The spirit of prayer, testimony, and service associated with fasting can bring significant spiritual blessings in our lives while giving us the opportunity to help those in need.

Some people fast at other times during the month as well — while seeking greater spiritual strength or an answer to prayer, to repent, to give thanks to God for a blessing, or to exercise faith on behalf of the sick and afflicted. Sometimes wards will join together in fasting for a ward member who is sick, going in for surgery, or facing other difficult trials.

Any person can follow the law of the fast regardless of religious affiliation. By fasting and praying, saving the money from two meals, and then donating that money to help others in need, anyone can enjoy spiritual benefits that come from being prayerful, sacrificing, and serving another.

Generous fast offerings enable the Church to help not only the local members’ needs, but also are used to fund the broader humanitarian efforts of the Church, like disaster relief, food for the hungry, clothes for the naked, school kits for impoverished students, local water treatment systems, and more.

In addition to fast offerings, Church members may also contribute offerings specifically for humanitarian aid. As with fast offerings, all of the money goes directly to help those in need. In humanitarian efforts, the Church will often partner with other organizations to provide assistance. For example, with the current situation in Haiti, the Church has partnered with Islamic Relief USA, the largest Muslim relief organization in the United States. Other organizations are helping with transportation (Airline Ambassadors) and distribution (Food for the Poor).  We recognize and are grateful that there are also many other organizations and individuals worldwide assisting with this current disaster and in many other ways around the world.

We love and pray for all people of the earth, and especially join with people all over the world right now with thoughts and prayers for the people of Haiti. We hope for swift delivery of supplies and relief to the afflicted.

For more information about the current efforts in Haiti, see the articles below.

Church Sends Team of Doctors to Assist Needy in Haiti

Church Sends Additional Aid to Earthquake Victims in Haiti

Church Response To Haiti Earthquake

Similar responses were given in Hurricane Katrina and in the Indonesian Tsunami. The Church has worked with numerous organizations worldwide through the years to help with hundreds of other local relief and service efforts.

To learn more about fasting and fast offerings, see the following link:

Fasts and Fast Offerings

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**Please note: The answers in “Ask a Mormon Woman” reflect the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of individuals. Although here at Mormon Women: Who We Are, we strive to have our content consistent with the Church’s doctrine and teachings, we do not speak officially for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For official information about or from the Church, please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.

Have a question you would like to ask? Send an email to us at gmail, with username ‘mormonwoman’

As a woman in my Church I am part of the Relief Society. It is the largest women’s organization in the world. To say that it is highly organized would be an understatement. One of the ways that we reach out and fellowship other women in our congregation is through visiting teaching. Every woman has designated visiting teachers (usually two, in a companionship) who visit or call regularly, ideally at least once a month. This inspired program links each woman to other women in her congregation. It can create friendships, provide opportunities to serve, and help everyone involved learn about and grow closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am the first to admit that I have sometimes had a bad attitude about going visiting. Sometimes it really feels like one more thing to check off my list each month. Then there are the moments when I realize that there is a reason for me to go and that I know that the Lord knows who I am and knows how I need to grow.

Recently my visiting teaching assignment changed. I have a new visiting teaching partner and I visit one woman that I had never met. I have to admit I was nervous to go and visit this woman that I knew nothing about.

Luckily, I have a friend that I get to go and do visits with. She is fearless and volunteered to go and find about more about this lady before we went to see her. I am so grateful for her fearlessness! She found out that sweet Jane lives in an assisted living home and is suffering from dementia. My partner’s father also has dementia so she is very comfortable with sitting and visiting with Jane and she quickly set up a time for us to go. So now we (my two year old daughter, Agnes, my visiting teaching partner and I) go each month to visit Jane, even though she has no recollection of us. We pet the funny dog they have at the assisted living center and we smile and chat with the others that live there. Agnes searches for the cat that has been banished to the backyard. We have the chance to chat with the lovely woman who runs the home. Last week she kept me entertained with stories from her childhood in Romania.

After we left Jane’s house last week I was happy. Visiting Jane brings me joy. Seeing Agnes run and smile and entertain the women I teach gives me joy. Teaching my daughter that visiting teaching can change lives (even if just for a moment) brings me joy. Becoming comfortable in a situation that I would normally avoid brings me joy. Continually learning and growing in the gospel of Jesus Christ gives me joy.

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Do you have inspiring stories to share from visiting teaching? If so,  send them to mormonwoman(at)gmail(dot)com.