Gospel Questions: What about Those Latte-Drinking Mormons?

A non-member friend recently asked me: Is it true I can’t drink tea, coffee, alcohol and be a Mormon? And why did the missionaries tell me I couldn’t drink coffee, but my Mormon friend goes to Starbucks every day for a latte? As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have what is called “The Word of Wisdom.” This is a revelation that was given to Joseph Smith which gives us guidelines about the care and nourishment of our bodies. In this revelation, we are counseled to stay away from coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco. There … Continue reading

Gospel Questions: The Word of Wisdom

One question that invariably comes up when one is learning about the Church is that of the Word of Wisdom. In 1833, Joseph Smith received a revelation that coffee, tea, alcohol and other strong drinks are not good for man’s use, and that tobacco was also not healthy. The revelation also contained such advice as to eat meat sparingly except for during the winter or when there was little else to be had, relying instead on grains, fruits, and vegetables. The revelation was at first given as a suggestion, but during Brigham Young’s presidency, it was made a commandment. What … Continue reading

Gospel Questions: What Are Temples?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has built over a hundred beautiful temples all around the world. With spires reaching toward the heavens, these buildings look like mighty cathedrals. What is the purpose of the temple? The temple is a holy place where the Spirit of God feels free to dwell. Only the finest materials are used in the construction. The building is dedicated to the worship of God, and while there, patrons make promises to Heavenly Father and renew the promises they’ve already made. A feeling of peace pervades the atmosphere as the patrons put aside their … Continue reading

RS/EQ: Doers of the Word

Now that we have finished pondering the quotes from President Kimball this week, you may have wondered what else there is to study in the lesson. If you turn to the back, you will see a list of ‘related scriptures’ to read and ponder. As usual, I wound up caught up in the first scripture and didn’t make it to the rest. I guess it’s a good thing I have an entire week to study! The first scripture referenced is James 1:22. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” This scripture fits … Continue reading

Gospel Doctrine: A Pure and Chosen Vessel

Although last month seems like an ideal time to discuss the conception of Christ and the Lord’s choice of mothers, I’m going to buck the trend and do it in January. Of course, the Sunday School lesson for this week is a big part of the cause of the subject. Still, I’ve always been a rebel, so why not continue to go against the grain? We’ve discussed Elisabeth and the divine announcement of her pregnancy with John the Baptist. Shortly after, Gabriel, the same angel who visited Zacharias, came to Mary. While I studied the passages on Elisabeth, several questions … Continue reading

The Word of Wisdom: A Missionary Tool

The Word of Wisdom is a blessing to those that choose to live it. The counsel can bring you peace, and help you live a healthy life. It also encourages a focus on the importance of being concerned with your health, and taking care of your body. It counsels us the importance of taking care of your body, and appreciating the blessings that it gives you. In addition to that it is a great missionary tool. It is through the simple observance of your choices regarding alcohol, smoking, coffee and tea that many people realize that you are Mormon. The … Continue reading

Missionary Work in Utah

I have shared that I have made some friends recently who are not members of the church. This seems easy for me to do, lately. Sometimes, I feel like I’m surrounded by more non-members than I am members. But, like I’ve said before, I’ll take a friend no matter which way they come, LDS or not. My husband recently went to a stake priesthood leadership meeting. In that meeting, they were told that there are roughly 10,000 members of the church living in our stake. Of that 10,000 there are roughly 3,000 on the rolls, and only about 1,700 that … Continue reading

The Journey – J. Adams

“The Journey” by J. Adams is a young adult fantasy novel that tells the story of the preexistence and our lives here on Earth. We meet Ciran, a young woman who was raised in a beautiful land named Krisandor. She has an adoring father who wants nothing but the best for her, and a brother, Sakriel, who would do anything for her. But those who live in Krisandor must go on a journey and earn their way back to the kingdom. Many have been sent out, but only a few will come back. Ciran learns that choices must be made, … Continue reading

LDS Week in Review – May 5th – 10th

Life just keeps getting busier! If you weren’t able to join us throughout the week, here’s a recap so you can keep up-to-date on all the great blogs here in LDS. We started the week with “Gospel Questions: What About Those Latte-Drinking Mormons?” A non-member friend of Tristi’s asked her why Mormons can’t drink coffee, and yet, some of them do. We learn about the Word of Wisdom and also a little bit about hypocrisy. We got caught up to speed with our lessons in this week’s “Dinner Discussions,” and then Tristi answered another question from her non-member friend in, … Continue reading

RS/EQ: “Jesus Christ: The Divine Redeemer of the World”

Our Relief Society and Priesthood lesson this last week was found in the Joseph Smith manual, lesson three, and was entitled: “Jesus Christ, The Divine Redeemer of the World.” Just the title of the lesson brings me warmth and comfort as I know we’re going to learn something special from this inspired message. The prologue to this lesson points out that as the Prophet of the Restoration, one of Joseph’s primary responsibilities was to testify of Jesus Christ. In a world that had so much light and truth taken from it, his job was to enlighten the minds of the … Continue reading