the book of mormon musical

in the 1920’s my great-grandfather stanley marshall met the missionaries of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints in england. he was interested in this book i hold, the book of mormon and took a copy to read for himself. he, along with his family, moved to salt lake city, utah where my own mothers father was born. thanks to his decision and the faith of my grandparents and my own parents, i am now raising fifth generation members of that same church. i was raised to believe the teachings of the church as a child, as an adult, i know of their truth.

last night doug and i went to see the book of mormon musical at crown theatre. would i recommend you see it? probably not. but, i am aware that by making a decision to openly tell people that i am a mormon, that over the next few months, i’ll be asked over and over whether i have seen it and what i thought.  well, here’s what i think...

i hope that all of you who are not members of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints are aware that this musical is a satire. i hope you know we have nothing to do with frogs, or plastic spray painted plates, that spooky mormon hell dreams aren’t a thing (at least not for anyone I know…) that missionaries as a rule cannot sing or dance and that we are not in fact part of a cult. 

there is however we are the fastest growing religion in the world and if you want to know why, don’t watch the book of mormon, read the book of mormon, because our version is a litttttle bit different. my own husband, two of my older brothers, plus many of my friends have spent two years of their lives sharing the message of the gospel and the contents of this book. 

the cover may have changed over the years, but the message inside is still the same, it is another testament of jesus christ, not meant to replace the bible, but to tell more of christ and his ministry on the earth. so, don’t take the musical as doctrine, ask me or one of the actual missionaries. you’ll be able to tell they are real, as they won’t be singing or dancing.

i am so grateful every single day to have the gospel in my life. i know of it's truth and know that you can find out for yourself if you only have the courage to ask.

a testimony of missionary work

“our missionaries are going forth to different nations . . . the standard of truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (history of the church 4:540)

i have a testimony of missionary work. i know that because of it, my family is where we are today. two brave and beautiful women that I was privileged to call my grandmothers, took a chance when prompted by the spirit and listened to the young men who knocked on their doors, not knowing how their husbands would respond. one discovered that her husband had been born into the church (!!) and was less active, the other had her husband wish her well, but swear it wasn't for him... which didn't last long.

because of the decision these women made, my mother and father joined the church and my family was given the opportunity to be sealed for time and all eternity in the temple. my two oldest brothers have served missions. my parents are currently serving a mission assisting the people of western samoa. i met and married a worthy priesthood holder in the temple, who had also served a mission. my family now also has the chance to be together for eternity. i hope that one day my own children may also want to share the gospel with others from the example that has been set for them.

without the missionaries in the world, there would be so many searching for the truth - that would have no chance of finding it. i cannot express the joy i felt when the lowered ages for elders and sisters were announced, allowing for the flood of additional missionaries to begin... and for the call that we are currently awaiting - for dominique! her papers are in and all there is to do now is wait and see where she will be going. it's so exciting - and no matter where she is going, they will be so lucky to have her!

count your many blessings...

this sunday was fast sunday at church...

which of course meant fast and testimony meeting -

or starve and tell as my once teenage older brothers used to call it

(whilst complaining about it being called fast sunday when it always goes so slow)

it's when once a month (on the first sunday) we go without, and give the money we would have spent on food - to those who are constantly going without

i know that i, along with many of my friends and family spend quite a lot of time, constantly complaining about things i don't have. a new car, money, an awesome high paying job and clothes, always clothes...

but...

one of my closest friends has dramas in her house right now. big dramas, that certainly are not mine to go into... but her mother - got up, and poured her heart out on sunday. telling everyone all she had to be grateful for and about how - at her darkest and weakest moment, she had sat back and started to count her blessings. upon reaching 134 things she was grateful for, she stopped and went back to what she was meant to be doing...

but the strength of this woman has made me realise - that i have a lot to be grateful for,

so much in fact ♥

and i'm going to try and see it more often

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.