Hi I'm Rose

I'm Mormon because I want to be happy. Of course, being Mormon in and of itself doesn't necessarily make you happy, but the gospel teaches us what we should do if happiness is truly our goal. I want to be happy. I have sacrificed parties and boys, friends and stylish clothes. It wasn't always easy. In fact, there were times that were really, really hard. But I know it was worth it. I have 2 little boys and this really awesome husband who treats me well. I have a small but cozy house and some great friends. I go to play group and preschool and yeah, I take 3 hours every week to go to church, but we're so incredibly happy! Who knew that life could be this good!?!

My faith is not perfect. I'm not perfect. Sometimes I'm mean or gossipy or not as understanding as I should be. Sometimes I'm short-tempered and sometimes I just get bummed. But I live my faith by trying to be better every day. In my ward, I teach the 12 (turning 13) Sunday school class. It can be so hard sometimes. These kids are at a critical point in their life where they have to start making the choices about what they want to be. As they progress through junior high and into high school, they are going to be faced with the pressures of drugs and alcohol and morality and dress and clean language and just homework! Who do they want to be? It's so hard to impress upon them the importance of deciding on that now and acting on it now while still allowing them to maintain whatever innocence of their youth remains. But if they don't decide now, if they try to ride the fence, they're going to get pushed one way or the other. You can't ride the fence. There is no grey area. The lines are clear. We all have to choose. When I talk to them, I think of how I chose once. I sat in a chair at church much like they do. And I chose what I wanted to be. I knew what I would and wouldn't do before the question was ever poised, and so I never had to think about it when a million eyes were boring into me. I remember being at a party and someone offering me a beer. Somewhere deep inside of me I wanted it so much. But I already knew my answer. I already knew what I had chosen. There was a little bit of disappointment or even disgust in the eyes of the others that night. It hurt a little. But faith isn't always easy or mind-blowing. Sometimes it's as hard as pulling back your hand and saying "no" because the Lord has promised freedom and happiness and so much more. I lost those friends that night. They never called me again. But the next day, someone new called, and I met some of the most amazing people that still affect my life today. No one said it would be easy, only worth it.