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Hi I'm Jessie

I grew up in Houston, TX. I love to read, watch movies, and hike in the summer. I am a paralegal. I am a Mormon.

About Me

I'm the second of 4 kids, a newlywed, an aunt, a paralegal, and absolutely love spending time with my family. I am the first in my family to get a college degree. I graduated in Criminalistics and currently work for a litigation defense firm in Salt Lake City. I have to admit that I love my job, and it always keeps me on my toes. I am constantly looking for something new to learn and share, and I'm a bit of a nerd. I love being outside, and I'm slowly being introduced to the best Utah trails for summer hiking.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into a Mormon family. I feel blessed to have been raised with principles and faith in teachings that have brought me strength and peace. I was raised with the answers to many of life's tough questions, and had a home filled with love and family. I remain a member of the Mormon church because of the feelings of peace and love that I feel as I follow the teachings of this gospel. I am newly married, and as I face the new adventure of raising a family of my own, I hope to give my own children the strength and peace, and loving home that I was blessed with.

How I live my faith

I was raised in the LDS faith and have always loved being involved in my church community. Participating in youth activities created some of the best and most long lasting memories. Some of the greatest friendships and relationships have come through participating in service through the church. I was a teenager in Houston when Tropical Storm Allison hit the gulf coast, and some of the neighborhoods in my area were severely flooded. I have never felt a stronger sense of family and of love for others than I did when my friends and I served our neighbors by pulling up flooded carpet and handing out sandwiches to people affected by the storm. I have felt love for and from others while serving and visiting others in my church community. Some of my strongest friendships have come from being served or giving service and I feel that this is one of the greatest ways I can share Heavenly Father's love with those around me. I continue to strive to follow Christ's example to serve others every day, whether through a small smile in passing, or visiting a friend or neighbor in need.

What do Mormons believe about the nature of God?

Jessie
As a member of the Mormon church, I believe that God is my Heavenly Father. He is the Father of my spirit. Like my father on earth, He loves and cares for me, and wants to see me succeed. He is a perfect father and allows me to make my own choices, and try to teach me how to be happy and successful in life and in my family. He wants me to know Him, and wants to "keep in touch." I have a testimony that He listens when I pray, just as any loving Father listens to His children. I have a testimony of His love and concern for me, and wants me to return to His presence. Show more Show less

What are some things that tell you there is a God?

Jessie
One of my favorite verses from the Book of Mormon is found in the book of Alma, chapter 30, verse 44. The prophet Alma is speaking to an anti-Christ who has challenged Alma to give him a sign, or proof, that there is a God. Alma responds, "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth...and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." I have always been a little bit of a science geek, and love this verse because it perfectly describes what I feel when I learn about the details of human life. I feel that everything in the world around us testifies that there is a Creator, and Caretaker of this world. I cannot look into the night sky without feeling that God exists, that He is all powerful and knowing, and that He takes great care in His creations. It is amazing to me to know that in the vast expanses and details of the universe, God knows me personally and loves me. Show more Show less

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Jessie
I do believe that families last forever, not just for this life. As a newlywed, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to marry my husband in the temple. We made marriage covenants for time and all eternity, not just until death do us part. This brings me so much peace and relieves so much worry. I know that as we keep the covenants we made to each other and to God, our relationship will grow into one the will last throughout eternity. This testimony has also brought so much peace as family members have passed. The knowledge that my family will still be together after this life has made deaths in the family so much easier to deal with. I am so grateful to feel that peace in my life. Show more Show less

Can you tell me about Mormon customs: how you dress for church, what holidays you celebrate, etc.?

Jessie
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are Christians, and celebrate Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas, which center around the life, service, atonement, crucifixion, death, and Resurrection of Christ. I have had many opportunities to celebrate other traditional Christian celebrations, such as christenings of infants, baptisms, and weddings. As a Mormon I attend weekly church services, including a 3 hour block of Sunday services, and occasional weekly meetings as I serve in the church with the youth or children of the community. Mormons also gather two weekends out of the year, either in church buildings or homes, to listen and watch the General Conference of the Church. During General Conference members (and visitors) have the opportunity to be taught by the Prophet and other leaders of the church. I am an American, and celebrate National holidays, and love getting together with my friends and neighbors to traditional celebrations. Show more Show less