I Love Being a Mormon

I imagine many observers would think being a Mormon (member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) is limiting and confining. I suppose in some ways that is true. For example, being an active Mormon, I don't drink alcohol at all...ever. That alone tends to segregate you in social, business and recreational activities. What...you don't want a beer? You don't drink? At all? I find it peculiar that inmany times in our society, you have to rationalize, "not drinking" rather than "drinking." I really do not judge those of my friends and associates who do choose to drink. I personally know many wonderful people that drink socially as would be most of my non-member friends and associates. However at the wonderful ripe old age of 47 years, I've seen the ills of drinking on our society and it is not good. I see it control people, I see it destroy relationships, I see it destroy health, safety, self-control.

For the most part I'm very content and happy with life as a Mormon. Is it easy? Sometimes it's very easy, other times not so. We are kept pretty busy with our "callings." Being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we belong to a religious organization with a lay ministry (unpaid, volunteer clergy). Most all members of our wards (congregations) participate and serve in one capacity or another. Some serve as Sunday school teachers, others music choristers, others Boy Scout leaders or Relief Society Presidents (one of the largest and oldest woman's organizations in the world).

What callings have I served in? As an active adult Mormon I have served as ward mission leader (twice), Sunday school teacher, scout master, ward clerk, public affairs director, elders quorum president, young men's advisor and currently high council. I can tell you that I have learned and grown as an individual in ways not possible I suppose in any other environment. I have learned first hand that "people," are absolutely NOT perfect. Both leaders and peers have their various frailities however I can assure you that I have associated with some of the most dynamic, intelligent, dedicated and humble individuals in church service as well. All of these individuals come from various backgrounds and have a myriad of different vocations. I've served along side, butchers, software techs, dentists, public transportion, school teachers, school principals, vetrenarians, masonry contractors, home makers, lawyers and so forth. Invariably I have learned from everyone.

I will end this entry on this note and pick up somewhere else another time. Thanks for reading.

I love this shot. This was taken at Dixie St. right after Abby's first official start (non-exhibition) and she did okay getting a 4 save, 1-0 shutout vs. Cal State San Bernadino. What a thrill to see this young lady who had worked so very hard realize her goals and aspirations and to perform and help her team win her first DII NCAA soccer match.