I am a Christian

This week, I have felt bombarded by those who think they have the right to tell others what I believe.  Everywhere I turn, I find those who do not know or understand.  It seems to have started (this time) with that Texas Pastor Jeffress remarks about the "Mormons".  I have listened to the news reports, as well as the spoofs on TV that just make fun of all religions.  I think it is sad that in this country, in the year of 2011, people are not allowed freedom of religion.  They must conform to more "traditional" beliefs or be threatened and ridiculed.  They must be just like everyone else, or condemned for their choices.  I do NOT belong to a cult, no matter what you have heard.

I am a "Mormon".  I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I am a Christian.
I just want to say that I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.
I know that He lived for me, and that He died for me.  I know that He lives today.
I know that the scriptures are true.  I know that I am a child of God.  I know that He cares for each and every one of us.  I know that the scriptures are true.  I read them daily.  I love them.  They are one way that I can draw closer to my Heavenly Father.  I love the Book of Mormon.  It is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It bears witness of His divinity and His love for us.
I pray, I study, I work, I learn, I live, I love, I cry.  I am just like you.

I have pictures all over my house of the Savior.  My children are taught to love Him.  To revere Him.  To honor Him.   We pray every day.  As a family, and as individuals.
I can tell you that I go to church every week, and we don't spend one minute of time talking about what other people believe and how "wrong" or "right" they might be.  I don't picket outside your church, or demonstrate outside your Easter Pageant.  I don't wave signs outside your Christmas lights or your nativity scenes.  I don't honk my horn as I drive down the road so that I disturb your meeting.
I teach my children that there are good people in every religion.  There are wonderful, amazing, kind and loving people that don't believe the same way that we do.  I teach my children to love all men, no matter what their religion might be.  I teach them to look for good people and be friends.  I teach them to think for themselves and make their own decisions.  I teach them to treat others the same way the Christ himself would treat them if He were here.  
If you have questions about what I believe, please ask.  I will do my best to answer and to help you understand.  If you want more information, go and search mormon.org. There are always people on that site that will be happy to answer any of your questions.  You can also go the official church website, LDS.org.  On that site, you will find the scriptures, as well as our conference messages and many of our manuals and books.
The point for me is simply this.  I have been to many, many other churches in my life.  I have studied what they believe.  I have talked with their ministers.  If I want to know about another church, I go to that church, or a person who is a member there and ask questions.  I am hoping that you will give me the same courtesy.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  I am a Mormon.  I am a Christian.    

And just in case you want to read more about my beliefs today, I am being featured over at The Mormon Women Project where I talk about realizing that my Heavenly Father loves me.