religion

I was raised Mormon. I wasn't really that into it... but I never really questioned the church until I was 15...there are alot of reasons I don't believe it's true. Alot of reasons I think it can be really good... for some people. My parents seem happy enough. And so am I :) I have learned over the years how lucky I am to have mormon parents that love me for who I am, not what I believe in. My parents are amazing people, and I believe alot of mormons are amazing people. Alot of catholics are amazing people. Alot of Athiests are amazing people. Pretty much alot of PEOPLE are amazing. No matter what religion you are :) I LOVE people! They teach me and help me ALOT everyday!

Anyways, if you are interested to know why I don't believe in mormonism.  Or what I DO believe in, ask me! :)

THIS is a good website for people questioning mormonism, or having a hard time adjusting to your life without the church. But I really believe the only way questions can REALLY be answered, is in your heart. So follow your heart everybody! Your OWN heart. Don't just believe what everyone tells you is true.

It can be really hard. I certainly don't have very many friends anymore....but then again I never really had very many REAL friends to begin with  :) so no loss there.

It can be hard because I live in southern Idaho, pretty much everyone around here is mormon. My family, all the people I grew up with, almost everyone in school. It's all over around here. But it's definatly not the only thing out there.

So research, experience, and most of all feelings have helped me figure out what I really believe in, what's really best for me. And that's the best thing anyone can do is believe in what is best for them and what helps themself the most.

And I believe everyone should be able to believe whatever the heck they want! because it's our right as people! I don't judge anyone on what religion they are or if they believe in god or not. As long as your not hurting me or anyone I love with your beliefs and not forcing them down my throat!!! then good for you!

Anyways....

Someday I want to be a good mother... I reeeeally want to be a good mother. And I'm kind of nervous because the way I was raised, and all I've known.....is completely false. I do not want to teach my kids stuff I don't believe in....

I really do believe my parents are wonderful parents, and they didn't completely fail with raising me and my brothers (who are all NOT mormon anymore too)  But how can I incorporate the great way my parents raised me without all the false teachings of a church I don't believe in?

I'm trying to figure this whole thing out....life and such....but I found this good post by a ex mormon mother, who sounds amazing....I hope someday I can be a great mother, and my kids will know I LOVE them all very much, no matter what they believe in....here's her inspirational post :

Why I am a Better Mother (Now That I’m Not a Mormon)

I’ve read several of the posts about staying in the Church because it’s better for raising children, so I thought I’d give you my perspective. I have two sons and two daughters, now ages 16-24. I started my journey out of the Church six years ago, and have been completely “out” for the last three. Not all of my children understand or appreciate the changes I’ve made---but I have hope that someday all of them will.

1. I can accept and value my children for who they really are, not who I want or need them to be. They can live their lives according to what they want---not according to someone else’s one-size-fits-all “divine plan.”

2. I can teach my children to have confidence in themselves and their own thoughts, feelings, desires, and ideas---that they are inherently good and they can trust themselves.

3. I can encourage my children to follow their own inner voice and do what is right for them.

4.I can really listen to them without trying to convince them that my ideas---or any other “authority’s”---are right, and I can offer them guidance because I have listened.

5. I can model for my children the thoughtful development of my own understanding of God and a moral code, and encourage them to do the same.

6. I can allow them to make their own choices and decisions---and also allow them to take the responsibility for them.

7. I can allow them to make mistakes without shaming them for them. I can discuss the choices they have made, their results, and the reasons they may want to make a different choice in the future.

8. I don’t have to feel shame about the mistakes my children make---or worry about what others’ will think of me.

9. I can openly discuss sexuality with my children and talk about how to responsibly and joyfully express this essential element of their humanity—with emphasis on the joy.

10. I can spend more relaxed time with my children doing things we all enjoy because I’m not rushing off to meetings, stressed out over my church calling, or trying to force them to go to church.

11. I can teach my children to value the inherit dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or choice of partner.

12. I can give my children an example of a strong, independent, woman who owns her personal authority and is learning to express her individuality, and who supports them in doing the same.

13. I can enjoy my children for the unique, marvelous human beings they are, with reverence and gratitude for the opportunity to be their mother.