My faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the major influence for everything I do - including my books.
My faith shapes who I am as a person, a mother, and a writer. It provides the foundation for the values and principles that guide my life and work.
While I respect all religions and beliefs, I want to share what is most important to me and what influences everything I do - including my books.
I believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and my personal Savior. He suffered for all of humanity's sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. He died on the cross and was resurrected three days later. He still lives today, guiding and blessing our lives. His church was taken from the earth for a time, but it has been restored.
I believe that in 1820, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. Through him, Christ's church was restored to the earth in these "latter days," bringing back the fullness of the gospel with all its priesthood authority and ordinances. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the restored church.
I believe we have a living prophet today, President M. Russell Nelson, who leads the Church just as prophets did in biblical times. He receives revelation from God and guides us with divine direction. Having a living prophet means we have continuous guidance for the challenges of our modern world.
I believe in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, a pure and powerful witness of His life, mission, and love for us. It complements the Bible and together they testify that He lives and loves each of us personally.
I believe that families can be together forever. Through sacred covenants made in holy temples, we are sealed together as families for all eternity. Death is not the end - it's simply a temporary separation. Our deceased loved ones are spiritually alive and aware of us, supporting and loving us still. This belief brings tremendous hope and comfort, knowing that the relationships we cherish most don't have to end.
If you'd like to learn more about my faith and the principles that guide my life and writing, you can visit the official church website.
Visit Church Website