So my views on religion...

So I've been asked on my views as far as my religious beliefs, so I'm going to explain the best I can.

I have attended several churches, mainly the LDS church. I do not believe any organized religion is right for me. I believe there are MANY aspects of the (LDS)church are correct as far as the way of living and the way to treat others. I also believe there are alot of aspects about the church that help you stay positive and be happy in your life. Saying that, I do not like the experience I have had with the church. I don't think you have to attend church to be a good person. I find that the message and most of the members (that I have come in contact with anyway) do not follow the same path. I always felt like the church was a big family. I didn't like the fact that so many members hid who they really were when they came to church and pretended to be a beacon of faith and holiness. I was the same person at church as I was at home and when I didn't understand or necessarily agree, I asked ALOT of questions. I was "shunned" because I acknowledged my imperfections and wrong choices openly.I didn't think it was right that I did that and no one wanted anything to do with me, but so many people did the same thing, hid it and it was "all good" because the right people didn't know. I always felt it was better to do what you say and say what you do than to say one thing and do another.

I have benefited alot from being exposed to the church and having a very large family that is so strong in their beliefs and live those values (I'm talking to you guys especially Grandma and Grandpa). I have taken some of those values and tried to bring them into my life now. I try to teach my children to love everyone even though at times it may be hard, to appreciate life and the things you have, and to take care of themselves and their family- that family is number 1. I also love to show them nature unblemished by mankind. That is the biggest part. Being out in nature, you can feel a certain harmony and serenity that I never got sitting in church.

I feel the church did make an impact on who I am. I want my children to have that same opportunity. I like having the missionaries over to help me discuss the church with them. When they are a little older, I would love to take them to church so they can gain their own perspective on the whole thing. I don't plan on sharing with them the reasons I decided to stop going to church unless they ask because that is soley my opinion. I don't want it to be absent from their life just because it's something I don't do. The missionaries come over mostly for the benefit of my kids (right now meaning Derek). They bring Derek Book of Mormon movies and he watches them before bed and then we discuss them together. He enjoys their company and I think he'll really like church in a couple years.

This not everything. It's only the nutshell version. :) I know most of you don't agree, and that's okay with me, but now you know why the missionaries come over.