Religion is a Choice

Back in either my junior or senior year of high school I remember sitting and talking to an acquaintance in my Drama class named Ali. We were discussing religion. It was a very interesting topic because I am Mormon (or LDS if you prefer) and she was a practicing Wiccan. I don’t believe you can find two more different religions.

This was not the first time we had talked about religion. Growing up in the middle of Georgia, just south of Atlanta, both Ali and I found ourselves outcast. Surrounded by a bunch of self righteous Christianities, we were both told we were going to Hell numerous times. I’m sure in many people’s minds Ali and I were both evil Satan worshippers.

So, one day as we were exchanging questions and answers about our religions, Ali asked me, “Were you just raised Mormon or did you choose it?”

The question threw me for a moment. No one had ever asked me such an intelligent question regarding religion. Most questions went along the lines of “Do you have horns?” or “How many moms do you have?” (seriously) After a second of thought I said, “Well, yes, I was raised Mormon. But now that I’m older, I have chosen to be Mormon.”

I remember Ali smiling and being impressed with my answer and I felt very proud. I believe that the conversation then went in the direction of talking about how most people just go with the religion they were born with and never question or find out for themselves what is true.

And now, 5 or 6 years later, I still remember that moment. I think that might have been the first time I really owned being Mormon. That I wasn’t afraid to say it and that I wasn’t afraid of the ridicule I might get. Admittedly, this didn’t mean that I was shouting it from the rooftops, not that I needed to, most of the people I grew up with already knew.

I believe in people making decisions for themselves. And I also believe that whatever decision you make for yourself about religion you should do it for yourself. Choose the religion that is right for you. That makes since to not only your heart, but to your mind as well. And even if in the long run you choose a religion that isn’t the most correct, I believe that God will give you bonus points for faith and dedication.

Religion is a choice, so choose wisely and be grateful if you live in a community and/or country that allows you to make that decision.

And if you’re interested in learning more about the Mormon faith, feel free to ask me questions or to visit this very cool web site [mormon.org]. And the next time that pair of nicely dressed young men riding bikes and wearing name tags come to your door, let them in and talk to them. They pay money so that they can come talk to you and your neighbors for two years. Give them a little slack. :D

New Blog Theme!!

So I was reading a very interesting article in this month’s issue of Writer’s Digest [http://www.writersdigest.com/GeneralMenu/] (they don't have the particular article on their website yet, but here's the website) about blogging and how to make it more successful. And it gave me some ideas of things I could do with this blog.

In the past I have just treated this blog as an online, public journal of shorts. It was very boring for the most part and the posts that got the most comments were ones with funny stories and such, like Daniel’s post “Fly Wars” [http://kricketskonfessions.blogspot.com/2010/08/fly-wars-special-entry-from-daniel.html.] Most blogs have a theme of some sort and I decided that mine needed one too. But what could I write about that would be different/interesting compare to everyone else’s? I already have a blog for just writing, as sadly unkempt as that is, so I needed something that truly reflects me.

Thus, I made a list of things that describe me, what I am. Here is that list,

I am:

o A wife

o A working mom

o A Mormon (LDS)

o A writer

o Southern born and raised

o NOT a Utard

Upon looking at this list it dawned on me that I have a lot to write about. I have a lot to say and a lot of opinions that I can share. And maybe, just maybe, there are others like me who view the world in a similar way. I’ve always prided myself on being different, but sometimes, being different can be kind of lonely. So I’m hoping that in this way I can find and connect to others that, despite what cultural boundaries one was raised in or lives in currently, look at things from outside the box.

The name of this blog is still going to be Kricket’s Konfessions (did you know that confessions spelled with a “K” is actually how it’s spelled in German? I didn’t know that until after naming this blog), because I have finally found what it is I want to confess. And I will now be posting on a regular basis; I’m thinking every Tuesday and Thursday. And maybe on Saturdays, just depends on what I have to talk about.

So I hope y’all will enjoy this as much as I and please feel free to comment and tell me what you think! :)

Scentsy!

I am now a Scentsy Consultant! Very exciting. If you want to know more, then visit my website: https://ksiemens.scentsy.us

So I had my first party about a week ago and it went really well. Everyone bought stuff and I've booked 3 parties from it. I even got my mom in Georgia excited about it and we're trying to figure out how to do such a long distance party. I'm having a lot more success than I thought I would this early on.

It helps that's I'm really excited about the product. I love this stuff. I just bought my fourth warmer the other day and a bunch of new scents. I'll have to take pictures of what I have so that everyone can see how very awesome these things are! :D