Being a Mormon in Utah
I got asked a great question the other day about being a mormon in Utah and I wanted to share a few of my thoughts about the topic. I am originally from Arizona and have lived in Utah for the last 4 years, and I am about to move back to Arizona here in the next couple of months.
Its not because I hate Utah, its mostly because I hate Utah weather. I also am very far away from all of my family. Those are the main two reasons I am leaving Utah.
The question really got me thinking about what kind of a mormon I have been in Utah and what kind of mormon I was in Arizona before I moved here. I feel that the last 6 1/2 years I have not been a good member simply because most of the time during church I spend in the hallway or driving around trying to calm down screaming kids. My youngest is 7 months, so I still have a ways until nursery. This one is the last, and once I can start attending and paying attention to all my meetings I will feel like a better member.
I also attended the temple more when living in Arizona. It is funny I got 4 temples probably at the most 20 minutes away (from where I live) and I can’t attend more then 4 times in 4 years. I also contribute it to the fact that we had baby sitters (family) in Arizona and nobody here. No excuse I know.
Over all I think living in Utah its easier to be a member, and you don’t work as hard to be righteous. Everyone on your block is a member etc. Because I was not around it as much in Arizona and growing up I think I worked harder to be a better person. I know it does not make sense, but thats how I feel about being a mormon in Utah.
SO, maybe moving back to Arizona will kick my butt in gear again and help me be a better member again.
March 27th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I completely agree. I have a similar background in growing up outside of Utah and I think considering how ‘different’ you are from those around you there you set more of an example. I think Utah is a great place to become inactive–it is a completely different culture here, although the natives don’t recognize or admit that.
January 13th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I have lived in Utah, was in the military for 8 years and now live in California. I have had times of extreme faithfulness serving as the EQP in a ward in North Carolina, times of mediocrity, and times of deep sincere repentance for wrong doings. I loved Utah and the people in Utah. I found many ways to serve and helped in the reactivation efforts of ceratin individuals. I don’t think where you live makes that much difference. It is your state of mind and your dedication to the Lord. Start with the basics. Scripture reading and Prayer. Follow the example of Joseph Smith Senior who after dinner would gather his family around the table and study the Scriptures. Forget yourself and dedicate it to the Lord. When you do so, the temple experience is very enticing. When you do not do this, it is mundane and attendance is no big deal.
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Is the Book of Mormon what it claims to be? The LDS faith rests on two things; the first, is that the Book of Mormon is a true testament to Jesus’ visit to the Americas, and the second is that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Here we’ ll deal with the first question. See the PDF and decide.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am
- Apparently, there are over 600 Tongans living in Utah, upon the encouragement of Mormon missionaries. But of course.