What if I don't want to choose the strict "Mormon" lifestyle? Or what I learned in Mexico

I took a break from the blog for Thanksgiving and a trip to Mexico with my husband. On my vacation I enjoyed the warmth, read three books, ate delicious Mexican food, visited the Hotel California, rode a wave in the Pacific Ocean on a boogie board--something I haven't done since I was a teenager, spent time with my husband, participated on a zip line adventure, and gained a greater appreciation for my Mormon lifestyle and my testimony of the gospel.


What are the restrictions and requirements of a Mormon lifestyle? No drinking, drugs, or smoking. Complete chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage. Dress modestly--cover your body sufficiently so that when you interact with others, they notice your qualities instead of your breasts and bare skin. Keep your language clean and uplifting. Attend lots of church. Do your calling--your duties in the church. Serve others.


In the church, there is an increased focus on missionary work--sharing the gospel with our friends and neighbors. While you may not think that the Mormon lifestyle is for you, the peace and comfort of the Savior is for everyone. You don't have to be Mormon to pray, to attend church, to repent of your sins, to serve, to be a good neighbor. And you don't have to refrain from drinking, smoking, unchaste behavior, and bad language to love others and be a kind person. But if you want the peace and rewards of living God's commandments, you have to keep them whether you are a Mormon or not. We call the blessings or results of living the gospel and keeping the commandments, the fruits of the gospel.


The fruits of the gospel I see in my life from living the Word of Wisdom--the law of health--are no addictions, no criminal convictions for drunk driving or theft, no money spent on alcohol or cigarettes. Because of living the law of chastity, I am married to a man who respects me and whom I can trust. I have no sexually transmitted diseases and no unwanted pregnancies. These blessings are also a result of dressing modestly. When we were dating my husband was able to get to know me for who I am not because I waved my cleavage in his face. Fruits of the spirit or blessings from attending church and fulfilling my church calling are friends who share the same values, being uplifted from gospel teachings and feeling the spirit weekly, and the growth that comes from working with others and being accountable to fulfill assignments.


What I learned in Mexico is that I'm grateful for my strict Mormon lifestyle. I'm grateful for a loving and faithful husband who urged us to take a hike away from the girls in bikinis waiting for the zip line who were using vulgar language. I'm grateful that I could enjoy the beauty of Mexico without being inebriated. I'm grateful to have a family and friends to come back to who share my same values.


Again, you do not have to be a Mormon to obey most of God's commandments. When you do keep God's commandments you will receive the fruits or blessings of keeping those commandments. If the Mormon lifestyle seems like something you need in your life or even if you have a slight interest and want to know more, talk to your friends who are Mormons, contact the missionaries, ask questions. We'd love to share.