Utah Baby Names (That distinctive name that says, "I'm Mormon.")

The Utah Baby Namer ^ | Wes and Cari Clark

[A.J.Armitage]

What's In a (Utah) Name?

by Cari Bilyeu Clark

---

When my husband and I moved from Utah to the Washington, D.C. area seventeen years ago, we knew nothing of the inadvertent legacy we carried from our four years in Utah. Shortly after we arrived in our new home, we saw a television commercial for a local grocery store chain. The spokeswoman's name was the unusual "Odonna." "She's gotta be from Utah," I said to my husband. "That's a Utah name if I ever heard one."

We eventually learned that Odonna was, indeed, Utah born and bred.

It dawned on us that many names we'd heard during our college careers, and found only mildly remarkable, were indeed unique to the Utah Mormon culture. Thus began our quest to define what makes some names singularly Utahn, and what sets them apart from ethnic names with roots in other cultures, such as Juanita or Shoshanna; or African-American names such as Tawanda and Shaquille; or the newly common, soap-operaesque handles such as Skylar, Tiffany, Raven, and Adrienne. There's a difference, and it's not just the obviously Mormon scriptural names like Mahonri or Nephi or Moroni. Often identifying a Utah name is a gut feeling akin to Justice Potter Stewart's definition of pornography: you know it when you see it.

The quintessential Utah name often has a French-sounding prefix such as Le-, La-, Ne-, or Va-. Often names appear to have genesis in the combined names of the parents--Veradeane or GlenDora, for example. Related is the practice of feminizing the father's name--as in Vonda (dad is Vaughan) or Danetta. Others, such as Snell or Houser, appear to be surnames called into service as first names.

Related is the curious tendency, more common in Utah than elsewhere, for men (women do not seem to do this) to use the first initial, then the full middle name as the given name, such as L. Flake Roberts, who ran for office in Utah County when we lived there. (Come on, you've noticed this habit among the general authorities of the LDS church!) Besides puzzling over why someone would want to be known as "Flake," it makes one wonder just what the "L" stands for.

[Hmmmm. Where have we heard about that before? --A.J.]

So my husband and I entertained ourselves by collecting the often bizarre names we found in Utah publications (including the obituaries, which indicates that this is not a recent fad) and of Utah natives we met. We compiled a list and shared it with our friends, who often as not had a few more to add. We really hit a bonanza when one woman shared our observations with her mother, who worked at a Utah bank and had access to lots of names. She started her own list and began sending the names to us. (My personal favorite, LaNondus, came from this source.) Another friend told us of a set of sisters, all of whose names began with "Ja."

Once my husband had Internet access, he collected more names and corresponded with another couple who amused themselves the same way. They made cleverly categorized lists: "The ward choir director's daughters: LaVoice, Choral, Audia."

It makes you wonder what some parents were thinking when, for instance, they named their baby girl Lanae (la-nay)--and she unfortunately ended up with a big nose (le nez [la-nay] in French means "the nose"). Or the girl named M'Lu--are clever wags endlessly asking her to skip to it? And how the heck do people with apostrophes in their names fill out computerized forms? There's no apostrophe space. The guy I really pity, though, is the one saddled with the unfortunate moniker, Rube.

Of course, parents cannot predict what new interpretations the marketplace will bring to the names they lovingly bestow on their offspring. I once worked at a company which had dealings with a woman named LaPriel (pronounced la-prell). When I told my former roommate about this inexplicable first name, she sardonically replied, "What's her sister's name--LaTegrin?"

With the generally larger-than-average family, often saddled with the very ordinary surnames Smith, Johnson, or Young, it's not surprising that many Utah parents look for unique given names for their children. When you throw in the reverence for family and ancestors forwarded by the LDS Church, it seems inevitable that someone would end up with LaEarl, KDell, Arnolene or Hariella.

Some names, though, seem to defy description--if not pronunciation. While pride of place may have spawned Utahna, how did somebody come up with Wealtha? And while Lloydine's genesis seems plausible, how on earth were Printha or Noy coined? And I have no idea what constitutes the correct pronunciation for Kairle or Tawhnye. (I suspect they may be wildly creative spellings of Carol and Tonya.)

Perhaps the following list (by no means comprehensive) will amuse you. Perhaps it will offend you. Perhaps you will find your name, or the name of a relative, on it. Or perhaps you will be so enchanted by a particular name that you'll want to bestow it upon one of your own offspring. If that is your plan, first do this: go to the back door, fling it open and yell the name at the top of your lungs six or eight times, because that's how it's going to be heard for the next eighteen years. And remember, when little Wynante (boy or girl, you choose) grows up, you'll have to live with the consequences.

---

---

The Cream of the Crop

The Clarks' Favorite Utah Names

Updated 24 January 2003

---

The new parents couldn't be happier: Gladell & Delightra (sisters), Luvit, Delecta, Delite, Joyette, Joi, Joyia, Joyellen, Joycell, Hallah Lujah [How about Hallah Back Y'all? --A.J.], Bliss, Joyanne

Cleanliness is next to Godliness: Zestpoole, Sparkle

The Ward Choir Director's Daughters: Aria, Audia, Aurel, Choral, LaVoice, Tonilee, Capella, Chime, Rocksan Violin

Jewels every one: Amulet, Pearlette, Pearlene, Emerald, JewlyAnn, Ahmre Jade, Treasure Tonya, Turquoise Nova, Sequin, Amethist.

Girls you just know have big, floofy hair: Blondeen, Rayette, Faundaree, Shazette, Shasheena, Honilynn, Najestica, Teasa, Shazzanna, Pluma, Bobbette, Blonda, Breezy, Wenderella, Aquanetta, Brinderella, Dazzlyn

Maybe they're in the Klingon Ward: Tchae, Xko, Corx, G'ni, Vvhs, Garn, Ka, Deauxti, Xymoya, Sha'Kira [Her older sister is called Macare'na.], Zy, Xela, Tscharna, Nivek, Zon'tl, Zagg, Xan, Judziah Datz (a female, named after a character in Star Trek), K'lar (ditto), Jarna Nazhalena, Chod, Xarek, Grik, Stod, T'Shara, Tral, Sherik, Curg

[I am Krang the Merciless!! And I'm a Mormon!]

The Worth of a Soul: Cashley

Astronomical: LeVoid, Sunan, Moonyene, Starlene, Sunelly, Luna, Lunia, Solinda, Sunirae, Staryl, Marandastarr, Season, Aries, Starlyn, Cressent, Celestial Starr, Summerlyn, Astrolena

Could only be LDS: Cumorah Hill, Liahonna, Ensign, Nauvoo, Kirtland, Templa, Templer, Tempella, Tempalia, Ziona, Deseret (and Desereta), Tabernacle, Woodruff, Pratt, Tithing, Quorum, Helamans Warrior, Iron Rod, Morona, Manti, Stripling, Nephi Courage, Celestial Glory, Celestian, Brighaminie, Zion, Xione (pronounced "zion")

Parents were BYU math majors: Alpha Mae, Seven, Seavenly, Twenty, Prime, Omega Lee, Jennyfivetina, Tenna [Mormon porn star: Tenna Tameson.], Elevena, Ninea, Eighta

[How would you like to be named after your birth order?]

You can name a kid this, but you shouldn't ingest it: Cola, Vinyl, Orlon, Chlorine, Clorene, Florene, Florine, Lexann, Dow, Tide, Downy, Codiene, Daquari, DeCon, Starbuck, Crayon, Treasure Cocaine

[Classy. Real classy.]

Names inspired by the family car: Audi, Fairlene, Celecta, Pontiac, Vonda, Vonza, Auto, Cherokee, Lexus, Porsche, Skylark, Truckston, Avis, Chevrollette, Chevonne, Caprice, Dodge

["Honey, nothing says class like Lexus. Now go make some jello."]

Wishful thinking: Darlin', Courage, Winsome, Justan Tru, Pictorianna, Paradise Sunrise, Sage, Angelic, Breed, Godlove, Myrth, LaVirgin, DeFonda Virtue, Chastice, Normalene, Lovie Angel, Precious Blessing, Heavenly Melanie, Glee, Mormon Beauty, Pledger, Jentill, Devota, Coy, Fondd, Bridella, Verna Noall, Vervine, Viva, Golden Noble, MarVel, MemRee, Brunette, Merrily, Merry Ann, Celestial, Cherrish, Kash, Cashelle, Teton, Forever, Luvit, Mystiq, Worthy, Truly, Pleasant, Speedy, Hereditary, Shrudilee, Halo, Gentry, Truthanne, Finita, Mavryck, Amen, Merrijane, Marvelous Man.

Dad's hobby is obvious: Justa Cowgirl, Rode O, Hazer, Durango, Rifle, Laker, Jazz, Truck. Granite, Garnet, Gneiss (and other sisters with rock names beginning with “G.”)

Conversational: Whisper, Chat

Indications of possible birthplace: Arizonia, Floria, Montania, Utah, Utahna, Idahana, Idaho, Mauntana [Flunk spelling, name you kid Mauntana. Study hard!], Michigan, Nevadna, Okla, Vermont, Wyoming, Wyoma, Cache, Jordana, Payson, Vernal, Boise, Brookelynn, Lexington, Demoyn, Fredonia, Leremy, Platte, Salina, Seattle, Takoma, Tulsa, Tustin, Vail, Lundyn, Londyn, Irelynd, Irelan, Madrid, Manila, Cairo, Damascus, Tyre, Desert, Shahara, Trinidad, Houston, Cachelyn, D'Asia, Edon, Takoda, Orem, Shannon doah, Davenport Shore

No man (or woman) is an island - exceptions: Oahu, Irlanda, Tonga, SeaBreaze, Tiki Lou

Possible conception placenames: Hilton, Nafeteria, Bridges, Castle

Indications of possible birthdates: Juneth, Junola, LaJune, Julyn, Halloween, Novella, Summerisa, Winnter, Christmas Holiday, Merrienoel, Kris Miss, Tuesdee, Aprella

The day dawn is breaking: Dawnae, Dawnia, Dawnel, Dawnelle, Dawnene, Dawnalyn, Dawnette, Karadawn, RaDawn, Keturah Dawn, SheriDawn, LuDawn, LaDawn, Le Dawn, El Dawn, Dawnetta, Dawnese, Mistidawn, Berva Dawn, Celestial Dawn, Bodawn, Honey Dawn, Sunrise, Dawny, Yodawn, Dawnika, Dawnray, Denverly Dawn, Sunni Dawn, Dusty Dawn, Taradawn, Twyla Dawn, Georgia Dawn, Iva Dawn, Marva Dawn

Dad was a plumber: Valva, BeDae, Latrina, La Jonne, Digger

Dad worked for the postal service: Mailene

Dad's a lawyer: Justicia

Dad had a hernia: Truss

Less is more: La, Oa, NB, T, M, Q, JJ

I hope the computer will accept apostrophes in the name fields: D'Ann, D'Aun, D'Bora, D'Dee, D'Elise, D'Loaf, D'Shara, E'all, L'Deane, L'orL, Ja'mon, J'Costa, J'dean, J'Leen, J'net, J'Shara, J'Vonna, La'Donis, Me'shell, M'Jean, M'Kaaylie, M'Kenna, Mi'Lara, M'Lisa, M'Liss, M'Lu, M'Recia, O'lea, R'dell, R'lene, Shan'l, Young'n, B'andra, De'lys, D'Dree

["And the called her... O'Lestra. She had the runs a lot."]

Future names of prescriptions: Lyravin, Monalaine, Nyleen, Merlaine, Monease, Naquel, Ronalene, Nylan, Rolayne, Tyron, Lexine, Lyrin, Mikatin, Artax, Xtrin, Tylene, Qedrin, Tamrin, Denilyn, Kevrin, Nicolin, Xylan, Tolex, Zylan, Daycal, Falycid, Zerin, Davon, Sydal

Wow! What a Babe!: Wavie, Zhalore, LaTanna, Tressa, LaDreama, Amourette

Fluid-related: Thermos, Soda, Logan River, Jordan River, Susquehannah, Canteen

When simple alphabetic characters aren't enough: K-8 (pronounced "Kate," I guess)

[Kids: that's happens when you're illiterate. Stay in school!]

Politically incorrect: Sambo, Aryion

[Maybe they weren't thinking "Aryan", but "Arian". Heretics gotta stick together!]

Heard chanted in the Salt Lake airport: Ara-Om

Has food connotations: Dianarea, Dicey, Vindalu, Blenda, Strawberry, Sugarlee, Beena, Pork Chop, Sesami, Jar, Karmel, Kresent, TaffiLyn, Chipo

Had breathing problems in the hospital nursery: Azure, Syrullean

You might find in a forest: Wrendie, Jilbear, Timber, Oaks, Pixie, LaFawnduh, Fawn-Dew, Ember, Bird, Magpie, Serenity Fawn, Paradi, L'Aire, Brookelle, Sylvan, Fawna, Lawn, Rain, Gazelle, El Fawn ["El" makes it masculine, "Fawn" makes it girly-poofy. El Fawn: expressing pride from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.], Aspen, Acacia, Panda, Briar, Rhodendra, Fernnola, Birdene, Hummingbird, Disney, Chinchilla Zest, Haven, Glade

No doubt about it, this kid's in charge: Rexina, Rexine, Queenola, Dominee, Ruger, Messiah Angel, Oden, RexDee, Navy, Jentry, Czar, LeeMaster, Quintessa, Marquessa, Leviathan, Captain.

Smells: Cachet, Reaka, Violeet, Avon, Budla

Faux ethnic: Laddie, Walkasheaqua, Bsjonet, Hishla, Chilnecha, Forthilda, Kaltighanna, Alainka, Chip-wa, Pawnece America, Zem Saxon, O'Ann, WaThene, Sheighlagh, Valliere

Commemorating something or another: Welcome Exile, Confederate American, Southern Justice, Liberty Lulu, Young Elizabeth, Genesis, MistiNoele, Imagine, Thankful Flood, Friends Forsaken, Joyous Noel, Tennyson, Knight Train, Miracles Precious One, Sunday's Hoseana, Disney, Blessing Ream, Stormy Shepherd, Denim Levi, Vernal Independence, Sincere Devotion, Mothers, Elvoid, Noah-Lot, Mormon Miracles, MyLae, Nightrain Lane, Zion Anakin, Jeopardee, Statehood, Denim Levi

Let's hope not: Rube, Sleeza, Nymphus, Golden P., Burns, Hydra, Non, Malis, Talon, Beefea, Patches, Storm, Slayer, Sterile, Slaughter, Jynx, Hyde, Prynne, StormiAnn, Sham, Apathy, DeRail, Dull, Gamble

In a class of their own (In fact, I'm not sure I believe these but we asked for details and a confirmation and got convincing replies, so here they are): NaLa'DeLuhRay, Phakelikaydenicia, Zaragrunudgeyon ("Zarg," for short), Jennyfivetina, Tiarrhea, Nudity, VulvaMae, DaLinda LaDale, Tugdick, Saunsceneyouray, and, yes... Clitoris.

["Well, it sounded pretty when the doctor said it, and my wife Placenta likes it."]

Teletubbies: Laalaa

Guaranteed to get last place on our list (or anyone else's): ZZkora

I can't think of anything clever to write but these must be mentioned: Barbeli, Revo Cram, Feramorz, Glint, LaNondus, Wynante, Camera, Lecoya, AureJudd, NaNon, Bimberly, DavidO, Leumas ("Samuel" backwards), Ralphene, Shimber, T-vive, Synthi, CoJane, Nona-rene, Gaylawn, Txanton, LaZello, Daycal, Sancie D'Wan, RaVoe, Zenus, Gatobon, LaEarl, Trystal, AndiOdette, Serenity-Tabitha-Ann, Alexavier, X Y Zella, Bonquisha, Musser Cenia, Jubeltine, Oryeon, Shlori, Danlonaga, Zedwain, Casualeen, Young'n, Shambertine Crille, Canon, Malique, LeeWitt, Jazzeri, DeRaunz, Teru, Aaro, Divid, Cimemthymia, LaDonnaJosephrania, LaDeeDee, deRalph, MaddLynAlain, Vyquetoriya, Falycid, Rophis, Mick BonScott, Kaysional Tempest, Darianlelo, DeLaVerne, BoChe', Minnet, Kandle, Seena Tawnya, Dwodger, J Thoral, Xanderrick, Abcde, KNikkol, Demeatrice, LLean Shanalyn, Scytha Solena, HiDee

[restornu]

Dan.1
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.

The point was the diet help them to focus to keep their eyes on the Lord, which enabled them to keep the faith!

[CARepubGal]

N.B. is that a Danite term?

[Utah Girl]

But I do believe in the Jesus of the New Testament. This "you don't believe in the right Jesus" is getting old. I accept the sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ for my sins. Like I keep saying, I will let Christ be my judge. Not to be flippant, but we will find out on Judgement day, won't we?

[Utah Girl]

I'm really sorry you never heard that Jesus Christ died and Atoned for your sins. I was taught that from the time I can remember, in LDS Sunday School, Primary, Young Women, Seminary, and then at BYU in my religion classes. Yes, Joseph Smith is a very important person in our religion. But Jesus Christ is the core of our religion. He is the reason for everything. Thanks for your comments, we'll have to agree to disagree because there is no way I am going to give up my testimony of Jesus Christ and the truth of His restored gospel.

[Utah Girl]

Around and around and around we go...Christ died for my sins. I will live eternally because of His sacrifice. However, faith without works is dead, (and the converse can be said: works without faith is dead.) Why did Christ say to live his commandments? No, my works alone will not save me, and I realize that. But my faith in his atoning sacrifice does and will, but I must also do everything in my power to make sure I live a Christ-like life. And then He will make up the rest.

[Utah Girl]

Thanks for the warning. I am LDS, and do believe I will leave it up to God to decide my fate.

[Illbay]

No, it's a Latin term. You might have heard of them. The main difference between them and the Danites is that they actually existed.

[Illbay]

...and the converse can be said: works without faith is dead.

U.G., that's all nice and pleasant-sounding, and I have in the past thrown this sop to these cretins as well, but let's face it: It's a lame concept.

"Works without faith is dead?" Who do YOU know who DOESN'T do good works IN FAITH that they are doing what the Lord requires of them?

The only thing you get WITHOUT faith is...zippo. Nothing. Nada.

Without faith, there is NO motivation to perform those good works we know the Lord has commanded us to do.

That these cretins IGNORE the words of Christ in favor of the writings of a sixteenth century heretic priest providing his own personal interpretation of the writings of a first century apostle is a wonder in itself, but I've stopped playing in their cesspool.

If you do not make a good FAITH effort to walk up to those commandments you have received from the Lord, then you HAVE no faith: IT IS DEAD.

PERIOD.

No accomodation with these dead and decaying philosophies of men mingled with scripture will suffice.

They are FLAT WRONG, and that's all there is to it, when they believe you can live a life of complete debauchery, then have a "sincere" repentence in the moment of your death, mumble a few platitudinous phrases, and enjoy the company of the Saints through eternity.

"I will show you my faith BY my works." Sounds good to me, without taking Paul out of context (which they'd never have done except they have the dead-weight of that albatross Luther hanging around their silly, foolish necks).

[Elsie]

when they believe you can live a life of complete debauchery, then have a "sincere" repentence in the moment of your death, mumble a few platitudinous phrases, and enjoy the company of the Saints through eternity.

Tsk, tsk....

and you LDS folk say that WE are the ones telling you what YOU believe!

[CARepubGal]

Nota bene? :-) There were vigilante bands during the tenure of Brigham Young that were alleged by the settlers to be danites. The irony is that secret combinations are a particular do not do (nothing to contradict this in the BoM) and are specifically condemned....Anyway, these fellows tended to enforce their version of Mormon Law (close to Sharia in fact) in Utah with an iron fist tucked in a steel glove. nasty stuff and BY turned a blind eye (although with 28 or 50 some wives that would be easy for him to do.....)

[Utah Girl]

I agree with your comments, except that sometimes we can go through the motions of doing good works without the faith for the facade, or because we're expected to. But you are absolutely correct, if I don't have faith I'm less apt to do good works.

I also remember the words of Alma, to put Christ's word to the test. What is the result? I have seen the results of believing in Jesus Christ in my life, and the results of being a believing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I will never give up the joy and happiness I feel when I live the right way and I will never give up my testimony.

[Elsie]

 

when they believe you can live a life of complete debauchery, then have a "sincere" repentence in the moment of your death, mumble a few platitudinous phrases, and enjoy the company of the Saints through eternity.

 

Translation: Jesus is a LIAR!

---

KJV Matthew 20:1-16

 

 1.  For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
 2.  And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
 3.  And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
 4.  And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
 5.  Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
 6.  And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
 7.  They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
 8.  So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
 9.  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
 10.  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
 11.  And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
 12.  Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
 13.  But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
 14.  Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
 15.  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
 16.  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

 

KJV Luke 23:39-43
 39.  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
 40.  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
 41.  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
 42.  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
 43.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

[Elsie]

But my faith in his atoning sacrifice does and will, but I must also do everything in my power to make sure I live a Christ-like life. And then He will make up the rest.

and if you don't?

---

What if you only do 95%

80%

Or, Heaven forbid, only 20%

Then what?

[CARepubGal]

This reminds me of a rather good sermon I heard a while back. We can stand at the edge of the Pacific Ocean and try and swim to Hawaii from San Diego. Some of us will make it to the jetty, some will be out in the deep water swimming. None of us can swim to Hawaii on our own (works). God has a boat sitting close to shore which will take us to a cruise ship which will sail to Hawaii. All we need to do is take a few steps out in faith. Mormons and other works oriented folks think we need to swim to Hawaii to be saved.

[P-Marlowe]

This "you don't believe in the right Jesus" is getting old.

Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads you -- even if he leads you out of the LDS Church?

If not then I would have to say that you do not actually believe and trust in Jesus, but instead you believe and trust in the LDS Church authorities.

The Jesus that I believe in unequivocally led me away from the LDS Church. So, since Jesus led me away from the LDS Church and the Holy Spirit has confirmed in my heart that the LDS Church is wrong and preaches blasphemy, do you and I believe in the same Jesus?

[restornu]

You almost got it right CA!

All one has to do who makes Covenants with the Lord is to Keep His Commandments, to do the best we can and the Lord will Cover the differents!

We can't do it all but we sure can learn how to exercise and strengthen the Spiritual muscle!

[Utah Girl]

And I have had the witness in my heart that Jesus is the Christ and that the gospel of Jesus Christ that the LDS church teaches is true. I don't blindly believe what the LDS church authorities say, I study it out in my mind, and pray about it, to see if it is true. And I have been given that witness that it is. I cannot deny it. Christ will not lead me out of the LDS church, as much as you and others desire it. Sorry.

[restornu]

Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads you -- even if he leads you out of the Nicene Creed?

I was seeking the Lord church all of my life and I found it in

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!"

[P-Marlowe]

But are you willing to follow Jesus even if he were to lead you away from the LDS Church?

Or is your mind absolutely closed to the idea? Keep this in mind, I had the same testimony of the truthfulness of the LDS Church that you have. But the Jesus that saved me from my sins led me away from the LDS Church.

Please answer this question: If the Jesus that I believe in led me away from the LDS Church and has testified to my heart that the LDS Church is false and preaches blasphemy, then do you and I believe in the same Jesus?

It is a simple yes or no question. You need not elaborate. Just answer yes or no.

[P-Marlowe]

I was seeking the Lord church all of my life

Perhaps if you were seeking Jesus Christ instead of a "church" then you would have found Jesus Christ -- instead of a church.

Yes, you found a Church. A very fine Church-- full of nice people and good works. But obviously you didn't find Jesus. You just found a church. It appears to me that your hope and faith is in the LDS Church and not in Christ.