Hi, I'm Karen N.

I was raised in MN, live in AZ. Wife, mom of 6, now a grandmother to 7.

About Me

I love being a wife, mother, grandmother, family member, and friend. I love theatre (both when an actor and audience member), love photos and managing them in online photobooks and on family blogs, etc. My veterinarian husband and I love our pets and all animals--I especially enjoy dogs and rabbits. Ilove to read, and participate in a book group I founded in 2002. I am also a beginning piano student...and have been for a long time! (Helps if you practice!) My husband and I love travel, with or without our children and grandchildren. I have worked for over 25 years for the same wonderful employer--Mayo Clinic.

Why I am a Mormon

I came in contact with members of the church for whom I babysat while in my high school years. I was really impressed with the feelings in their homes and their involvement and commitment to their faith. I explored it myself, and upon reading The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, I knew it was not fabricated, and gained my own testimony. Was baptized at age 18--best life decision I've ever made. The gospel of Jesus Christ has enriched my life in so many ways.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

My family of origin has suffered with alcoholism. I doubt they even acknowledge that it's a problem, , due to denial, but I've seen the problems it's created in their lives and health. The Gospel offers "The Word of Wisdom" which is our Heavenly Father asking that we refrain from substances that are not good for our bodies, to enjoy good things in moderation, and to treat our bodies as temples. I live the Word of Wisdom as best as I can--I do not smoke, drink, or use drugs. My life, I believe is healthier, and happier for it. There are areas within The Word of Wisdom in which I could do better--eating in moderation, and I am a "chocoholic."! :-) But abstinence from truly harmful substances has been truly beneficial to date. And nedical research bears out the principles in The Word of Wisdom (found, by the way in a book of revelations called "The Doctrine and Covenants" or "D&C." (See www.lds.org)

How has attending Church services helped you?

Attending weekly church services and the auxiliaries has benefitted my life in both spiritual and temporal ways. The gospel of Jesus Christ addresses the whole person. Attending my Sunday services is like getting a shot in the arm and encourages me to make it a good week, assuming I attend as a sponge ready to soak and invite the spirit to help me hear with spiritual ears. It also offers me a sense of community in that our church is set up geographically in wards. We don't "church shop" and therefore we get to know one another as family and community, and learn to be tolerant and accepting of others with whom we may not otherwise be "attracted to." With transcience in society, I think the sense of community is so important. It's the way the Lord watches over his sheep. We truly become a ward family.

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

Because we believe families can be connected through the eternities. We believe that we can perform ordinances for our deceased loved ones that they did not have the opportunity to do for themselves while living, and they can then accept or reject the ordinances in the hereafter with their free agency to choose. It gives deceased people an opportunity to accept or reject the gospel as we know it.

How I live my faith

My faith is a lifestyle. I am currently the chorister in the children's organization (ages 3 to 11) called Primary, which meets each Sunday. I have also led and taught in the women's and youth organizations over the years, and have loved working with all of them. My church jobs, because they are "called" and not chosen, have helped me to identify talents I didn't know I had and use them in ways I would never have sought out! And they have helped me gain friendships and community.

What do Mormons believe about the nature of God?

Karen N. answered...

While we don't believe in the Holy Trinity that I did when I grew up a Protestant Christian (Lutheran), we do believe that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are all members of the Godhead--three separate and distinct beings that are one in purpose. If we are created in our Heavenly Father's image, as we are told in the Holy Bible that we are, and the Trinity were true, we don't reflect as humans that conglomerate. Rather, we are spiritual beings with earthly or temporal bodies. In the instance of the baptism of Jesus Christ, His Heavenly Father spoke from the heavens, and The Holy Ghost descended in the form of a dove. There would have been no need, had the Trinity as defined by many churches existed. I am grateful to know of the distinct roles of the three beings and how perfect their harmony is with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That I have a Heavenly Father and that I have his perfect son, Jesus Christ as my mediator and who suffered and died that not only he, but we, can live eternally. And that I have the spirit and the promptings of the Holy Ghost to guide and comfort me in my life on behalf of the Father and the Son.
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Kathleen answered...

This question is easily answered in the words of one of the children's songs "I know my [Heavenly] Father lives, and loves me too". We believe in a loving God, who knows us each individually. Another way I know that God loves me because he has heard and answered my prayers many times. Some people think that God is angry, but I do not believe that is so. Matthew 7:11 reads, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to those that ask him?" I think that just explains it all- as parents we want the best for our children. God, our Heavenly parent, wants the best for us, too. As parents, we recognize that giving our children everything they ask for isn't necessarily what's best for them. God does this for us also.

Are Mormons Christians?

Taylor answered...

I love this question. Having lived in Georgia and having spent time creating friendships with people of all different Christian denominations. I can say with great confidence and vigor that, Yes, Mormons are Christians. All who believe in Christ as our Savior and strive to follow in his footsteps, living as he would have us to, are in definitions Christian or followers of Christ.