Hi, I'm Larissa

I'm a teacher, a runner, and an American living in New Zealand. I'm a Mormon

About Me

I grew up in a rural community in Arizona.
I have always had a desire to live and learn about other cultures. Currently I live in the South Pacific and LOVE learning about people and cultures different to anything I had ever experienced growing up.
I graduated from BYU in Elementary Education. I will begin a master's degree in School Administration next year.
I love learning. Which probably explains why my favorite thing to read is non-fiction and biographies. Gaining knowledge is important to me.
I love tasting, trying, and cooking Mexican food.
I love running. I ran track in college and continue running 5-6 days a week. I just completed my first marathon.
I love blogging and journaling.
I love going on dates with my husband! I married my sweetheart in July 2009.

Why I am a Mormon

I am Mormon because I have found the greatest source of joy and happiness in my life through being a member of the LDS church. I am Mormon because as a 17 year old I received a spiritual confirmation in my heart that the church was indeed true. I cannot and will not doubt that sweet feeling of peace and truthfulness that entered my heart. When I pray regularly I find that I feel close to God and that He hears my prayers. I am Mormon because I know that families can be together forever through God's Plan of Happiness.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

One of the most influential prayers I ever offered was a simple one to know if Heavenly Father really loved me. I was feeling down and unsure of myself. I was far away from my family and felt like I had no one close to me in my life. I offered a simple prayer with the words... "do you love me?" The answer came as a comforting and warm feeling in my heart that was undeniable. It was His love for ME!! I couldn't believe that God had confirmed that He loved me!! That happened nearly 6 years ago and I still keep the experience dear to me!

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Heavenly Father has blessed all of us with special gifts and talents. I believe that we are given these talents as a means to serve those around us and to better our own lives.
For example, some of us are blessed to have charity. Others are given the gift of faith. When we use these talents to better our lives and the lives of those around us we will feel true joy and happiness in serving.
I have been told that I am blessed with a gift of knowledge. Learning and teaching brings me great joy. By profession, I am a teacher and I feel that I bless others through using my spiritual gift to empower young minds

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is knowing that each one of our lives has purpose and meaning. Hope is knowing that our lives are made meaningful through our relationships with others and striving to be our best selves everday. Mostly, hope is knowing that God loves us and that His plan will lead us back to Him.
I hope to fulfill my purpose here on earth. I hope to be the very best wife, mother, friend, educator, sister, and disciple of Christ that I can be.
I hope that when I stand before my Savior one day, that he will be happy with the way I lived my life.
I hope to be with my family even after death.

How I live my faith

I live my faith every day-not just Sunday. I strive to be an example of Jesus Christ in my words, deeds, and dress (though I'm a work in progress).
I have personal prayers morning and night and also pray with my husband.
I try to read the scriptures every single day.
I go to the temple at least once a month with my husband.
I pay tithing, which is 10% of my income.
At church I teach the 4-5 year olds in Sunday School class. The class is studying about basic gospel principles such as Heavenly Father's love for us and choosing the right. I find much joy in my calling and feel that I learn as much or more than the children I teach.
I enjoy going to church every Sunday because it's a place where I feel safe. I didn't know anyone in the large city I currently live in but after attending church I have many friends that support and love me.
I never turn down an opportunity to serve or offer assistance at church because I know that the personal growth that comes of it is not available anywhere else.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Larissa answered...

A ward is a congregation that meets together. Wards go by local boundaries. For example, those that live on the same street would be in the same ward. If you live across town, you may be in a different ward.
Stakes are a way to gather congregations or wards together. Every 6 months a stake will meet for worship and it unites the members.
A branch is smaller than a ward. When there are not enough members in a local area to call it a ward it is a branch.
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Michael answered...

For purposes of organization, a Ward or Branch is the group you meet with for church, based on where you live. They vary in size, branches are slightly smaller than wards, and wards vary in the various 100's of members. Wards and branches are then organized into stakes, containing several wards/branches.

What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?

Jen answered...

The word "testimony" is used frequently by members of The Church. When they use this, what they mean is they have knowledge that a certain principle or doctrine is true because they have studied it, and received a witness of it from the Holy Ghost. For example, to gain a 'testimony' of the Book of Mormon, you read it, study it, and ask Heavenly Father if it is true. He will typically respond with a feeling of peace or happiness. This feeling is the witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. Once you receive this witness, you have built a testimony of the Book Of Mormon. This process can be applied to any aspect of The Church, or your life.