Hi, I'm Carina

I'm a writer and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a professional writer. I hate sleeping because it's a waste of time. I'm married to a teacher. We have two adorable, and quite possibly genius, children who have destroyed everything I own. I probably watch too much TV, I used to be a movie critic, and I knew about that band before you did.

I'm crazy about design. In my spare time I write more, paint, read The New Yorker, cook, bake, try to finish one of the four novels I'm reading, golf, sew, and have deeply meaningful discussions about Lost and BSG. Turns out I don't have a lot of spare time.

I'm a civically-active liberal Mormon. It's important to stand up for what you believe in and to participate in civic dialogue. I'm Spanish, love to travel, wear inappropriate shoes, and have lived all over Europe.

And I think you're pretty cool.

Why I am a Mormon

I find a deep satisfaction in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love that we have a living gospel, one that is open to changes and new revelation. We're encouraged to foster a personal relationship with God, pray directly to him, raise profound questions and ask for guidance. I can receive answers to those prayers. I love that motherhood is viewed as equal to priesthood, working in tandem to accomplish great works. I know that I'm especially beloved by my Heavenly Father as a woman. I have purpose and direction to my life, and know that death is not the end.

The shortest reason? It makes me happy.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

Going to Church services helps establish a community where you're aware of each other. So many people are just trying to make it through the day. Attending Church let's you know that you're not alone.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

I know that my prayers are answered by a loving Father in Heaven who cares about me, personally, and will help me with guidance, answers to questions, and support when I most need it.

Prayer is my favorite parenting tool. If I'm frustrated with my children, or I don't know how to help them grow, I'll say a prayer. As often as not, I'm rewarded with patience and a new idea to try.

How I live my faith

I think that respecting you and your faith says just as much about me as anything I could write here. I love a diversity of thoughts, opinions, and cultural backgrounds; it's what gives society its strength.

I'm trying to live the most Christian life I can. Am I continually looking for opportunities to help my friends and neighbors? Did I see a need and try to fill it? Was there someone whose path I crossed that seemed bereft? The more I try to fulfill the needs of others, the less I think about my own worries. I've recently been making meals for our town's homeless shelter, something coordinated with other women in my neighborhood. I volunteer at my child's school and help mentor new mothers.

I currently work with the Cub Scouts and it's really fun. Seeing kids who are just beginning to exercise independent skills and thoughts, and helping them discover the leadership inside themselves is rewarding. It's a blast to work with those balls of energy!

I really do attend church services every Sunday, contribute tithing, and try to live a deliberate life.

What do Mormons believe about family?

Carina answered...

The short answer? We're for them.

The long answer? Family is the building block of our global society: it transcends class, culture, language, and geography. There is nothing as important as what happens within the walls of your home. Your family should be your first priority. Children deserve to be loved, nurtured, taught, and guided. Parents have a duty to teach their children, raise them with love, and help set a moral compass. I love that Mormons are encouraged to say "No," even to church activities, if we feel it interferes with our family life.
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Bradley. answered...

The family is a key component to support us in God's plan for gaining immortality and eternal life. All of God's children (all the inhabitants that lived, are living, and will live on Earth) are inseperably connected to each other, both (physically) by our Earthly families and (spiritually) by our Heavenly Father.

Families help us to understand our divine heritage. In this, life takes on purpose and meaning. Our immortal spirits were created by our Heavenly Father before Earthly existance, and we are directly connected to Him in this way. As a spiritual family, our collective purpose on Earth is to follow the commandments of God that lead us to live in heaven with Him again.

Our spirits need to progress, learn, and grow. In order to achieve that, Earthly existance was created as our test. Our Heavenly Father knew that being exposed to opposing forces on Earth was the only way for us to gain knowledge and wisdom.

However, we will not always choose righteousness, and so our Savior, Jesus Christ, is that great mediator to pay the debt of our mistakes. He is the only way by which we can be saved from our sins and transgressions. He is the ultimate example by which direction we need to live our lives. With the support of our earthly kin, we can learn from each other, serve each other, and strengthen our mortal weaknesses by being disciples of Christ. Our families are a gift from God, and we can be together forever.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Matt answered...

We believe that family relationships are the sources of life's greatest joys. We also believe that families can be together forever.