Hi, I'm Larisa.

I am a Mormon.

About Me

My life is great! I have a super sweet husband, an awesome family, and enjoy my work as a teacher and graduate student. My hobbies include books, movies, food (eating and preparing), and spending time with family and friends. I live in Texas and feel so blessed to be an American citizen.

Why I am a Mormon

From childhood my parents taught me to love the Savior and follow his teachings. The Mormon church is the best guide to help me become like Jesus. I have a testimony of his atonement and love for me. Experiences throughout my life have confirmed that testimony. Also, seeing the blessings that have come into my family member's lives reconfirm to me that peace and happiness comes from following the teachings of the LDS church.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

God has answered my prayers in small and great ways. He has directed me to find a lost wallet or to choose a career path. Most importantly, the big decisions of life (marriage and education) have been made based on the guiding influence of God's holy spirit. When I needed to pick out a graduate school, the spirit whispered to my mind the thought that I needed to consider a university in Texas. I fought the impression for a long time, but once I followed the prompting, I applied to the school I now attend and was accepted. They even gave me a scholarship! I know because I prayed about this decision that God guided me to make the best choice.

How I live my faith

My faith is deep rooted in my heart, soul, and identity. Everything I do is based on my testimony of Jesus Christ. I want to have his guidance in all I do so I regularly read the Bible and other scriptures, pray daily, and follow the Savior's teachings. Weekly church attendance and regular temple attendance are also integral in my living my faith. But more than that, I know I am a daughter of God and consequently strive to reflect that knowledge by my actions.

What is the Relief Society?

Larisa. answered...

The Relief Society is the oldest and largest world-wide organization for women. We learn in our Sunday meetings how to be better women, mothers, daughters, and followers of Christ. We study the scriptures together, enjoy fun weekday activities together, and most importantly, watch out and care for each other. My life has been blessed by Relief Society sisters who fed my family, cared for family members, and were the listening ears for a sore and troubled heart. We also provide service for others not of our faith, such as making quilts and hygiene kits for newborn babies. It feels good to belong to a women's organization that is focused on serving others and not on ourselves.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.