Hi, I'm Connie

I live in the heartland of the USA. I'm a wife and mother of five with a passion for philanthropy. I'm a Mormon!

About Me

Hello there! I am a busy lady, like most women I know. I usually start my day at about 4:30 a.m. and I am soon on the run with my responsibilities. I am married and my husband and I have been blessed to be parents of five gentlemen. All of our sons were born in the 1990's, which meant I was exhausted for a decade, but I was too happy about motherhood to care. Raising a righteous family is the most important thing in my life, because I love my husband and each of our children dearly.

I work full time as a professional fundraiser and grant writer. Currently, I am working toward my Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development. My undergraduate degree is in Management: Business Administration. I also like to volunteer in the community and provide service for my church. When time permits, I love to take trips with my family, write poems, stories, songs, etc., play my flute, take photos, design handmade cards, read, and a million other things that catch my interest.

I often tell people, "If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!"

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in the church and one day, as a teenager, I knew it was time for me to decide if I really believed what I had been taught all of my life, or turn my back and walk away from it all. I know that I am a daughter of God and that I lived with Him before I came to this earth. As a result, He knows me personally -- my name, my personality, my talents, my weaknesses -- and He loves and cares about me. I prayed to my Father in Heaven as I made that important decision, some 20 years ago, and I know that He heard and answered me. Today, I know with a surety that the gospel is true. I am certain that living its principles brings happiness for today and joy for eternity.

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

The Plan of Happiness helps me to fully understand who I am, where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. It provides direction for my life, helping me to keep an eternal perspective when I face life's challenges ... we all have them, just in different packages. I know that this life is a time to experience many things, to be challenged, to be tested, and to find joy in the journey. Through this amazing plan, we have the opportunity to live with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families for eternity. What could be happier than that?

How I live my faith

My faith impacts every step of my life. My relationship with my Heavenly Father influences everything I do and everything I am. I currently serve in our church's Young Women program, an organization specially designed for teenage girls. It is also my privilege to visit and teach two women in our community, who have become dear friends. In the past, I have served the younger children and other adult women in our church. My civic involvement includes helping at the food bank, serving in the schools, acting as a Boy Scout merit badge counselor, and providing assistance to numerous organizations whose missions I respect. I believe that every minute spent in service to others, both in our church and in our community, provides direct blessings. I know serving others improves my outlook, increases my compassion, and humbles my heart...all of which are tremendous blessings to me and my family.

Why are Mormons asked to donate 10% of their income to their Church?

Connie answered...

We believe that paying a full tithe, 10% of income, is a commandment from the Lord that was followed in ancient times and was restored to us today. These funds are used to build up the church. In return, we are richly blessed for this small sacrifice. In reality, consecrating our time, talents, and means is a privilege, an honor to our Creator, who provided all we have.
Megan Cosgriff answered...

Latter Day Saints(Mormons) donate 10% of their income to the church because the Lord has commanded us too! In Proverbs 3:9 it says, "Honour the Lord with substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." This is talking about tithing, tithing literally means one-tenth, which is 10%. So when the Lord commands us to donate one-tenth of our increase(income) that is what we do. If you look at Malachi 3:8-10 you will see that the Lord is asking for us to give him our tithes (10%) and in return he will open the windows of Heaven and pour out blessings, so many that we won't be able to contain them. Wouldn't you want to receive innumerable blessings for just giving Him 10% of your pay check? It seems like a pretty fair trade to me.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Paul answered...

The Church considers homosexuality a sinful practice that is engaged in via the agency of the individuals involved. What I mean is that those who participate in homosexual activities make the choice to do so. No one is born gay as that would be contrary to God’s plan of happiness for His children. Nor would He (God) place someone on earth who was wholly incapable of keeping His commandment pertaining to sexual conduct. Our Heavenly Father has revealed that sex (all forms of intimate relations) are to be exercised only between a man and a woman who are legally married to one another and in no other forum. The genders of the two parties and the exclusivity of their participation in sexual activity is central to acceptable obedience to God’s commands in this area. Additionally the first commandment given to Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden was to “multiply & replenish the earth”. This important commandment is thwarted by homosexuality. While it is no secret that many (including members of the Church) struggle with feelings of same sex attraction this does not (nor will it) change what God has revealed. As a result the Church has (& will continue) spoken out on this subject all the while insisting that the “one man, one woman, married” paradigm is God’s design for the happiness & destiny of all of His children. As far as the importance of the topic goes it is certainly relevant as numerous members of the Church struggle with homosexual feelings or actions.

It is my understanding that as long as an individual does not act on homosexual feelings or tendencies (there’s the agency again/the ability to choose) and conducts himself or herself in accordance with God’s commands no disciplinary measures are taken and standing within the Church is maintained. Members who engage in homosexuality on the other hand face disciplinary measures that may restrict their membership in the Church or remove their membership altogether.

Many people are aware the Church has been active in causes that support marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This institution supports the traditional family composed of a father, a mother, and children. Since we believe the family to be the basic unit of society and the foundation upon which good communities and nations are built we are concerned with any institution that strikes against that model. Homosexuality and same-sex marriage is incompatible with our understanding of the plan God has for His children. A great summary of the Church’s view on families is encapsulated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World (on the Church web site)