Hi, I'm Trish Isabella

I am a mother to two creative children, married to an artist, a teacher, a writer, and a crafty person. I am a Latter-day Saint.

About Me

I am all about family! My husband, an illustrator, and I have been married for seventeen years. We have a handsome twelve-year-old son and a beautiful ten-year-old daughter. I come from a family of seven children. I am a teacher for BYU-Idaho and Community College of Vermont. Currently, I am working on earning a PhD in education. When not teaching, I am a writer and reader. I serve at church in any way I can to bring others the same happiness that is in my life. My family includes three deaf Dalmatians that we rescued. They bring much joy into our lives. We love to read, write, create art and crafty things, spend time with family and friends, swim, go to the beach, go on theme park rides, visit the zoo, learn about other cultures, and eat Mexican food.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Latter Day Saint because Jesus Christ makes it possible for families to be eternally sealed together. That is what prompted me to listen to the missionaries who taught me of the Savior's unconditional gift of the atonement. The Spirit guides my life, and I love serving in the Lord's temple. I have faith that Jesus Christ lives and loves me. I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of our triumphs and our struggles. This life is a blessing each and every day. I desire and look forward to spending eternity with my family.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

Latter-Day Saints believe in family. We are devoted to our families in ways that span generations and time. In fact, we are dedicated to building happy homes on earth and extending that love backward toward our ancestors. Genealogy is like tying ribbons between family members throughout all time. We love to share and hear stories of these amazing people who are part of the circle of our lives.

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

Starting a family proved difficult for my husband and me. We suffered some traumatic events on the journey to parenthood. I almost died on the quest. Yet, the Savior made the promise to me through my patriarchal blessing. I lived, prayed, exercised faith, and worked toward that blessing. He softened hearts and people felt compelled to help. Through the modern miracle of In Vitro, we have two amazingly talented and beautiful children. They are as funny, silly, healthy, and happy as any other children being raised in a loving home. They are an answer to my prayers, my husband's prayers, my family's prayer, and a miracle in my life.

How I live my faith

While I have served in a variety of areas of the ward, my favorite callings are those dealing with teaching. I started my membership teaching precious little children in nursery and primary. Those sweet children taught me the love of our Savior is tender. I taught Sunday school to adults, which I absolutely loved. I live my faith all week long. I am an online instructor for BYU-Idaho, which is an amazing blessing in my life. I am able to let my spirit shine forth with the pure love of Christ, which is charity. I love learning and teaching in this diverse world. I believe in loving others by learning their cultures and celebrating the beauty within them.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Danny T answered...

No but he is worthy of respect.
Alan answered...

No. "Worship" is reserved for members of the Godhead: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Worship means giving absolute devotion, adoration, and submission to someone, and only God is worthy of receiving true worship. God said "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)" So what do we think about Joseph Smith? He was a mortal man called by God to serve as a prophet, and he was a great prophet. We love Joseph Smith, we study his teachings, and we are grateful for the work he did. But we do not worship him any more than we worship Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Peter, or any other prophet. We worship God.

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

Ryan answered...

To have feelings of attraction for members of the same sex is not a sin. Acting upon those inclinations is. We all are tempted with things that will draw us away from God's plan of happiness if we act upon them. The choice is ours whether to act upon those inclinations or not.

God's plan for us involves the family unit as the primary building block of our interactions with our fellow human beings. Anything that disrupts the healthy creation of those building blocks will frustrate our happiness in this life and in the life to come.