Hi, I'm Gail

Biological science is my passion. I play the viola in a symphony. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a convert as of 18 years old to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a student of biological "Ecology and Evolution" in college, a violist in one of the symphonies where I live and I am married to an amazing man that have the opportunity to be with forever.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in a family with a Pagan mother and Deist father. While I myself was never taught a specific religion while growing up, I remember even as a little girl praying to God and Jesus knowing they were real and that they are my friends. My neighborhood friend introduced me the Community of Christ Church which I attended for a while and learned basics about the Book of Mormon. But I knew there was more I needed to study so I started meeting with the Mormon missionaries. At first I was pretty combative and it was hard for me to feel the Spirit, but over time, a year in fact, following the missionaries’ diligence and after allowing my heart to soften, I knew I had found the right faith for me. I feel so at home and am so grateful for my decision to meet with the missionaries. I am glad Joseph Smith restored Jesus' church and we have a living Prophet today to guide us in the Latter Days. I am comforted knowing I can be with my family forever and that someone as imperfect as me can be so loved.

Personal Stories

Think about your everyday activities. What are things you act upon each day where you cannot see the end results? How does faith move you to action?

Faith more than anything gives me the courage to act. I feel like so many people assume because I am conventionally sucessful by todays standards that I must really know what I am doing. The truth is I don't always or even the majority of the time know what I am doing despite being an incessant planner and intellect. My secret is following the good things in my heart and always relying my knowledge of the love Heavenly Father has for me and that He will guide me.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer and learning has always kept me grounded. I remember as a child without a religion praying and without being taught how to do so and still recieving the answers I needed. Because of this, even as child I knew of my Heavenly Father and Jesus's love for me. Latter in life it has lead me down paths I don't think I would have had the courage to walk otherwise. I can always feel love from the heavens. Prayer has given me an outlet to go beyond my inner self, the strength to move forwards and to know what is right.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is more than just wishing for something good. It is a feeling of knowing all will turn out for the best. I hope for all to know the joy and peace I have found in my life. It isn't an easy life, but my cup is full.

Please share your feelings/testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel.

I always wondered why there was so much contention amoung all the religion. When I discoved the LDS Mormon church it was refreshing to know that wherever I went I would be taught the same doctrine in the church.Heavenly Father, through Joseph Smith, brought a piece of harmony and important principles I see as nessesary in these latter days to keep the peace and help us work together and work on ourselves.

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

I like knowing that there is more to this life that meets the eyes. It makes this life more exciting and purposeful. I adore having a plan since I am planner simply said, because it makes me feel more like I have a handel on the big things. I am grateful to know that I will not be forgotten and I can continue learning for the rest of eternity. I love knowing that I can be with my husband and family forever. This knowledge has made me see this life is a blip on the time scale, so we should love to the fullest and keep pressing forward!

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

The Holy Ghost guides me when I am unsure or need of a confirmation. In my conversion the Holy Ghost was my light along the dark path. It is hard thing to describe, but it acted as my friend when I felt I had none. It didn't phyically talk to me late at night or something a traditional friend does, but it calmed the deepest fears and worries I have ever had. I have that comfort to this day and I have been becoming better at not only understanding that comfort, but following the promtings of the Holy Ghost as well.

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

Missions in the church are to spread the Gospel or simply have a humanitian element. Something that really irritated me before I actually joined the church was idea I had in my head that the Mormon Church, like many other churches, wouldn't help others unless those needing help would be smothered with religion/and or accept it. Frankly, to me that is deplorable. But after meeting the missionaries and converting, helping the missionaries, going "tracting" door to door, doing all the service projects, reading about all the humanitarian things they do like the relief in Hurricane Katrina and in other parts of the world, etc. I learned that my assumption about the church was so very wrong. Yes, the church and missionaries do prostalytize too, but over all they care more about the well being for all in this world and will take the shirt off their backs whether you are a member or not.

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

By doing simple things. Some one for me this is a hard concept. I plan a lot and try to make grandeur, stratigical moves in my life. Though when it come to home the things that really work are simple time together where money doesn't have to be the object, reading the scriptures together, talking to each other about each others day, giving aid and comfort, and pray together to stengthen your bond together and with God.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Talents bring people together and make this life a little sweeter. How many talents honestly drive people away? When we share our talents and gifts we are creating good energy and bonding of those who are around.

Could you talk about your baptism?

My baptism was a joyous and nerve racking time for me. I knew that I was doing the right thing and my Lord was there for me every step of the way. The problem? My family didn't agree with my choice. It was hard and I was disowned in many forms. I could feel negative forces trying to pull me away. But I remained diligent and after much fighting for my beliefs I think my family gained some respect and even came to my baptism. I know I made the right choice no matter how hard it was.

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

We do family history so that we may know our pasts and do temple work for those who have passed on so that they can obtain all the ordiances the Gospel has to offer. Let me tell ya, once you start doing genealogy work you can't stop! It is addicting since it is like one giant puzzle. It is so satifying when put the peice in the right place.

What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?

I have to say my family, other than the family I married into, are not members. At first they hated me becoming Mormon and even more so they hated me getting married in the Temple. They felt this way because of the influences of the world told them Mormons are pious, close minded, misdirected and exclusionary people. While I can't change what the world tells them in a day, I can change how they feel about me and my husband. Over time just living the Gospel and loving my non-member family for who they are and not what they think the church wants them to be has made them gain respect for us and our faith. Slowly, but surely they are becoming more comfortable with the Gospel and the good things in it.

What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?

What hasn't been a blessing would be an easier question, but I will try to answer it to the point! As weird as it sounds, I only have a half brother who is 15 years older than I and isn't leading a good life, thus I barely know him. Most of all Jesus Christ in some odd, pseudo sense is there for me as my older brother that I don't have at the moment. He watches over me and shows me the way. I can feel his endless love and know he is always there for me. I can look to him in hard times and know someone has been there before. I know he can lift me up and put me back on the right track. All there things are a great comfort and strength.

How I live my faith

I consider myself as living my faith to God by studying science. This is a huge part of my heart and soul. The more I learn about the science of the world I personally can not deny God. They are one in the same and Heavenly father is the ultimate chemist and planner. I hope throughout my journey as a scientist I can mend some of the hurts between religion and science.

I also live my faith through music. Often times when I play my viola for myself or others I can feel God's power through my veins. This one of my talents, and although I am terrified at times to share it, after the fact I am always glad I did.

Most importantly, I serve Heavenly Father through my service at church and at home with my family. At church I am a choirister and activities commitee member. I love being able to use music and fellowshiping-fun to bring all of us closer to together and closer to God. At home, I spend time with my husband and we take care of each other. We invite all in home whether family or friend or potential friend!. I love being a wife and when the time is right for us, I look forward to becoming a mother.

What is the priesthood?

Gail answered...

The Priesthood is a priviledge, not a right. The Priesthood is a token given to worthy men on while we are on earth to act in the name of God. With that said, all men have the power in any way to act, but not all have the jurisdiction to act. The Prophet has more juisdiction compared to someone else.
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Ethan answered...

I like to approach questions by looking at the words of things

"priest" has reference to either the concept of one who leads, one who is elder, or one who is holy I like to remember that the words 'holy' and 'whole' are linked by a common ancestry. When something is 'holy' it's essentially saying that it's complete, that it's healthy..

And "-hood" makes reference to the state of being, and not just any state of being but a state of being that's worthy or correct for it's placement. That is, that it's done properly.

So one could say the priesthood is leadership or a point of reference that's completely suited to the position in which it's been placed.

Another way to look at it is to say it's God's perfect order. That is, it's God's perfect arrangement.

In our Church we often give a definition of priesthood as being "the authority to act in God's name" and that's exactly what it means to be a part of God's perfect order. If God commands something to be done by you, and you do it, then you are acting under, and with that portion of God's authority that he's permitted you to exercise within his perfect order.

Just as with any instance where someone tries to act in the name of someone else there are bound to be those who try and do so falsely. That's why God has things ordered in such a way that one can know for certain if someone has His God's authority, or not.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.