Hi, I'm Noel.

I'm a mom, a College Grad and I used to work in Special Ed. My family and my faith mean everything to me. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm the mother of a beautiful little girl, and I'm married to a wonderful man, who is supportive and loving. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and worked in a specialized Autism program before getting married and becoming a full-time mom. I loved my job, and it was hard to say goodbye to those kids. I hope to go back to school in the future and get a Master's in Speech Pathology.
With a sweet little girl demanding much of my attention, it's hard to cultivate hobbies. But when I have the time I enjoy reading, singing, playing the piano, writing my own songs, making cards, and spending time with friends and family members. I also grew up in the mountains, and I love being outdoors. Traveling has always been a love of mine. My mother is Swiss, so I've spent a lot of time in Europe. I also lived in Spain for over a year, serving a mission for the Mormon Church. I miss that beautiful country, the culture, and the people I came to love.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I know that the doctrine taught within the Mormon Church is true. I grew up attending the Mormon Church, and I always felt happy as I tried to live the things that my parents taught me. I didn't follow them blindly though. I wanted to find answers for myself, and really make sure that I had faith in the things that I was taught. When I was a teenager I began a serious study of the Book of Mormon. I prayed to know whether or not it was a true book, inspired of God, and He answered my prayers with a feeling of peace and joy. I know that Heavenly Father spoke to me through the Spirit, and that He will answer your prayers as you sincerely go to Him for help.
My faith in Jesus Christ has been strengthened as I've read and tried to apply the teachings in the Book of Mormon, and the Bible. Jesus Christ is the center of our faith, and our only hope for salvation. He is the reason that I continue to go to Church, and try to live my faith. I want to please Him, and my Heavenly Father. I want to become like them, and to love others as Christ does. As a mother, I want to teach my children the truth. I know that security and happiness are found through living the teachings of Jesus Christ. I want others to know of that same lasting happiness that I have found in my life. I want them to know how much they are worth, to know of their great potential to do good, and to feel the love of the Savior.

Personal Stories

How has the Holy Ghost helped you?

The Holy Ghost has been an invaluable source of help and strength in my life. Through the Holy Ghost, I have been comforted during difficult times, felt peace and hope replace fear, and I've even been healed of physical illnesses. I've also received answers to prayers in the form of information, and inspiration. I remember the first time I really knew that the Holy Ghost had guided me. I was 12 years old, spending the summer with family in Switzerland. I was traveling in a car with my Aunt, Uncle, and my baby cousin, who was less than a year old at the time. As I sat next to my little cousin, she was chewing on a loaf of bread. Her parents said that it was okay, so I started looking out the window and tried to fall asleep. Suddenly, a heard a distinct voice that told me to look at my cousin. I obeyed, and saw that the baby was turning blue from chocking on some bread. I told my Uncle to pull over, as I got my cousin out of her car seat. Without thinking, I hit her on the back, and the piece of bread flew out of her mouth. I have not always been perfect about responding to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, but in this instance, it was a matter of life or death for my cousin. I am so grateful for the help I received, and grateful that I was able to respond.

How I live my faith

My parents took us to Church every Sunday when I was a child, and I continue to attend every week as an adult. I have been able to serve as a Sunday School teacher, a music chorister, an activity planner/coordinator for young adults, the President of our Women's Organization, and I currently visit different women in the Church every month as a Visiting Teacher. I get to know who they are, and provide service as it is needed. I've made some amazing friends through Visiting Teaching. My faith is not limited to Sundays. I try to live what I believe every day of the week. I try to be like Jesus. Every Monday night is devoted to our family, as we participate in Family Night. We have a gospel lesson, play a game, and enjoy time together. We also try to find opportunities to reach out to others throughout the week.

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

Noel. answered...

The Church believes that everyone on the Earth is a son or daughter of God, and that we are all equal. Everyone should be treated with respect, and no one should be stripped of their rights regardless of their sexual orientation. That being said, the Church also has declared that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God," and that "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual...identity and purpose."
Marriage is a religious institution, and we believe that the definition of marriage pertains to the union of a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage is another thing entirely, and we don't want the traditional definition of marriage to change because we believe that it is ordained of God. We support civil unions, and do not want to strip those who practice homosexuality of their rights, we just want to protect marriage.
Jacob answered...

We all have the freedom to pursue happiness in their own way, and I would even be willing to allow that some desires may be genetically given. This does not make our desires right. In the scriptures we read " For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." (Mosiah 3:19) We all have "natural desires" that place us in opposition with God's purpose and desires for us and we must each seek to correct them if we wish true happiness.

I sympathize with those whose desires are powerful and poignant; you face a sore trial indeed. The scriptures give us hope though; "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) God is merciful and Christ is compassionate, while there may be yet an effectual struggle to be had perhaps for many years or the rest of our lives full repentance and change is possible.

If a homosexual individual desires to continue as such and marry only by the laws and rites of the state, then I have no qualms, I will do my utmost to be a friend to such an individual. I only ask that my rights, beliefs, and Church are respected.

What do Mormons believe happens after we die?

Raewyn answered...

We were so very sad when our very special eleven year old grandson died in 2009. He suffered from life threatening asthma from birth and was often in hospital. He caught a virus which attacked his heart causing it to go into a dangerous rhythm, which eventually stopped his heart. Every attempt was made to save him but to no avail. The night he died, I thought I might die too - I was so overcome with grief. I was grieving not only for him but for our daughter and her family too. I received enormous comfort from my family and friends, especially those in the church and the outpouring of love and support was indescribable. However, the most comfort I received was my knowledge that I absolutely knew that we would see him again in the next life and that our family would be together forever in the eternities. I was also comforted to know that our grandson would be free from his health problems and be able to have peace. Even though I miss him terribly, I know he is happy and with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I feel his spirit around me often. I know with total conviction that the Lord has unconditionally supported all of our family through this trial and continues to do so daily.