Hi, I'm Ashley

I live my religion. I love my family. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am eighteen years old and the oldest of eight. My parents divorced and remarried when I was seven years old; I converted to the church a year later. I am studying elementary education at a great university. My passion is helping children with disabilities. I love Disney, family vacations, and old movies. I love to read, cook, and organize. Most of all, I love this Gospel!

Why I am a Mormon

My mom remarried to a man who was a member of this church. We both took the discussions and decided to be baptized. My testimony was solidified years later when I decided to find out the truth of the gospel principles for myself. I don't know everything. I learn new things about this Church every day. What I do know is this: Jesus Christ lived on this earth and died for my sins. If I keep the commandments, I can return to my Heavenly Father. The gospel was restored to this earth through Joseph Smith, and the prophets and apostles today speak truth, just as they did in biblical times. I know that I can repent of my sins and become better through the Atonement of Christ, if I come to my Heavenly Father with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I know that the family is the central unit of this church and that I have a responsibility to uphold its importance and to teach, edify, and strengthen my own family...especially when I enter an eternal companionship. I believe these things with all my heart. To me, they are the ultimate truths. I testify of them in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Harmony in my home has always been a challenge. I live with my mom and my step-father and four of my siblings. For a long time, I struggled with the idea that my family was different than other, "traditional" Latter-day Saint families. With divorced parents and a "mixed" family, family closeness was and continues to be an issue for us. The answer I received to my many prayers was that I was only accountable for what I could do, but that I could be doing more. I started to spend more time with my family, and consistently told them I loved them. At college I make special efforts to talk to my family, and every week I send my siblings cards bearing my testimony of gospel principles that I feel apply to their lives. I can't do everything, and it's not my job to do everything, but I have seen the love increase in my family. In time I will marry in the temple to a worthy priesthood holder, and we will start our own eternal family, and raise our children in a celestial environment. For now, I'm doing what I can...and it is enough!

How I live my faith

I love to read the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets and apostles and try to apply them to my life. I am preparing to be the best wife and mother I can possibly be by developing Christlike traits and learning temporal skills. I'm nowhere near perfect, but my partnership with the Savior is perfect. His grace and goodness fill in the many places where I fall short. I am eternally grateful to have the Gospel in my life! I previously served as a primary teacher, for children ages 5 and 6. I serve in the bishopric as an assistant to my Bishop, by making and attending appointments for the women in my ward (this is a wholly unique calling...I am part of a student ward!) I love to serve the women in my Relief Society and often administer to them through kind words and home cooking. Outside of church, I have volunteered in three special needs classes and currently volunteer in a kindergarten class for children that need extra help.

Do Mormons only help Mormons?

Ashley answered...

Nope! Our church has organized programs, funded through church members' donations, that administer relief to people of all religions in all parts of the world. Furthermore, members are encouraged to help others in their neighborhoods and communities, through volunteer work, financial donations, and so forth. We believe that we are ALL God's children and try to treat one another as such.
Robert answered...

Absolutely not! I grew up in the church and I'd say the number of people that I've helped in the church is significantly smaller than the number of people I've assisted out side the church. This is not to say I don't help my fellow church members. We believe that we are all children of our Heavenly Father. And by that reasoning we are all brothers and sisters. I take that to heart and when I see someone in need I try to help to the best of my ability and training. Organized service projects aside, I've helped several stranded motorists on the side of the road. I give food to people I've seen that appear to be hungry on the side of the road. And for a long time, when I was growing up, my dad and I would do Meals on Wheels for those in need. I've volunteered at soup kitchens more recently. And during times of widely known hurricanes, I've volunteered on clean up crews multiple times. There is a song we have in our church called "Because I Have Been Given Much." I don't want to post the entire lyrics here, but they are available on a popular search engine. That song is very poignant to me and has always been near and dear to my heart. Also being a former Boy Scout, I have tried to uphold both the Scout Law and Oath to this day. I love my Heavenly Father, and I love my fellow man and want to do all I can to help others in any way I can.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Chris answered...

Since I do not think legislation will ever be enacted against it, we will have to stop it one person at a time. I think the key to this is placing the proper barriers between your life and the damning influence of pornography. That means staying away from unwholesome places, and putting the proper protections on your electronic devices. It also means controlling your thoughts.