Hi, I'm Karla.

I have the best job in the whole world. I'm a mom, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a mom of four kids: 3 boys and a girl. I'm also a wife- 22 years and still in love!! I really like being outdoors. I have lots of fun with my family going camping, biking, snowmobiling, hiking, and playing games. Our favorite games are card games, Guesstures, and hide-n-go seek in the dark! Spending time laughing together is something that brings us closer. I also enjoy reading, sewing, paper crafts, and listening to music.

Why I am a Mormon

When I was 19 years old, I decided I wanted to live in Colorado. That seemed a little crazy, since I had never been there before! I packed up my car with all my belongings, and have loved every minute here! About 6 months after I moved to Colorado, I decided to room with a girl I worked with. I had no idea she was a mormon, or even what a mormon was. Within a short time, she started to talk about the church she grew up in. I was curious, and asked to know more. I eventually got up the courage to go to the church, where I met some sister (female) missionaries. Soon after, the elders (male missionaries) started coming over and taught me the lessons. I remember just "feeling" that what they were telling me was true. I'll never forget the way I felt when I knelt for the first time to say a prayer. The answer I received was overpowering, and I agreed to be baptized.
Now, 23 years later, I can honestly say that every single good thing in my life is tied to that one prayer. Living the gospel brings me an incredible sense of peace and understanding. I also love the people I've been able to meet through the church. I'm a quiet and private person, but fulfilling various callings (church assignments) has taught me so many things that I would have never learned otherwise. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

Personal Stories

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

There are several ways to serve a mission for the Church. Probably the most common are the young men wearing suits and riding bikes all around town. My oldest son left 17 months ago to serve a mission in Canada. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was to send him off to a far away place knowing I wouldn't get to see him or talk to him in 2 years! He can send weekly emails and when I see the personal growth in him, it makes it worth every bit of sacrifice on my part!! I know he loves the Lord by the way he serves in his area. His letters inspire me to want to share the gospel with every person I meet!

What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?

I think the main way we can strengthen our families is by putting them first in our lives. When I make my family my top priority, I am always happier. This isn't always easy... but it IS worth it! Doing things like praying together daily helps us know that we're all looking out for each other. I love to hear my children pray for me. I so appreciate when I hear my husband plead to my Heavenly Father in prayer for something I may be struggling with. It really does bring us closer as a couple, and as a family.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

I'd say just the daily living of the gospel of Jesus Christ is what brings greater harmony to my home. When we all try to treat each other with kindness, respect and love, we get along better. Oftentimes that means putting others needs before my own.

How I live my faith

Being a member of the church really encompasses my whole life. I love to be busy, and I feel like being a member of the church keeps me plenty busy! Right now I serve in our women's organization. We plan monthly activities that teach, inspire and encourage others to be their best. I also enjoy volunteering in my community by driving senior citizens to their appointments. When my kids were younger, I was often in the school, but now that they're older, not so much. I love the programs of the church! I've spent many years teaching in the children's organization, being a den leader in cub scouts, teaching younger girls home skills, and being a visiting teacher. Visiting teaching is a program where we go meet with other women at least once a month: teaching, caring for, and helping them with whatever they might need right then. It's a program where we just get to meet and be friends! I love it! The gospel of Jesus Christ really helps me strive to be a better person, and this in turn makes me happy!

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Karla. answered...

When I wanted to know if the Church was true, I said a simple, heartfelt prayer. I was overcome with the Spirit and just knew that what I was hearing and learning was absolutely true. Then as I acted on that feeling, and was baptized, my testimony continued to grow.
Sean answered...

Before I was baptized, a missionary told me that I could read the Book of Mormon and find out for myself if it was true. I liked that idea. I've always been a person who wanted to know the truth for myself. After the missionary had suggested I read it, I decided to try. It was a big step of faith to pick up a book and read it without knowing for sure. Over time, I developed a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.

The same goes for knowing if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Christ once again established on this earth. A simple prayer to your Heavenly Father can open so many doors of truth.

The real way that I know it is true is how it has helped my life. Without the Church, I'd be lost. I am grateful for it, and for the knowledge I have that it is true.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Adam answered...

There is a lot of vocabulary that is unique to Mormonism, including the terms we use for our congregations.

A ward is a local congregation, usually made up of between 200-600 members. Wards have specific geographic boundaries, so which ward you attend would depend on where you live. A ward is presided over by a lay priesthood holder called a bishop.

A branch is similar to a ward, except it is smaller. They range in size from a single family to the size of a small ward. Generally, branches are in areas without a significant Mormon population, specific to a language, or for individuals who are single. Branches do not have bishops, but are presided over by a branch president.

A stake is a larger organization in the church. Several wards and branches, frequently around 12, will comprise a stake. The stake is able to support the wards and branches through additional resources and leadership. Stakes are presided over by stake presidents.