Hi, I'm Umeka

I was born & raised in NC, I now live in MI. I was converted & baptized in 1993. I'm a wife. I'm a mom. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I got married in October 2005 in the Washington DC Temple and we have a 2 year old daughter. I am a stay at home mom which proves to be both rewarding and taxing at times. I love being home with my daughter but there are also times when I miss working in the "outside world." But I find comfort in knowing that I can take care of and provide for her like no one else can or will. I also realize that I am extremely fortunate to have the ability to make the decision to stay at home. My husband is my best friend and my life's greatest blessing and I'm fortunate to have such a strong supporter in my life.

As for hobbies, I love to knit, I taught myself how to do it about a year ago and have moved quickly from one project to the next. I love to read, or be read to (I have recently discovered audiobooks). I enjoy watching movies and television though I try to limit my time doing both. I love to talk, I love people and that makes me very social person. I truly enjoy time spent with family, both immediate and extended.

Why I am a Mormon

I was baptized in 1993 and decided to do so because my mom was going to get baptized - that is why I was a Mormon then.

Why am I a Mormon now - because I believe that Joseph Smith had a vision, because I believe he was a latter-day prophet of God, because I believe the Book of Mormon is a true testament of Christ. Those are all the "textbook" answers. But when I really ask myself "why am I a Mormon" and ponder that question then I realize it is because: I have felt the healing powers of the priesthood for myself and witnessed it in the lives of others. I have felt the Spirit strongly when listening to the prophets and apostles of the church speak as well as our local leaders. I believe in the principals of the gospel, the plan of salvation, eternal families, etc. Plus, it just makes me want to be a better person, a better wife, a better mother...a more Christ-like example.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer is an essential part of my daily life! As a family we of course say our prayers over our meals and before bedtime. But I also find myself whispering short prayers throughout the day. I find myself praying for the safety of my husband during his commute home from work. I often get muscle spasm in my lower legs and thigh and find myself praying for a quick healing so that I can go about my day. I pray for increased patience with my daughter, as well as just to be a better parent in general. I could go on and on but the point that I am attempting to make is that there is no prayer which is too small for our Heavenly Father to answer. He wants us to ask him for help, he encourages us to do so. I honestly do not believe I could make it through my day without prayer.

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

I think we can develop greater harmony in our homes by continually striving to be more Christlike. That in itself can seem like a daunting task but I think it's important to take things one step at a time so as to not overwhelm youself. First start family prayers, you can start with just one a day if necessary and then add them as you see fit. Have family scripture reading on a daily basis. Have weekly activities as a family. I think as you begin to do more spiritual things as a family the harmony will be a direct consequence of it. Just by doing these things in our home we have even noticed a difference in our 2 year old!

How I live my faith

I currently work with the female youth in our ward between the ages of 12-18. We plan all sorts of activities for them, from crafts to sporting activities to service activities.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Umeka answered...

No, a mission is not a requirement! It is strongly encouraged for males who are of the proper age and worthiness to fulfill a full-time mission but at the same time the church never forces anyone to serve. My husband has been an active and worthy member of the church for his entire life but decided not to serve a mission. Female members can serve a mission at the age of 21 if they so desire.
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Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

Do Mormons practice polygamy?

Clayton answered...

No, we don't. People typically mix up Mormons with their reformed break offs. Several of those groups practice polygamy, even though historically the commandment from the Lord to have plural marriages has been repealed.