Hi, I'm LaNelle

I'm an adoptive mom and former drama teacher from the South who loves to write and shop. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in South Carolina and the beach is my favorite place in the world!

After over 4 years of heartbreak related to infertility, my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl through adoption. Being a mom is something I wasn't sure I would get to experience and is something I am grateful for every single day. I love my little family so much!

Theater, teaching and writing are some of my passions. I have a master's degree in education and spent 3 years as a teacher before our little girl was born. I taught theater, speech and journalism to students in grades 4-12. I loved teaching and hope to return to the classroom when my daughter goes to school. One of my goals in life is to open a children's theater in my home town.

I am not a shy person and love to talk and voice my opinion. I'm the 2nd of 7 kids and have been known to be a little bossy every once in a while. I love to blog and enjoy the opportunity that it provides for me to express myself through writing. I find writing and blogging very therapeutic.

I love traveling, crafts, shopping (I can literally spend hours and hours at the mall) and almost anything pink, sparkly and girly!

Why I am a Mormon

My family started going to the Mormon church when I was only 4 years old. Being Mormon has been a part of my life for pretty much as long as I can remember, but the choice to be Mormon was never forced on me.

There are so many reasons that I love being Mormon, but probably the biggest is the feelings of peace and joy that come as a result of my faith. I feel loved and supported not only by my Father in Heaven, but also by others that share my faith.

I realized as a teenager and young adult that the standards and values that I was taught at church really were helping me become a good, healthy, strong and successful person. I feel blessed to have guidance in my life and answers to questions that many search for.

In the years when I struggled with the inability to have children, the gospel brought me comfort and peace. My understanding of the Lord's plan for me and His love for me has helped me through some really difficult days, week and months.

As a Mormon I am also automatically a member of a huge organization of women that has offered me so much. I love that when I go to church I get to meet and know women from all different phases in life. I have made incredible friendships and have learned so much from these women. Knowing that I'm not alone is one of the greatest blessings I have been given.

Being Mormon has also given me the confidence that my family is forever and that when my loved ones die, they are not gone forever. Knowing that I will be with my family again no matter what happens on this earth is another incredible blessing in my life.

Personal Stories

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

For me, the Plan of Happiness provides the knowledge that there is a purpose for my life. It hasn't been easy for me to deal with infertility, but because I believe that there is plan for me, I am able to look at the situation with renewed hope. I really believe that my Father in Heaven does have a plan for me and it is the plan that will bring me the most happiness. This has given me comfort when things are hard and has given me hope for future joy. It has also helped me feel joy now as I realize that my life is not an accident and that the struggles that I face now will ultimately help me and lead me to future joy and happiness.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Prayer plays an important part in my life. For me, prayer is important because it helps me take a few minutes each day to refocus on what is important. It helps me to take the time to think about not only what I need or what isn't going well in my life, but to also think about the good things that have happened and the blessings that I have.

Prayer also helps me feel like I am not alone. When I pray, I feel closer to the Lord. I feel peace and I am reminded that I am not alone.

When I was young, I was taught that prayer is like my own personal connection with the Lord and I truly believe that it is!

How I live my faith

I live my faith in some really ordinary every day choices. I wear modest clothing, I choose not to drink alcohol or smoke and I reserve Sundays for family. Each day I pray alone and with my family and tell my daughter that Jesus loves her.

I also get to teach the 4 year olds at church each Sunday. It is such a fun thing to get to watch those little children get excited about learning about Jesus.

I also get to serve those that are in need by participating in humanitarian projects and helping people that go to church with me and people in my community.

Who are the Mormons?

LaNelle answered...

Mormons are people who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

We are Christians who believe in Jesus Christ. We read and believe in the Bible and also have a book called the Book of Mormon that we consider scripture.
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What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Aman answered...

While I do not condone it, I will never look down on anyone for living a homosexual lifestyle. One of the greatest things God has given us is the right to choose, and I work hard not to judge anyone for the choices they make. I believe the church feels the same way. While not condemning those people who live said lifestyle, according to ancient and modern prophets, God has never condoned such a way of life. Therefore, the church continues to preach relationships and marriage between man and a woman, and families consisting of such an organization.