Hi, I'm Amber

I'm an opera singer. I'm a wife and mother of 3. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My husband recently gave me a card that listed 27 of my jobs on it and said he knew there were more that he didn't list. Tops on the list is mom. We have 3 fantastic kids that keep me very busy. My second favorite job is as an opera singer. I'm good but I keep it local so I can take care of my family. And third, I'm a construction worker. I love to do work on the house like our current project of closing in the basement so I'm doing drywall and lots of painting. I love to paint bright colors!

Why I am a Mormon

When I was in high school, I had a wonderful friend who introduced me to the Church. I studied the Book of Mormon, prayed a lot, argued theology with my friend and my pastor, and, in the end, I realized I knew the Church was true and I needed to get baptized. It was a tough decision, because I knew my family was opposed to it. But, I could not deny what I knew was true and so I took the plunge...literally. That was over 20 years ago and I have never regretted it. Being a mormon has brought me so much joy over the years. My husband also chose to be baptized shortly after our wedding and we have since been sealed as a forever family in the Temple of the Lord. I am so grateful to know that my family will be with me throughout all eternity.

Personal Stories

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

Before I met my husband, I had the opportunity to serve a mission for the Church in Ukraine. I wasn't even sure where Ukraine was except I knew it was cold there and I am not good in the cold! But, I knew I had been called by a Prophet of the Lord and so off I went for 18 months. While there, I had so many amazing experiences. I can't relay them all. I became a world traveler, I learned another language, and I got to make some really exceptional, lifelong friends. I got to use my talents to arrange and perfom operatic concerts. And, best of all, I got to bring people to Christ through baptism and improve their lives with the Gospel.

How I live my faith

My husband, children and I attend church together each Sunday. I teach the women gospel truths once a month. Each morning we get up early to read scriptures and pray together as a family. At night, we take turns saying prayers. The kids love to turn the hand on the prayer wheel to show whose turn it is. In daily life, there are a million chances to see the Gospel in action and to teach our children how much Heavenly Father loves them.

What is being a Mormon like?

Kaitlin Elise Gray answered...

Being a Mormon to be is by far the BEST way to live. I have never felt so much peace in my life from knowing and having that knowledge that I am a literal Daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me. I love knowing that I have a plan and a reason for being placed on this earth. I have a purpose and a Heavenly Father who wants nothing but the best for me!Being a Mormon makes me want to shout for joy! Having the restored gospel in my life and knowing that the TRUE church is once again on this earth brings me so much happiness. Being a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints brings me so much joy, and makes me want to share this truth and knowledge with everyone that I know. In fact, that is the VERY reason why I am serving a Mission. Also knowing that I can be with my family for Eternity, now there is no greater joy than that. I love being Mormon. I can not think of ANY way better to live
Shawn answered...

Being a Mormon is like being yourself but you will find more happiness through the gospel of Jesus Christ so you will a better yourself you won’t want to do the things you know are wrong. People will know that you are following Christ and they will respect you for that even if they tease you about it at first. You don’t have to change your personality but you will change the way you look at life and find more respect and love for Christ and what He did for you and for me.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.