Hi, I'm Laraine

I'm a Mom, and a blogger who likes to make people laugh. I am a 5th generation Arizonan and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up on a ranch in a small town in northern Arizona. I was surrounded by a big family and countless cousins. I always felt secure in knowing who I was and where I came from because the gospel of Jesus Christ was taught to me from my earliest remembrance. My family was far from perfect, but they were and are good people trying to live God's commandments.

I now live in southern Arizona and my husband Mark and I have raised our children here. We have two married kids and are proud grandparents but glad we still have teenagers at home. I like to write (including blogging), garden and travel. I LOVE to read and feel I have continued my education even though I never finished my degree.

Why I am a Mormon

Although I was taught about Mormonism throughout my childhood, there came a time when I had to decide for myself whether it was true or not. My answers came as I read the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon. I finished it all the way through for the first time when I was a senior in high school. I remember sitting in my bed late at night as I read a prophet's promise that I could know the truth if I asked God with a sincere heart. My unmistakable answer has kept me an active, happy member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ever since.

How I live my faith

Mainly, I try to be kind. I guess the greatest demonstration of my commitment to Mormonism is the mother I have tried to be. I have tried to live as I believed so that my children would be able to trust what I taught them. I have served many years as a teacher to different age groups on Sunday. One of the best things about serving within the church is the friends I have made.

What is the Law of Chastity?

Joseph answered...

The power to create children is very sacred. Our Father in Heaven has commanded that the sacred power and privilege of sexual relations be exercised only between a man and woman who are legally married. This is the law of chastity. It means that we must not have sexual relations before we are married, and after we are married we should have sexual relations only with our husband or wife.

Keeping the law of chastity brings safety, happiness, peace, and self-respect. It also deepens married love and protects families. Breaking this law is serious. But those who have broken it can gain forgiveness and peace through repentance and obedience.

God wants the best for you and for all of His children. Following God’s plan of reserving intimacy for marriage will help you and your family be happy.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Nicole answered...

Mormon women are strong. Mormon women are sure. We are taught from the time that we are tiny that we are daughters of God. Many people question equality between Mormon men and women because we believe in the traditional roles of the family, the classic stay-at-home mom and the working father. It makes me sad that society has degraded the role of a mother and made it seem undesirable and less than an occupation outside the home.

We believe in eternal families. We believe that this life is the one time in all eternity that we are sent to be tried and tested. If those beliefs be true than there is nothing more noble and exciting than being a mother. To be chosen to bring life into the world and to steer that life to goodness and love is one of the greatest and most impressive things that can be done.

I am proud to be a woman. I am excited to be a mother one day. I am an advocate for education and self-betterment for all. I value the differences of women from men. All of these things I learned to do from my religion. If that's not feminism I don't know what is.