Hi, I'm Carmen

I grew up in Montana, USA. I'm married and have 4 children. I teach preschool out of my home. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a stay at home mom with four darling children and a wonderful husband. I was born in Montana and I'll probably die here. I love Montana and I love raising my family here. But I also enjoy seeing other parts of the world. I've done a little traveling and dream of doing more. Several years ago, two of my best friends and I went to New Zealand and Australia. I've been to many parts of the United States as well. I love the outdoors; camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, biking and just sitting outside in the sun. I'm currently teaching preschool out of my home and enjoying every minute I spend with 7 crazy 4 year olds!!!!

Why I am a Mormon

My father was baptized when he was eight years old but never attended church regularly and by the time he met my mother, he wasn't going to church at all. My mother was a member of the Baptist church and one of the first things she wanted to know from my father was what church he went to. Long story short, my father and mother took the missionary discussions together and then my dad baptized my mom just before they were married. Therefore, I was born into a family that was LDS. I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was eight years old. Even though I was only eight, it was still my choice to be baptized and one that I am thankful I made. I know this church is the true church of Jesus Christ. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to this earth through Joseph Smith, a prophet of God. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. And I know that the prophet can receive revelation from the Lord to guide and direct this people. I also know that through the Holy Ghost, I can receive personal revelations and that I am never alone. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and brother, even Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, that gave His life for me so that I can return and live with Him, my Heavenly Father, and my eternal family some day.

Personal Stories

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

My husband and I were sealed in the temple. This means that we were not married "til death do you part", but for eternity. Knowing that our marriage is eternal was the first step in creating a strong family. We are both in this together, forever. We teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ, everyday, by the way we live our lives. We try our hardest to keep the commandments and to make good choices. We try to avoid conflict, anger, hate, jealousy, and other feelings that could drive us apart. Instead, we strive for unity, happiness, peace, love, and other feelings that brings us closer together.
Every Monday night, we have family night. We sing a song, teach a lesson, play a game and have a treat. Our children are young and the lesson is simple. But we all look forward to this time together.
Inviting the Spirit to dwell in our home helps us maintain peace and harmony. We truly love each other and we make sure that we know it!

How I live my faith

Being Mormon is more than just attending church. It is the way that I live my life. I don't wake up every morning and then decide if I'm going to "be a mormon" that day. I made that choice when I chose to be baptized. Now, I am a mormon every day. And everything I do, every day of my life, is based on the knowledge that I am a Mormon. The gospel teaches that each of us are spirit children of our Heavenly Father. Because I know that I am a child of God, I try to live my life in a manner that is worthy of being His daughter. I want my children to know that they too are children of our Heavenly Father. I can't just teach the truths of the gospel on Sunday. I choose to teach them everyday so that my children, my friends, my family, and my neighbors know that they are real.
I am also given the opportunity to serve the members of the church through church callings. I currently help the children learn songs that teach the doctrine of the church. This can help the children gain a greater understanding of the gospel and help them begin to develop their testimonies. And this year, I have the opportunity to go to a week long girl's camp with the young girls (ages 12-17). I'm looking forward to this!!

What do Mormons believe about the Holy Ghost? Who is the Holy Ghost?

Carmen answered...

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. They are three seperate beings. God, the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost, however, does not, so that he may dwell with in each of us. We refer to this as "feeling the Holy Ghost" or "feeling the Spirit". The Holy Ghost brings a feeling of peace and warmth into my heart. I know I am doing what the Lord would have me do when I have this feeling of the Holy Ghost with me.

Why do some call Mormonism a cult?

Suzanne answered...

I don't know. Quite honestly when labels are used I think this comes from someone's desire to quickly explain away something that they don't understand. If they really took a hard look at the church it would be easy to tell that Mormons do not blindly follow any human being. I think maybe someone who might use that label could look at the level of commitment and obedience found among the members of this church and casually explain this away as blind obedience. They certainly do not see the personal struggles and the effort that maintaining a personal relationship with God requires. Like most Mormons I think, I do what I do out of devotion and love. It may start out as duty and habit, but as I have come to know God and His mercy and love (the big picture) I can't help but want to keep the commandments. I don't follow a person, I follow God and His Son and they help me every step of the way.