Hi, I'm JOYCE

I grew up in Independence, MO, where my ancestors may have persecuted the Mormons. Today, I AM a Mormon.

About Me

I've been married for 41 years. Mother of 3. Grandmother of 9. Published author and businesswoman. I love to read, write, walk, exercise, and spend time with my family. For me, "love," is spelled T-I-M-E.

Why I am a Mormon

Because I love the Savior and want to follow him. I grew up as the daughter of a Christian minister but my father could never answer my questions about life. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? In about an hour, the missionaries answered those questions for me. I like knowing that life is eternal and that I came to earth to be tested and given the opportunity to live with my Heavenly Father (and my family) again.

Personal Stories

Could you talk about your baptism?

My father passed away in 1976 at the age of 51. He had been an alcoholic and I was angry - not at God, but at my father, for allowing the alcohol to control his life. In my mind, the alcohol had kept us from having the relationship I always wanted, and now it had taken my father from me, along with all hopes of a recovery and bonding.

In 1978, we moved into our own home in Oklahoma City. At the time, the Donny and Marie Show was a big hit and we enjoyed watching it as a family. When Donny got married, it started a conversation with my neighbor. She told me that Donny belonged to the same church she did, and before the conversation was over, she asked if I'd like to learn more. I told her I would.

My husband had never been interested in going to church, although he said he prayed every day. My daughter, who was 11, and I, went to our neighbor's house to listen to the missionaries. The very first time, when they asked me to pray aloud, I felt the Spirit for perhaps the first time in my life. I'd always believed God existed, and I knew He had somehow reached down and helped me at different times, but this was something different. I asked my daughter how she felt about these lessons and if she wanted to continue them. We both agreed that we wanted to learn more, and so we scheduled our next appointment.

I was excited at the opportunity to be baptized. Although I was never a big drinker, I stopped entirely when my father passed away. Remember - I was mad at him AND and at alcohol. I never drank coffee but I did enjoy iced tea. When I learned about the Word of Wisdom, I gave up the tea, even before I was baptized.

My husband wasn't happy about my impending baptism. I was upset at learning that I needed him to be in agreement before I could be baptized. The reason for that is to keep harmony in the home. What they didn't understand was that there wasn't much harmony in our home about anything at that point. The mission leader encouraged all of us to fast (go without eating two meals) so that my daughter and I could be baptized. We started our fast on Wednesday night, and on Sunday morning, my husband agreed to our baptism. I can't say he did it with a happy heart, but the Spirit had touched him enough for him to at least agree. We proceeded with the plan, and on Friday night, August 3, 1978, my daughter and I were baptized.

We had some trials along the way as my daughter and I faithfully attended church and clung to our faith. After twenty years of fighting us, my husband finally followed us into the waters of baptism. It has been such a blessing for our family to be able to share the gospel together.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Mormons go on missions to share the gospel with others. My grandson is currently serving a mission in Guadalajara, Mexico. Some are concerned that it's not a good time to be there, but we have faith that he will be protected as he is doing the Lord's work.

While missionaries help to bring the gospel to others, a mission is also the best way for a young man or woman to grow in their own testimony of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. Every missionary comes home "better" than when they left.

It is an honor and a privilege to be called to serve the Lord in these latter days. My husband and I look forward to retiring and serving as a couple since we were unable to serve as youth.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

Realizing that life is eternal and that instead of focusing on the routine things you do each day, always being reminded to keep your head up and focused on the blessings of eternity.

Realizing that you have to pick your battles. Fighting over how you squeeze the toothpaste is a waste of energy. A simple solution is for each of you to have your own tube!

Better to use your energy creating harmony through encouraging family and individual prayer, scripture study, and activities that will strengthen each individual and promote spiritual growth.

How I live my faith

I attend church every Sunday and work with women of the age of 18 and older. I try to be Christlike in all my thoughts and actions toward others. I visit sisters who move into our area to welcome them. I work with others to bring compassionate service to those who are in need.

What is the Relief Society?

JOYCE answered...

The Relief Society is the oldest and the largest women's organization in the world. Every sister in the church over the age of 18 belongs to the Relief Society, whether they serve in Primary, Young Women, or in Relief Society.
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Kaitlyn answered...

The Relief Society is the organization in the Church where women come together to strengthen, serve, and teach each other. It's Motto is "Charity Never Faileth" which women of the Church live by to bring relief to the weary and down trodden. Women meet as a Relief Society each week to learn about the Gospel and grow closer to Jesus Christ. Women are asked to serve in many capacities within the Relief Society and give of their time and talents. There are also activities where women share skills and do service for those in their community as well as victims of disasters around the world.

What is the role of the husband and the wife in the family?

Jocelyn answered...

The role of husband and wife in the family is to first and foremost love each other! Wow, revolutionary!!!
I have found that when there is love and complete commitment between my husband and I, there is no problem that we cannot face together. It is much easier to teach the children with love and to handle life's challenges.
My husband and I are equals. I feel loved, respected, and appreciated by him. I hope he feels the same things from me.