Hi, I'm Laura

I'm an environmentalist, a scientist, and a music lover. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm an environmentalist and an environmental scientist. I work for the California Environmental Protection Agency, doing research and helping craft policies to clean up cities with polluted air. I grew up in Los Angeles, California, so I know a thing or two about air pollution. I've always loved science, and now I love being able to use science to help make our planet a better place.

My other love is music. I sing a little and play the piano a little, but mostly I'm a patron of the arts. My favorite genres are opera and bluegrass--how's that for a combo?

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised Mormon, and even as a little girl, I loved being at church. I just felt so good there. When I was 11, all of the children at church were challenged to read the Book of Mormon and to pray to know if it was true. I decided I would do it. I read for months, and then I prayed about it one night before going to bed. I remember lying under my covers that night and feeling really good inside. I knew that was my answer!

How I live my faith

Since the Mormon church has no paid clergy, each of us in a ward congregation is given an assignment to help the church function. I'm the music leader for the children's Sunday School, which means I get to sing with the children and teach them songs each week. One of my favorite songs is "I am a Child of God," because it teaches us that we are all children of a Heavenly Father and that He loves all of us. Who wouldn't want that reassuring knowledge that God is our loving Father?

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Derek answered...

Are we not all brothers and sisters, with God as our Father? The Lord looks upon the heart, not upon the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). The criteria to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is based on a willingness to do what he has asked us to do, not based on some outward feature.
Blake answered...

There are absolutely no race or color restrictions in the church. When Jesus was here in the earth, he said that he came here to save the sinners. The last time I checked, all the people in the world, it doesn't matter color or race, are sinners. The church is a place where people can come closer to Christ. There are no restrictions to who can come in. Anybody that has a desire to come closer to Christ, has the right to come closer to Him.

What does Mormonism teach regarding baptism?

Jerad answered...

For us, baptism is a two way promise or covenant with our father in Heaven. We promise to obey his commandments, take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and to always remember him ((D&C 20:77-78) and he promises to give us a remission, or forgiveness for our sins and his spirit to guide us (3 Nephi 27:19-20). However, we must keep our promise to maintain the blessings offered by our Heavenly Father. Baptism is preceeded by faith in Jesus Christ and then repentance. Once we repent of our sins and change our lives, we enter into the waters of baptism. We believe in being baptized by immersion, by someone holding the authority of God (3 Nephi 11:19-27), and at an age of responsibility, when we can recognize the difference between right and wrong (the age of eight is set as when we can do this) (D&C 68:27). There is symbolism in baptism by immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ and also the death of our past lives and a rebirth where we are cleansed from sin (Romans 6:3-6). Baptism must also be followed by receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:1-6).The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a second baptism by fire and completes the baptism by water (Matthew 3:11 and John 3:5).