Hi, I'm Laura!

I'm an identical twin, a single mom of three & an elementary teacher. I try to live my life the best way I know how. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Life doesn't always take us down the paths we planned. Life happens and our lives are really in God's hands. I'm divorced with three beautiful children. I love being a mom, but I have to work too. I'm a 5th grade teacher which gives me even more children to love and teach besides my own. I know how a day can seem to be over before it feels like it's even started.

When I have free time I love to go dancing, scrapbook, curl up in a comfy chair and read, play with my kids, watch movies, or to plan the next way I'm going to decorate my house or landscape my yard. The days don't seem long enough, that's for sure, but I make the best of every day that I can.

I spent the majority of my childhood in a small community in south eastern Idaho, however before the age of 9 I had lived in 5 states and 7 different cities. I'm glad to say that I don't move around that often anymore. However, it did give me a unique perspective and opportunity to visit many different parts of the country.

My faith is a huge part of who I am. My testimony has sustained me through many hard trials. If it weren't for my knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father (God), who loves me. I don't know where I'd be today. Thankfully I know that trials help make me stronger and better than I was before.

Why I am a Mormon

I might have grown up with the church, but I have a strong conviction and testimony of the truth of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe that each person has to be truly converted and know for themselves that the Gospel is true to truly let the Savior be a part of their lives. I've known since I was a little girl that all the things taught here are true! Times have not always been easy, but I've held to my beliefs. My ultimate goal is to return home to my Father in Heaven, and I live my life so that I'll be worthy of my goal when that time comes.

Personal Stories

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

At the time when I have had some of the greatest trials in my life and knew that the only way my children would be happy would be if their home was a source of spiritual peace and comfort for them, I began attending the LDS temple at least once a month, making sure that as a family we read from our scriptures, said prayers together, and sang songs together as a family. I still do this with my children on a consistent basis today. It's been amazing the change that has come over my children, and I always feel so blessed when I hear people say, "Wow, with everything your children have been through, they're so happy." That tells me that there is harmony in the home, that they feel my love for them, and that more importantly they feel God's love for them!

How I live my faith

The best way to describe how I live my faith is to be an example to those around, to practice what I preach. At the moment my calling is to be a visiting teacher and the chorister in relief society, or I lead the women in singing the Hymns during our meeting on Sunday. I love being able to go and visit with other women in my ward on a regular basis, to find out how they're doing, and to strengthen my own friendships. I try to live each day so that the Holy Ghost can be my constant companion and guide.

On a daily basis, I strive to teach my children what I believe. I hope they gain their own firm conviction that the Gospel is true.

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Laura! answered...

I believe and the church teaches that the prophet Elijah restored the sealing power to the Earth. In the LDS temples the sealing power is used to give the promise that families can be together forever. Even though I am now divorced, I have been given this promise. Because of this, I know that my children will be a part of my family forever. Death won't end me, my children, or our relationship.
Show more of my answers Show less of my answers One Moment Please
Amanda answered...

YES!!! This is one of my favorite parts of the gospel. I believe that my family will live together in heaven. I will know my family as my family members. My husband is my husband for now and for all eternity. My children are my children here on earth and for all eternity. I know that if something happened to one of us that I will see them again. I love this about the church. Before joining, I always had a question about this concept and when taking the discussions from the missionaries this came up. Makes me love the church more and more.

How can we come to know our Father in Heaven?

Andrew answered...

The same way that you come to know anyone better, talk with him. Our Heavenly father blessed us with prayer, which is the means by which we converse with him. Think of every prayer as a phone call, not writing a letter; expect God to answer your prayers and listen for his response. Prayer is a two way conversation and the best way to come to know our Father in Heaven and what he wants for us.