Hi, I'm Elise

I grew up a Mormon and I'm still a Mormon.

About Me

I have a degree in Communication from the University of Arizona. I served a mission for our church in Chile from 2001-2003. My husband and I have 3 children. I love to read, surf the internet and play with my kids.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up a member of the church, but that doesn't mean that I was forced to keep in the faith. I've had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ for as long as I can remember. When I left home, I didn't have to keep going to church, but I did because I knew it was true. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has blessed me in so many ways. The knowledge I have of my Savior Jesus Christ, and my relationship with Him and my Heavenly Father has guided my decisions and helped me live a better life.

I am so grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost that we receive at baptism. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to pray. Without both, I would be completely lost.

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

At age 13, we lost my 17 year old brother. It was a very difficult time for our family. The knowlege of the Plan of Salvation - that there is life after death, and we will see our brother again - has literally saved me and my family. I cannot imagine going through that tragedy without that knowledge.

How I live my faith

We are members of the River's Edge Ward in Rio Rancho. A "ward" is just a term we use for our congregation. In our ward, I teach a class for women 18 years of age and older. My husband teaches a class of 10 year old children. We attend church for 3 hours every Sunday. Attending church is a way for us to recharge our batteries. Every week, we take the sacrament to remember the atonement of Jesus Christ. The bread reminds of his bodily sacrifice, and the water reminds us that he shed his blood for us, so that we can repent and return to live with our Heavenly Father. I love the opportunity to reflect on my week and resolve to do better in the upcoming week.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Elise answered...

In temples, we bind families together for eternity. When we are married in the temple, we are married for "time and all eternity" not just "until death do you part". We believe that the family unit can exist after this life, just as it does here. The only way that can be done is through the sealing ordinance (marriage) in the temple.
Aubree answered...

Temples are used to perform sacred ordinances necessary for salvation. One of these is a temple marriage--making it possible to be together as a family for eternity. Since these ordinances are sacred, only members who are striving to live the gospel may enter. All members are strongly encouraged to become and/or stay worthy to enter the temple. Members also go to the temple to seek guidance, comfort, and personal revelation from God.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Mandy answered...

We believe that God loves all of His children and that none of us are mistakes. Earth life is a time for us to meet challenges and overcome our weaknesses as we rely on the Lord. We are all unique, and so it makes sense that different people have different challenges. Just because one challenge seems harder than another, that doesn't limit God's ability to help us understand and overcome it.

As disciples of Christ, we are to love everyone and look for the goodness in everything. The family is central to God's plan. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and this relationship allows us to grow closer to God. Marriage is more about what you can offer and sacrifice for your spouse than for what you can receive out of it.