Hi, I'm Katrina

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I teach third grade. I've always wanted to be a teacher so before graduating from college I went to China and taught English for four months. I love learning new things and always want to find new hobbies. Right now I'm looking into horse back riding and painting. I enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, watching movies, and traveling. I also play the violin and piano, and I want to get better at the guitar.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into a Mormon family. We have been Mormons for several generations. However, this does not mean that I have not decided to be a Mormon for myself. My parents, as does the Church, always encouraged me to decide for myself. I never had to look anywhere besides the doctrines of the Church for answers to my questions. The Book of Mormon always gave me comfort, and my prayers were always answered that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. My life is centered on Christ and His Gospel. Everything I do ties back to what I believe and know. The Gospel has given me purpose, direction, and life. When I have my own children they will also be taught the Gospel and encouraged to find out for themselves. Until then, I hope to share the Gospel with friends, struggling family members, and even strangers so that they can know the joy that I feel every day from the knowledge I have about my Savior and His plan for us.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

My parents were wonderful at teaching us not to fight as children. To remind us of why we should not fight my mom put pictures of Christ, prophets, and temples all over our home. I once had a friend comment that, "You can't get away from the Gospel," in our home. He was right. Because the focus of our home was the Gospel and the Savior our lives became focused on these as well. Also, my parents were never hypocritical. What they taught us, they did themselves. We were told not to yell at each other, and my parents have never yelled at each other or us. They do not judge us. They work hard. They tell us they love us. As their children, we all knew what the expectation of living was and we knew it was possible to do because my parents were successfully living that way.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is one of the most comforting words to me. Often it is thought of as a weak word, one without foundation. But hope for me is based on Christ, the most sure and strong foundation. Hope is more than just a wish for something we want hope it the desire for good things and the assurance that with work we can receive or achieve those things. Hope gains greater meaning and power as we look for it beyond ourselves and the right now. For example, currently I hope to lose weight, but that will only happen if I exercise more and eat better foods. I also hope that communication and relationships between me and my extended family will increase and improve. As I work on this, send letters and go visit my family my hope in improved relationships increases. Hope is not just a wish, it is knowledge and assurance in a better tomorrow that comes with work and prayer.

How I live my faith

I attend church every Sunday. I go to institute mid-week gospel class. In church I have had several opportunities to serve. Most recently I was a Sunday School teacher. This was the most wonderful calling. I was able to discuss the Gospel every week with members who lived around me, and I was able to testify to them that I knew the Gospel was true. Every month our ward the group of members who live closest to each other and are assigned to meet together regularly has an activity where we can get to know each other. Regular participation in Church activities helps me daily to strive to do what is right. I know I have friends who care about what I do, but more importantly I am always reminded that my loving Heavenly Father cares what I do.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Katrina answered...

Temples are where we go when we are worthy and ready to make promises with our Heavenly Father. Temples help us to grow in our testimonies so we can withstand temptations in the world and so that we can be a greater influence in the world. In return for our faithfully keeping the promises we make there, we receive great comfort, strength, and direction from our Heavenly Father. I always know I am getting these blessings through feelings and uplifting thoughts.
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.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Chris answered...

Simple Answer: No.

Detailed Answer: See below.

Saying that Joseph Smith is the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (LDS) may cause a misunderstanding for some. LDS doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same church that existed in Old Testament and New Testament times. The "of Latter-day Saints" in the church's name denotes that this is the last dispensation before Jesus Christ's Second Coming, or the last period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood. The Old Testament and New Testament discuss various dispensations when Christ's church existed on the earth in its authentic state.

So, what is the importance of Joseph Smith in relation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. He was simply a man called to speak for the Lord and played a key role in the restoration of Christ's church here upon the earth in these latter-days. Like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, we do not worship Joseph Smith, but study his life and teachings to better understand the will of God. Joseph Smith may had been a leader, but he was not and is not the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The head of the church is clearly stated in the church's name. The Church of "Jesus Christ" of Latter-day Saints