Hi, I'm Natalie

I grew up in Utah. I'm a Wife and Student. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I was born and raised in Utah. I am the youngest of six children, 3 older brothers and two older sisters. I love being part of a large family. Being the youngest it has been easy to make good choices with such good examples having gone before me.
I met my husband in High School. We became good friends and relied on each other in hard times throughout the years. As fond as I was of him, I never had the opportunity to date him in High School. Luckily for me, he chose to date me after returning home from his mission from Sao Paulo, Brazil. We dated, got engaged and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. He was truly the choice of my heart.
My husband and I love meeting new people and making new friends. We love playing games, especially Ticket to Ride, Settlers or 25 Words or Less. We enjoy spending time with family, hiking, sports or just enjoying a relaxing weekend at home watching a movie.
We are currently both in School. I am studying Elementary Education. I hope to follow in my moms footsteps and become a Kindergarten Teacher or eventually teach Preschool out of my own home. My husband is studying Nursing, with the intention to go on to be a Nurse Practitioner.
My passion is music. I was introduced to a wide variety of music very young. I love to sing and have been since I was 6 years old. Since being married I have picked up blogging and thoroughly enjoy it. I love reading, some of my favorites include Tuesdays with Morrie, How to Win Friends and Influence People and The Continuous Atonement.
We continue to reside in Utah among family and close friends and are loving every minute of it.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised in the LDS church. I come from a rich heritage that provided me with the opportunity to live in times like this. Learning about my ancestors touched my heart and made clear their desire for their posterity, to enjoy this gift of the gospel they so greatly sacrificed so much for.
I am a mormon because of the undeniable joy and blessings that have enriched my life because of the path that the church has provided for me. The church has helped me discover myself and my relationship with my father in Heaven.
No other thing in this world has brought me the peace that I long for in difficult times. I know that my father in Heaven hears and answers my prayers. He is intimately aware of my circumstances, the deepest desires of my heart and that which I need to do to become better.
In all of my searching and pondering in the years there are so many reasons that I choose to be a member of this church. Above all, I know that I have a Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that love me and know my potential and I in return love them and am eternally grateful for this gift of the gospel.

Personal Stories

What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?

This is very important to me. We are all aware of the times that we live in. There is much evil that is rampant within our communities. The standards of the world are shifting with the people.
I have tried to provide a safe haven within our home. Pictures of the Savior remind us of him who loves us and is continually aware of us. Family Prayer brings us together as we hear of love for each other and commitment to do better. Reading the scriptures reminds us of those who were trying to shield their family from unwanted influences and their efforts to protect.
Music is very important to me and it can have a tremendous impact on your day. My wise grandfather said after hearing me sing a song from his younger days, "Music now a days speaks to the body, but music in my day spoke to the heart." I have strived since to play music that is uplifting and inspiring.
But most of all, thinking positively. It becomes increasingly harder to focus on the good when we are bombarded with so much bad. You'll find exactly what you're looking for, whether it be good or bad. Therefore choosing to be uplifting and positive can have a great ripple effect.

How I live my faith

The greatest model for me in how I choose to live my faith is the Savior himself. If I can change my heart and reach out to those in the world that could benefit from my friendship or service, then that is how I live my faith.

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

Natalie answered...

Absolutely. Through the ordinances performed in our temples, we believe that families are sealed together forever.
What a wonderful concept, that the relationships we have created on this earth don't have to end by death. We can be with our families in Heaven. Our Father in Heaven intended for us to return to him and be reunited with our families if we live worthy.
Daniel answered...

When married by earthly power and the authority of man, our vows are "Until death do you part."

We believe that families can be together forever as part of our Heavenly Father's Great Plan of Happiness. His Work and His Glory is to bring to pass the exaltation and eternal life of man. He wants us to be even as He is and to return home to live with Him again.

Through the ordinances of his Holy Temples, God's son's and daughter's are able to make covenants. Through the power of His Holy Priesthood, be sealed together for all of time and eternity as Husband and Wife, parents and children.

Families were designed and instituted by God with the intent that they be forever. The love we feel in this life does not need to be cut off when we die. Those who have already died are not lost us forever. God has mercifully made a way by which all who would accept these saving ordinances can do so, living or dead.

We perform these ordinances for those who have in the past died so that they may have the opportunity of accepting them on the other side if they so choose to do so.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Dallin answered...

The Mormon Church does not endorse political parties. It does, however, strongly encourage political participation. We believe that one of God's greatest gifts to his children is the freedom to choose. With this gift comes the responsibility to do our part to make good choices. It is a great blessing to live in areas where we have the opportunity to vote for our leaders.