Hi, I'm Colleen

I'm a wife and mother, I'm an accountant, I'm a Sunday School teacher and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Life is as crazy for me as it is for all of us who are raising a family in the 21st century! But I welcome the challenge of finding the balance in maintaning a marriage, raising 8 wonderful children and 2sons-in-law all between the ages of 13-23, running my own part-time accounting practice and teaching an adult Sunday School class.

Why I am a Mormon

With the foundation of being raised in a wonderful, loving, non-denominational Christian home, I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints at the age of 20. I felt the Lord reach out to me personally with love and forgiveness and I felt his direction in my choice to be a member of His church. I am humbled and so thankful for the experience that I had in finding a religion that would give my family a solid foundation on which to live the experiences of this earth life. All the principles and applications that are taught by the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are solid, kind, loving counsel that in the end will bring the greatest peace and happiness available in this life and beyond.

Personal Stories

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

There is no doubt in my mind that the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ have made me a much more happy, solid and peaceful person. If it has done as much as it has for me, I know that it will do the same if not more for others. The gospel is a precious gift that I would be selfish not to offer to those whom I am close to and love. It has something to offer everyone and it will only make all of us better.

How I live my faith

I believe the way that my faith has integrated into my life the most is in my calling as a parent. It is a challenge to know how to handle all of the curveballs that teenagers throw at their parents! I have found that there is much help to be had in learning the teachings of modern day prophets, understanding the standards set forth in their doctrines, striving to understand the scriptures and following the Holy Ghost. I still have many weaknesses and shortcomings, but I have much more confidence in knowing that I am doing my best to work with Heavenly Father in raising the children he has sent to us. He has an interest in all of his children and is willing to help if we will seek Him.

Are Mormons Christians?

Colleen answered...

I love this question and the answer to it! I have been Christian all my life, I have known of Jesus Christ and loved his teachings since I was a young child. After being baptized into the Mormon church at age 20, many of my friends and loved ones felt that I was Mormon now but no longer Christian. Not so!! I feel that since I have become more and more integrated into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I have come closer and closer to Jesus Christ and his teachings. I hear counsel from the Savior's prophet on the earth today. I love my Savior more than ever! Mormons are definitely Christian!
Taylor answered...

I love this question. Having lived in Georgia and having spent time creating friendships with people of all different Christian denominations. I can say with great confidence and vigor that, Yes, Mormons are Christians. All who believe in Christ as our Savior and strive to follow in his footsteps, living as he would have us to, are in definitions Christian or followers of Christ.

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

Mary answered...

I have many homosexual friends, and I have best friends who are gay rights activists. They know my stand on same-sex marriage, and I know theirs, but guess what? We are still friends. I hope you and I can be friends too, as I try to explain a portion of what I feel about the issue of same-sex marriage.

According to principles that I believe were established by God to protect both men and women and provide for their temporal and eternal welfare, only marriage between a man and woman is allowed. This marriage must entail complete fidelity from both parties. Just as post-marital sexual desires and impulses should be controlled, pre-marital ones are equally tameable.

The LDS Church penalizes no one based on their sexual orientation. What someone feels is not equal to what they do. Once someone acts on same-sex attraction, they are committing sin. Merely being attracted is not a sin. It is not easy or simple or enjoyable to suppress one's physical appetites. Frankly, I'm not even sure of all the reasons it is commanded that we do so (though I know of the basic reasons). What I do know (and believe me when I say I do know this) is that God has ordained marriage between man and woman. He always has reasons, and we usually don't understand them for quite some time. But I know with all my heart that it is for the good of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, that marriage only be permited between a man and a woman.