Hi, I'm Elise

I grew up in the United States in Oregon. I have my degree in music and currently teach choir and raise my two children

About Me

I am a young mom of two and currenlty working part time as a high school choir teacher in my area. I love running, music, baking and the outdoors. Some of my most cherished memories are with my kids but I struggle with small children and am learning to be patient and understanding with my little ones.

Why I am a Mormon

I have been LDS my whole life and never doubted my faith and trust in His church. I always knew that I would marry a worthy member of the church who could take me to the temple and allow me to be sealed to him and my future family for all eternity. I am so grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and that if I do my part and live a righteous life my Heavenly Father has made it possible for me to be with them forever beyond the vale. I am so grateful for the atonement and for Jesus Christ who died for me so that when I make mistakes I can repent and have those sins forgiven as if they have never happened. I know the Book of Mormon is true and when I read and study it I am overwhelmed with blessings in my life. I know that we have a prophet today on this earth who receives revelation for us from our Heavenly Father. He is hear to help direct us in the path we are to follow. Being a musician I have a great testimony of the hymns and music in the church. I believe them to be inspired and such a blessing in our lives. When I am down or struggling I really do hum my favorite hymn and it helps me in so many ways. I love this church and my Heavenly Father for giving me the great opportunity to be a member and to now raise my children in the gospel.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

Most of my extended family has chosen to leave the church for some reason or another. As a member of the church it has been difficult to see them fall away and it has been even more difficult for my grandmother because they are her children. Things we have done to overcome this trial in our life is to remember not to judge them. They have their own agency and we must allow them to use that in their own lives and choices. Also my grandparents were sealed in the temple and have kept their part of the "deal" to stay righteous so they can have an eternal family. We have put faith in the Lord that because my grandparents have made the right choices and taught their children the ways in the gospel that somehow in the end it will all work out and we will all be together again in Heaven.

How I live my faith

I have had many callings in my church. My current calling is to lead and organize the music in part of our meetings. It is such a great opportunity to share my testimony and love of the hymns to my fellow friends and members.
I also help with compassionate service. When people in our ward are sick, had a baby, or in need I organize the meals for them or something else they might need. I love making meals for people in the ward and my family has been so blessed because of this calling.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Elise answered...

As women of the church I feel it is our responsibility to realize that this is a serious problem for men. however women have a problem with this as well, just not as common. As we raise our children we need to set an example in our dress and thoughts. We might think something is very cute and in style but if it is revealing in an inappropriate way men look at you differently. This is not always a mans fault and when they do get involved in such things be supportive and help them get through it. They need to know that someone loves them even though they have made a mistake and help them continue on the straight and narrow path to our Heavenly Father.
Jocelyn answered...

I believe that Mothers have the power to combat the evils of our day, one child, one bedtime story, and one encouraging conversation at a time. When we teach our children about their worth as children of God, they will find confidence in themselves, and they will be armed with the power to make correct choices and the wisdom to recognize that following Jesus Christ is the path to true happiness.

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.