Hi, I'm Kaye

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am married and have three teenage boys. I have been a high school band director for 15 years and I currently serve my community as a City Council member. I love photography, digital scrapbooking, and anything to do with computers. I grew up in Maine and I moved to Utah with my husband and oldest son in 1994. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 1989.

Why I am a Mormon

I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I was a senior in college. I had grown up attending the United Methodist Church in my hometown, but I had a habit of asking questions that nobody could answer. During my college years I went away from religion because I couldn't find a congregation where I felt welcome. One of my college friends gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon and introduced me to the Elders (who were actually "youngers"- I was expecting old men with long beards!) These young missionaries could answer my questions and challenged me to pray to receive my own confirmation of the truths they were teaching me. I accepted their challenge and my testimony of Jesus Christ and the truth of the restored Gospel began to change my life.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

I know that a lot of people have a hard time understanding the place of Joseph Smith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Joseph Smith was only 14 years old when he prayed to know which church to join and was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and told to join none of them. Over the next several years he was trained and instructed in how to bring about the restoration of the Church.

The teenage years are questioning years. It does not surprise me that a young man would pray and expect an answer to his prayer. He was a weak thing that the Lord used to bring about his purposes. It is my hope that he is able to use me in the same way- although not to the same magnitude!

We do NOT worship Joseph Smith. We do honor him. He gave up much in his earthly life to translate the Book of Mormon and to set up the Church in the Lord's manner. His path was not an easy one, but he did what was asked and did not shirk his responsibility. These are admirable qualities in anyone.

I can honestly say that I KNOW Joseph Smith was a prophet who communicated with the Lord and that we have prophets today who lead the Church in accordance to the Lord's directions. I have prayed to know for myself and those prayers have been answered. Anyone can pray and know for themselves- it just takes faith and a willing heart. Answers come in many ways. Most of the time I feel peace and a warmth throughout my body that feels comforting. At times I have had stronger responses- such as hearing a voice when nobody was around or having an experience that can only be described as a "lightning bolt." However the Lord chooses to answer, you will be able to understand as long as you are open to the answer.

How I live my faith

I do my best to live in a way that I think would be pleasing to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, although I fall short every day. (I am so grateful for the atonement and for how it helps me to learn and grow despite my weaknesses.) I am currently serving as the Choir Director for my ward (congregation.) As a teacher I have a great responsibility to live and teach with love. I am active in my community and in my neighborhood. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings a great deal of happiness to me and to my family.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Kaye answered...

As a strong, well-educated woman, I am often asked if it bothers me that I cannot hold the Priesthood. The simple answer is "no." I think that this is a Gospel principle that may have been a stumbling block for me, but I took the opportunity to pray specifically about this issue and I received a strong, undeniable assurance that this is the Lord's way.

My life is enriched by the fact that my husband and now my sons hold the Priesthood and use it to bless my life. In the same way, I use my skills and talents to bless their lives.

I have had many opportunities for leadership within the Church. I have served in roles as President and as Counselor in leading the youth of the Church and I have served on a couple of regional boards that help direct the activities of the different organizations. I am an elected official in my community and the men of the Church respect me in that position. I am accepted for my strengths and skills.
Cynthia answered...

Family is very important in the church for more reasons than can be explained here. Holding the priesthood is just one of these reasons. Husbands act and bless their family with their priesthood, but wives benefit and honor the priesthood through their husbands. It is a symbiotic relationship. As I have participated in the church in various activities I have come to understand my importance as a woman in the church. There cannot be one without the other.

What is being a Mormon like?

Melinda answered...

I think of it as my life style not just my religion. The church is set up to support you and nurture your spiritual growth. That growth comes from involvement with church activities and supporting others. We look out for each other, not just physically but spiritually as well.