Hi, I'm Lori

I was 19 years old when missionaries taught me about Jesus Christ. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in a small town and have lived in the Northwest United States all my life. My husband, seven children and twelve grandchildren are the greatest part of my life. Some of my other interests include sciences, history and other cultures. Over the last forty years I've taken classes at our local university to learn all I can about this world we live in. I'm especially interested in family history and the wonderful legacy we each have from our ancestors. Computers are a great help in all my learning so I've also learned about them too. We have sponsored a family who immigrated from Poland many years ago and we were foster parents for two American Indian children while they attended local schools. These experiences have helped me appreciate the wonderful diversity we have the opportunity to experience as we reach out to others. I work as a production team member for a manufacturer during the day and help my husband with our family business in the evenings.

Why I am a Mormon

As a child I received a small bible. At the time I was filled with curiosity about what happens after we die. It was a very frightening time. After reading John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life", I was filled with peace. That was a time when I knew Jesus Christ knew me and loved me. During the next several years I was not a member of any church and lived without any religious training. Many years later, as a newlywed, my husband and I were taught by the missionaries. I had never heard of Latter-day Saints or "Mormons" and had no idea what they believed in. As I learned the "Plan of Happiness" that same feeling of peace came to me and I knew it was true. It made perfect sense! I still had much to learn but that feeling was unmistakable so I accepted baptism. I'm so very grateful for those missionaries who made the effort to meet with and teach me! I'm a Mormon because of the truth of the existence of Jesus Christ and the testimony of Joseph Smith. My testimony has grown as I put to the test each gospel principle learned in the scriptures. Faith, Repentance, Sacrifice, Good Choices and Service are all divinely inspired for us to be happy and return to a loving Father in Heaven.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

We do genealogy to find our ancestors and link us together as an eternal family. I have had wonderful family experiences as I've done this. My parents divorced when I was a teen and I had no contact with my fathers family for many years. As a result of doing genealogy I've contacted many of my father's family and renewed relationships with living relatives while connecting our family lines. I've met many wonderful people both members of our church and those of other faiths while doing genealogy. There is a feeling I get when doing family history that is especially joyful and peaceful and many others have described having similar feelings. It's a wonderful way to serve!

How I live my faith

As I shared the news of my upcoming baptism with my boss, who is a member also, his question to me was, "how will you serve?" Since that time I've worked with children, teenagers and adults as a teacher and friend. Every time I'm asked to serve, my answer is yes, not because I feel so capable but because I know with God's help it will work out. Currently my husband and I, along with two other married couples, serve as leaders of a "young single adult" ward. We spend a lot of time with 18 to 30 year-olds as they discover their adult lives. We try to have lots of activities where they can get to know each other so in addition to Sunday worship we get to barbecue hamburgers, ride bikes, join in community service projects, learn how to dance, play basketball and other sports and even go camping once in awhile. We also have the privilege of attending the temple with them as they serve there. Service has probably been the greatest part of my faith. Helping a young mother with a new baby and other small children, comforting a widow who has just lost her husband and joining others in cleaning up a yard for someone unable to do the work are just a few of the opportunities to feel the spirit of love for others. It's important to me to pray and read scriptures every day. This commitment helps me focus on the important things of life.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Lori answered...

The missionaries will set up a time to visit with you about any questions you might have regarding our beliefs and doctrines. Usually they'll share a short message from the scriptures and ask what you think about it. Their message will be about the life of Christ and how we can be more like him. These are young men and women who want very much to share what they know with you. You are important to them.
Max answered...

We will talk about gods love for all of us down here on earth.
we will talk about how you can be with your family and loved ones forever.
we will talk about how the gospel of jesus christ has been restored to the earth and the evidence of this restoration which is found in the book of mormon.
we will talk about how god continues to talk to his children like he did in biblicial times!
we will talk about the steps that you need to take to insure eternal happines!
we will talk about any other questions you may have about god, Jesus Christ, and about this church.
we have the truth to share. why dont you just talk to one of us?

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Nicole answered...

Mormon women are strong. Mormon women are sure. We are taught from the time that we are tiny that we are daughters of God. Many people question equality between Mormon men and women because we believe in the traditional roles of the family, the classic stay-at-home mom and the working father. It makes me sad that society has degraded the role of a mother and made it seem undesirable and less than an occupation outside the home.

We believe in eternal families. We believe that this life is the one time in all eternity that we are sent to be tried and tested. If those beliefs be true than there is nothing more noble and exciting than being a mother. To be chosen to bring life into the world and to steer that life to goodness and love is one of the greatest and most impressive things that can be done.

I am proud to be a woman. I am excited to be a mother one day. I am an advocate for education and self-betterment for all. I value the differences of women from men. All of these things I learned to do from my religion. If that's not feminism I don't know what is.