Hi, I'm Amber Julie Ann

I am a singer and a voice teacher. I have a bachelors in broadcast journalism and I edit videos. I love my husband.

About Me

I'm a singer and a singing teacher. I love music and believe that it has a huge influence on the way people feel and connect to each other. I think singing is a very powerful expression because it requires a person to let go of insecurities and show their unique voice.
I was married in the Draper Temple to a great guy named Garrett. We started out looking at life as an adventure, and we've tried to keep it that way. We both love to travel and eat at restaurants that no one has ever heard of. We plan to have kids some day, but we also plan to work in a few more small adventures before tackling a big one like that.
I graduated with a bachelor's in broadcast journalism, only to find out that I definitely don't want to be a journalist. During my final internship in the program I started teaching voice lessons, and realized that my real passion is in teaching. I will likely get a Master's in something I can teach in high school, or more training in voice teaching.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents raised me as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I've always been surrounded by the Gospel. I could tell you any basic concept of the church because I have been taught it my whole life. But knowing facts isn't the same as having real faith. Real faith has come to me with much more difficulty than memorizing a scripture or a gospel concept. Like any relationship, my relationship with God requires a lot of effort. The more I put into it, the more I get out of it. Unlike many people, I've never had a moment in my life where I suddenly knew the truth of Christ and His atonement. Rather, truth and understanding have come to me one experience at a time. It is amazing how many prayers have been answered when I simply look for them.

How I live my faith

I do my best. I've made an effort to always ask myself what God wants me to do. Most of the time, I have know idea, but I try my best to know His will and move forward to do it. When I do that I notice my relationships improve. I frequently think of Christ's commandment to "love one another as I have loved you." Knowing that every person I encounter is a much loved child of God is rather humbling. When I treat people as what they really are, children of a God, my relationships with them improve. I can know I am doing God's will because as He has said in scripture, "as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." It certainly makes me want to treat everyone, regardless of race, opinion, background or religion, with the utmost respect. After all, whatever I'm doing to them I am ultimately doing to God, and He is someone I want on my side.

Do Mormons only help Mormons?

Jeff answered...

As a local Bishop in the Church, I can assure you that we do not limit our help to members. We perform numerous acts of service to our friends in the local community, and we do it gladly because we know service brings us and them great blessings of happiness and satisfaction. Our world wide disaster relief program brings food, clothing, water, sanitations kits and medications to our nonmember brothers and sisters around the world, quickly and effeciently. As Mormons, we know we are fellow citizens of the world and that all peoples are part of our Heavenly Father's family, and we try hard to act accordingy.
Sam answered...

Absolutely not. I personally have been a part of countless efforts to serve those not of our faith. We don't just serve others because we want them to join our Church. We serve because it's the right thing to do. Because it's what the Savior taught and exemplified. I think God often places people in our path when we are in a position to help. Sometimes, this can be a litmus test for how committed we are to living a Christlike life, especially if this "opportunity" comes at a very inconvenient time.

Perhaps we sometimes overlook opportunities to help because we are too focused on the problems staring us right in the face. I do know, however, that the Church makes a very concerted investment of time, talent, and resources in humanitarian aid throughout the world. We are often some of the first to arrive and the last to leave in cases like Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, and areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. We often coordinate our efforts with other organizations like the Red Cross or the Catholic Church.

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

Emrol answered...

Members of the Church are encouraged to be actively involved in their communities. This involvement may even include political activity. The Church is made up members who hold differing political views, positions and opinions. While the Church will support any measure or position that will allow for the free practice of our religion, and the strengthening and supporting of families in general, it does not endorse any specific person involved in political activity, platform, or party.