Hi, I'm Debbie

I'm a wife, mother of two, aunt to 66, a runner, a believer in dreams coming true and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I always dreamed of being a wife and mother. Even while pursuing degrees in college, being a mother was my prime desire and pursuing a career a necessity. I had careers as a recreation therapist, a wildland fire fighter and eventually a professional counselor. All wonderful and enjoyable jobs; nothing to complain about. I was happy doing what I was doing, but always holding on to my dream. I saw all of my 11 siblings marry and have children long before my dream ever came true. I did finally marry and like biblical Sarah and Abraham of old, my husband and I were blessed, in our older age, to become the parents to two beautiful girls. We adopted our oldest daughter 6 months and one day before I gave birth to another daughter. In one year we doubled the number in our household. These two babies keep me busy! As for hobbies and interests, they're all on the back burner for now. I enjoy reading stories, cuddling, looking for doggies and kitty cats on walks, cleaning up messes, laughing all the time and making new dreams about running and playing tennis again, among other things. Dreams do come true.

Why I am a Mormon

I have felt the hand of God in my life from as early as I can remember. I know that prayers are answered, even though not always when I like them to be. God is literally our Father. He is real. His love is real and He wants the best for his children. This belief has become even stronger now that I've become a mother. I believe that our Father gave sent his son, Jesus Christ to help us with our struggles, trials, temptations and problems. Through faith on Him we can overcome anything. Really! I've relied on the enabling power of the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ to get me through hard times. I am a happy person. Maybe I was just born that way but I think that knowing that I am a daughter of a loving God and knowing that my life matters, not just for now but for the eternity, makes each day a day to live joyfully and with purpose.

How I live my faith

I start and end my day in prayer. Because I believe God cares about me personally I include Him in my day, seeking His help as well as remembering all that He has done for me. I also read scriptures because it also gives me a good start to my day. There is a power that comes to me when I start my day with prayer and scripture study. As part of my current church responsibility, I work with the youth in the area where I live. I help them plan and carry out dances, conferences, a yearly girls camp and other activities which are wholesome and uplifting. I also visit 4 women monthly who attend church with me. All of us are in different life situations but through our monthly meetings we've become friends who care and support each other. I love Sundays and love attending church. Three hours of church meetings is not too much for me. I enjoy having time to get perspective on life and what matters. With so many distractions and things trying to get my attention I like that on Sunday it is a day only for worshipping the God who created and loves me and to spend time with family and friends. It is a fulfilling and wonderful day for me.

What is the Relief Society?

Debbie answered...

It is an organization for women and is the largest women's organization in the world. Through involvement in the organization women strengthen their faith in God, strengthen home and family. It's also an organization that offers relief and compassion to those in need.
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Karen answered...

To me, Relief Society means friendship. It's an opportunity to know and love and learn from other women from so many different backgrounds and situations and ways of looking at life and yet they are truly my sisters! I can't tell you how many times I have been wrestling with an issue in my own life and there, during the course of our class or other conversation, comes the answer. I know that Heavenly Father so often works through others to answer our prayers, and to me Relief Society is a huge example of that. I'm grateful not only for those who reach out to me, but for the opportunies to reach out to others through Relief Society. It is an inspired program and a wonderful asset to my life!

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

David answered...

Come to church with us! We would love to have you. I know attending an unfamiliar church meeting can be scary and intimidating. Feel free to go up to anyone you meet and tell them this is your first time coming. You should always feel welcome to come and attend with us. Mormon church meetings may be different than other church meetings you've attended. We typically have three meetings you can attend. Our main meeting, we call Sacrament Meeting, is intended for individuals and families to attend together. Sit up front, sit in the back. There are no assigned seats. In this meeting, we try to focus on the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. You will hear several prayers and gospel messages given in this meeting. Another meeting we have on Sunday is Sunday-School. This meeting is designed to focus on specific teachings of Christ. It is often somewhat interactive, with some class members asking questions of the teacher throughout the lesson. You are free to ask questions or simply sit back and listen. We hope you feel a genuine spirit of warmth and friendship as you attend. The final meeting we have on Sunday is a Priesthood or Relief-Society meeting. Men and attend the Priesthood meeting and women attend Relief-Society. Here we focus on the teachings of Christ that are appropriate to our roles as men and women. You should also feel free to participate, ask questions, or simply sit back and listen.