Hi, I'm Dana

I'm a wife of 17 years. I'm a mother of 6 children. I live in beautiful Colorado and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a 42 year old homemaker who married the man of her dreams 17 years ago. I have 4 energetic sons and 2 beautiful daughters. I love living close to the mountains and enjoy all the wildlife we get to see everyday. I served a mission in Honduras 20 years ago and loved every minute of it. I have LOVED homeschooling all of my children until this year when we decided to try public school and now I'm loving it too. After my 4th child I trained for and ran a marathon. I have given birth 7 times, 6 times naturally, and twice at home on purpose. I have struggled with severe post-partum depression and survived. I have changed my own flat tire. Some things that I love are: babies, dogs, old people, dancing, ice cream, laughing and cuteness. Some things that I don't love are: laundry, seafood, waking up in the mornings, meaness, stubbing my toe, and cooking.

Why I am a Mormon

Both of my parents were raised in the church but did not actively attend meetings when I was a small child. After their divorce my father moved across the country and I lived with my mom and step-dad who didn't allow us to go to church for a time. I had two amazing grandmothers who consistently shared their knowledge and testimony of the gospel with me whenever they had the opportunity and a wonderful grandfather who taught me about charity. It wasn't until I graduated from high school and moved in with my paternal grandparents that I began to take their example of faith to heart. My grandparents never pressured me to go to church but would encourage me every Sunday. Sometimes I would go. I began reading the Book of Mormon out of curiosity more than anything and it wasn't long before it really began to speak to me. I felt something I hadn't felt since discussing God with my grandma when I was a child. I wanted to know more. I began praying and would talk to my grandpa about what I'd read. Over time my testimony grew. I felt the Spirit's influence in my life and didn't want to ever be without it. I ended up serving a full-time mission a few years later. I still love the gospel and what it's done for me and my family. I love the confidence I have knowing my purpose in life. I love knowing that through the Atonement of Christ I can make a fresh start every day. And I love the peace that the gospel of Jesus Christ gives to me in troubling times.

How I live my faith

I try to always be aware of the needs of those around me and to be of help whenever I can. I volunteer to bring dinner to those who are sick or otherwise struggling in our congreation or community. I have worked with the young children at church for many years and LOVED my time spent with them. I am currently serving the youth, or more specifically, the young women at church and in our community. I can't think of a better or more fun way to spend time serving others. These young women are truly an inspiration. They have so much to deal with on a daily basis and yet they are cheerfully going about doing good. I love the example that they are to me. I am so thankful that the church provides me with opportunities to serve and to grow. I consistently develop new talents when I'm serving those around me.

What is done with the tithing that Mormons pay?

April answered...

Tithing is paid in faith. I know these funds will not be misused. I pay tithing because it is a commandment, and because I love God and want to give Him back a small porion of what He has given me, to futher build up His church. These funds go to build and maintain church buildings and temples and other like expenses. Our clergy is not paid. There is no collection plate. We simply pay our tithing, our fast offerings, we share what we have gladly. This is God's way. For this is God's church.
Lot answered...

The money received from members in the form of tithing goes directly to the headquarters of the church where a council decides what will be done with the money. Here are some ways in which the tithing funds are used:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and conducting social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work.

*It is important to note that tithing funds are not used to pay leaders of the church. All leaders of the church are volunteers and receive no form of pay.

What is being a Mormon like?

Kaitlin Elise Gray answered...

Being a Mormon to be is by far the BEST way to live. I have never felt so much peace in my life from knowing and having that knowledge that I am a literal Daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me. I love knowing that I have a plan and a reason for being placed on this earth. I have a purpose and a Heavenly Father who wants nothing but the best for me!Being a Mormon makes me want to shout for joy! Having the restored gospel in my life and knowing that the TRUE church is once again on this earth brings me so much happiness. Being a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints brings me so much joy, and makes me want to share this truth and knowledge with everyone that I know. In fact, that is the VERY reason why I am serving a Mission. Also knowing that I can be with my family for Eternity, now there is no greater joy than that. I love being Mormon. I can not think of ANY way better to live