Hi, I'm Dana

I grew up in a small town. I love to explore and try new kinds of food. I speak several languages. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love to explore new places. I love to play the piano, sing, decorate, and cook. I DO NOT like to clean house! My husband and I have three wonderful children and just celebrated twenty years of marriage. Having lived overseas, I speak several languages--Spanish, Portuguese, and German--and would like to learn more. Italian is next! I graduated from college with a degree in Spanish, Math and Music. Since then I have developed a love for beading, geneology, and ASL/SEE. I like to try new foods--Cuban, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Greek, just to name a few!

Why I am a Mormon

I became a Mormon when I was 19 years old....after attending the Church-owned Brigham Young University for two years! My father encouraged me to go (my parents raised me with no religious affiliation). I had been searching for something I felt was missing since I was a little girl, but I didn't know what it was. I began looking at other churches when I was in grade school, but to no avail. When I went to BYU, it felt like I was coming home; the people were so nice and normal. I had so much good, clean, fun there! I was curious about the Mormon religion, so I asked lots and lots of questions. My roommates answered my questions and invited me to church. The more I learned, the more I liked what I saw. Over time, I realized that Mormons believed in God and Jesus Christ just like other Christians. I also realized that what I was missing in my life was the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. And so, I chose to be baptized. It was the best decision I ever made! I don't feel like I'm walking around in a dark room anymore, lacking direction.

How I live my faith

I try to give back to others, whether at church or in the community. Right now I work with young women ages 12 to 18 years old. It's so much fun! We go hiking, camping, we do service in our communtiy... and this week I learned how to ride a block of ice down a hill. The youth invite their friends from school; all are welome. It's good to see these girls look out for each other, regardless of their religion. Every month I visit several ladies in my congregation to 'look out for them' too. I have worked with the local Scouting units in our area, including a few Day Camps. My Faith has helped me be a better mother to our children. Without the Gospel in my life I don't think I would be as patient with them. I'm not perfect by any means, but I try to follow the example of our Savior. I try to live my Faith by being kind to those I meet. I try to share my language abilities with others by interpreting for them if needed. I am learning new skills all the time!

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Dana answered...

Missions are encouraged but not mandatory in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Young men can begin serving usually at age 19 for two years, and young women at age 21 for 18 months. We are a lay ministry; so missionaries are not paid for their service. Missionaries come from and serve in locations around the world, wherever the Church calls them. In addition, many retired couples, men and women also serve missions around the world. Some missions teach the gospel to others; and some provide water wells, crop education, and other welfare-related efforts....all on a volunteer basis.
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Trisha answered...

Serving a mission is a priesthood responsibility, and young men are asked to sacrifice two years in order to serve others, gain experience as followers of Christ, and grow in their faith. However, that is a choice each individual has to make on their own and deciding not to go does not affect a person's standing in the Church. But those who do go, men and women alike, usually find that two years is not enough time and wish they could stay longer. Service creates bonds of love for the people you serve. I was unable to go in my young adult years, but I still yearn for the opportunity and look forward to a time when I can serve as a missionary.

What is the Church’s position on abortion?

LauraMaery answered...

Parenting is a gift from, and a partnership with, God. There are rare circumstances where, with the approprobation of God, there might be a reason to terminate a pregnancy. But that's a decision to made only after much prayer and both medical and ecclesiastical counseling. The larger principle here is that joy comes of making God a full partner in marriage, and of bringing children into the world within the bounds of marriage.

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