Hi, I'm Ashleigh

I'm a wife to my high school sweet heart. I'm a mother of 2 little boys. I'm a student. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am 27 years old, have been married to my high school sweet heart for over six years, and have two little boys. Roman is almost three and Sterling is five months old. I love being a mother! I love to take pictures & capture memories through photography. I'm a "girly girl" through & through- I love ribbons, lace, hair bows & the color pink. Home decore & fashion are super fun to me. I love to make old things new again & find that thrift stores are great places to find old things to be redone! I'm still in school & am working toward becoming a registred nurse.

Why I am a Mormon

I love my Father in Heaven and know that by following His commandements I can be happy. Life is never easy, but being a member of the church makes it easier to go through the hard parts of life, and still be happy. I love the moral values the gospel teaches- in a world of ever-changing morals, it's great to have consistent, solid standards! It's because of the church that I know why I'm here, where I'm going, and how I can be happy in a world that is full of sorrow. I have an undeniable testimony that the church is true, & that is why I am a member of it.

Personal Stories

What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?

There's nothing in this life more valuable than time, so I take the time to play with my family. My house is never perfect, but I try to not let that get in the way of enjoying and playing with my small sons. Praying as a family and reading the scriptures brings unity to our home and I can feel the peace it brings. When we pray, I thank God for each member of my family and for the specific gifts they bring to our family. I try to speak kindly to my family and teach my children through example. When one of us makes a mistake, we forgive each other. It's important to me, that my children know that their parents love each other, so I try to show my love for my husband & express my gratitude for him daily. I tell the members of my family that I love them. I tell them often, and am sincere when I say it.

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

When I was 21 years old one of my brother's commited suicide. It was one of the most difficult experiences I've gone through. I had a choice: I could either become angry & bitter, focusing on the "why's?" or I could have faith in the Lord's promise to make my burden's become light. It was a turning point for me- I chose to have faith. It wasn't easy; I still felt the anger, the hurt, & the sorrow, but the more I put my trust in Him, the lighter my burden became. I found peace and reassurance that my brother was well. I learned, through this experience, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can heal any kind of hurt; it's not just there to help us repent of sins, but it's there to heal us in every way possible. Faith in the Lord, and His unconditional love, mercy, & atonement, are what allowed me to go through loosing my brother and come out happy- knowing that I will see him again!

How I live my faith

I take it one day at a time, & try to be my best each day.
I try to include scripure study, prayer, & family time into each day and find that the days I do these things are my best days.
I know it's impossible for me to be perfect, so when I do make mistakes I try to correct them.
On Sunday I go to church & it is my favorite day of the week- It's the only day I get a break from all the stresses of life (work, cleaning the house, school/ homework, errands) and I get to spend the entire day with my family.
I try to be kind to everyone and find ways to serve others. I serve in my ward by planning & executing monthly activities for all the women to participate in, and find a lot of joy in getting to know them!
I live my faith by finding the line between right and wrong & sticking to what I know to be right.

What does Mormonism teach regarding baptism?

Jerad answered...

For us, baptism is a two way promise or covenant with our father in Heaven. We promise to obey his commandments, take upon ourselves the name of Christ, and to always remember him ((D&C 20:77-78) and he promises to give us a remission, or forgiveness for our sins and his spirit to guide us (3 Nephi 27:19-20). However, we must keep our promise to maintain the blessings offered by our Heavenly Father. Baptism is preceeded by faith in Jesus Christ and then repentance. Once we repent of our sins and change our lives, we enter into the waters of baptism. We believe in being baptized by immersion, by someone holding the authority of God (3 Nephi 11:19-27), and at an age of responsibility, when we can recognize the difference between right and wrong (the age of eight is set as when we can do this) (D&C 68:27). There is symbolism in baptism by immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ and also the death of our past lives and a rebirth where we are cleansed from sin (Romans 6:3-6). Baptism must also be followed by receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:1-6).The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a second baptism by fire and completes the baptism by water (Matthew 3:11 and John 3:5).

What is the Relief Society?

Kaitlyn answered...

The Relief Society is the organization in the Church where women come together to strengthen, serve, and teach each other. It's Motto is "Charity Never Faileth" which women of the Church live by to bring relief to the weary and down trodden. Women meet as a Relief Society each week to learn about the Gospel and grow closer to Jesus Christ. Women are asked to serve in many capacities within the Relief Society and give of their time and talents. There are also activities where women share skills and do service for those in their community as well as victims of disasters around the world.