Hi, I'm Diana D. Reynolds

I'm a mom of seven children, two of whom have passed away. I'm an editor at a university. I live in Indianapolis. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am Nana to three wonderful children, with another on the way. I am a Mom to seven absolutely terrific and all-grown-up kids. I work at a local university, IUPUI, doing what I love: transcribing 19th century manuscripts and laying out books. I've got a B.A. and an M.A. in English from IUPUI. I also have a graduate certificate in Scholarly Editing. But my real passion lies in my darling grandchildren. They can make me smile no matter how bad the day has been. I married a super guy 33 1/2 years ago. He was an "Army Man." We spent the next 20 years in the Army and we loved it. Especially our three years in Berlin, Germany. I've done a lot of volunteer work in my days, my favorite was the time I spent as PTA president at my children's elementary school in Berlin. I really don't have any hobbies, unless loving to read counts. A "perfect" day for me? Sitting on a New England beach reading a good book while keeping an eye on my grandchildren playing in the water. Ah! Perfection!

Why I am a Mormon

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was drawn as a teenager to the Church's teachings about the Plan of Salvation and especially the pre-Earth life. When I would hear my parents and grandparents share stories from their childhoods, I would often wonder where *I* was during those times. I just couldn't be "nothing" could I? So when the missionaries told me that I wasn't "nothing"—that I had been living with my Heavenly Father, I knew I had found the truth. I also love the Gospel's teachings about the eternal nature of Families. Having lost two sons, one in infancy and one at age 24 to suicide, I know that I would never have peace again in this life if I didn't KNOW that they will be mine forever! Plus, the Gospel just makes me happy! It helps me know Jesus Christ better. It helps me turn to Jesus when times are tough and reminds me to be thankful to Him when things are going well.

How I live my faith

I presently serve my congregation as president of the children's program, called Primary. I help our Bishop choose teachers for each age group (ages 18 months to 12 years), oversee the annual worship service program (the children sing and talk), and help plan and lead "sharing time"—a weekly gathering of the children prior to their classes. During sharing time, we sing songs about Heavenly Father and Jesus and learn Gospel principles. Primary gives me a chance to be around children every week. Their love of Jesus Christ and their tender feelings for their Heavenly Father and abundantly evident. They teach me each week what a sweet spirit our Heavenly Father gives these precious ones. By serving in Primary, I get to be reminded that I must become like a little child to be worthy of the greatest blessings provided by our Savior. I also get the opportunity to visit a sister from our congregation every month. With a sweet companion, we go to this sister's home to give her a monthly Gospel-centered message and help her in any way we can. I love the opportunities to serve others afforded us by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I've grown as a person, a mother, wife, and grandmother because of these opportunities. I can't imagine living any other way.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Diana D. Reynolds answered...

I am so grateful for the Temples of our Church. Here, I can serve my ancestors by performing sacred ordinances, like baptism, for those who did not have the opportunity to do so for themselves while here on Earth. I love that my Temple marriage does not end in death. We are each others companions for eternity. Our children are ours, and we have our grandchildren forever, also. Temples provide a haven from Earthly cares. They are wonderful places to commune with the Spirit of our God.
Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Kevin answered...

Mormons believe that grace is a vital part of the atonement of Jesus Christ. We believe that it is by grace that we are saved after all we can do. The good works of an individual coupled with the grace of Christ can lead us to salvation. The grace of Jesus Christ is also an "enabling power" that gives us the strength to bear up under the burdens and trials of life. I have found great strength by relying upon the grace of Christ at times in my life when there was nothing else to provide it. Many times, I have been enabled to perform daily tasks, church assignments, responsibilities as a father and husband that were well beyond my personal abilities. I know that this was the enabling power of the grace of Jesus Christ. Grace is Christ's power to save me after this life and His power to help me while still here on the earth. I must always do my part through faith repentance and good works, but I know that in the end, it will be His grace that will save me.