Hi, I'm Dayna

I'm a runner. I love to smile. I'm indecisive. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am the youngest of three girls. I started running the summer before my senior year in high school. I wasn't very fast and I couldn't go very far but I still loved it. Then one day my Dad suggested to a lady at church that she ask me to go running with her. She did and we became running partners and best friends. Having someone to talk to and motivate me helped me immensely. I got stronger and faster. I have ran two half marathons and I intend to do many more. I hope one day to complete a full marathon. I love running because it makes me feel good and it helps me feel in control. I love the self-discipline it teaches me. Running is not only physical but spiritual to me. When I take care of my body, I am taking care of my spirit. I am happy and able to help others.

Why I am a Mormon

I was fortunate to grow up in a home where I was taught the gospel. I was baptized when I was 8 years old. I always went to church and knew that what I was learning was right. When I was a teenager, I knew that I needed to gain a testimony of my own. I had read from the Book of Mormon my whole life but I had never read the entire book and really prayed to know if it was true. So after I read it all the way through, I prayed and asked God if it was true. I received an answer that I cannot deny. The Holy Ghost brought such a powerful, warm feeling to my chest. It felt like there was a fire inside of me. I know that God is my Heavenly Father and that His son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior. I know that He leads His church today- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- through a living Prophet and Twelve Apostles. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I read it everyday and I can always find an answer to my questions.

Personal Stories

In what ways have your prayers been answered?

One instance that sticks out in my mind was one day I was feeling overwhelmed with all that was expected of me. However, I didn't want to think about myself and so I prayed that I would be able to be an answer to someone's prayer that day. Later that afternoon, I went to my friend's house and he wasn't there. His grandpa was there though and they didn't have any food at their house. He hadn't eaten all day and he needed something to eat. I had a granola bar and a bottle of water that I gave to him. He was so appreciative. He said that he had prayed for someone to come and help him. God answered my prayer to be an answer to someone's prayer!

What is hope and what do you hope for?

In Ether 12:4 in the Book of Mormon, the prophet Ether teaches about hope. It reads: Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
There was a time in my life where I didn't have much hope for the future. I would be filled with fear as I thought about what might come. But as I strengthened my faith in Jesus Christ, my outlook changed. I knew that because of His atonement I could be forgiven of my sins and I didn't need to keep making the same mistakes over and over. I could change. After I repented I knew that I had been forgiven. I was filled with such hope and peace about the future. I know that if I continue to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ that I will be able to live with my Heavenly Father again.

How I live my faith

Currently I am a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tallahassee, Florida. Every day I get to meet people and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. My favorite part of being a missionary is seeing the change that comes into a person's life as they accept Jesus Christ and keep God's commandments. I live my faith by being an example of the believers.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Dayna answered...

The Word of Wisdom is revelation that was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith about what we should and should not take into our bodies to maintain our health. Because our bodies are precious gifts from God, He has given us instruction on how to take care of them. As we eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and a little meat we will get the nutrients we need to be healthy. We have been warned to avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, and illegal drugs. They harm our body and our spirit.
Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.

Do you really believe there is a prophet like Moses alive today?

LaWana answered...

Yes, I truly believe there is a prophet today leading our church and bringing blessings into the world. Why would God provide a prophet in olden days, but not now? Did He love those people more than He loves us? Did they need guidance more than we do? Is the world less confusing now than it was then? The answers to all these questions are no. It only makes sense that God would have a prophet now as He did in days of old. He loves us just as much as He did those people long ago and we need Him just as much as they needed Him then.