Hi, I'm Rhonda

I am a wife and a mother of 3 wonderful children. When I am not teaching children to read, I am a part time clown. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I have been married for 25 years, and have 3 beautiful children. Our family enjoys all kinds of outdoor adventures. We enjoy living in such a beautiful place.
I work at the local elementary school helping children improve their reading skills. What a great place to spend my days. And what a great way to share my love of books and reading!
When I am not working or spending time with my family, I am a part time clown. That's right, a clown. Purple hair and a sparkly red nose! I have been told that I am a "cute" clown, not scary. That is a great compliment to me. I enjoy playing games with kids and creating works of art by twisting balloons. I never felt very artistic until I discovered this talent. It makes my day when I can share my creative fun with others. When I see their smiles, it makes me smile, too.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon, not just because I was born into the church, but because I believe it with my whole heart and soul. I was 12 years old when I found myself in a quiet secluded spot at Girls camp. I was reading my scriptures and writing in my journal. I decided to take Moroni's challenge, and pray to know if the church was true. I cannot deny the burning in my heart and the peace I felt confirming the truth.
This knowledge has helped me many times in my life. Especially when we lost 2 of our children, at two different times. Our first child was stillborn. It was my faith in God and the knowledge of the plan of salvation that got me through this difficult time. A few years later, we once again faced the loss of a second child when she was born prematurely. It was a time of sorrow for our little family. It was a trial that could have torn our family apart. But we worked hard to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It wasn't an easy time, but we had faith. And are knowledge that we could see them both again, strengthened us. Why am I a Mormon? Because I know in my heart that it is true. I cannot deny it.

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

I believe the reason we have been given talents and gifts is to bless others. They were not given for us only. We have been asked to develop our talents. But the blessing comes not only from finding and honing those skills. The real blessings come from sharing them. I feel that I have been blessed with a musical talent. I'm not a great singer, but I know that it is a talent from God. I have had the opportunity to sing with a great group of ladies for the past 10 years. When we are able to bring the spirit of God into people's lives, I feel especially grateful for the talent that I was given, and for the chance I have to share it with others. A talent isn't a compete blessing until you share it with others.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

My day would not be complete without prayer. From the first thing in the morning, till the time I go to sleep. A wise church leader asked us to pray morning, night, and often in between. I find that I often have a prayer in my heart. And I don't hesitate to say a silent prayer to give thanks or ask for special help. I believe that I am able to do this, because I know that God hears my prayers. No prayer is too small. He knows what we are going through, and is waiting for us to ask for help. He is standing at the door, but we must knock.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by serving the teenage girls in our community. We plan service projects and activities that help bring our neighborhood closer together. We serve by raking leaves, visiting the elderly, or even watching little children while their parents get a night off. The activities help the girls by setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Some of the things they have done are things like making a quilt, achieving good grades, or developing a new talent. The activities are a great way for them to build long lasting friendships that support them during trials in their lives. I love serving the young girls. They keep me young!

What is the Relief Society?

Rhonda answered...

The Relief Society is an organization for women. It was established in 1842 to serve the women in the church. It gives us direction in service, faith, and helps strengthen our homes and families. Over the years it has blessed many women, including myself. It gives me the opportunity to build wonderful friendships that have helped strengthen me throughout the years. It has helped teach me how to be a better wife and mother, and has helped my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Each woman's life is different, but this society brings us together with one purpose. To serve the women in our community with love and faith.
Karen answered...

To me, Relief Society means friendship. It's an opportunity to know and love and learn from other women from so many different backgrounds and situations and ways of looking at life and yet they are truly my sisters! I can't tell you how many times I have been wrestling with an issue in my own life and there, during the course of our class or other conversation, comes the answer. I know that Heavenly Father so often works through others to answer our prayers, and to me Relief Society is a huge example of that. I'm grateful not only for those who reach out to me, but for the opportunies to reach out to others through Relief Society. It is an inspired program and a wonderful asset to my life!

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

David C answered...

Mormons practiced polygamy because the Lord commanded some of them to do so, for purposes known to the Lord. At the time, there were no national laws prohibiting polygamy. When the Supreme Court ruled that later anti-polygamy laws were constitutional, the Lord directed Pres. Woodruff to issue the Manifesto, and the practice ended in the Church.