Hi, I'm Barbara Ellen

I'm a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and Montessori classroom assistant. I love to crochet and read and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My husband and I have been married for over 37 years and came into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints nearly 31 years ago. One year later we were sealed together for all time and eternity in the Washington D. C. Temple.We have three wonderful daughters, three terrific sons-in-law, three precious grandchildre and two more on the way. Family is vitally important to us and we are thankful that the circle of our love continues to grow. I love spending time with our family and playing with my grandchildren.
Working with children is a passion of mine. I have been a Montessori classroom assistant for over 21 years. I have worked in many positions with children at Church and feel very blessed to be an influence for good in the lives of young people.
I love serving others in whatever capacity I can. I really get excited about the women's service projects each year. Last year we made crocheted/knitted hats and booties for a local hospital's neonatal unit, tiny beaded baby bracelets for parents of deceased newborns, hats and scarves for the homeless, gathered school supplies for a local urban school and many other items. It is so satisfying to come together and see the fruits of your labors that have far exceeded the goal set by our leaders. There is something very deeply soul touching to know another person's life will be blessed in some way because of your efforts.
I enjoy many types of crafts such as crocheting, needlepoint, scrapbooking and I love to read.

Why I am a Mormon

Almost 32years ago as a direct sales rep.I knocked on the door of a member of the church. I was invited back that evening. My husband and I went to their house to show them our product. They had a beautiful picture of the D. C. Temple on their wall and we asked what it was. The conversation was intriguing and we began to look into The Church. A few months later we were baptized, One of the concepts that grabbed our attention was that of eternal marriage. We strongly desired to be eternally sealed together. The spirit bore testimony very strongly to both of us that this is true doctrine as it did about all the rest of the gospel and we continue every day to strive for a marriage worth of eternity .
Being a Mormon is not just a Sunday thing, it is a way of life...a very good way of life that brings happiness, true joy and peace into my life despite turmoil in the world around me. Our home can be a refuge from a world rifee with moral decay and contention. It is important to me that Jesus Christ's plan of happiness is available for free to all who desire to know the thruth, have faith in God and Jesus Christ, are willing to repent and forsake thier sins and be baptized. The basics of the gospel such as prayer, faith, scripture study and church attendance keep me going. I know Christ lives, God loves me and has a plan just for me and for you. He is waiting to bless us all, if we will just ask in faith and reach out to find the truth.

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

Learning about the Plan of Happiness confirmed to my soul that which I had felt to be true even as a young child. I searched for the purpose to this life and what the next life might bring for many years. When my husband and I met a memeber of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints my questions began to be answered. I was so excited when things I had felt deep in my soul as a child were true, were being taught as the beliefs of this church. I felt it confirmed to me through the sweet warm feelings of the Holy Spirit as I learned more about God's plan for us. The idea that a husband and wife can be together forever was one of the most appealing and important concepts to my husband and I as we continued to learn about the gospel. Since we became members over 30 years ago our life and marriage have been richer, because we decided to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we endeavor to come closer to God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ, to walk in the foot-steps of Christ we have found a way of life that is very good. We are happy, have hope and have an eternal perspective for our life together. Even though challenges come our way we can work together to meet and overcome them, rather than let them be divisive. I am thankful for The Plan of Happiness that has blessed our lives so richly.

How I live my faith

I see my job as a classroom assistant as a way of serving my community as well as the service projects organized by our women's organization at church. There are so many ways in which one can serve others such as a smile, an encouraging word, donating time or money, Every day I desire and stive to be a blessing to others, to make this world a better place because I was here. My husband and I serve together to work with those who are looking into the church and new members. We hope to help them feel welcome and comfortable at church and answer any questions we can. We enjoy sharing our testimony and encouraging others to seek for their own.

What do Mormons believe happens to us after we die? What do Mormons believe about life after death?

Barbara Ellen answered...

Heavenly Father's plan for us is a plan of happiness and hope. I feel strongly that we will continue to exist after this life is over and that we can progess or learn and growin in the spirit world. When a loved one dies I have hope that we can see them again, be together in the same sort of relationship as before. It is a great comfort to me to believe that I will someday be with my family again and have the opportunity to live forever as a family in heaven. I am so thankful that our Savior Jesus Christ made resurrection possible for all of God's children.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Kara answered...

Women don't hold the priesthood in the church, as this is a teaching that has come from Jesus Christ. However, women have such a significant role to play in the church that personally I have never felt that this is an issue I am concerned with or even think about. My husband and I are equal partners in our family, and the church has such respect and reverence for women and their role in the world. Women in the church also belong to what is called the 'Relief Society' it is one of the largest women's organisation in the world, and fills me with such a desire to serve and do good that when we meet together wherever I am in the world I feel so proud to be apart of it.