Introduction
This website is about Latter-day Saint womanhood and the celebration thereof. A Prayer of Faith is, in short, a place for each of us, as sisters, to shine our light, to participate, as Elder Ballard recently encouraged, in the ongoing dialogue in and about the Church.
Please note: This website and its contents are neither an official publication of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor a definitive statement of its doctrine, practices, or beliefs. While every effort has been made to ensure that the content of this website is in keeping with such doctrine, practices, and beliefs, the articles herein are expressions of their writers’ individual and personal understandings, experiences, and feelings. To learn more about our faith, please visit this site, which is offered by the church as an introduction to our beliefs, or you may want to peruse the church’s official website, which can be found here.
Comment Policy
This is a place to grow our knowledge by sharing it. Self-expression here is welcome and wanted, even when it disagrees with the thrust of an article. Meaningful discourse between disagreeing parties is undoubtedly vital, so long as it is in a spirit of furthering understanding. Contentious language, insults, “threadjacking,” and anti-mormon moles simply are not welcome. You can say that you do not understand how or why a writer can feel the way that she does, so long as you do so in a way that implies a question about, or requests clarification of, a belief from the author.
Comments that violate the above policy will be edited for content, or deleted if there is no content to the comment beyond that which violates stated policy. When a comment has been edited, it will be noted in the comment field and an email will be sent to the author referring them to this policy.
Comment moderation is currently set such that all comments must first be approved by an admininstrator before they are publicly visible on the site. You are welcome to make multiple comments before your first is approved. While not visible on the site, they will be safe in the moderation queue and will appear once approved. This allows us some, albeit minimal, protection from those who would use our site for malicious or illegal purposes. Thank you for understanding.
In true synthian (dialectic) spirit, this policy will change as our understanding enriches and grows with our experience in operating this forum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my comment show up? What is comment moderation?
All comments, once submitted are sent to what is called the moderation queue. This simply means that it is waiting for approval from one of the website administrators. At this point, all comments are being moderated.
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This wasn’t my first comment, but it went to moderation anyway; what happened?
Alas, our previous policy whereby once a commentor had had one comment approved through moderation they were able to comment freely (without subsequent comments being sent to the moderation queue), has been changed. All comments now run through the queue. Our apologies for the delay. It should be minimal.
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Who runs this site? Who owns it?
A Prayer of Faith was started by and is hosted on an internet domain owned by Christina “Naiah” Earhart. She, in addition to being the owner, acts as Editor-in-chief and website administrator. She is assisted by Michelle, the Features Editor, who is her co-administrator. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns about anything you see on this site, you may contact them privately via email at [naiah at synthian d’org] for Naiah and [mlxdos at gmail d’com] for Michelle. (Email addresses are spelled out to prevent their acquisition by spambots/spiders. Please replace the at with @, and the d’ with a period.
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I’m interested in being a writer on A Prayer of Faith. What should I do?
If you are interested in being a guest writer, please send an article for either the Every Word feature or the Modern Inspiration feature, along with a brief bio, to Michelle at [mlxdos at gmail d’com]. You will receive an email within a week to let you know if your submission will appear on A Prayer of Faith. If your submission is accepted, you will likely be invited to write a Whisperings article that will appear the same week as your other piece.
If you are interested in being a permanent writer, please send an email to Naiah [naiah at synthian d’org] that contains the following:
- How you would like your name to appear on the site, and whether you’ll be writing anonymously.
- The email address that you would like to use in conjunction with the site.
- Your bio, as you would like it to appear on the site. See the “Writers” section of this document for examples.
- Three sample entries. One must deal primarily with a doctrinal/spiritual issue (preferably based on a scripture or a General Conference talk or other Ensign article). One should be more personal in nature. The third is a freebie; be as silly, as serious, as outlandish, maudlin, ranting, or raving as you like.
From there, Naiah will forward it to the rest of the editorial staff, and let you know in about a week or so.
Any other questions about writing for the site should be directed to her in email.
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Writers
The articles on this website are written by a core group of Latter-day Saint sisters living around the world, along with the contributions of various guests. There are academics, scientists, homemakers, musicians, mothers, writers, and philosophers among them. What they have in common is a deep and abiding faith that enriches and enlivens their lives.
Naiah
Christina Albrecht Earhart, known to friends and loved ones as Naiah, is a full-time mother of two, part-time philosopher & writer, with an academic background in religious studies and a voracious literary appetite.
Should you require more, please see her personal website, Naiahdot.
Michelle
“Let me essplain. No there is too much. Let me sum up.”
- The Princess Bride
(I tend to be longwinded. My first bio was waaaay too long. Here is my shortened version.) (Whew!)
I love the Primary song, “I Will Follow God’s Plan for Me” because it helps me remember Who is in charge of my life. God’s plan for me has included many things I was not expecting, and they all have contributed to who I am (and am becoming).
God’s plan for me has included a mission (which I thought was something I didn’t want to do); graduate school (which wasn’t even on my original radar screen because I figured I would follow the path of nearly everyone else I knew and get married and have children long before graduate school was an option); a career (which included some wonderful travel opportunities in various places around the globe); being single for several years (I called that period of time “Michelle’s Excellent Adventure” (when I wasn’t feeling sorry for myself)); having three children in less than three years (after getting married, of course); living on both coasts and in the Midwest (I call Utah home now); struggling with chronic illness in my 30s (with no diagnosed reason for my struggles); and many other twists and turns that have contributed to who I am. (I only hope to become a better person than I am today.)
I’m grateful for family, for friends, for music, and especially for the gospel. I look forward to reflecting together on life and the gospel with newfound friends here at A Prayer of Faith.
(And you are thinking, “This was the shortened version?…)
RoAnn
Unlike most bloggers, I am no longer young (67 in 2007), and anyone checking out my personal blog Fellowcitizen with the Saints will immediately notice the sub-title: “Reflections of a nomadic grandmother.”
Although I was working on a Master’s degree when I got engaged, I straightway left the world of academia to pursue my preferred career as a full-time homemaker. I have been happily married to my handsome, witty, intelligent, compassionate, competitive, wise and humble husband for over half my life. We have six brilliant, independent-minded children who were born in four different countries, and now live in six different states. Our five grandchildren are unbelievably attractive and charming, and they bring us great joy.
More information about me is found in my introductory post, “More about the Nomadic Grandmother.”
Mary A.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and have lived here all my life (52 years–53 before the end of 2006), except for the 6 months I lived in Snowflake, Arizona, where I found, learned about, and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 21. I was married at the time and my then-husband also joined the church, although we were never married in the temple. We had a son and daughter, Jim and Dixie (named after grandparents), who died in a car wreck in 1979. A divorce followed soon after and I have been on my own since. I still talk to my ex occasionally and we are sort of friends. My parents have passed away, but I have a brother and his family, plus assorted cousins. I’m the only member of the church in my family, though.
I have a B.A. in English (acquired after bouts of majoring in journalism and accounting). I have a great many interests, chief among which is writing, followed closely by reading. Naturally, the gospel comes first, but I consider it more than just an interest. I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel as taught by the Church and love to write about gospel topics.
As far as work goes, I am a commercial lines insurance underwriter and I love what I do. No job is perfect, but this one suits me. I am on a constant quest for self-improvement and am always dragging my feet with it, but I persist.
What do I look like? I am 5′3″ with dark brown hair (and a few silver “highlights”) and eyes that I guess would be called dark hazel–part green and part brown–though they mostly just look dark brown. I wear glasses because sticking contacts in my eyes doesn’t appeal to me in the least.
I like to write and share what I learn and think. I enjoy reading what other people write as well, although I would spend all my time doing that if I didn’t impose some limits! I hope that my writing offers some useful insights to others.
Kirsti
I am the mother of three independent, insightful, and incredible children. Although they are only 5, 3, and 1, they probably teach me more than I teach them. I also work one night a week as an individual and family therapist for LDS Family Services. What a privilege it is to work with people who I can connect with spiritually! I have a superbly supportive husband who helps me think about things in ways I never imagined I could. I’m grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ because that is what brings me true joy.
Past Contributors
Jen
I moved around quite a bit as an adolecent (probably ruining me for good). After five schools in six years I decided to graduate early (probably ruining me for good). In the middle of my college career, I decided I needed to figure out my beliefs and I went on a mission (probably ruinin– wait no fixing me for good). I studied and prayed and found my strengths in the gospel. I graduated in Biology and Secondary Education from BYU. The only job I remember really truly coveting was the dolphin trainer at the Baltimore Aquarium. And the vocation I still dream of having is — a hair stylist. For now I cut my two kids hair (the two year old proving difficult). My husband is completely bald. I like learning foreign languages. I’m on my third. I currently teach part time. I’m incubating a third child. I live outside the country and probably will on and off for years to come. The thing I miss most is good Mexican food. I’m happy that I can be Mormon and still believe in evolution. I’m looking forward to sharing and hearing thoughts with you.
Téa
Honesty and self-deprecation lead me in different paths for this bio-page. I’m petite and redhaired–great fodder for jokes–smart and self-assertive, albeit not gracefully and tactfully so.
I’m happily married for time and eternity to a handsome man I first met competing in high school speech and debate. I have a 2-1 win-loss record with him; he had to beat me at least once to gain my respect (think Atalanta and Hippomenes). We’d like to return to judging/coaching forensics at some future date, if other obligations permit.
I’m a mother and home-educator to five delightful children, with three girls in the middle and a boy on each end. We plan to home school as long as it works for us as a family, or until we run out of the propaganda in our cave (ha!).
I love good music, intelligent conversation, piña coladas, reading, my family, playing board & card games, walks in the rain… Further inquiries accepted if not always answered =)
Blessed in marvelous and magnificent ways–I am Téa.
Indi
I’m one of the tall, Viking/Scandinavian descendents from Utah. Even though I’m 4′ 23″, I’m short in my family. I lived in Utah for the first 24 years of my life, then lived in California, and now live in the great State of Oregon. Oregon has the nickname of “Moscow on the Willamette” (That’s pronounced Will-lamb-it) If you don’t say it properly around here, they put you in prison. The newest Oregon travel ad says, “we love dreamers”. We do, and we also despise everyone else, especially businesses, or people from California. In Oregon, it is illegal to pump your own gas, but it is legal to kill yourself. Disclaimer: I keep saying “We” when refering to Oregon, but I really don’t consider myself as one of ‘them’. Yikes, maybe I’ve lived here too long.
In addition to being tall and blonde, I’m single and don’t have children or pets. I work hard, work-out harder, and play the hardest. I’m intelligent, have a degree in Business Management, will be going back to school for a Master’s in one of two areas; Anthropology or Business. I’m a news-junkie, the best aunt in the world, and also an artist in the mediums of drawing and painting; but don’t ask me to sing. I love to read and write, and will try almost every sport. I recently took up snow-shoeing. What a blast!
My perspective may surprise you. I’m an individual, an independent thinker, a break-the-stereotype advocate, too curious for my own good, and a devout believer in the truth of the Gospel.
“The Editrix”
The Editrix’s curmudgeonly straightforward, no-nonsense voice makes for a nice balance against Naiah’s “Nice girl of the ‘nacle,” and we’re thrilled to have her! Nothin’ to it but to do it, and this sister speaks the truth as she sees it. She makes you think, no doubt. Wahoo, and welcome!!!!
See all articles by The Editrix
Starfoxy
I go by Starfoxy. That isn’t my real name. I would hate my parents if it was.
I’m 23, and have been married for two years. This is my baby boy. I was raised in the Church, and am the youngest of six kids. My parents joined the church as adults.
I have a BS in Astronomy, and can really tell you why the sky is blue. I am gearing up to get a MEd and teaching certificate so I will be able to teach high school level math or physics on the side.
My favorite holiday is Easter. My favorite candy is M&Ms. I’m famous for my pies, and I buy my shirts from the young mens section at Target. I like to mop, and I hate foldling laundry. My hobbies include knitting, knot tying, photography, tap dancing, soccer, oh, and writing.
Tanya
I’m a nearing 40 year old mother with 4 children, a 16 year old girl, a 12 year old boy, a 2 year old girl and a 6 month old girl. Yes, we are a family in two parts, it wasn’t what we planned, but it is how it happens. Anyone who deals with infertility would understand, so we take them when they come. I have found it is much harder as I approach 40 to take care of young children than when I was in my late 20’s. I am married to a wonderful man, Michael. We met at BYU when I had permission to attend a ward outside of my home boundaries. It turned out to be a great blessing.
I graduated from Weber State College with a degree in Nursing, and worked until 2001. I specialized in neonatal care (Newborn ICU), and also worked in Adult Critical Care for the two years we lived in Wisconsin when my husband was working on his Masters degree. I love classical music! I play the clarinet, and at one time I wanted to play in a professional orchestra but changed my mind and now it is just for fun! I also dabble at the piano, but frankly I’m really not as good as people think I am. So it stresses me out more often that not. I scrapbook, and I really am not very crafty. I like beautiful and nice things to adorn my home. I absolutely love a good book and I rarely can put one down once I have started to read.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I try to live my life the best way I can. I am opinionated and sometimes stubborn to fault. Often this gets me in various forms of trouble, but I don’t know how to change it, I only hope to learn from it and soften my tone from time to time. I love to learn and I always seek a new learning challenge whenever I can. This is only a small snippet of who I am. There is so much more to me than meets the eye. Hopefully, some of that will come out over time.
FYI my name is pronounced Tan-ya, not Ton-ya.