Hi, I'm Mary

I grew up near Washington, D.C. I'm married and have five children. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I have graduate degrees in both law and music, but because I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom I didn't end up practicing law. On the side, I've taught, performed, and conducted music most of my life, at church and in the community.
I'm always trying to find time to read--while brushing my teeth, eating, and all those in between moments. I read the newspaper semi-compulsively and lots of other stuff--history, fiction, current events, books on religion, cookbooks--whatever looks good.
I'm a genealogy nut, volunteering weekly at the local Family History Center. If I was going to start a new profession, that would be it.
For many years I home-taught my children, and was peripherally involved in early efforts to make home-schooling legal in my state.
And I love to garden, especially edibles.

Why I am a Mormon

My father's ancestors joined the Mormon Church in England, and my mother is a convert. I was baptized as an eight year old.

I love to study the scriptures. When I was fairly young I read the New Testament, reading it nightly in my bed. I loved reading about the Savior and his apostles and memorized a few of my favorite passages. I didn't read the Book of Mormon until I was older, just before I left home for college. I devoured it: I knew it was true. The Spirit witnessed that to me then and many times since as I continue to read and re-read it.

Over the years my faith has grown and deepened as I have "tried out" different aspects of the gospel for myself: prayer, serving others, holding weekly family nights, keeping my body healthy, and doing family history work, to name a few.

I love being a Mormon for lots of reasons:

--Knowing that the Lord has a plan for my life and cares about me personally gives me purpose and hope and makes all the difference.

--The Church has given us support and guidance in raising our children. The children and youth programs have supplemented what we teach at home and provided good role models, friends, service opportunities, and plenty of fun for our children. And it's helpful for our children to know that it's not just their parents that have rules about dating, dress, curfews, etc.

--It's a blessing for our family to get to contribute tithing and fast offerings. It makes us feel good to be helping others, and I believe that because we do that, we have never wanted in the basic necessities of life.

--I've been able to serve in our congregation in a variety of capacities, including teaching, leading the children's group, and, of course, every sort of music endeavor. I'm naturally an introvert, but because of these opportunities I've learned a lot, made wonderful friends, and had many joyful experiences.

--It's a boon to belong to our church community, to have good friends there to share life's joys and sorrows with. And personally, I need the weekly pick-up I get by attending church on Sundays, not to mention the regular sermon reminders to act well in life.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

I study the scriptures every day, usually in the morning while the day is new. Sometimes when I'm reading I receive ideas regarding a challenge I'm having or enlightenment about a gospel principle. Sometimes I just feel better able to meet the day. I study the Book of Mormon and the Bible. The Book of Mormon explains difficult passages in the Bible and treats in clarity many important-to-me themes, such as the nature of God, why we are here, the role of faith, and much, much more. Both books are a witness that Jesus Christ did live on the earth 2000 years ago, that he still lives today, and that he cares deeply about all people, including you and me.

How I live my faith

I work as a weekly volunteer in our Family History Center, which is open to any and all in our city. There I help people find their ancestors, using both the internet and microfilms. One of my biggest highs is helping someone find their long-lost great-grandmother. Eureka!

I also teach the 10 year olds in Sunday school. We have a great time together. This year we are learning the stories in the Old Testament. They are very proud of themselves because they can now recite--well actually, sing--the 39 books of the OT, in order. This is easier than it sounds because the book names have been put to the words of a song, which they sing very loudly every week while putting stickers on a poster they made.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Mary answered...

A ward is a congregation of from 200 to 400 people. The leaders, including the pastor, or bishop, work as part-time volunteers without pay. A ward is very much like a large family. I sometimes think of it as a laboratory where we can practice kindness, diligence, and, since none of us is perfect, patience. Wards are organized geographically so that we are in close proximity to one another. We don't choose who is in our ward, so we get to know all kinds of people. This is a good thing. I think If we only hang around people who are like us, our views become narrow and our lives, perhaps, too comfortable.

In a ward, all can serve in some way, whether it's helping those who are sick, leading the choir, or simply greeting our brothers and sisters at the door. That way we're invested in one another's lives. In the Mormon church, you can't be saved alone--it's a group effort.
Siegfried answered...

To make the administration of this world-wide church possible, the church is organized into geographical regions and sub-regions. The most basic administrative unit is called the "ward". The wards in the church vary in size but are comprised of a geographical area with anywhere from 300 to 700 members. The ward is presided by a bishop. A group of five to twelve wards are combined to form a "stake". A stake is presided by a stake president.
In regions of the world where there is a lesser concentration of members, "branches" are formed. These branches are equivalent to wards but usually have less members. A branch is presided by a branch president.
This organization makes it possible for 14 million members to each have local leaders that can provide guidance, teaching, and administering of the sacred ordinances of the gospel

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Mark answered...

There is no discrimination or exclusions of race. The Lord says in the bible, "...man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the Heart." 1Sam 16:7. The Lord does not care what race or color you are. All he cares about is you. He loves you.