Hi, I'm Marjorie

I am a homeschooling mother of many. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a happily married wife of 20+years. I have 11 delightful and challenging children, ages 1 to 19. I homeschool many of my children. I enjoy reading, learning, baking, walking, playing, and sewing. I owned a modest swimwear company for a couple of years. I do not work outside the home. I love to talk about my faith!

Why I am a Mormon

My parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before I was born. They raised their family (all 8 of us!) to understand and live our faith, but I came to a time of life, in my teens, when I came to a crossroads. Most of my peers and some of my siblings were experimenting with immorality and partying. I thought it would be easiest to be an atheist, because I wouldn't be held to any difficult standards of behavior. I refused to pray, sing, or participate in many church activities. But I felt lost, frustrated, and sad most of the time.
In many areas, our church offers a one-hour religious class for high school students every morning, called seminary. Even though I thought I didn't believe, I attended seminary to keep peace with my parents, and to spend time with friends. In seminary, the teacher challenged us to read the scriptures regularly.
Toward the end of the school year, I began to read the Book of Mormon. I was shocked and unprepared for what happened. I found myself happier, more optimistic, and clearer about my goals. I realized I could change my own attitude and behavior. With a little effort, I changed my circle of friends to those who were also trying to do what was right. I found that some of the girls I thought were stuck-up were really wonderful people who were aloof because I was so negative before.
But the most amazing thing that happened was that I found out that God lives! He is my Heavenly Father, and he knows and loves me personally. I began to pray again, and I received answers, real answers to help me with the problems and struggles of life.
That was 24 years ago. As I have continued to learn and grow in the gospel, everything I learn continues to uplift and strengthen me. I have many problems, just like everyone else, and sometimes I complain more than I should, but the truths I know give me a foundation of knowledge of who I am and what my purpose in life is.

How I live my faith

I live my faith in my family, my congregation, and in my community.
In my family, I homeschool my children, at least until high school, so that they may have a firm foundation of academics and faith. I have 11 children, so this is no small task, but it is worth it. Learning together is fun!
In my congregation, I serve as the president of the women's organization. My favorite part is visiting with and getting to know women of many different ages, stages of life, and cultures. I also love participating in compassionate service!
In our community, as a family we try to get to know all our neighbors so we can be there for each other. We also keep track of the local political issues and make a stand for goodness by writing letters to the editor and voting. Our children take part in various community service projects throughout the year, through the church youth groups, Boy Scouting, and other organizations.

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?

Marjorie answered...

Women and men are designed differently, but God loves both equally. I don't know all the reasons Heavenly Father designed women to have the great privilege of bearing and nurturing children, and designed men to protect, provide, and to hold the priesthood, but I do know that He loves me just as much as He loves my husband. I suspect that because of our physical and emotional differences, men and women need different "tutoring" to prepare us for life in Heaven.
I have been a member of the church for 32 years and have never felt inferior or subservient; on the contrary, I have felt honored, supported, and respected. I have been encouraged to gain an education, serve, and lead. I am currently the president of the women's group (Relief Society) of my local congregation. Together with two counselors and a secretary (all female), I oversee Sunday and weekday meetings, lessons, music, compassionate service, etc. for a group of about 125 women, with a staff of 18 volunteers. Every time I sit in council with the other leaders of the congregation (including men and women), I feel that my perspective and opinions are listened to and valued. My work in the church makes a difference!
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Kathryn answered...

As a primary president in my ward, I share in the direction and leadership of our ward. I don't feel secondary in any way. Whether you have the priesthood or not, you are still responsible to listen to the direction of the Savior. The priesthood is a tool and power that is the same power of the Savior. It allows the human authority to do work on earth, particularly perform ordinances, and bless others. As if the Savior was here in person during His ministry accounted for in the New Testament. I would use an analogy to compare the priesthood as a car. A car is an amazing tool allowing you to get you from here to there. I don't mind my husband driving and I can offer some navigation or work the radio, as long as we and our children get there.

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?

Blake answered...

There are absolutely no race or color restrictions in the church. When Jesus was here in the earth, he said that he came here to save the sinners. The last time I checked, all the people in the world, it doesn't matter color or race, are sinners. The church is a place where people can come closer to Christ. There are no restrictions to who can come in. Anybody that has a desire to come closer to Christ, has the right to come closer to Him.