Hi, I'm Marchet

I'm a Mormon, CF mom, wife, photographer, and former school teacher.

About Me

I'm a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom and photographer. My 3-year-old son has cystic fibrosis (CF), so I am a CF caregiver too. I taught computers in junior high for 4 years, so when I have free time, I love to be on the computer learning, editing photos, or writing.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in a Mormon family and was taught and guided by my parents, leaders, and other church members. Yet, as a teenager, I was unsure about whether or not I really believed that the teachings of the church and whether or not God and Jesus Christ were real.

At that critical point in my life, I sincerely prayed as I had never done before. I poured out my heart to my Heavenly Father. And He answered. Not with a voice or a vision, but a powerful spiritual impression that I can only describe as personal revelation.

That is the single most important experience of my life -- when I came to know for myself of the power and reality of Jesus Christ and his Atonement. Through the years, I have had similar experiences regarding the Book of Mormon, the prophet Joseph Smith, and the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

When my son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), I knew that this life-threatening disease would be a stress emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Yet, my husband and I didn't blame God; we didn't ask, "Why us?" Because of the gospel, we knew that our son's imperfect body was just a part of being in an imperfect world.

As our faith has strengthened, we have found that CF doesn't mean we can't have a fulfilling life with our son. The gospel has given us an eternal perspective that helps us weather the trials of this disease.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Mormons go on missions to teach people about Jesus Christ and invite them to be baptized into the Church. Missionaries also help in local congregations, teach members, and help in volunteer and service efforts.

When I was a young adult, I decided that the best way to honor the gift of forgiveness and love that I had been blessed with was to share that message with others. I knew that serving a mission would be the right decision for me. My mission was an incredible experience, 1 and 1/2 years of service, teaching, and working to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

How I live my faith

Right now, the most important part of living my faith is taking care of my son and teaching him about God, Jesus Christ, and the way that we can return to live with them. We read scriptures sing songs, and pray -- along with all the other things a preschooler and busy mom/photographer must do. At church, I help out in the nursery and have also played piano for the children's meetings.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Marchet answered...

Temples are different than meetinghouses where our weekly Sabbath services are held. Temples are holy, dedicated buildings that are used for performing sacred ceremonies called ordinances. Only members of the Church who have met certain guidelines may enter and perform these ordinances in temples.

One of the ordinances is sealings -- where families are sealed to be together forever, even after death. This is especially important to me because I don't know how long I'll have in this life with my family. To know that we will be together after death is a great comfort and blessing.
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Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Adam answered...

There is a lot of vocabulary that is unique to Mormonism, including the terms we use for our congregations.

A ward is a local congregation, usually made up of between 200-600 members. Wards have specific geographic boundaries, so which ward you attend would depend on where you live. A ward is presided over by a lay priesthood holder called a bishop.

A branch is similar to a ward, except it is smaller. They range in size from a single family to the size of a small ward. Generally, branches are in areas without a significant Mormon population, specific to a language, or for individuals who are single. Branches do not have bishops, but are presided over by a branch president.

A stake is a larger organization in the church. Several wards and branches, frequently around 12, will comprise a stake. The stake is able to support the wards and branches through additional resources and leadership. Stakes are presided over by stake presidents.