Hi, I'm Annette Barbezat Webster

I grew up as a military-brat in Europe, I'm a college graduate, and an adopted mom...and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am an adopted mom. I have been blessed to be able to stay at home and raise my two daughters. Getting to be a mom was a long, painful struggle. It involved 10 miscarriages, infertility treatments, and long periods of waiting for our children. It was worth every moment and struggle. Given the choice, I would do it again. Next to joining the Church and marrying my sweet husband, being a mom is the best thing that's happened to me.

Through that experience, and others, my husband and I have learned to rely on our Heavenly Father. We have made the choice to put ourselves in His capable hands and let Him lead us through our lives. Making this choice has led us on paths we never expected, but which have richly blessed our lives. Most of all, we have truly come to know that keeping Heavenly Father as our partner in every aspect of our lives is always the best choice.

We've had many interesting journeys and challenges along our way, but we know that by putting ourselves in the Lord's hands, we are in the best possible care and on the best possible path to a happy and fulfilled life.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in a household where my parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, they stopped attending meetings or being active in their faith, not long after I was born. Because of that, I was raised outside of the LDS faith.

When I was almost 13 years-old, my parents decided to return to activity in the LDS Church. They allowed myself and my siblings to receive the missionary discussions. Although I had never been taught any of the doctrines of the LDS faith, everything the missionaries taught me rang true. I felt as if I were being reminded of something I had always known but forgotten, some how. I had always felt the presence of a "Higher Power" guiding my life, but never knew who or what that was. Now, through the teachings from the missionaries, I learned that what I had been feeling was the presence of my Heavenly Father in my life, and the "Light of Christ" leading me to the truth. My father was able to baptize me and my brother and sister on the same day. It was (to that point in my life) the most wonderful experience in my life.

Many years have passed since I made my choice to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Everything good in my life has stemmed from that one-vital choice! I have been married to the love of my life since 1988. We have two wonderful and amazing daughters who are an incredible blessing to us. We have learned to rely on our Heavenly Father and to subject our will to His. In so doing, we have had many interesting and often challenging experiences. However, even through learning to do "hard-things", we absolutely know that allowing Him to be at the center of our lives is always the right choice.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

The story of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and his vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ; were instrumental in my decision to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was almost 13 years-old when I first heard the story of Joseph Smith. I remember thinking that we were about the same age when he had his marvelous experience.

I was at school, and had been reading the booklet "Truth Restored". I went to recess, and finished reading it. I was alone, in a quiet part of the playground, sitting on a swing. I had placed the booklet on the ground and was thinking about what I had read. I remembered the missionaries teaching us to pray in order to find out if what they were teaching us was true. I decided to pray about Joseph Smith and learn for myself if he really HAD seen what he said he saw. SItting alone, on that swing, I bowed my head and asked Heavenly Father if it was true. I felt the sweetest feeling of joy and peace come over me. I knew I had received an answer to my prayers.

Many years have passed since that day, and much in my life has changed. However, my knowledge of the truthfulness of the words and work of the Prophet Joseph Smith has not changed. I know that He saw God the Father, and Jesus Christ. I know he restored the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know that through him the priesthood and authority to act in God's name has been restored. I know that he translated the ancient record of the Nephites into what we know is the Book of Mormon. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and is another testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith was a man...human and imperfect. Yet, I know - absolutely - that he was a prophet of God. He restored God's Church and Gospel in its fullness so all mankind could be saved. I know he ultimately gave his life to seal his testimony with his blood. I know these things are true.

How I live my faith

My Faith is who I am. The principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are my guide and have become the essence of who I am. I try to live a life of "Charity and the pure love of Christ". It isn't always easy, and everyday things can try to get in the way. Starting each day with prayer and making sure to take time for scripture-study are vital to staying focused on what Heavenly Father needs me to do in my daily tasks.

I have been blessed to serve in many capacities in our Church. I have served a mission and felt the joy of sharing the gospel with others. I have taught in the women's organization (Relief Society), and served in the leadership of that wonderful community of women. I have taught the very young children, as well as teenagers, and college-aged young adults. I have willingly served wherever Heavenly Father has needed me. Many times I have felt very inadequate to the tasks to which I have been called. However, I have learned that Heavenly Father lifts me up and teaches me what I need to learn in order for me to serve Him and my brothers and sisters most effectively.

Perhaps my favorite calling has been that of "Visiting Teaching". I am assigned, with a partner to visit certain women in our congregation each month. I also receive "Visiting Teachers" who are assigned to visit me. I have given and received some of the most tender service through the "Visiting Teaching" program. Some of my dearest and most beloved friends have been women I have visit-taught or who have visit-taught me.

I believe that in willingly giving service and living according to the tenets of my Faith, I am allowing Heavenly Father to work through me to bless His children here on earth. I believe that when we do this, we serve as His hands, doing His work, and sharing His love with our fellowmen. Thus we become more like Him and true disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Why do Mormons baptize their new members?

Annette Barbezat Webster answered...

We believe that all of us make mistakes. We are here on earth to prove ourselves worthy to return to live with our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ; after our life on earth is over. However, because none of us is perfect, we need a way to make up for our mistakes and bad choices. We believe that process begins with faith in the Lord, Jeus Christ - that He paid the price for our sins through the atonement. Once we have faith, we are led to repent, or feel sorrow for our sins. This sorrow, or regret, leads us to want to have those sins "washed away", which leads us to baptism. Baptism by the proper authority, cleanses us from sin, and allows us membership in Heavenly Father's church and kingdom. By following through with baptism and the ordinances of the Gospel, by living the precepts of the Gospel and being obedient to the Lord's commands; we are able to return to our Heavenly Father and be worthy to dwell with Him forever.
Gary T. answered...

We follow the example of Jesus Christ, who was baptized by immersion by John the Baptist. Being baptized is a symbol of faith, as it represents the burying of old sins, old ways and old habits, and taking on the name of Jesus Christ. We are "buried" in the water, which represents the environment of the past, and therefore we must be lifted up in order to survive. That lifting up represents our being lifted up by Christ, out of the past, and into the great promises and blessings of being one with Christ. When we come out of the water, we are symbolically a new person in Christ.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Aubree answered...

Temples are used to perform sacred ordinances necessary for salvation. One of these is a temple marriage--making it possible to be together as a family for eternity. Since these ordinances are sacred, only members who are striving to live the gospel may enter. All members are strongly encouraged to become and/or stay worthy to enter the temple. Members also go to the temple to seek guidance, comfort, and personal revelation from God.