Hi, I'm Cheryl

I own a small photography business. I'm a wife and a mother. I enjoy staying physically fit. And, I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a wife (married for 25 years) and mother of three. I also run a successful location photography business. I have degrees in Social Anthropology and Counseling and have many opportunities to speak to groups about how to improve their lives.
I enjoy hiking, biking, and fitness, and I love watching college football and good movies. I also love reading nonfiction books, mostly on history, anthropology, and neurology.

Why I am a Mormon

I joined this church when I was a teenager because it answered a lot of questions about the purpose of life and why I am here on this earth. Many of the teachings of this church felt familiar to me. I continue to remain active as a Mormon because it gives me so many spiritual and earthly benefits it has given me a community and teachings that have guided me in my life, but I also feel that I have a relationship with the Savior that helps me in a very personal way. I never feel alone, and it's not just because I am part of such a tight-knit church community. I never feel alone because I know that the Lord is there for me and I have learned how to get guidance from Him. That guidance has helped me in numerous ways in my life.

How I live my faith

I currently fulfill assignments to visit a few women who attend church with me usually I stop by for a visit about once a month, just to be their friend and keep in touch with them. If they have needs, then I seek to help them. I love those women! I have women who visit me too and I enjoy having them over. They have become very good friends. I also teach the adult Sunday School class. We rotate each year, teaching one book of scripture per year. We just finished spending the whole year on the New Testament.
I enjoy attending church and church activities so that I can stay in touch with my friends and also make new friends. I also learn so much from the teachers and the people in the classes--it has helped me raise my children better or make better decisions in my life.
I try very hard to be a good person in my community as well. I want everyone, from the grocery store clerk to the gym attendant, to know that I care about them as a person. I feel like that is the best way I can practice Christianity at its most basic level.

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Cheryl answered...

No! Many of my Mormon friends are conservative politically, but I am not. I am always grateful that I am encouraged by my church to vote my conscience. While we are not told who to vote for or how to vote, we are definitely told to VOTE! Making sure our voice is heard is very important because it is part of being a good citizen.
Fred answered...

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.

What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?

Jen answered...

The word "testimony" is used frequently by members of The Church. When they use this, what they mean is they have knowledge that a certain principle or doctrine is true because they have studied it, and received a witness of it from the Holy Ghost. For example, to gain a 'testimony' of the Book of Mormon, you read it, study it, and ask Heavenly Father if it is true. He will typically respond with a feeling of peace or happiness. This feeling is the witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. Once you receive this witness, you have built a testimony of the Book Of Mormon. This process can be applied to any aspect of The Church, or your life.