Hi, I'm Tyler Smith

Jack of all trades, master of some. Explorer. Learner. Mormon.

About Me

I live in beautiful Monterey, CA, but I grew up in the shadow of Utah's mountains. I love to play the violin, and my nerdiest hobby is staying current on all of Google's latest innovations. I enjoy being outside, and I especially like the mountains. When it comes to sports, it's Ultimate Frisbee and ping-pong for me.

My favorite activity is meeting new people and learning what makes them who they are.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in a Mormon family. When I was a teenager, I had to decide for myself if the way I was raised was how I wanted to live the rest of my life. I searched to know the truth by studying the scriptures. I asked God often to help me know which path would make me happiest and lead me back to Him. The answer didn't come all at once. In fact, it took years of trying to do what was right. The result? I feel confident that a prophet of God leads the Church. The teachings of this Church are the teachings of Jesus Christ. Living by these teachings brings me great satisfaction, even when life's difficulties seem overwhelming.

Personal Stories

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

When I meet new people in social settings, it usually takes about 30 seconds for them to discover I'm a Mormon. Why? I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I speak Russian. The answer to the questions I get asked the most (Why don't you drink/smoke and where did you learn Russian?) is always the same: I'm a Mormon. (I learned Russian as a Mormon missionary.)

As it turns out, I share the gospel by just being myself. We are all surrounded by interesting people who lead fascinating lives. It just so happens that my faith is an important part of my life. Part of my faith is inviting others to learn about Jesus Christ, so if we're friends, you can expect the occasional invitation to join me at a church-related activity, read the Book of Mormon, or just spend some time hanging out with me and my Mormon friends as we have more fun than humans should be allowed to have.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Each of us has unique talents and strengths, regardless of our background or what religion we profess. The greatest thing we can do is bring happiness, peace, comfort, or love to others through the righteous, uplifting use of those talents.

One of my most enjoyable experiences during the last year was giving a weekly concert at a local rest home. My friends would sing while I played my violin. Many of the residents were too old or senile to show much interest in our music, but they were always happy to see us. I know the music we played touched them just as much as our willingness to visit and spend time with them.

You don't have to play an instrument or sing to brighten someone's day. Charm them with your smile or call up an old friend. Heavenly Father will smile on anything you do to bless the lives of His children.

How I live my faith

Most importantly, I try every day to love others and treat them the way Jesus Christ would. In my ward, I organize activities for other young adults. We meet together with members and friends from our neighborhood to teach each other the gospel of Jesus Christ, play games, and eat treats, of course!

In whom should we have faith?

Tyler Smith answered...

We should place our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. Because He overcame sin, we can find forgiveness and peace as we follow His example. Because He overcame death, we can hope for a future beyond death with our family and friends. Because He loves us dearly, He will give us strength to live each day as we turn to him with all our heart.
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What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Keri answered...

Mormon women are like any other good woman who is trying her best to raise a family in love and trying to leave the world a little better for future generations.

Mormons do believe in equality of men and women. We believe husband and wives are to work side by side, not one dominating over another. But equality does not mean being exactly the same. We believe that God gave men and women distinct and different roles/assignments to fulfill. Men are primarily responsible for the physical welfare of their families while women are to nurture and care for their families. Although the roles are different each one is important and critical.