Hi, I'm John Robert

About Me

I'm a dad, a physician, a fan of soccer and movie nights, and I'm a Mormon.

Why I am a Mormon

I believe that God wants to speak to us. Just like people in Bible times had questions and problems, we also have issues in our life that require divine guidance. As those saints had Moses and Noah, we also have a Prophet today. He acts as God's representative and teaches us what God knows will help us through our troubles and unlock life's mysteries.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you?

Another one of the revelations to Joseph Smith has a promise. The Savior teaches that if we learn of Him, listen to His words, and walk in the meekness of His spirit that we will find peace. (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23) Learning about Christ's life, studying his teachings and applying them in our lives will bring peace.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

My wife and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple, and we have strength knowing that our children will always be ours. We had a baby born recently with some health struggles. This was a complete surprise as my wife had been healthy throughout her pregnancy. When our little guy was facing his ICU stay and the prospect of surgery, we were able to feel peace and a knowledge that God has a plan for us and our family. Through the prayers of extended family, neighbors and members of our congregation, our little buddy has had miraculous healing. I am grateful for that, but also grateful for that peace of knowing that, no matter what happened, he was always going to be our son.

How I live my faith

Everyone in our congregation has a role. As the Apostle Paul taught, no one receives payment for their service, but their efforts are a gift to promote God's work (1 Thessalonians 2:9). These service opportunities are called callings and I've had some interesting roles in the past.

Currently, I help people learn to store food in case they have hard times in the future. I also can food for the needy in a center the LDS church has set up to give aid. In the past, I have been a scout master, played piano for the kids to learn religious songs, and did PR for our congregation through a radio show.

It is not a requirement, but many members of the congregation have these callings to teach classes, organize service and activities, etc - all performed with a goal to strengthen and serve our congregation and our community.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

John Robert answered...

At the Temple, members of the LDS faith receive ordinances and instruction. As the Savior taught Peter, through His Priesthood, these ordinances that are bound on earth will be "bound in Heaven" (Matthew 16:19).

I love the idea that my wife and kids can be mine forever. I think this helps us put everything into our relationships.
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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 the priesthood?

Ethan answered...

I like to approach questions by looking at the words of things

"priest" has reference to either the concept of one who leads, one who is elder, or one who is holy I like to remember that the words 'holy' and 'whole' are linked by a common ancestry. When something is 'holy' it's essentially saying that it's complete, that it's healthy..

And "-hood" makes reference to the state of being, and not just any state of being but a state of being that's worthy or correct for it's placement. That is, that it's done properly.

So one could say the priesthood is leadership or a point of reference that's completely suited to the position in which it's been placed.

Another way to look at it is to say it's God's perfect order. That is, it's God's perfect arrangement.

In our Church we often give a definition of priesthood as being "the authority to act in God's name" and that's exactly what it means to be a part of God's perfect order. If God commands something to be done by you, and you do it, then you are acting under, and with that portion of God's authority that he's permitted you to exercise within his perfect order.

Just as with any instance where someone tries to act in the name of someone else there are bound to be those who try and do so falsely. That's why God has things ordered in such a way that one can know for certain if someone has His God's authority, or not.