Hi, I'm Mark

About Me

I'm married and we have two great boys, ages 6 and 2. My job training has been a long road, I have now finished medical school and an internal medicine residency, and am now doing a 3 year cardiology fellowship. I plan on going into private practice in general cardiology when I am finished.

Why I am a Mormon

I have felt the Holy Ghost many times in my life, and to me that overrides any doubt. It is a spiritual confirmation that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith really did see God and Jesus Christ and was a prophet. The feeling of the Holy Ghost is so strong, I cannot deny it. I don't have all of the answers, of course, like how to explain to my 6 year old whether Adam and Eve lived before or after dinosaurs. Believing is a matter of faith, and can never be proven by science. But I know what I felt and continue to feel, and just because something cannot be physically measured doesn't mean it isn't very real.

How I live my faith

I was called to be a nursery leader, where I was responsible for teaching and taking care of children 18 months old to 3 years old during church services. I was just released and called into a new calling where I am responsible for teaching and supervising mid week activities for young men ages 12 to 18. I have not worked with young men before, so I am a little nervous.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Chris answered...

Since I do not think legislation will ever be enacted against it, we will have to stop it one person at a time. I think the key to this is placing the proper barriers between your life and the damning influence of pornography. That means staying away from unwholesome places, and putting the proper protections on your electronic devices. It also means controlling your thoughts.