Hi, I'm B. Tingey

I am a graduate student pursuing a degree in Hospital Management.

About Me

I grew up in New England and Indiana. I enjoy basketball, Broadway musicals, and reading great books. I was recently married. I attend Brigham Young University and I am majoring in American Studies. I worked for a few months in Honduras and I speak Spanish.

Why I am a Mormon

I have chosen to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I feel in my heart that it's the path the Lord wishes me to follow. This understanding began when I was very young. I was raised by parents who are very active and faithful in the Church and they taught me the doctrines and principles of the Gospel. As I have grown I've read lots of books, met lots of people, and studied various ideologies. Nothing else, no other belief system or method of living, fills me with more light, love, passion, desire, peace, and joy than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have felt God communicating to me in my heart through the power of the Holy Ghost telling me that Christ is the Savior of the world. His suffering paid the price for my sins. I have also felt that same divine witness through the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a modern prophet to restore the truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom on the earth and offers the blessings of baptism and other sacred ordinances to help us achieve salvation. Through the Savior's sacrifice and by following the gospel I can be eternally united with my family. I have come across nothing in the world to compare with the simplicity, beauty, and glory of these truths.

Personal Stories

How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

God desires the happiness of His children. Like a loving father, He wishes to guide and direct us along a path that will give us the best mortal experience. When we make good choices by obeying His commandments and serving other people, we can feel a peace in our hearts. This peace is God's approval and encouragement, urging us to continue along that path. It feels good to serve other people who need our help, and the more we do the happier we become. I have seen a big difference in my life as I have focused more on other people and less on my own problems, I've become more happy and I feel God smile upon me!

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

The Bible says that we can know a tree is good by its fruits. In the same way, I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God because of the things that he did. Not only did he help the Lord restore the original Church of Christ on the earth, but he was a man of integrity, faith, and charity. I have studied his life and have read his journals and teachings. I have a calm assurance in my heart that comes from God which tells me to trust Joseph's words, for they are the words of a prophet of the Lord.

How I live my faith

I try to live my faith every second of every day. I try to remember the Savior in my thoughts and actions. I try to pray to God frequently and read the Book of Mormon and the Bible. I try to treat others with respect and courtesy, withholding judgment and giving service. I attend Church meetings on a frequent basis to learn from my fellow members and learn about how I can be a more dedicated disciple of Christ. I work at the Missionary Training Center and I help train the missionaries to preach the Gospel in the Spanish language. As I've done these simple things, I feel an incredible sense of satisfaction. I see my weaknesses improving. My relationship with the Lord improves and I recognize his blessings more easily. I feel so much peace and joy by living my faith!

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

B. Tingey answered...

No, not every Mormon is required to serve a full-time mission. The Prophet has asked that all worthy male members serve a mission when they are about 19, but missionary service is not a requirement for membership. Women who would like to may serve a mission when they are 21. New converts to the Church are not required to serve, but if they meet the age requirements they may apply if they desire. Elderly members of the Church may also serve full-time missions if their financial and circumstantial situation allows, but again, service does not constitute membership or standing in the Church.
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Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

What do Mormons believe about family?

Bradley. answered...

The family is a key component to support us in God's plan for gaining immortality and eternal life. All of God's children (all the inhabitants that lived, are living, and will live on Earth) are inseperably connected to each other, both (physically) by our Earthly families and (spiritually) by our Heavenly Father.

Families help us to understand our divine heritage. In this, life takes on purpose and meaning. Our immortal spirits were created by our Heavenly Father before Earthly existance, and we are directly connected to Him in this way. As a spiritual family, our collective purpose on Earth is to follow the commandments of God that lead us to live in heaven with Him again.

Our spirits need to progress, learn, and grow. In order to achieve that, Earthly existance was created as our test. Our Heavenly Father knew that being exposed to opposing forces on Earth was the only way for us to gain knowledge and wisdom.

However, we will not always choose righteousness, and so our Savior, Jesus Christ, is that great mediator to pay the debt of our mistakes. He is the only way by which we can be saved from our sins and transgressions. He is the ultimate example by which direction we need to live our lives. With the support of our earthly kin, we can learn from each other, serve each other, and strengthen our mortal weaknesses by being disciples of Christ. Our families are a gift from God, and we can be together forever.