Hi, I'm Joe

Ask me what it means to be a Mormon!

About Me

I have three wonderful kids that occupy almost all of my time, but when I do have a moment I enjoy reading, playing the guitar and bamboo flute, and vintage computing. I'd love to be an author some day, but for now I make my way as a programmer, and small business consultant. My faith rounds out my life, and gives meaning to every new day; ask me about it sometime via my blog linked at the top of this page!

Why I am a Mormon

The thing I love best about the Mormon church is that I am always encouraged to ask my Father in Heaven, for everything. If I have questions, no on expects me to take their word for it- they always encourage me to ask God, through prayer, as we are instructed in the scriptures. When I do, I find a peace and a guidance that helps me to know what is right.

We can have answers to our prayers, and that is one thing about the Mormon church that keeps my faith strong.

Personal Stories

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

An amazing thing happens when we do something good and right- we get power from God to continue doing what is right! When you do what is good and right, you get a calm reassurance in your heart that God is happy with you. You begin to understand more clearly the things you should do.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is the idea and feeling that things will work out for the best. Sometimes you have hope that even though things are hard, God has a purpose, and our suffering and struggles won't be wasted. We need hope, to help carry us through this life; every one of us will suffer in some way, and hope is what gets us through that.

For my part, I hope to one day return to live with God. I hope that through the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made, I will be forgiven of my sins and mistakes, and be permitted to see my family and friends after this life is through. I also hope for those around me, that they will have the peace and joy that the Gospel brings, in their life, and the hope for the future that I have.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

For me, prayer is a way to thank God for all of the many wonderful things that I have in life. When I am down, when things are hard, or when I am discouraged, prayer is a way for me to escape and seek help. Sometimes, nothing in this world can help us; but prayer is not of this world. It is a way for Heavenly Father to communicate directly with His children on earth.

What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?

I think sometimes we tend to over-complicate the biggest issues we face in life. Having a strong and happy family seems overwhelming, and because of it's importance, people sometimes feel a great deal of stress in their efforts.

The secret to a strong and happy family is spending time together. In the Mormon church we have a program called "Family Home Evening" we simply set aside one evening a week and spend time as a family, talking about things on our mind, playing games, having treats. This "quality time" is something that a lot of families lack these days, but it is also the most powerful tool in making a family draw closer together.

Another simple thing that we do as a family is to read in the scriptures and pray together daily. With small children who have a basic understanding of the scriptures, it can be short and perhaps doesn't seem to sink in, but the simple fact of doing it is powerful. Praying to our Heavenly Father as a family is also one of the most powerful things we can do together.

How I live my faith

Currently I am serving as a secretary in a men's group at our local church building. It has been wonderful to get to know the young fathers in our church, and serve them in whatever way I can by organizing activities and helping managing the Sunday activities.

For me, living my faith means waking up in the morning with joy in my heart for the blessing of a new day that the Lord has given me. It means going about my business with happiness, and faith that everything will work out for the best. As I read and learn more about what the Lord has in store for His children on the earth, I have a renewed faith that He really does want us to be happy while we are here.

What is the role of the husband and the wife in the family?

Joe answered...

Husbands and wives should work together as a team, as equals, in bringing families into the world and raising them up in the right path. My wife and I find parenting to be challenging at times, but our faith gives us perspective, as well as the desire to do the hard work that parenting involves. We both see our primary responsibilities in family life as sometimes different, but always equal.
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Jocelyn answered...

The role of husband and wife in the family is to first and foremost love each other! Wow, revolutionary!!!
I have found that when there is love and complete commitment between my husband and I, there is no problem that we cannot face together. It is much easier to teach the children with love and to handle life's challenges.
My husband and I are equals. I feel loved, respected, and appreciated by him. I hope he feels the same things from me.

What is the attitude of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Dennis answered...

I grew up in California and was in the middle of the same-sex marriage debate. The Church believes that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that children have the right to be brought into the world with a mother and father who love and honor each other and their marital vows. I agree with this doctrine, so I, along with others of my faith, supported Prop. 8 in 2009. Any time I spoke with someone, I explained that we all, regardless of our side on this issue, are motivated by love. Love of mankind, of God, of society, etc. So much of the debate turned to hatred, but it's important to remember that love is always our initial motivation. I know people, good friends, who live a homosexual lifestyle. They've shown love to me, and I love them, but I believe their lifestyles are contrary to the will of God. That doesn't mean that I can prevent them from doing what I think is wrong, but their liberty does not translate into license. Liberty in America has never been about license to do whatever we choose. When we, as a people, believe something is wrong, it is our democratic right to enact laws against such things. Likewise, if we believe something is divinely inspired, like the institution of marriage between a man and a woman, it is not only our right but our duty to stand up for it. If we don't, I'm afraid that America will lose the protective hand of God that has embraced us for so many years.