Hi, I'm Boley

My family has been in Texas for seven generations. Four of these as Mormons.

About Me

I have been married to my wonderful wife for 28 years. We have five fantastic children. I work at a major semiconductor company. I enjoy serving in the Church, family history research, woodworking, and caring for my home and property. I lead a simple life that revolves around my family and faith.

Why I am a Mormon

Although I was born into the Church, my parents having joined a fews years prior to my birth, I never felt forced to be a member--just encouraged to be faithful and to learn about my Savior, Jesus Christ. As I grew, I had many friends of many faiths. We shared our views with each other and I attended their various meetings. I remember going to Catholic masses, non-denominational meetings, pentecostal services, and walking a block down the street from my house to attend Vacation Bible School at the local Baptist Church. All of these meetings were filled with faithful people seeking to worship God. They taught many truths and sought to build faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ; never-the-less, I did not discover a greater fountain of truth, spiritual strength, or opportunity to build a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, than I did in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am and what the Lord expects of me through the teachings of the Church. I understand that my Heavenly Father has a plan of happiness that I can follow to find my way back to Him by making and keeping sacred promises or covenant. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been the one unmovable, unchanging, ever-present anchor to my life. I have found the answers to life's questions and the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ within the teachings of the LDS Church. I know this is the true and living church of Jesus Christ on the earth today.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

Gospel principles have been the source of solutions to all the problems and challenges that have arisen in my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ has taught me to reject out of hand any notion that there could be a problem in my life that I cannot overcome or survive with the help of my Savior. To be otherwise would suggest that there is a power or powers in the universe greater than the power of almighty God. This is inconsistent with my understanding of the God I worship. Heavenly Father is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present to lead and guide in every matter. Indeed, a life of evidence has confirmed in my mind that God, our Heavenly Father, and His son Jesus Christ live and bless each of us as we exercise our faith and call upon the Father in the name of the Son.

How I live my faith

I serve as the bishop (pastor) of my ward (congregation). I oversee the meetings and activities of the ward and work one-on-one with members to help them develop their faith and testimonies and find the courage to face the daily challenges of life. My responsibilities require a significant time commitment as well as much spiritual and emotional investment as I seek to serve the members of my ward. I often feel the spirit of the Lord with me, giving me strength and enlightment to be able to minister to and assist the members of the ward in whatever way is needful. I see the hand of the Lord in my own life, but I also see it in the lives of the members I serve. I know that my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ live and are aware of the circumstances of each of our lives. This knowledge gives me great peace and strength.

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

Boley answered...

All members of The Church are invited to prepare themselves to enter the temple and participate in sacred ordinances. All of these ordinances have to do with forming eternal family organizations and preparing us individually for eternal life.

Meeting a worthiness standard has always been a part of temple worship. It was so with the tabernacle that Moses and the children of Israel carried with them in the wilderness and it is so today--God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The ordinances and teachings in the temple are based upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are sacred, not secret. We do not speak of them outside the temple mostly for the same reasons they we do not publicly discuss our personal finances. It isn't because there is something strange about it, it is because it is a personal and private matter.

There are opportunities from time to time when a temple is newly built or when one is being renovated for the general public to visit an open house event and tour the temple. During these tours, visitors can learn about the purposes and functions of the temple. Once the temple is dedicated however, all who enter must be worthy to do so, because we believe that the temple is the house of the Lord.

The temple is a place of quiet order, reverence, peace, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. I love to visit the temple. I always feel better and my thoughts and feelings seem clearer after I have spent time in the temple.
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Don answered...

Recently I taught a Sunday School lesson about the Apostle Paul who was cast into jail because of being falsely accused of taking non-jews into the holy parts of the ancient temple. The penalty for doing so was death. It caused me to think of the sacredness of the temple, and that people throughout history have gone through a preparation process in order to approach God through temple worship.

In our time, both members of the church and non-members who have not prepared are turned away from the sacred parts of the temple not because of secrets, but rather due to the sacred nature of the temple and the preparation required to go there. Anyone can go to the temple, given they prepare themselves and demonstrate that preparation in a visit with those responsible for qualifying persons for entrance to the temple.

I love the peace that comes from being in the temple, having prepared myself to approach the Lord in His house. I feel His Spirit there. I am grateful that others who are there have prepared themselves in the same way.

Anyone who wants to know more about the nature of the temples can ask any missionary what it takes to qualify to go there. My personal experience and witness is that it is worth qualifying oneself and experiencing the beauty and peace that is constantly there.

Are Mormons Christians?

Richie answered...

Yes. We believe Jesus Christ is our Savior and we follow His teachings. We believe He is essential for salvation.