Hi, I'm Dennis

I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, east of Los Angeles. I love to do genealogy and family history.

About Me

I am a retired father of 6 grown children with families of their own. I have 20 grandchildren. I spend most of my time helping take care of grandchildren. Would I like to travel?... sit on the porch and relax?... hike the hills? Maybe... but I am mostly doing what I love to do... supporting my wife and family.

Why I am a Mormon

My wife and I have been active and involved in our local Mormon Church ever since we were married 44 years ago. There were many times I did not want to go to Church, but when it was over, I was always glad we did. We didn't take the kids to Church only because it was good for them. My wife and I believe in Jesus Christ. My witness is that only through Jesus Christ can you obtain happiness in this life.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

I am from a long line of Mormons. One-by-one, all of my great great grandparents... that's right, all 16 of them... converted to the Mormon religion in the mid-1800s. They helped erect temples, built wagons, raised families, and every single one of them eventually made the trek across the plains to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. I am a product of their hard work. They rejected religious tradition and followed their convictions. They endured opposition, family dissension, physical hardship, and death to leave their comfortable homes to make new lives in the west. I am writing the life histories of my ancestors. I have written 26 of them and I have another 5 on the drawing board. I want my descendants to know the family they came from. This is one reason I do genealogy and family history work.

How I live my faith

I have been retired from the Department of the Navy for 5 years. As a retiree, I am called on a lot during the week to help other people who are in need. My faith gives me this opportunity to serve my fellow church members and my neighbors. There are opportunities to serve everywhere I turn. Service keeps me active and involved in people's lives.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Dennis answered...

The Word of Wisdom is a commandment revealed by God to Joseph Smith to help God's Children eat healthy and live happy lives.
Show more of my answers Show less of my answers One Moment Please
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 are modesty and chastity related? How can parents teach their children to be modest in dress, language and behavior?

Janet answered...

Chastity is reserving physical intimacy for after marriage. This sexual intimacy is such a beautiful and powerful display of love that it is to be reserved for that special time. When we do this we are showing the respect and love we have for ourselves and our bodies, as the gift from God that they are. Through our dress, language and behavior we also show our self worth and respect for who we are. The neat thing about being modest is the strong self confidence that is exhibited by your outward appearance. There is a power that comes from knowing that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. As parents teach their children that simple truth, that self confidence will develop and as the desire to be modest in dress, language and behavior will come naturally. I know that this was the case in my life and am super grateful for the teachings of my parents and the high self confidence it cultivated in knowing of my individual worth as a daughter of God.