Hi, I'm Tyler

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a university student preparing to attend medical school. I'm working in a research lab studying lung development and disease. I love exercise especially trail running, hiking, and sports. I have two brothers and I'm smack dab in the middle! I love cooking (and even more eating) Italian food.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As every kid knows, just 'cause your parents want you to do something doesn't mean that you will. My parents find joy and happiness in addition to their personal convictions that the church is true. They encouraged me from a young age to seek out spiritual truth and learn by my own experience what God's will is. I was taught to read from the scriptures and pray. As i grew older I studied aspects of Mormon doctrine and prayed to know if they were of God. I gained a testimony or conviction that they were true piece by piece. A turning point for me was when President Gordon B. Hinckley (the leader of the church prior to today's Thomas S. Monson), issued a challenge to read The Book of Mormon. I read it as I had read it previously, but this time I felt a confirming feeling in that superseded previous thoughts and feelings that this was the true church. I continue to receive these reminders-thoughts and feelings that come from God and help me develop greater faith in Christ and a knowledge that this is His true church.

Personal Stories

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

The biggest contribution to harmony in my home is everyone's concern and support of each other. I think God intended it to be this way. A couple of semesters ago I was overwhelmed with school and work. I felt like I would never make it to medical school if chemistry was this hard! My older brother gave me advice to help me get through it and my dad gave me a priesthood blessing-basically a reassurance of God's awareness of me and His promised blessings and guidance for the future. Reflecting on this particular experience has motivated me to seek opportunity to serve my family more and help them through hard times. I know God has given me a supportive family to help me through the trials of life and to enjoy the journey!

How I live my faith

I'm blessed to be able to serve with the men in our local congregation (called a ward in the Mormon vernacular). I work with a presidency to organize lessons for the men in the ward. Together we give service, take care of other members of the ward, and seek to understand our duties as holders of God's priesthood. It is a very humbling experience to see the great desires that these men have to serve God and lift those around them. I live my faith by learning from them and the scriptures, praying for guidance to strengthen my fellow men, and repenting of my weaknesses and sins.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

Tyler answered...

Thomas S. Monson
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David Child answered...

The president of the church today is the prophet of the world. His name is Thomas S. Monson. I know he is lead by God and leads God's church.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Deena answered...

No! In fact, the choir I sing with, Saints Unified Voices, is a great example of this. We represent many races and colors--African American, Polynesian, Persian, Native American, Caucasian, plus a few others and we are directed by a wonderful African American woman you may have heard of by the name of Gladys Knight Mcdowell. All of us are faithful members of the church who come together to sing praises to our Father and Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. One of the messages we bring to the world through song and through example is that there are no race or color restrictions as to who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are also no race or color restrictions as to who can hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord 'inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God' (2 Nephi 26:33). We, as members of His church from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, sing glory to God!