Hi, I'm Nick

I grew up all over the United States. I study physics. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a student studying physics in the United States. I enjoy singing in choirs and listening to choral music. I've been active in experimental optics research (lasers!) for over three years and have several published papers in that field. I love swimming in waterfalls and enjoy traveling - so far I've visited most of the USA (42 out of 50 states), Canada, Japan, Iceland, and England.

My parents are Mormons as well as all my siblings. Although I was "born" into the church, I like to think that I choose to stay in it because I choose to believe it. I spent two years in Canada teaching all sorts of people about Jesus Christ. I've seen wonderful changes come over people as they discover or rediscover faith in the Savior. The gospel is very real to me - it has infused every part of my life and I am happier and more successful because of it. I couldn't imagine life without the gospel.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because the teachings of Jesus Christ have brought me happiness and peace. When I read the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and the words of modern prophets I feel the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised in John 14:26-27 that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and bring us peace. I have been learned by the Spirit that the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are true. I love the church and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I can't imagine my life without Him.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Have you ever known a happy family? Have you ever known an unhappy family? When I was a missionary for the LDS church in Canada I met thousands of people and taught in hundreds of homes. Along the way I noticed a few things that I realize now I had been taught my entire life.

A happy family is one where there is mutual respect, kindness, and selflessness. When selfishness, disrespect, and meanness enter a home, the Spirit of the Lord can’t be there – and the Spirit is what brings peace and lasting joy.

I don’t have a family of my own yet, but growing up I saw the influence of kindness and respect in the happy marriage of my parents. I want to have what I see in my parents’ marriage, I want to have what I saw in hundreds of homes of righteous LDS families in Canada, and I want to avoid so many of the worldly problems that tear families apart.

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” The Family: A Proclamation to the World

How I live my faith

I live my faith by trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ as best I can. I try to pray often, read the scriptures every day, and go to church every week. I spent two years teaching the Gospel to people in Canada and during this time I learned how to love others and the importance of not judging one another. I try to be kind and compassionate to everyone I meet.

Are Mormons Christians?

Nick answered...

You bet! The full name of the church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Right there in the title - I'm a Christian. I worship Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of the Father. I believe the biblical story that he was born in Bethlehem, performed miracles and taught in Israel, died on the cross, and was resurrected on the third day. I believe he'll come again to rule the earth sometime in the future.
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Richie answered...

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

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Shannon answered...

Because the Lord commanded it for a period of time. It wasn't easy for those who practiced it. Many, even Brigham Young (the second prophet after the death of Joseph Smith) had difficulty accepting the revelation. It took a great deal of soul searching and personal submission and communion with God for many of those individuals to reconcile themselves to the practice of plural marriage.

Even in ancient times, when the practice was culturally accepted, plural marriage was difficult. Moses, Abraham, and many others who practiced plural marriage because of God's commandment all experienced personal challenges arising from their family situation. But sometimes life is such: God requires difficult things. The difficulties never seem appealing to us, but if we are faithful, we will find that God had reasons for the challenges He gave us.