Hi, I'm Rob

Welcome to my profile

About Me

I’m a single father whose greatest blessing and joy is the love and friendship shared with my two sons, ages 11 and 15. I interface with talented and interesting individuals in an industry that defines fashion. My work, though I rarely refer to it as such, requires creativity and logistical balance that can be extremely challenging but equally rewarding to my competitive nature. I’m rejuvenated by nature and have the unique opportunity of participating in expeditions and conservation efforts around the world.

Why I am a Mormon

Foremost I see my relationship with the “human family” and the commonalities that unite us. I’ve observed that within any “ism,” there are some who need to believe they are right, while others are wrong. I do not envision being right or wrong as our purpose - far more important is learning to sacrifice our own will to that of a loving and merciful Creator, and by so doing, finding the strength and ability to love others as ourselves. A germane belief in Mormonism, which resonates with me, is that of a Godhead consisting of three distinct personages being one in purpose, whose counsel is conveyed through a living prophet and twelve apostles. While unable to comprehend the majesty of His nature, I view God as a very real and eternal Father whose greatest gift to me personally, aside from my existence, is being able to make my own eternal choices guided by the perfect example and self-sacrifice of his son - the Savior Jesus Christ. Modern day revelation brings clarity to the importance of my life and helps me to understand my personal relationship with God. A restored connection between an empathetic Savior who preached his gospel and established His church in the meridian of time, with a current day organization supported by the same resurrected Deity at its center is all important. This magnificent condescension, whereby the Redeemer took upon himself the frailties of a mortal body to obtain a perfect empathy for our physical challenges, provides a supernal compass to help guide my choices. From a youth I was taught that I could approach God directly, the same as did a young boy by the name of Joseph Smith in 1820. I believe that the young man did in fact converse with God and his Son, and that his prayer like those of prophets before him was answered. The result nearly two-hundred years later, is a living and functioning restoration of the original. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not a church for Mormons - rather, an organization restored to help serve every man, woman and child who hope for direct and heavenly intercession of priesthood blessings, guidance from divine laws, and clear communication through ongoing revelation. Especially reassuring to me, is that a spiritual witness of these truths can be obtained if one sincerely prays and carefully studies the Book of Mormon, the Old and New Testaments, and revelations given in our own day.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Harmony begins with one’s self, then emanates to individuals and ultimately the group. Setting aside and committing to personal time for contemplation and reflection on what we most desire for ourselves and our families, is tantamount to harmony in the home. Such an investment yields a lifeline and helpful perspective in challenging times. A home needs rules, if conveyed clearly and administered in a fair and consistent manner, the family will have a safe harbor from unwanted external influences. My father had a rare virtue, which served him particularly well in dealing with crisis as opposed to asserting his subjective thoughts or previous opinions, he first perceived others. When I make this effort, and place myself in my son’s shoes, I’m not focused on myself or looking for personal affronts rather, I’m able to handle situations far more objectively and for the betterment of the family. Personal time and positive assurance given by a parent to his or her individual children promotes self-esteem and the understanding that the child is important. In order to adjust to the constantly changing dynamics within my family, I’ve found that holding individual and family councils with my boys is vital for our communication and overall wellbeing. It’s a particularly rewarding experience on a personal level. Within these councils a format should be agreed upon whereby each of us can expresses our thoughts and concerns without reprisal. A harmonious outcome may not always be the immediate result but if the process is repeated and given earnest attention, a family will begin to communicate and in time a more peaceful and loving environment will exist.

How I live my faith

My faith emanates from an innate sense of belonging, fostered by loving parents and caring mentors. I live it for myself, but that choice is bolstered by the keen stewardship I feel for my sons. It is strengthened by the natural goodness evidenced in the cultures and ethnic groups that I’ve had the privilege of knowing - and from generations that respect what their ancestors sought to leave behind, and who sacrifice to ensure the same and more for their progeny. Often times, personal mistakes are my greatest teachers and counselors. As I grow older my faith is renewed with the continual ebbs and flows of joy and hardships. These experiences cause me to reflect on present as well as previously unnoticed blessings and new challenges are met with hope and a desire to judge less, while focusing on what I can change about myself.

What is being a Mormon like?

Rob answered...

As members of the Church, individuals actively pursue their spiritual growth and understanding via personal and collective study. Combined with prayerful contemplation of one’s eternal nature and relationship with God, these studies provide peace and give purpose to the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter of life. It is a participatory faith, there is no paid clergy and thus positions of service and leadership are filled by individual volunteers. This dependence on each other creates a vibrant community, where the needs of individuals are attended to. Living the doctrine and commandments within the Mormon faith sets one apart - abstinence from alcohol, stimulants and practices considered norms in society can be personally and socially challenging. However, if one is sincere in his or her adherence to these principles, and maintains a humble respect for other’s choices, a rewarding balance is keenly felt. Members are encouraged to live their standards by the “Spirit of the law,” as opposed to the “letter.” Families, viewed as eternal in nature, are diversely comprised of unmarried singles, widows and widowers, single parents, partnerships whose children are well into their adult years, and young families just starting out. Each is highly valued and receives great focus from the general leadership and auxiliaries.
Rebecca answered...

My membership in Church has been very rewarding. Here are some of the reasons why:
- It helps me focus on the things that will matter most in the long run, such as building my relationship with my husband, teaching and making memories with my girls, and serving others.
- It provides a rich social environment, but at the same time motivates me to reach out in my community and carve out time for personal reflection and meditation.
- It helped me prioritize my education when I was a teenager and young adult.
- It has helped me develop management and leadership skills. I've had numerous opportunities to lead meetings, plan and execute events, teach classes, mentor individuals, and speak to groups.
- It has consistently enabled me to build relationships with individuals from a diverse range of socioeconomic backgrounds. I have a vested interest in the future of people in a variety of circumstances, facing a range of challenges.
- It encourages me in healthy living -- exercising, eating right, and avoiding addictive habits.
- It's given me a vision for what I want to do when I reach retirement age: my husband and I plan to serve a mission, which could entail doing humanitarian service in a developing country, or teaching people closer to home about Jesus Christ.
- It has helped me understand that the purpose of my life is to try to be like Jesus Christ and to serve him, and that after I die I can live in His presence.

Can you tell me about Mormon customs: how you dress for church, what holidays you celebrate, etc.?

Graeme answered...

Mormon customs throughout the world do not vary widely. In fact in my travels around the world, the church is one big family which welcomes you as one of their own. Most of the major national and Christian holidays are celebrated Christmas, Easter, New Years when ever oit occurs, and nation's founding, and personal birthdays. Mormons dress up for Sunday services. When traveling, casual, modest clothing is normal. For other activities, any modest attire is acceptable. There are occasional "theme" activities with approprite dress.