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Hi, I'm Mark
I am a Software Engineer, an avid sports fan, and father of five. I'm a Mormon.
About Me
The most important thing about me is my family. I have a wonderful wife. I don't know what I would do without her. Together, we have had five wonderful children (so far). It is funny how family can be the most rewarding part of life while simultaneously frustrating.
I work as Software Engineer. I am a bit of technology geek. Playing or watching sports is a release for me from the pressures of life. My favorite sports in no particular order are football, basketball, and volleyball.
I also have become very interested in genealogy. I love how technology is racing to meet the curiosity of millions of people who are interested in their roots.
Why I am a Mormon
When I was young, I was faced with decision of drawing closer to God, or running with the wrong crowd. I picked up a Book of Mormon and began to read. When I read, I was filled with a power that I never had really felt before. Everything became so clear. I would read for hours and I did not want to stop reading. I later understood that Holy Ghost was teaching me that what I was reading was true.
One thing that I love is that you never have to take anyone's word for it. Instead we are invited to ask God and gain our own personal witness of the truth. Starting with the Book of Mormon years ago, I have had my own personal witness from God that many of the principles taught within the Church are true.
Because God has answered my prayers, I know that He is real and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. Through answers to prayers, I also know that Book of Mormon is true, and that through Joseph Smith, God restored many principles and His authority to the Earth. I also know that God has a living Prophet today and that I can see real, tangible blessings in my life when I follow what God teaches us through a living Prophet.
And the best thing is that no one has to take my word for it. You can find all of this out for yourself by asking God in prayer.
Personal Stories
How has the Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?
The Book of Mormon has given me a solid understanding of God's plan for me and how pivotal Jesus Christ is to that plan. It has provided me with a perspective that stretches beyond what is right in front.
Reading the Book of Mormon has helped steel my resolve to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and follow Him even when it is unpopular or a perceived disadvantage to do so. It has given meaning and purpose beyond simply existing for existence's sake.
What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?
It is crazy what children see and hear at school. As a parent, it almost makes me want to ride shotgun with them whereever they go. Of course that isn't practical and would probably cause serious psychological problems for the little ones.
I try to live by a principal that Joseph Smith taught. He was once asked how it was possible that he governed so many people and with seemingly perfect order. His reply was "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves."
It is impossible to listen to every conversation my children will have, to go to every party they will ever go to, or to sit in the backseat when they go on dates. But I can make sure that I teach them the correct principles and let them apply them to the situations they find themselves in.
How I live my faith
I have been blessed to be able to help out a lot at Church. Some of these experiences include leading the missionary outreach program, organizing community service activities, providing Church services at a rehabilitation center, and speaking to inmates at the state lockup.
Each one of these situations, and countless others that I didn't mention, has made me a better person. I have been able to help a lot of different people that I would not have met were it not for my involvement in these kinds of activities. Each time that I go out and rake some one's lawn, teach a youth group, or attempt to fix someone's irrigation system, I learn valuable lessons which helps me be a better employee and most importantly, father.
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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?
Mark answered...
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Matt answered...
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Who is the Mormon prophet today?
Jordan Judkins answered...
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Service to Others
Jesus spent His life serving others. Following His example brings the most lasting kind of happiness.
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Joseph Smith
As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.
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