Hi, I'm Dan

Being Mormon is the foundation of my life.

About Me

I try to focus on things that matter most. Those, for me, are the inner things of the heart (character, love, family & friends, among others). I also really enjoy traveling and seeing new places (and visiting old friends), spending time in nature, swimming (especially in the ocean), movies, good food, and music is also a big part of my life. I am working on a degree in geography and I'm not sure what I will do with that yet but I am hopeful!

Why I am a Mormon

I am Mormon because it is the ultimate desire of my heart to come as close to God as I can (in this life and in the next). The Holy Spirit has witnessed to my heart (in a way that is difficult to specifically describe) that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the true Church of God. I believe God has the power to lead us into all truth, and that he wants us to receive all the blessings of joy in eternity. Through many personal experiences--some of which relate to personal challenges and struggles--I have sought for the Lord's presence in my life and I have found him. The Church is the "vehicle" by which I can more fully draw unto him through authoritatively performed ordinances (such as baptism and communion/sacrament), receiving inspired counsel from his authorized servants relating specifically to our day, and have the opportunity to serve others and receive help myself when needed.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

Attending Church services has blessed my life greatly. There is a peace that comes to my mind and heart on a Sunday evening after having spent time worshipping the Lord and in uplifiting association with my friends who share my beliefs. At church, we hear the word of the Lord from ordinary people like ourselves who experience his workings in their own lives. This builds faith and trust in him. I also have the opportunity to help others in various ways (teaching, listening) which gives me a measure of peace that I am following (in a small way) in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

I like to think of prayer as my lifeline. It has to begin with a belief in God who is my Father in heaven and a trust that he hears the prayers of all people. Although God "knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him" (Matthew 6:8), he has given each of us the opportunity to talk with him and has promised that he will answer in the way that is best for us.

I often pray twice daily (morning & evening) so that I can remain close to God in my heart and specifically ask him to help and guide me with the daily things that require my immediate attention. Prayer is an opportunity for me to express my love to the Lord, to worship and adore him, to ask him for help, plead with him, confess my sins, and ask him to bless those who are dear to me. I will often ask him for help with pressing matters of the day, as well as ask for his long-term guidance in growing closer to him as I go through life.

How I live my faith

The most important way I live my faith is doing my best to remain spiritually close to God. I pray to him and study the scriptures regularly, as well as attend church on Sundays to worship him and associate with others who share the same faith. I also strive to live by Christian morals & values as taught by Jesus Christ (love, honesty, purity, etc). Another important element for me is to continually strive to repent of my sins. In 1 John 1:8 we read, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Part of living my faith is recognizing that I am very imperfect before the Lord and striving to be more like him and asking for his forgiveness when I make mistakes.

I am a volunteer in one of the church's temples, and from time to time I also work on my own personal family history. Additionally, I have the opportunity to minister to those within the men's organization of my local congregation.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

Dan answered...

The prophet today is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His name is Thomas S. Monson.
Show more of my answers Show less of my answers One Moment Please
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.

What do Mormons believe about family?

Bradley. answered...

The family is a key component to support us in God's plan for gaining immortality and eternal life. All of God's children (all the inhabitants that lived, are living, and will live on Earth) are inseperably connected to each other, both (physically) by our Earthly families and (spiritually) by our Heavenly Father.

Families help us to understand our divine heritage. In this, life takes on purpose and meaning. Our immortal spirits were created by our Heavenly Father before Earthly existance, and we are directly connected to Him in this way. As a spiritual family, our collective purpose on Earth is to follow the commandments of God that lead us to live in heaven with Him again.

Our spirits need to progress, learn, and grow. In order to achieve that, Earthly existance was created as our test. Our Heavenly Father knew that being exposed to opposing forces on Earth was the only way for us to gain knowledge and wisdom.

However, we will not always choose righteousness, and so our Savior, Jesus Christ, is that great mediator to pay the debt of our mistakes. He is the only way by which we can be saved from our sins and transgressions. He is the ultimate example by which direction we need to live our lives. With the support of our earthly kin, we can learn from each other, serve each other, and strengthen our mortal weaknesses by being disciples of Christ. Our families are a gift from God, and we can be together forever.