Hi, I'm David

I am a son, a brother, an uncle. I like to bike and read and dance. I am a social entrepreneur. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a young professional in my first job after graduate school. I miss being near my extended family but have found fantastic friends in the area through my membership in the Church. I am trying to make a meaningful contribution at work, convince a wonderful girl to marry me and compete in triathlons on the side.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up with very loving parents in a religious home with a strong family tradition of higher education. My own deep exploration of belief and faith occurred when I went away to college and was particularly intrigued by my courses in philosophy, psychology, and the hard sciences. I had doubts about religion, and even the existence of God at that point, but I had a basic belief that God would answer the prayers of honest seekers.

I was encouraged to go forward in my search by a series of essays by well-respected scholars who were also faithful Latter-day Saints. I put forth a great effort, reading the sacred works and histories of many religions including the Mormon church. I eventually had two poignant spiritual experiences that I knew I did not, and could not, create with my own mind. Those experiences became the anchor of my cognitive conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and I have since been blessed with many wonderful experiences as I have sought to live the teachings of Jesus and the modern-day counsel of the apostles of the LDS church.

My life and relationships have been rich and meaningful because of my faith and active participation in the LDS church. It is the gratitude for those blessings and evidence in my life that I am a better person and my life is richer when I seek to follow those teachings that keeps me a practicing Mormon today.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

The Book of Mormon is to me the ultimate test of Mormonism, it is the "by their fruits ye shall know them" test of the prophet Joseph Smith. After reading the book itself many times in depth, reading commentaries and studies on both sides, I cannot find any logical explanation for its existence and reality besides the intervention of the Divine. It is a beautiful and magnificent work of sacred literature that no man or group of men could have produced. People may be ignorant of it or choose to ignore it but it will continue to be a blaring evidence of the veracity of the intervention of God in modern times.

I also truly believe that the Book of Mormon it the ultimate confirming evidence of Christianity as it provides a second evidence, outside of physical locale of the Bible, of the role, mission, and purpose of Jesus as the most pivotal figure in history.

Of course, the ultimate beauty of the book is that its words and teachings are so clear and, when applied to daily life and human interactions, leads to an abundant life.

How I live my faith

I am a fairly independent person and could easily be content to pray and worship on my own but I believe Christianity, by its very nature, is meant to be practiced within a community and society. I appreciate being part of a church that encourages me to go out of my comfort zone to be active in service and fellowship with other members of the congregation. I currently have responsibilities in my congregation to assist members in financial difficulties to find employment as well as coordinate community service projects.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

David answered...

The same way the Israelites had to decide whether to follow Moses or first century Christians had to learn if the reports of Paul were true: believe that there is truth and it can be known, listen/learn/have some level of personal experience with the message, use your mind as well as your soul and seek direct guidance from God with patience and conviction. That guidance that come in multiple ways but it will be in a way that is convincing to the individual.
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Sean answered...

Before I was baptized, a missionary told me that I could read the Book of Mormon and find out for myself if it was true. I liked that idea. I've always been a person who wanted to know the truth for myself. After the missionary had suggested I read it, I decided to try. It was a big step of faith to pick up a book and read it without knowing for sure. Over time, I developed a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.

The same goes for knowing if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Christ once again established on this earth. A simple prayer to your Heavenly Father can open so many doors of truth.

The real way that I know it is true is how it has helped my life. Without the Church, I'd be lost. I am grateful for it, and for the knowledge I have that it is true.

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Daniel answered...

When married by earthly power and the authority of man, our vows are "Until death do you part."

We believe that families can be together forever as part of our Heavenly Father's Great Plan of Happiness. His Work and His Glory is to bring to pass the exaltation and eternal life of man. He wants us to be even as He is and to return home to live with Him again.

Through the ordinances of his Holy Temples, God's son's and daughter's are able to make covenants. Through the power of His Holy Priesthood, be sealed together for all of time and eternity as Husband and Wife, parents and children.

Families were designed and instituted by God with the intent that they be forever. The love we feel in this life does not need to be cut off when we die. Those who have already died are not lost us forever. God has mercifully made a way by which all who would accept these saving ordinances can do so, living or dead.

We perform these ordinances for those who have in the past died so that they may have the opportunity of accepting them on the other side if they so choose to do so.