Hi, I'm Joshua

I'm a college student. I rock climb and build websites. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I've had the opportunity to live in several very different, incredible places in my life, including Mexico, Belgium, France, and the United States. I'm working on my Master's degree in Information Systems, and I'm married to my best friend, my wife. Life is fantastic, and it is only made better by my membership and faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why I am a Mormon

I am so thankful that the Lord has revealed again the reason why we are in this life right now, and the direction and purpose that such knowledge gives to me is one of the greatest blessings I get from being a Mormon. If you are wondering about this, ask me!

I am a member of this church rather than any other because I've prayed and asked God if what it teaches is true, and because Mormons believe that Jesus Christ Himself restored this as His only fully true church on the earth today, that also contributes to my desire to be a member. I believe that God will answer any sincere prayer, and anyone can asks for a confirmation of truth and receive it also.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I returned from a mission just a few years ago, and it was one of the hardest yet most fantastic experiences of my life. I spent two years sharing things that had truly changed my life with not strangers, but with people that I came to understand were my brothers and sisters. The whole idea is that I've been given so much, and all I could possibly do is try and share these amazing things with others.

How I live my faith

It's amazing what a simple smile will do for someone, especially when they aren't expecting it. I find that just offering a friendly smile and striking up a small conversation with the checker at the grocery store, the person next to me on the train, etc., can make a huge difference in their life and mine. True religion is caring for those that need it, offering charity to everyone.

I try to regularly study the Scriptures, and to learn and understand them. I really like to attend worship services on Sunday because I leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, and because I always learn something new every time I go! The opportunities and sacrifices associated with my membership in the Church make my life so much better in every way.

What do Mormons believe is the purpose of life?

Joshua answered...

I love the answer to this! This whole life is like a opportunity to learn, to improve, and to help others. Basically, we are showing to our Father in Heaven our level of dedication towards Him, and trying to overcome natural, ungodly tendencies we have. In the end, every single one of us has the same goal, whether we know it or not, to return and live with God after this life, and so we are actually in this life to help others to do the same. So this life is a time to learn, grow, choose the right, and help others, doing what God asks and requires of us to return to live with Him again.
Oliver Meyers answered...

I have gotten this question a lot and it has been one I have always heard about but never understood it but as I learned more about our Heavenly Fathers plan for us it started to make more sense. This life it’s a time for us to be happy and grow it’s a time for us to get ready for what’s a head in our existence. This life is a time for us to get ready to meet God again and say I did follow you.

I know that this life is a time for joy and the way I know to have true joy is by having a family. I know that sometimes my family can drive me crazy but that is where I have found all my joy is by helping and just living with my family. I am so excited to have a family of my own, and have a home of love and happiness where we can grow closer to each other and to our Heavenly Father.

As we learn about happiness and joy we also learn about pain and misery that is just a part of this life yes it is hard and sometimes you wish it could just go away but as we learn about both we can appreciate the good from that bad. And I really think that is one of the biggest reasons we are down here is to learn.

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

Lauren answered...

Only some Mormons are allowed to go into temples because of the sacredness of the temples. Those who are living worthily and honestly are allowed to enter the temple. The temple is the "House of the Lord" and we esteem it with such respect that we make sure those who are in the temple are worthy to participate. We don't talk about the specifics of the temple because they are so sacred and we want to keep it that way. In the temple we can be bound as eternal families, learn more about our purpose here on earth, and baptize those who did not get the opportunity while they were living. It is a place where we would love everyone one day to be worthy to enter.