Hi, I'm Bruce

I spearhead volunteer and fund raising efforts for community non-profits. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a regular guy. I like reading, listening to my iPod, college football, world cup soccer, creative writing, and movies. But most of all, I like hanging out with my wife and little guys.

Why I am a Mormon

My LDS faith helps me understand the "big picture." As Paul said, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (1 Corinthians 15:19) It's a comfort and a relief to me to know that this life isn't all there is. God created us to be eternal, and to help us become more than we ever thought possible. My faith has taught me that God hasn't stopped being involved in our lives. He didn't stop speaking to man after the last verse of the New Testament was written. He speaks today to living, modern prophets and apostles... and to us as well, if we'll listen. I found that out for myself during one of the lowest moments of my life. When I felt like there wasn't any hope, God spoke to me through this verse from the Book of Mormon: "And now my sons, remember, remember that is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." I've tried to follow that counsel, and life's been better ever since.

Personal Stories

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

One of the missions of the LDS Church is to care for the poor and needy. As part of our faith, once a month we are asked to fast (go without food or water) for two meals, and then donate the monetary equivalent (or more) as a "fast offering." The Church uses funds raised from this effort to help people in need throughout the world, whether for disaster relief, helping people in impoverished areas, delivering medical supplies, providing education, etc. Having to sacrifice just a little in order to help in this way helps me to remember how much God blesses me on a daily basis, and it makes me want do more to help others.

How I live my faith

At church I serve in a youth organization and as a "home teacher," which basically means I visit a few families in the congregation on a regular basis to help out wherever needed. In general, I try to be the kind of man Jesus would approve of -- not just around other people but at home and in private, too. Living my faith means treating all people with love and respect, and looking for ways to serve them. I'm definitely not perfect, but I'm glad to know that Christ's grace makes up for the areas where I fall short.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

Bruce answered...

Thomas S. Monson. I recently saw a picture of his house in the newspaper. In contrast to the television-evangelist mansions you sometimes hear about, President Monson's house was a one-story, three bedroom, one bathroom rambler in a quiet neighborhood. OK, I know that having a humble house doesn't automatically make someone a prophet, but it's reassuring to know he's never used his position to live a lavish lifestyle.
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Amber answered...

President Thomas S. Monson is our current prophet. He is called of God to receive revelation for us today. I am grateful for living prophets and apostles to lead and guide us in this troubled world. I know that they are called of God, and if we follow their counsel we will be happy.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Jacob answered...

We all have the freedom to pursue happiness in their own way, and I would even be willing to allow that some desires may be genetically given. This does not make our desires right. In the scriptures we read " For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." (Mosiah 3:19) We all have "natural desires" that place us in opposition with God's purpose and desires for us and we must each seek to correct them if we wish true happiness.

I sympathize with those whose desires are powerful and poignant; you face a sore trial indeed. The scriptures give us hope though; "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) God is merciful and Christ is compassionate, while there may be yet an effectual struggle to be had perhaps for many years or the rest of our lives full repentance and change is possible.

If a homosexual individual desires to continue as such and marry only by the laws and rites of the state, then I have no qualms, I will do my utmost to be a friend to such an individual. I only ask that my rights, beliefs, and Church are respected.