Hi, I'm Colin

I'm a father, husband, strategy board gamer, sports fan, lacrosse official, web analytics manager, and a happy Mormon.

About Me

I am the father of an angelic four-year-old boy and eight-month-old baby girl who I adore more than anything in the world. My wife and I have been married for almost 10 years, and we love spending time as a family.

Some of our favorite activities involve going on walks with our dog, Maggie, attending sporting events like Real Salt Lake soccer games and Utah State Aggie games, camping, and playing in our yard. We enjoy playing board games, watching movies, and singing songs together. And all of it is more fun with a three-year-old in the house.

I work as a product manager of web analytics for a large organization here in Utah and also part-time as a lacrosse official for the state high school and youth associations.

I enjoy reading non-fiction mostly, like World War II history or sports related stuff. I play the guitar and piano, and I also speak Japanese. I have aspirations to write a book someday, would love to travel and see more of the world, and hope to coach my son in sports soon.

Why I am a Mormon

I hold firm to the notion that "experiences build beliefs" and I have had enough experiences to believe in a God who is our loving Father in Heaven. There have been moments in my life that have lead me to believe that God listens to and answers our prayers I can think of specific events that have helped me realize that He knows each of us individually, and I have had multiple experiences that have confirmed my faith.

Ultimately, this is why I am a Mormon: God answered my inquisitive prayers to know and He has blessed my life in many ways. I have read the Book Of Mormon and studied the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have felt the power of their words as true messages from God.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

In the book of Isaiah, the Savior said, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee..."

I have felt the love and support of Jesus Christ in my life during moments of discouragement and at times when I felt the most alone and overwhelmed. I have felt the aid of caring Savior who carried me through my deepest trials. And I have seen His hand lifting me to new heights and strengthening me to new levels that I otherwise could not have reached without Him.

I believe in a Savior that loves each of us individually. I have been influenced immensely with hope and encouragement by Jesus Christ. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

The lyrics of this song summarize many of my feelings of Christ: How Firm a Foundation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbAr30Dm3Hw

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

A couple of things that have helped our family develop greater harmony are saying family prayer, holding a weekly family home evening, singing uplifting songs together, and reading from the scriptures as a family. It has helped us to do chores together like making dinner or doing the dishes. We have more harmony when we play and laugh together. But most of all, when we apply the values taught by and follow the example of Jesus Christ in our interactions with each other forgiveness, meekness, service, honesty, love, and being cheerful.

How I live my faith

Living my faith is both a very personal thing prayer, meditation, my relationship with Jesus Christ and somewhat public thing community service, teaching in church, visiting the sick and elderly in my neighborhood.

More than anything, I strive to live my faith in my relationships with my family and friends and I hope to teach my son to believe in God, to find strength in the scriptures, to uphold moral values like integrity and service.

Living my faith means expressing daily gratitude for the blessings given to us by our Creator. It means showing respect and courtesy to those around us. It means finding strength and hope in the words of Jesus Christ and His prophets. It means repenting of my mistakes and trying to be a little better tomorrow than I was today. It means trusting that our Savior is in charge, that He has a purpose for me, that He is aware of my situation and challenges that I face. Living my faith means following His example.

What do Mormons believe about "eternal life?"

Colin answered...

Eternal life is the greatest gift that God can give. Not to be confused with immortality - the ability to live again after death of the physical body -eternal life is a state of exaltation in the after-life; granted to the faithful and honorable souls who have lived honorable lives, accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, and fulfilled their mission upon the earth.

What do Mormons believe concerning the doctrine of grace?

Tan. answered...

We believe 100% that we are saved by grace. Absolutely. Period. No person can be saved by his or her works, no matter how great he or she is, and how many good things he or she did. In order to qualify for Christ's grace, however, we must live righteously, repent, and humble ourselves before the Lord.