Hi, I'm Travis

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a Music Therapy student at a University in Utah, and as such enjoy making and listening to music. I enjoy playing the piano, organ, and clarinet as well as singing in the occasional choir. I was married and sealed for time and all eternity to my amazing wife in May 2009. I have one daughter, born in May 2011. I currently work as a facilities maintenance guy as essentially a glorified janitor to help pay my way through the rest of school, a job that manages to follow me wherever I go. Aside from music, I enjoy technology and can geek out with the best of 'em! I love playing with tech gadgets and enjoy the occasional video game. I'm also an avid board gamer who enjoys spending time with others in order to unwind and relax after a long day at work or school. My life is great!

Why I am a Mormon

I was born to goodly parents, who were already members of the church. In a lot of ways, I grew up in this church like most from any religion: because their parents were members. I found that as I was growing up, my understanding of what this gem of a church really was. I remember the sweet spirit that touched my heart when I was baptized, and the powerful feelings that accompanied my ordination to the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. It wasn't until serving a two year mission in Veracruz Mexico that I gained a solid and firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ as it has been restored to the earth. Watching that gospel work miracles in the everyday lives of many individuals, including my own, on a daily basis helped me to see that this is indeed the true church. Christ lives today, having been resurrected three days after his death. His atoning sacrifice enables each of us to overcome sin and death in order to return to our Heavenly Father's presence. He returned to restore the gospel to the earth, calling a prophet to bridge the gap between the heavens and the earth. Through that prophet, Joseph Smith, priesthood keys were restored so that we might be able to perform the ordinances necessary to live with our Heavenly Father forever. Scriptural doctrine was clarified in a companion to the bible known as the Book of Mormon. Prayer is a direct link to the heavens. We have a loving Father who is ready to assist us in ways that he knows will be best for us. We have a living prophet today, who converses regularly with Jesus Christ and in so doing continues to give council to overcome these troubled times in which we live. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings it brings to my life! Knowing these things helps me continue to rise above the trials we all struggle with every day.

How I live my faith

Taking advantage of my musical talents, I serve the members of my ward and stake by playing the organ. Music brings such a sweet spirit into meetings and I am grateful that I am able to assist in bringing it in. I am also a home teacher who has the wonderful opportunity every month to visit some of my good friends in my ward. I love home teaching because it gives me an opportunity to share spiritual messages and be edified by those I am with. I serve others through my music therapy work. As a student, I have the chance to provide music therapy services to individuals in the community. I have served different groups from special education to geriatrics, as well as psychiatric care. I love the improvement in the quality of life that music therapy brings to those in need!

What do Mormons believe about the Holy Ghost? Who is the Holy Ghost?

Travis answered...

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. The other members are our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He does not have a physical like the other two members, or you and I, but is a spirit. Because he is a spirit, he has the ability to dwell with us. His purpose is to testify of true principles and provide comfort when needed. Through the Holy Ghost, an individual may receive personal revelation concerning questions or concerns in day to day life.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Taylor answered...

Quite simply, no. The young men of the church have been strongly encouraged to serve a mission at age 19, and the sisters are able to serve at age 21, but no one is required to serve. We do it because we want to! Who in their right mind would give up two years and pay that's right, missionaries pay their own way to go somewhere they had never been and do all that they do? We serve missions becuase we know that Jesus is the Christ, and we want the happiness that knowledge bring to be available to everyone! So no, Mormons are not required to serve a mission. It's a personal choice to share the happiness and joy they've received from the Gospel.