Hi, I'm Jaron

I love volleyball, music and life. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm 24 and recently graduated from college. I'm an "older" graduate because I chose to serve a mission for the Mormon Church for two years. I got to serve in Russia and I loved it! I'm currently planning to go to med school and have submitted my application. Music is a huge part of my life as well as sports and dancing. Most important, however, is my faith in God.
Recently I married my best friend, Shelly. We were married for time and all eternity in one of the LDS temples. This is an important part of my life as I made a covenant so that I can live with her forever.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in the Mormon Church. I came to find out that this is Christ's Church as I read and prayed about the Book of Mormon for several weeks when I was a Freshman in college. I had a deep desire to know and Heavenly Father let me know through the power of His Spirit. I continue to do what is taught in our church, striving to keep God's commandments and living a righteous life. In so doing, I am happier person

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

We use the word vicarious sometimes in the Church to describe the Atonement performed by Jesus Christ. The Atonement does not only extend to a certain group of people, or a certain time period. It is a vicarious work for all, from the first man on earth to the last.

With that said, we do family history (also called geneology) work. That means we research our ancestors and deceased relatives. We believe that, although they are dead, their spirits live, and still have the chance to accept the gospel. Not everyone has had an opportunity while on this earth to accept Christ and His gospel, but thankfully, the Atonement allows each individual a fair chance at receiving the message of peace that comes from the Savior.

We also believe that through the sealing power of the Priesthood, we can live as families together forever. Family history work gives all of our ancestors a chance to accept what we know and believe as members of Christ's Church, and we can perform ordinances for them as proxy, or in other words, in their place. They, of course, have the choice to accept or reject.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

God, through His modern prophets, has asked Church members to serve missions. A mission is usually a 18 or 24-month commitment to serve the Lord in a designated area of the world on a specific assignment. These missions are service-based, meaning missionaries do not receive pay. In fact, they themselves pay their way for their missions. It is a unique opportunity that members of the Church can enjoy.
I was able to serve for 24 months in Russian Siberia. It was difficult in many regards, but like most things in the life, it was rewarding because of how much effort I put into it. I was assigned to do a proselyting mission, meaning I would talk with people on the streets, in their homes, and teach them about our Church and the Gospel of Christ.

How has attending Church services helped you?

Every day of the week brings new problems, trials, questions and energy-draining activities. When Sunday comes, I have the hope that the Church services I attend not only provide a lift to my soul and happiness, but it also gives direct answers of how to better my life, work more effectively, and find peace in what I'm doing.

Each meeting that I attend is an opportunity to worship God and learn more about Him. Church services become boring only when I don't prepare myself or don't pay attention and try to apply what is being taught to my current situation.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

When I was growing up, my mom made all of my siblings and me take piano lessons. Ironically, we all hated it. As the youngest, I followed suit after my older siblings, until one day I heard a piece played that changed my outlook on piano and music. I wanted so badly to play that song that I began practicing more and more. I actually started liking it (crazy, I know). With time, I became more and more accomplished in piano thanks to parents who supported me and a loving Heavenly Father who endowed me with the ability to play piano.

When I served my mission in Russia, a week didn't go by that I didn't use my piano abilities. Upon returning to the states, I was asked to serve in musical positions in the Church. I have seen how the Lord has given me joy through music and playing the piano, but more importantly, how these talents have blessed others, soothed their souls, made them happier and feel uplifted.

Before my grandmother passed away, I was able to perform a little personalized recital for her that gave me something to remember about her for the rest of my life.

God gives all of us talents. It is our personal responsibility, however, to discover them and develop them.

How I live my faith

Every day I start with reading the scriptures, which includes the Book of Mormon, and prayer. I try to live as God has asked us to. I attend Church every Sunday. I attend the temple once a week. In addition to planned activities, I try to help anyone that needs it, trying to emulate what Christ would have done.

Another vital component of living my faith is repentance. It includes acknowledging wrongdoing before God in prayer and striving to do better. If done properly, repentance can cleanse us thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Repenting daily is very important to living the Mormon faith, because it cleanses me, helps me become a better person, and makes me happy.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Jaron answered...

The Mormon missionaries will get to know you a little bit better and then share a message about Jesus Christ with you. They will begin with a prayer that is simple and heartfelt. Then, they will talk about God's dealings with His children on the Earth from the beginning of time to now. What they say may be familiar. Some of it may seem new. What they are teaching is true.

At the end of their message, they will invite you to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. This is a very important part of the message. It is the only way to know if it is true. Just like you would turn to a trusted specialist to tell you if you need surgery or not, God will tell you if this message is true. He is the specialist of gospel truth and the path to happiness. He will tell you if you if the Book of Mormon is true and if the message that the missionaries have discussed is from Him or not, and He will tell you if you pray sincerely to Him.
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Max answered...

We will talk about gods love for all of us down here on earth.
we will talk about how you can be with your family and loved ones forever.
we will talk about how the gospel of jesus christ has been restored to the earth and the evidence of this restoration which is found in the book of mormon.
we will talk about how god continues to talk to his children like he did in biblicial times!
we will talk about the steps that you need to take to insure eternal happines!
we will talk about any other questions you may have about god, Jesus Christ, and about this church.
we have the truth to share. why dont you just talk to one of us?

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Kathryn answered...

As a primary president in my ward, I share in the direction and leadership of our ward. I don't feel secondary in any way. Whether you have the priesthood or not, you are still responsible to listen to the direction of the Savior. The priesthood is a tool and power that is the same power of the Savior. It allows the human authority to do work on earth, particularly perform ordinances, and bless others. As if the Savior was here in person during His ministry accounted for in the New Testament. I would use an analogy to compare the priesthood as a car. A car is an amazing tool allowing you to get you from here to there. I don't mind my husband driving and I can offer some navigation or work the radio, as long as we and our children get there.