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Hi I'm Jay
About Me
I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, but I'm currently serving as an Army officer. I enjoy music and reading with my wife. My kids are endlessly entertaining and cute.
Why I am a Mormon
I grew up in the Church and have seen the many ways in which I've been blessed by it. I've learned to trust my Heavenly Father implicitly. He's wise, and as I've followed Him I've learned and been happy. The Church gives me a perspective on life and eternity that guides everything I do. I love it.
Personal Stories
How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?
My knowledge of God's plan guides everything I do. It reminds me that I have something to live up to and something to hope for. It helps me to realize what is truly important and to focus on the things that will truly make me happy.
Please share your feelings/testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel.
The Restoration of the Gospel was and is a wonderful thing. So many people wander in search of truth, and now God's true Church has been restored. All can come to Christ through the Church.
Why do Mormons go on missions?
We serve as missionaries so that others can have the same knowledge and happiness that we receive from the gospel. The Church is good and true, and everyone deserves the opportunity to see it for themselves.
How does making right choices help us make more right choices?
In my experience, when I obey God I gain a greater understanding of why He has given His commandments. As I learn, and see directly the positive consequences of my actions, it just makes sense to keep doing what He tells us to do.
Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith did performed an amazing work for God. He was a very imperfect man, but made himself available to God. Despite the greatest of trials, he brought forth new scripture that has the power to unite those who truly seek God's will. He restored God's true Church to the earth. He lived a short life before being martyred, and made so many sacrifices throughout his life, but began the latter-day work of God that has blessed millions of people and continues to bless them.
What are you doing to help strengthen your family and make it successful?
I try to spend time each day with them. I try to be respectful and loving. We read scripture together, sing together, and pray together. I try to teach my kids about everything. I let them know what is right and wrong without condemning them for their mistakes.
What is hope and what do you hope for?
I hope to have more children. I hope to be able to serve others in many ways. I hope to return to my Father in Heaven through the Atonement of Christ. Hope is a happy thing. It's not just a flimsy wish it's realistic. Everyone can and should have hope, because Jesus Christ's Atonement was for everyone.
What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?
We keep certain things out of our home. We actually don't watch any TV in our home, though we do have some DVDs. We have "family time" every evening, during which we sing songs, read scripture, and pray. We also have "family home evening" on Mondays, in which we have a spiritual lesson and an activity or treats.
How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?
I keep in mind that God wants my family to be eternal. I also try to make my home a sort of heaven on earth. We play together and worship together. I've also learned that love, honesty, and earnestness helps my wife and children to make good choices.
Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?
As a missionary I learned many things. I learned that there is no greater joy than serving God. Teaching the gospel and helping others to improve their own lives is very, very rewarding. I also learned that he really knows what He is doing, and that I can trust Him to guide me through life. I learned that there are many things I can do without. I met and came to love many people as a missionary as my mission came to an end, I knew that I was willing to stay there for the rest of my life. That's how good it was.
How has attending Church services helped you?
Attending Church meetings gives me spiritual strength and helps me to learn more about God and Jesus Christ, but more importantly, it gives me the opportunity to serve others. Most importantly above all, when I take the bread and water of the sacrament I'm renewing my covenants with God. These covenants give me such strength.
How I live my faith
I have fun teaching 14- and 15-year-old boys every Sunday. I'm also the director of a meager church choir. I try to visit other people often and my wife and I love bringing people into our home, a place that we hope to make holy and a refuge where we and others can feel God's spirit. I'm ready to talk to anyone, anywhere about the Church and the joy it has brought me.
