Hi, I'm Nick

I'm an artist and designer, A friend of all things good and happy. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am an artist and designer. I work mainly with graphic design, painting, and in the film industry creating sets and props. When I am not working on those things I enjoy social gatherings with friends and family, organic gardening, listening to music, reading to learn something, organizing, renovating old furniture, helping others with their projects and dreaming of cool products to create.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised in the church. Like all church members in that situation, there came a time I had to know the truth for myself and decide to follow it or not. This came through study and effort on my part. I read the Book of Mormon with the intent to know if it was true. After an extended period of study and prayer I came to feel and know of it's truth and made the choice to live it's teachings to the best of my abilities.

Since that point I have had many trials that have tested my resolve to continue. Some have challenged me to be proactive in reaffirming my faith. I am grateful that I can have the knowledge of God's truth revealed by the Holy Ghost anytime that I need a spiritual boost as a result of hardship or trial.

Personal Stories

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

We are all given certain gifts and talents. Some are more obvious than others. Using these gifts to better the lives of others are what they are for. One should not feel bad that they don't have many apparent gifts, and should pray and ask God to help them know of their unique gifts and how they could use them to help others. I know that if you do this, you will have thoughts or ideas or experiences come to you that will make this more clear. This has been true in my life.

How has attending Church services helped you?

Whenever I go to church services with the right attitude about being there, I experience something wonderful...

My desire to help others is increased. I feel my love for God and Jesus Christ grow. I learn more about the word of God in the scriptures. I can practice singing beautiful hymns with the congregation. I get the opportunity to discuss important doctrines during lessons. I gain friends and support from fellow members.

When I am feeling down or in need of a spiritual boost it is almost without exception that there will be something in a talk given or a lesson discussion that will help with the very thing that I am struggling with. Or I may say something to help another while teaching or speaking, and that is even more spiritually satisfying.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by trying my best to promote things that are good and happy. In my art I try to paint things that are uplifting. I beautify my surroundings in my home and yard, and help others do the same.

I try to be upbeat and helpful wherever I go, especially at work and church. I find simple pleasure in treating workers in service positions with the respect that all people deserve. I had some really humble jobs when I first started working.

At church I organize and keep track of data for the mens group that I meet with. Information like, who is or isn't attending. I then can arrange visits to be made by the leaders of that group so that those who are new or not attending can be welcomed, encouraged and lifted.

I also visit two families in my congregation every month to see how they are doing and share a brief spiritual message with them. This comes as an assignment, I don't choose who I visit. These assignments change over time. The thing that makes this so great is that I get to know people that I wouldn't normally reach out to. It gives me a chance to see the positive things about them and learn of their situations in life. While visiting I literally feel how much God loves all of his children, and grow beyond my comfort zone.

What are some things that tell to you there is a God?

Nick answered...

My very existence here.
This amazing body that I have been given.
The order of the universe and planets.
The earth and all its diverse beauty.
Relationships with others.
The things that are felt inside not seen.
Answered prayers.
Our ability to reason, choose, and change.
Witnesses of divinity through written scripture.
Priesthood organization and authority.

etc....
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David H. answered...

I identify with Fyodor Dostoevsky, who once wrote: "It is not as a child that I believe and confess Jesus Christ. My hosanna is born of a furnace of doubt." I respect people who find it difficult or impossible to believe, because of the incongruity of so much unjustifiable hurt and pain in the world or because the affirmative evidence for God's existence does not seem compelling. But yet I believe. I believe in a God who is powerful, knowledgeable, loving and good. I see God in the heavens and earth. I see God in the principles of physics, evolution and natural selection, psychology, engineering, mathematics, the arts and the humanities, among others. I see God in the multitude of faith (or nonfaith) traditions throughout the world and among all peoples, giving meaning, purpose and direction to God's children and creations. Yes, there is much inexplicable hurt, pain and injury in the world, and yes, God's respect for our free will and freedom to believe requires that the evidence for God be noncompelling. I do not pretend to know easy answers; I look forward one day to receiving explanations or understanding of those tough questions. In the meantime, I am grateful for the whisperings from God's spirit and for occasional experiences that, to me, seem like "postcards from God", confirming to me God's love and care for me and for all creation. I have never seen God personally, but I have experienced God and I have met God's children and seen God's creations.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.