Hi, I'm Darren

I live in Kansas. I'm an Emergency Physician. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I practice emergency medicine in a busy community hospital. I work hard to make sick people feel better--and occasionally I get to save someone's life. When I am not working, I am with and enjoy spending time with my wife and 5 children

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because this is where I find the answers to life's most important questions--who am I, where did I come from, what am I doing here, and where am I going. I was born in the church but found out at a fairly young age that I could not ride on the coattails of my parents testimony. When I was 14 years old, I read the Book of Mormon for the first time. I remember really wanting to know for myself if it was true so one night, after everyone else had gone to sleep, I slipped to my knees and asked God if it was true. I will never forget the answer he gave to me--it was a rush of warmth surrounding me that felt so good. I didn't hear any words spoken but knew by the feeling granted me, that the Book of Mormon was true, that the one who was called to translate it was a prophet of God and the church he was commanded to establish was in fact the Savior's true church. I cannot deny that experience. Many others have had similar undeniable personal experiences that roots them in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The invitation is for all to come and try it out for themselves--if done with a sincere heart, with real intent, they too can know these things are true.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

As a father of five, I have pondered this question many times. My wife and I have found that the application of the following two principles has brought greater peace and harmony to our home. Maybe they can help you and your family too. First, have family prayer and teach your children that when it is their turn to pray to pray for specific family members and what they might need at the moment. It melted my heart when our youngest prayed that his older sister wouldn't have to throw up anymore and would feel better. Second, teach your children that whenever they succeed in anything that their success is "ONE FOR THE FAMILY". This gets them thinking in terms of the family's success and suppresses the competitive spirit that often drives family quarrels.

How I live my faith

Because I have been blessed with a knowledge of the truth, I try to share it with as many people as I can. Many of my friends have the same questions I have--who am I, where did I come from, why am I here and where am I going.

I enjoy my assignment at church right now to help the members share the gospel with their friends and family. One real treat that comes with that assignment is to occasionally be able to train and encourage full time missionaries assigned to this part of the world--they are young people, full of desire to serve God, carrying the everlasting gospel to a world yearning for answers to questions that will bring them peace in this life and eternal life hereafter.

My greatest joy, however, is to teach my children about the Savior Jesus Christ and to see them growing up applying their testimony of Him in their everyday activities.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Aubree answered...

Temples are used to perform sacred ordinances necessary for salvation. One of these is a temple marriage--making it possible to be together as a family for eternity. Since these ordinances are sacred, only members who are striving to live the gospel may enter. All members are strongly encouraged to become and/or stay worthy to enter the temple. Members also go to the temple to seek guidance, comfort, and personal revelation from God.
Corey answered...

A temple is a house of the Lord, a place where we may worship our Heavenly Father and feel of His presence. It is a sacred place where no unclean thing can enter. Because of the importance and sacredness of the temple, a temple recommend is required and is received based on individual worthiness within the church in order to enter its holy walls.

The temple is where I go to find answers, to find peace, and to feel the Spirit. We are encouraged to go as often as possible and to attend seeking Spiritual guidance. Inside we perform sacred ordinances for ourselves and more often for others, those who are deceased. God requires that all to make covenants in order to return to His presence and many died without the opportunity to make these covenants. In the temple we perform the ordinances for them in their name giving them the opportunity to reject or accept the ordinance and thus enter into the presence of the Father. The temple is a very sacred and holy place.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Mandy answered...

We believe that God loves all of His children and that none of us are mistakes. Earth life is a time for us to meet challenges and overcome our weaknesses as we rely on the Lord. We are all unique, and so it makes sense that different people have different challenges. Just because one challenge seems harder than another, that doesn't limit God's ability to help us understand and overcome it.

As disciples of Christ, we are to love everyone and look for the goodness in everything. The family is central to God's plan. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and this relationship allows us to grow closer to God. Marriage is more about what you can offer and sacrifice for your spouse than for what you can receive out of it.