Hi, I'm Seth

My family is the most important thing in my life. I love to serve the people around me. I know God knows me.

About Me

I was born and raised in Washington State and I absolutely love it there. The mountains and forests and cities and towns are all wonderful. I played soccer, football, and I wrestled in High School. I wasn't a star, but I did pretty well in all 3. I'm the middle child of a family of 5 boys. I love my brothers and my parents more than anything else in life. I enjoy camping, hiking and playing or watching just about any sport. I recently returned from serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New York Rochester Mission.

Why I am a Mormon

I was very lucky to be born into the family I have. My parents have been together almost 30 years and love each other and their children more than life itself. I was raised in an LDS home, but I also had to discover my own faith. I honestly depended on the faith of my parents and the faith of others as I was growing up. It wasn't until late in my high school experience and in my first year at college that I found my own testimony about this church. I always knew that God was there and that he answered my prayers, but I wasn't sure if he knew who I was and if he really loved me. It wasn't until I had some very difficult experiences that I realized how important faith is in having a solid, balenced life. There is a scripture that people often quote, 1st Corinthians 10:13 which says that we will not be tempted above that which we are able to resist. I have found that when we are keeping the comandments, reading the scriptures, and praying regularly that we are given the strength to resist. When we are not following God's commandments, he is not able to bless us as much as he can because of our unworthiness. Through my personal experiences I have come to know that God can create a better life for me than I can create for myself. He truly hears and answers our prayers because he loves us and wants us to be happy. I know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are both the word of God and contain all we need to know concerning Salvation. They contain the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the key to achieving peace and lasting happiness in this life and Eternal life in the life to come.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

This is the question that I have had asked me more than anything else so far in my life. The idea that 19 year old guys and 21 year old girls would give up 2 years or 18 months of their life and completely dedicate that time to serving a mission seems a little strange to most people. The main purpose of missionary service is to help people draw closer to Christ so that their lives can be blessed by knowing and living His gospel. As a missionary I have been able to watch people exercise their faith and change their lives. People who come unto Christ with real intent in their hearts find a lasting joy and peace in their lives. Through prayer and scripture study, the people that missionaries teach begin to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives. When people are actively trying to have the Holy Ghost they receive guidance, direction, comfort, and answers to their Prayers.

How I live my faith

By nature I'm a pretty reserved person. The best way I show my faith is by trying to live my life everyday the way that Christ lived. He went about serving others. I think the best way to show our faith is through our actions. My family and friends and the people around me know that I love and care about them because of the things I do and say. Because of my experiences sharing my faith with others, I know it is also important to express your faith with our words as well. As James taught, "Faith without works is dead." I believe that a good way to measure any person's faith is to watch the way they love and serve those around them.

Why is authority to perform a baptism important?

Seth answered...

When Jesus Christ was baptized, he walked almost 30 miles from Jerusalem to be baptized of John the Baptist. We know from the bible that John was specifically called and ordained to prepare the way for the coming of the Son of God. The fact that John was the one who baptized Christ shows us the importance of being baptized by the right person who holds the correct authority. We learn from the beginning of the book of the Acts of the apostles that the physical laying on of hands is necessary for one to receive the Holy Ghost. Baptism and the laying on of hands by someone with the authority to do so is essential for our salvation (see John 3:5) Being performed under the proper authority makes the ordinance of baptism binding in this world and in the world to come.
Cary answered...

If baptism is the gateway to Heaven, then the baptizer is a border agent. Would you want any old person who claims to know how it's done to just start letting whoever wants to into your country? Why do you insist they carry a badge and wear a uniform, and have an ID which proves they are legitimate representatives of the government? It's the same way with God's rituals. All over the scriptures, whenever there's a ritual performed it was performed by a duly authorized representative. Doesn't it just make sense that if something essential for our salvation would be required, that it should need to be done God's way, by God's authorized representatives? Acts 19:1-6 even shows a time when the authority of the baptizer was in doubt, and Paul re-did the baptisms for good measure. With all the confusion that comes from competing people claiming to speak for God, or claiming to know His will in this matter or that, I'm glad Mormons teach about authority. There's so much more clarity about who we should listen to, and who might be perfectly well-intentioned, but who really shouldn't be listened to because they're not authorized.

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.