Hi, I'm Ryan

I'm a singer and conductor, a hiker and husband, a composer and performer, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Music is a big part of my life. I've been involved in musicals, operas, almost every kind of imaginable choral ensemble. I also write music (two operas, choral works, songs, chamber music) and have adapted my piano skills to play organ for church (I don't consider myself a 'real' organist). A little while back I took up the ukulele and have been building an ukulele program under the children's choir I conduct (I love teaching children and adults).

My wife and I love to hike and bike, and we live in a great area to do both. Together we also serve on our local arts council organizing our city's Summer concerts in the park and an ukulele festival. Its a lot fun working together and getting to know all those artists.

Why I am a Mormon

I believe in Christ and in his ability to heal us. I also believe in a merciful God. One of the things that attracts me to Mormonism is a belief that even those who did not have an opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ in this life will have an opportunity to accept his teachings in the next. Everyone gets a chance to be whole through Christ, not just those who hear about Him in this lifetime. This teaching speaks to me of God's infinite mercy and compassion for His children.

I grew up in the Mormon faith, but there comes a time when you have to prove the word for yourself and experiment with faith. Each disciple of Christ, at some time, has to put their trust in Him and in His teachings. When I served two years as a missionary for the gospel of Christ, I did just that, put my faith in Him. I was rewarded with a complete change in my inclinations. My heart was rewired to a desire to be of service to God and my fellowmen. I still had and have many trials to overcome, but the core of my purpose changed from a desire to do whatever was fun, to a desire to find joy in the service of others.

Personal Stories

How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

It's like learning to play the guitar (or another instrument), the more you do it (practice), the more naturally it comes to you. I've made some big changes in my life. Things that at times I didn't think I'd be able to overcome have somehow become easy for me to deal with, just by taking one small step at a time and praying for help along the way.

I believe God cares more about the direction we are facing and the progress we are making than He does about where we are at any given moment. Some things have taken me years to overcome, but there is no challenge too great that you can't make progress on it with the help of Christ.

How I live my faith

One day at a time, I try to listen to the spirit. I'm very concerned with the contribution I'm making to society in comparison to the things God has blessed me with. Who can I best serve and how? I ask that question of myself a lot. I try to look for opportunities to use my talents to help others. Sometimes its hard to find things and other times the opportunities just present themselves.

Why is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Mormons or Mormonism?

Ryan answered...

Mormons are Christians. We were 'nicknamed' Mormons by people outside the LDS faith in the church's early history because of The Book of Mormon. The nickname stuck.

The Book of Mormon stands as a second witness to Christ and His divinity. We use it hand in hand with the Bible to study Christ's teachings and the testament of His life and the teachings of His disciples.
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What is the Law of Chastity?

Joseph answered...

The power to create children is very sacred. Our Father in Heaven has commanded that the sacred power and privilege of sexual relations be exercised only between a man and woman who are legally married. This is the law of chastity. It means that we must not have sexual relations before we are married, and after we are married we should have sexual relations only with our husband or wife.

Keeping the law of chastity brings safety, happiness, peace, and self-respect. It also deepens married love and protects families. Breaking this law is serious. But those who have broken it can gain forgiveness and peace through repentance and obedience.

God wants the best for you and for all of His children. Following God’s plan of reserving intimacy for marriage will help you and your family be happy.