Hi, I'm Alan,....and I'm a Mormon.

I grew up in Utah and love the mountains and peaceful life. I grew up in a family of 7 including 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

About Me

I'm a returned missionary, I served in Holland. I love art. I've enjoyed participating in sports throughout my life. I love to write stories, and most of all I love my wife, daughter and son.

Why I am a Mormon

When I was 14 a close friend took her own life which made me want to know what life is all about. Yes, I grew up in the Church and decided I needed to know for myself if this Church is true. I read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and received a powerful witness that this is indeed the word and the Church of Jesus Christ restored to the earth.

Personal Stories

How has The Book of Mormon helped you understand the purpose of life?

The Book of Mormon is the place to start. Each time I read the Book of Mormon it is like a different book. What stands out to me are the things or questions I'm having in my life at that time. The Lord communicates through the teachings of His prophets. Their testimonies are powerful and clear. The Book of Mormon taught me that my Savior loves me and is interested in my life and has therefore given me these great things.

What have you done successfully to shield your family from unwanted influences?

From when my children were young, even preschool my wife and I have been very open in teaching them about bad influences. We wanted them to recognize evil to be able to avoid it. We taught them the consequences of bad things such as alcohol and drugs. We taught them they could come to us with any questions and advice.
I grew up very nieve and made some bad choices because I didn't know better. I wanted my children to grow up with understanding.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

I grew up in a home where I knew my parents loved each other and us children. I never heard my mother or father raise their voices at each other or us children. I wanted my home to be like that. I've taught my children that it is okay to disagree or have different opinions but to communicate them peaceably and never with raised voices. This helps keep harmony in our home.

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

Every time I read the Book of Mormon, every time I read about the life of Joseph Smith I feel a powerful spirit that is a witness that this was a great man who dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ and restoring His gospel and Church to the earth.
As I read about Joseph as a boy and follow to when he first saw The Father and Jesus Christ to the day he was killed I see the development of a servant of God who grew in knowledge, wisdom and strength who stood against every obstacle as a witness of their reality and love. Only a sure knowledge and witness could give one the kind of strength and integrity to endure such persecution and hardships. No one would ever choose that for their own and no wife would have ever stood by such a person unless she herself knew what he was doing was the true work of God. I stand in amazement of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I look forward to one day meeting him and thanking him.

How I live my faith

I'm active in serving in my ward and Stake in what ever position I am called. I try to live my life so that others don't have to question my faith in Christ but strive to live and act so it will be clearly evident whether in my business life or leisure.
I once had a young man in my ward come up to me at a store that rented movies and first thing grabbed the movies I was holding and then said, "Just checking."
Living the gospel of Jesus Christ is a 24 hour a day 7 days a week lifelong commitment and one that brings true peace and happiness.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

Alan,....and I'm a Mormon. answered...

We call God our Father in Heaven for the very reason that He is our father. He is the creator of our spirits. The life He lives is Eternal family life. He has given us this life away from Him to be tested and challenged to see if we will maintain love and faith in Him proving that we are desirous to return to live with Him again once this mortal probation has passed. He has given His Son and His gospel to teach us His ways to keep us from traps and sins that will hurt us and cause us pain and unhappiness. He loves each person individually. He hears and answers prayers because of that. He is the ideal Father and has promised us eternal joy if we will follow that path that will take us home again.
Often we hear, "It's a strange world we live in." Where does that come from? Deep inside everyone of us is some type of memory that allows us that type of comparison. We lived before coming to this earth in God's family as His sons and daughters where there was no sin and no corruption, no wonder we sometimes look at the world and people around us and wonder.
Greg answered...

After I joined the Mormon Church I learned about the importance of families. Not long after that I realized that if I was going to follow this teaching I needed to tell my father that I loved him. That was very difficult for me since my dad and I argued so much. I spent the better part of 2 weeks trying to determine how I could do this. When the time came I found that the words came more easily than I had thought. From that point to the time he died, about 22 years later, he and I had an entirely different relationship. We were now friends. And I found how much I regretted all our arguments while growing up. And now I find that I miss him and more fully understand how important our families are.

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

David answered...

Come to church with us! We would love to have you. I know attending an unfamiliar church meeting can be scary and intimidating. Feel free to go up to anyone you meet and tell them this is your first time coming. You should always feel welcome to come and attend with us. Mormon church meetings may be different than other church meetings you've attended. We typically have three meetings you can attend. Our main meeting, we call Sacrament Meeting, is intended for individuals and families to attend together. Sit up front, sit in the back. There are no assigned seats. In this meeting, we try to focus on the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. You will hear several prayers and gospel messages given in this meeting. Another meeting we have on Sunday is Sunday-School. This meeting is designed to focus on specific teachings of Christ. It is often somewhat interactive, with some class members asking questions of the teacher throughout the lesson. You are free to ask questions or simply sit back and listen. We hope you feel a genuine spirit of warmth and friendship as you attend. The final meeting we have on Sunday is a Priesthood or Relief-Society meeting. Men and attend the Priesthood meeting and women attend Relief-Society. Here we focus on the teachings of Christ that are appropriate to our roles as men and women. You should also feel free to participate, ask questions, or simply sit back and listen.