Hi, I'm Nate

I'm a Soldier, I'm an Attorney. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a husband and father of 3 rambunctious kids (ages 5, 3 and 6 months). I'm an attorney in Orange County, California. Before I became a lawyer I was a soldier in the US Army.

I'm a retired ski-bum, and love to ride my bike. I also love mountaineering and rock-climbing. But more than anything I love spending whatever free time I have with my amazing wife and awesome kids!

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into the church, but had to learn for myself that it was true. When I was 14 one of my church leaders challenged me to pray to God and ask Him directly if the Book of Mormon was true, if Joseph Smith was a true prophet and if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was God's true church.

I took the challenge to heart, and went into the woods to be able to be alone and pray out loud. After I asked Heavenly Father these questions, an undeniable confirmation washed over me. It's hard to describe the feelings I felt that Summer morning, but Heavenly Father touched me through the Spirit and spoke to my soul. I felt such a warm, calming feeling that I knew I was in the right place - and on the right path.

I often find myself going back to that Summer morning in the woods to re-live the experience and re-confirm my faith. I know that Heavenly Father listens to me and that He absolutely answers my prayers. I know that Jesus Christ lives, that he knows me personally and that He can heal all of my wounds.

I've had numerous confirmations in my life that Jesus Christ lives, that the Church is true, that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, that the Bible is the Word of God, that Joseph Smith is a true prophet and that we are led by a living prophet today. That Summer morning was simply the first time that God affirmed this to me, and I know that He will give me the exact same answer each time I ask.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

The Book of Mormon has helped me throughout my life. Every page testifies of Jesus Christ and helps me come closer to Him. It seems that no matter struggles I'm going through in my life, I can find answer and solutions in the Book of Mormon's pages.

I try to read my scriptures (Book of Mormon and Bible) every day before I start work. Being an attorney can be extremely stressful and mentally challenging, and I've found that my days always go better when I start them off with scripture study.

As I read the words of the prophets in the Book of Mormon I learn more about Jesus Christ and feel myself growing closer to Him. Armed with this power, I'm much more capable of handling the stress of my job (as well as all the daily challenges we all face).

How I live my faith

I try to let everybody know I'm a Mormon through my actions. I share my beliefs whenever I can, and make sure that everybody around me knows my faith. I LOVE sharing the Gospel with all who will hear!

I serve in the Church as the 14-15 year old young men's leader. These are amazing young men and I am privileged to work with them. I get to spend time with them on Sundays, serving our fellow-church members and sharing lessons of the Gospel. On Wednesday nights we get together for Scouting and other activities in the community.

One of my favorite things to do with these young men is go to our High School football games to cheer on the players (both on the team and in the National Champion band). My kids also love to come and cheer for the team and band.

What is the role of the husband and the wife in the family?

Nate answered...

We believe that gender is an essential characteristic of our identity, and that we were created - male and female - in the image of God.

Accordingly, we believe that the husband and wife have different roles in the family. One does not stand ahead of the other, but we work side-by-side - as partners - towards creating a strong, and loving family.

The typical role is that the husband is the provider and the wife is the nurturer. But again, this is a team effort and as partners we work together to support each other in all things.

I'm blessed to have an amazing wife who cares so lovingly for our energetic kids. I'm also blessed to have a job that allows me to provide for my family's needs so that my wife can stay home. (She also works from home, helping to make ends meet -- what an awesome lady!!)
Katie answered...

Husband and wife in a marriage are meant to be equal, partners. The husband is the head of the household and is responsible for the temporal welfare of his family. His role is to support his wife. The wife is also to support her husband and to nurture her family both spiritually and emotionally. Husband and wife are meant to work side by side in providing a safe haven from the world for their family. Their roles are different, but equally important and essential to building the family and the community.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Todd answered...

No. There have never been any race-related restrictions on who joins the church. People of all races and colors have been baptized from the beginning.

However, for a period of time priesthood ordinations in the Church were restricted - This policy was officially changed in 1978 when Official Declaration declared that “every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.”