Hi, I'm Braden

I'm a teacher and I like to make movies. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love life. The one quote I often find myself saying is "If you can't have fun, what can you have?" I truly look for the fun in everything I do. I have a beautiful wife and am a proud father of the cutest little girl you've ever seen. Right now, I'm a teacher, and I love it. Maybe it's because I teach Video Production and Photography classes or maybe it's because I see kids get excited about and understand things they deal with on a daily basis. Either way it's awesome. Lastly, I love to eat, sleep in whenever I can, watch tons of movies, and root for my favorite football team, the Oregon Ducks.

Why I am a Mormon

Being a Mormon is more than just being a member of religion or going to a church. It's gaining a sense of purpose and understanding which brings peace and happiness no matter what the circumstance may be. I've had many experiences in life where I have wondered if I was important, if God was mindful of my specific situation. It's during those experiences that my understanding of the Gospel has been strengthened and I have come closer to Christ. I know that I can change, improve, and become better as long as I work for it. I know that even during the low points, there is divine support as long as I seek it. I'm a Mormon because of the knowledge I have, the feelings I get, and the potential I know God sees in me. I'm a Mormon because I choose to be.

How I live my faith

There are many ways in which I live my faith. First of all I stand up for my beliefs, values, and standards. I also try to be a good example of what being a Mormon truly is. As a member of the church I have many opportunities to serve in and around the community I live. I get to visit lots of people, both members and non-members. I have opportunities to teach within the Church as well as work with teenagers in multiple areas and situations.

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

Peter Thatcher answered...

God has made it clear that such choices and behavior are not acceptable to him. We can't change God's standards. We can only choose to live them or not. At certain times in history, certain of God's commandments have been unpopular. But that doesn't change the moral standard God has set.

Also, families are very important to God. He wants men and women to join their lives and teach and raise children. This is God's way of blessing His children.
Jim answered...

I have a testimony of the "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." It is scripture because it is the word of God coming to us through an inspired Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, prior President of the Church, and living Apostles. It clearly states, “We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God." As long as a person abstains from homosexual relations and cultivates wholesome thoughts, they worthy before God. The Church does not and will not ever condone "gay bashing." I see same-sex attraction as a special challenge to overcome in this life, and not a curse. God loves all of his children unconditionally, but that does not mean that He condones sexual relations outside the bounds of a legal marriage between a man and a woman. I bear my witness that the Atonement made by Jesus Christ is not only has the power to save us from physical death and redeem us from sin, but it also the power to transform our lives. As we yield ourselves to Christ and seek to do his will, we will find the grace and healing to deal with whatever challenges or circumstances life deals to us.

Why do Mormons baptize their new members?

Gary T. answered...

We follow the example of Jesus Christ, who was baptized by immersion by John the Baptist. Being baptized is a symbol of faith, as it represents the burying of old sins, old ways and old habits, and taking on the name of Jesus Christ. We are "buried" in the water, which represents the environment of the past, and therefore we must be lifted up in order to survive. That lifting up represents our being lifted up by Christ, out of the past, and into the great promises and blessings of being one with Christ. When we come out of the water, we are symbolically a new person in Christ.