Hi, I'm Jerry

I grew up in California and I am a father, husband and student, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Hi, I am a father of four kids of my own and two step kids. I have been remarried for 2 1/2 years. I have been a member of the church all my life and served a mission to the Great California Ventura Mission. I am a student majoring in Human Services and I work as a sub-contractor for Staples. I love to camp, water ski, go shooting, swimming, and only watch one sporting event a year-the Super Bowl! I am a avid reader and love the Book of Mormon. for fun I am a great fan of Vince Flynn, Michael Connelly, Lisa Jackson and others. I also love biographies.

Why I am a Mormon

I grew up in the church so I have been a member all my life. But even though, I too had to go through a conversion process. Growing up, I did some stupid things that were not in line with the teachings of the church. When I went on my mission, it was then that I began to realize truly how important and true the teachings of the church were. I read the Book of Mormon for the first time and began to really gain a testimony of that book, the prophet Joseph Smith, the church, and its principles. Since then, I have become an avid reader of the scriptures and other church books, specifically those written by the prophets and apostles. The experiences I have had have forced me to rely on the Lord and his teachings. Going through a divorce and being single again for 8 years was rough, but with the scriptures, prayer, and following the prophet, I have been able to not only survive, but to actually thrive and grow in many ways. My faith has increased, my trust in the Lord and his servants has become even more solid, and I have come to know myself better than I ever did. I have found that by following the churches teachings, the prophets, the scriptures and serving others, that my life is full, I have peace in my life, I know whats important and whats not, and I have direction. I understand the purpose of life and why we have trials and tribulations. My love of the Savior is strong, and because of these things, I continue to stay true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

I do not leave the house without first praying. As Spencer W Kimball once said, :prayer is the passport to spiritual power" I find that prayer makes my job, and my personal life easier to deal with. It brings clarity, peace, calm, and direction to what I'm doing. I am able to think more clearer, and my decision making skills have improved. Prayer is an essential part of my life.

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

How do we create greater harmony in the home is a wonderful question. To me it is an easy question to answer. #1 Read the scriptures daily as a family and as a individual. #2 Pray together as a family twice a day. #3 Have one night a week where you get together and talk, play games, discuss problems, and just have some fun. #4 Go to church together.

How I live my faith

I live my faith as an open book. If I can't let someone see me living as I should, then I am doing something wrong, right? I have served in numerous positions in the church including the gospel doctrine teacher, leaders of Quorums executive secretary to the bishop, Sunday school president, and at this time I am the Group Leader of the older folks in my ward. I am involved in the community as a CASA, which is a court appointed special advocate for children. I go with the youth on service projects and try to befriend my neighbors. I serve anywhere I am asked to serve and enjoy helping others.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Jerry answered...

The temples are the most sacred places on earth. It is in the temples that we learn who we are, the purpose of life, about the creation of the earth and our final destination after this life is over. It is in the temple that we make sacred covenants, a two way promise between us and the Lord. We can be sealed for eternity in the temples to our families. This means that when this life is over, we can still be together for eternity. The temple is a place of unimaginable peace, joy and happiness.
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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.

What do Mormons believe happens after we die?

Raewyn answered...

We were so very sad when our very special eleven year old grandson died in 2009. He suffered from life threatening asthma from birth and was often in hospital. He caught a virus which attacked his heart causing it to go into a dangerous rhythm, which eventually stopped his heart. Every attempt was made to save him but to no avail. The night he died, I thought I might die too - I was so overcome with grief. I was grieving not only for him but for our daughter and her family too. I received enormous comfort from my family and friends, especially those in the church and the outpouring of love and support was indescribable. However, the most comfort I received was my knowledge that I absolutely knew that we would see him again in the next life and that our family would be together forever in the eternities. I was also comforted to know that our grandson would be free from his health problems and be able to have peace. Even though I miss him terribly, I know he is happy and with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I feel his spirit around me often. I know with total conviction that the Lord has unconditionally supported all of our family through this trial and continues to do so daily.