Hi, I'm George

I'm a convert, I'm a timber and cattle man in the South East, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a husband, a father of 6 and grandfather of 18 - and counting! I enjoy hunting and fishing when I have the time and managing my timber and cattle operations. Work isn't work when you love what you do. I also enjoy gardening and sharing my vegetables with others in the community. My community means a lot to me, and I am proud of the service that I have given to my community through various political service. I think it's important for members of the church to be active in their communities. My greatest satisfaction, though, comes from sharing time and stories with my grandkids.

Why I am a Mormon

I joined the church in 1969 after marrying my high school sweetheart who was a Mormon. After my service in Vietnam, my wife and I were living in Lawton, Oklahoma where I was stationed with the Army. The missionaries in Lawton taught me the gospel principles, and I was baptized shortly after. I've seen myself grow by trying to live these principles. I've witnessed many faith-building experiences - small miracles, really, that inspire me to continue to learn and grow. That one single decision has been the most rewarding decision of my life, and I have never once questioned or regretted it.

How I live my faith

I've been active in church by holding many callings, such as Bishop, seminary and Sunday school teacher, and a variety of other leadership positions. I enjoy participating in service projects in areas stricken by disaster. I find great satisfaction working alongside other members of the church as we try to help rebuild homes and lives.

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

Devin answered...

One of the core teachings of the Church is the eternal nature of the family relationship and that marriage and gender play foundational roles in that relationship. Gender is an immutable aspect of our identity that has been part of us from the beginning, before this life. Viewed from this eternal perspective, marriage is more than a contractual arraignment between two people. In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, marriage involves eternal commitments, including having children and teaching them to distinguish right from wrong. In addition to the ability to conceive children, Men and women have unique parental characteristics that, when combined, create the best scenario for raising those children. Those abilities and characteristics are not present in same-sex marriages.

As far as same-gender attraction goes, the Church's attitude mirrors that of its attitude to any sexual activity outside of the marriage relationship -- complete abstinence. In that sense, the Church does not distinguish between homosexuals and heterosexuals in how it looks upon sexual activity outside of marriage. It emphasizes the cultivation of heterosexual relationships at appropriate times because it is that relationship that leads to marriage.
Jacob answered...

We all have the freedom to pursue happiness in their own way, and I would even be willing to allow that some desires may be genetically given. This does not make our desires right. In the scriptures we read " For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." (Mosiah 3:19) We all have "natural desires" that place us in opposition with God's purpose and desires for us and we must each seek to correct them if we wish true happiness.

I sympathize with those whose desires are powerful and poignant; you face a sore trial indeed. The scriptures give us hope though; "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) God is merciful and Christ is compassionate, while there may be yet an effectual struggle to be had perhaps for many years or the rest of our lives full repentance and change is possible.

If a homosexual individual desires to continue as such and marry only by the laws and rites of the state, then I have no qualms, I will do my utmost to be a friend to such an individual. I only ask that my rights, beliefs, and Church are respected.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Kathryn answered...

As a primary president in my ward, I share in the direction and leadership of our ward. I don't feel secondary in any way. Whether you have the priesthood or not, you are still responsible to listen to the direction of the Savior. The priesthood is a tool and power that is the same power of the Savior. It allows the human authority to do work on earth, particularly perform ordinances, and bless others. As if the Savior was here in person during His ministry accounted for in the New Testament. I would use an analogy to compare the priesthood as a car. A car is an amazing tool allowing you to get you from here to there. I don't mind my husband driving and I can offer some navigation or work the radio, as long as we and our children get there.