Hi, I'm Billy

I live near Washington, DC. I know sign language. I do triathlons. I own a business with my wife. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Last year I started to compete in triathlons. In my first one, I took third place out of the novice group, I was so surprised. My wife and I own a business that does consulting, sign language interpreting, and birth education for Deaf couples. It has been very rewarding and sets a good example for our five children of working hard at doing things you love.

Why I am a Mormon

Since I was little, I always knew that God lived and Jesus was our Savior. I was raised in a Mormon home by parents who's testimonies are not parts of them, but who they are. I remember being very little and feeling the Spirit of the Lord warming my heart when my family would be reading the scriptures, when sitting in a church meeting, or having family night.

When I was eight, my mother died. I remember the love that flowed from friends and family. I remember hearing promises of our family being together forever because my parents were sealed in the temple. And I clearly remember feeling that warmth from the Spirit telling me that everything would be alright, I would see my mother again, and that the Lord had a work for her to do.

Throughout my life, the Lord has blessed me with spiritual experiences again and again. These experiences continue to testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. And when there are times of doubt, as there always are, He reminds me of the truth through His Spirit.

That is why I am a Mormon.

How I live my faith

My wife and I strive to have scripture study and prayers as a family on a daily basis. We try to hold weekly family activities that include spiritual instruction and great desserts! It is important that we set good examples for our children so that they know our beliefs are part of who we are and why we make certain decisions. I currently serve as a leader in our local Deaf congregation. My wife is Deaf and so we attend there with our children.
One thing I feel is important about living my faith is letting people know I am Mormon very early on in any relationship formed. Whether it is social, business, or otherwise, it is important to me that people know I am LDS. So, I share it with them. As I do this, I find that people are supportive and it helps me remember to be a good example wherever I am.

Do you really believe there is a prophet like Moses alive today?

Steven answered...

Definitely! In fact, it is hard for me to imagine the world without them. We live in difficult times with wars, economic uncertainty, and just issues and questions that are unique to our generation. Prophets are able to speak with God and relay critical guidance to us that help us to always know what God would have us do.

I believe God loved His children enough in the 'old' days to send His prophets to guide and teach them. He is unchanging, and loves us equally and continues to always have His prophets give us instructions that pertain to our generation.
Justin answered...

Believing in Christ is believing in his perfection. Being perfect he will always do what is in the best interests of his people. In times past man has needed the assistance of great men to help them in their journey home. That need has never changed. In fact, there has never been a greater need of a prophet to guide the people than there is right now.

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

Bill answered...

The church invites all of us to change our actions, thoughts, and desires to be in line with God's. Though our sins vary in degree, we are all sinners, and all need to change. Changing actions is usually the easiest step--though it can be very hard. Changing thoughts is even more troublesome. Changing desires is the hardest, and may well be something that we struggle with throughtout life, just as the apostle Paul struggled with the thorn in his flesh continuously. For some, the thorn is anger. For others, impatience. For others, same-sex attraction. Regardless of the source of the sin (nurture or nature), we must strive for change.

The church teaches that sexual intimacy should be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. This teaching has its roots in our belief about the nature of God, and the importance of families. Marriage between a man and a woman, with the ability to produce life, is an eternal truth, and can continue after this life. Families, and marriages, that follow the pattern instituted by God, can be together forever. Societal norms constantly change; but the sacred nature and eternal potential of families merit efforts to encourage preservation of the traditional family.