Hi, I'm James

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a husband (of 30 plus years), father of 5, 8th grade science teacher, ham radio operator, guitar player, outdoors man (to some degree), I camp, hike, enjoy "off roading", I'm a dog guy (don't care for cats...unless they're prepared just right ...grin), and a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Why I am a Mormon

I was raised in another religion. I had questions that my pastor couldn't answer. I was introduced to the Church of Latter Day Saints when I was 18. Everything I was taught seemed like I was being reminded of things I already knew but had forgotten. I knew the Book of Mormon to be a second witness of Christ as I was reading it. I prayed about the Book of Mormon, the Joseph Smith story, to know of their truthfulness. I prayed to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints contained the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My prayers were answered. I joined the church on Oct. 22, 1971. I know now as I knew then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does contain the fullness of the gospel. I have found peace, comfort, joy, and fulfillment as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Personal Stories

How has your knowledge of the Plan of Happiness changed/benefited your life?

My oldest son, Josh, was killed by an IED, (the day after his son was born) in Iraq on September 22, 2007. I know I will see Josh again. I know my family is an eternal family. I have felt, and continue to feel, the comfort of my Savior.
It would be nearly impossible for me to continue without this knowledge.

How I live my faith

I am active in the gospel as well as active in the church. I remember the covenants I made at baptism, and each week when I partake of the sacrament, and I attempt to live each day as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I try to treat each person with whom I associate as Jesus Christ would treat them. I try to act each day as if Jesus was actually walking with me. Some days it is not easy. When I make mistakes (daily) I pray for forgiveness and try to improve. I visit 3 families each month; I'm their "Home Teacher". I share a spiritual message, see if they have any needs I can fulfill, and check on them generally. I do this, as well as others in the ward (congregation), because our bishop (man in charge) can't visit all of the members each month. Also, I am the emergency communications specialists for our "stake". A "stake" is comprised of several wards (congregations) in a specific geographical area. I read my scriptures and pray daily. I live my life so that my actions will testify of my belief in, and relationship with, Jesus Christ who is my personal Savior. It is by His grace that I am saved. His love for me is limitless. I cannot fully understand the love He has for me. I am forever in His debt for the sacrifice He made for me.

What is faith?

James answered...

Faith if hope in things not seen. I have faith in Heavenly Father (God), His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. I have never seen these individuals. I have faith in their existence because of the tangible and intangible blessings I have received. My actions or works, is an outwardly expression of my faith.
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Don answered...

Faith is taking action because of a hope in something. Often the Savior asks of us to do certain things or live in certain ways. When we see a stranger in distress, we stop and help them as Jesus commanded us to in the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25. The act of helping is the evidence of our Faith in Christ. We are asked to tithe. Tithing is evidence of our faith. We tithe in hopes of the promises in Malachi 3:10 that the floodgates of Heaven are open to us.
Faith is when we put our beliefs and hope into action.

Why are only some Mormons allowed into temples? Is there something secret going on in Mormon Temples? What goes on in Mormon Temples?

Katie answered...

I used to play in a Balinese Gamelan ensemble here in Washington, DC on weeknights and had some of my friends ask me this question. First, I pointed out that anyone can go into the temple during the open house to see what it is like. After it is dedicated, it becomes holy ground and you have to make yourself clean or holy to go in. I told them that EVERYONE can go to the temple, as long as they are wiling to go through that process of becoming clean. I reminded them that you can't just waltz in to the White House either (much to the chagrin of many tourists here). You have to go through a background check that takes 6 weeks and that is just to get into the East Wing, the West Wing requires a job and security clearance. Our protectiveness of the temple is not a sign of secrecy, it is more a manifestation of how special and important the the building and its rituals are.

And I hope people don't get intimidated by the word "ritual", everyone who has gone through a school graduation has experienced a ritual. It just means that we are participating in life-changing experiences that turn our hearts to God, our families and our fellow men. The real difference is that we believe that process of making devotional promises to God in a sacred place is necessary for our salvation. That is why we encourage everyone to join with us and make their way to the temple.