Hi, I'm Dan

I was raised and live in Alabama. I' m an engineer, a caver, and a volunteer for 2 local rescue teams. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My interests and hobbies vary. First and foremost, I am a husband and father of three children. My hobbies include high angle, back country, and cave rescue with two local volunteer rescue squads. I am a training officer for one of the squads and an instructor with the other. I am involved with cave exploration, both horizontal and vertical. I am also on the BSA climbing instructor training staff for the local Boy Scout council. Marathon and Ultra-Marathon trail running are another favorite hobby. I also enjoy car repair. I just completed the mechanical work on a Toyota Supra that my oldest son had started. I completed that work in memory of that son, who was recently killed by a drunk driver.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised in the church, but truly became converted as I felt the witness of the Holy Ghost as I was reading the Book of Mormon. Through sealing ordinances in the temple, I know I can be with my family forever. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ as my Savior. His atonement has made it possible for me to repent and return to live with my Father in Heaven.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by serving in my local ward or congregation. I have always willingly served in whatever capacity is asked of me by our Bishop. Among the callings I have served are Elders Quorum President and counselor, Ward Clerk, Young Mens Organization President, Scoutmaster, Venture Crew Advisor, and Young Men's advisor. I am currently serving as a clerk, Sunday School Teacher, and temple worker. All of these callings have allowed me to serve others and learn to love others as the Savior would. In addition to serving in the church, I also believe in helping out in the community to serve my fellow men. I enjoy helping instruct Scout leaders in how to safely conduct a climbing program. As stated earlier, I also do this by serving with two rescue teams, specializing in high angle and cave rescue. I find great joy in turning a hobby into a way to serve others. The opportunities to save a life and bring loved ones back to their families are priceless. That same feeling exists when others are brought to know their Savior and being able to return to their Father in Heaven as the gospel of Jesus Christ is shared. The most important way I can live my faith, however, is through providing for and teaching my family to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Daily family prayer is very important along with attending church with my family.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Dan answered...

The temple is used to bring families together for eternity. I have been blessed by being married to my wife in the temple for this life and eternity. Because of this marriage, my children can be with us forever, too. The temple is also used to provide this ordinance and other needed ordinances by my acting as proxy for those who did not have the opportunity to receive them in this life. The most poignant opportunity to perform this work was when I was able to act as a proxy and complete the ordinances for my oldest son who was killed by a drunk driver.
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.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

J. Sean answered...

Here is a simple step by step instruction on how to know Mormonism is true.

1. Meet with missionaries.
2. Pray to Heavenly Father with real intent and ask something like this, " I want to know if this is Your church, so is this Your church?".
3. READ THE BOOK OF MORMON! Ask God if it is true.
4. Look for an anwser from God. He speaks with us through our thoughts and feelings by the Holy Ghost. Ask the missionaries for more details.
5. Come to church to see for yourself.
6. Keep the commandments that the missionaries teach you.
7. Repeat until answer is received.