Hi, I'm Gabe

I am a husband, a father, a former NFL player and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

We are your typical loud, busy, and hairy (thanks to our huge dog who sheds his weight in fur daily!)
family of six. As a former collegiate football player, and then NFL player for 4 years...we moved around a
LOT. We had 3 of our 4 kids while moving from Utah to New York to Tennessee, then finally Chicago...
and boy did we become experts in games you can play with luggage carts, elevators, and rolling suitcases!
We are happy to finally be learning to live the "stable" life in a small town.

Why I am a Mormon

I think one of the most important things for me has always been trying to achieve balance in my life. Being
a Mormon centers me on what is really important. As members of the church, we're naturally put into
situations where we serve others and get outside of ourselves a bit. I find that to be an absolute necessity in
today's world. So much of what you are bombarded with places emphasis on the amount of money you
attain, the social status you hold, or amount of friends you have and at the end of the day the only thing that
really matters is what you have done to help someone else. I understand and firmly believe that
responsibility starts within the walls of the home. I am Mormon because I am consistently reminded that my
relationship with my Father in Heaven, family and others is what is most important, which is where I find
my balance and true happiness.

How I live my faith

I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect! Actually, my wife may be the first to admit that I am not. It
is a daily commitment to live the life of a Mormon especially because you are expected to be a "Mormon"
no matter where you may be... whether it is on the football field, at the bus stop, or hosting clients from out
of town. My faith is my lifestyle. While playing in the NFL, people knew I was Mormon not because I wore
a sign around my neck but how I tried to live the standards I was taught as a kid. I was not better than
anyone else but it was definitely a conversation starter when I wouldn't drink, smoke or attend some events
that I believed weren't conducive to what I was taught. I am now in the corporate world and these principles
of faith are still part of me. The goal is to live my faith a little better every day in all that I do and hopefully
share with others what I believe.

What is the Book of Mormon?

Gabe answered...

What is the Book of Mormon?
People often ask me about the Book of Mormon and why we believe in "another Bible". The Book of
Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is not to replace the Bible but to serve as a companion to it.
It is another witness that testifies that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. My love for the Savior
has increased because of these holy scriptures. Anyone who prayfully reads the Book of Mormon will gain a
greater love and appreciation for Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.
Scott answered...

It is my conviction that if one simply examines the patterns and information given about holy writ in general that they ought to be inclined to ask and pray about whether or not the Book of Mormon is inspired. I say this because the Book of Mormon is not just a book of prayers or ethical teachings. The Book of Mormon is a historical record that has a deep and powerful impact on millions of people every single day. Religion aside, a book as influential and striking as the Book of Mormon is worth the investigation of anyone genuinely seeking truth. There are very few books that have entire study manuals, curriculum, books, thesis papers, scientific research, grammatical and literary research, live performances, and general discussion entirely about its content. The Bible might be the only other thing with as much extensive literature and documentation pertaining to its writings and doctrines. The Book of Mormon is at the very least intriguing when supplemented with archeological finds, external historical information, unique writing patters such as chiasmus, and overall literary competency and beauty found within the writing. From a non-religious stand point it is impressive, but from a religious perspective it is life changing. To have a testimony of a thing is powerful, but to hinge an entire belief system on 530 pages is another thing. To be so emotionally and spiritually connected to a thing is powerful, but when that thing is a book - that book must be something more than just written words. That book must be something inspired by God, preserved by His hand, and prepared by His grace. I believe that the Bible is one of those books. I also believe that the Book or Mormon is one of those books. There is no proving the Book of Mormon just like there is no proving the Bible. We believe that the teachings and doctrines found in the pages of the old and new testament are real and trustworthy. We cannot explain how, except perhaps the mercies and merit of God, the Bible was preserved for our days. But though we cannot explain it, we simply know it. If you ask any latter-day saint to prove the Book of Mormon to be true, they will simply reply that they cannot prove it, but they know it to be true. One should not demand evidence for the bible, they should read it study it and pray to know if it is true. It is the same for the Book of Mormon. Now the interesting thing about the Book of Mormon is that it something that you can feel, see, test, and try. It is real and tangible. I am confident that if anyone who is level headed and reasonable reads what is in the Book of Mormon and then simply asks if it is true that they will have a profound feeling come over them. But this feeling cannot come if there is an ulterior agenda for the reader. If you don't want it to be true or want to find flaws and errors in the text then you certainly will not obtain this profound feeling. You have to grant the fact that all things are indeed possible with God, and that he certainly could provide something more to draw us even closer to his will. Think of the Book of Mormon like the New Testament to the Jews. During the time of Paul and Peter, the Jews were very set in their ways. They had the Old Testament, and that was all that they felt that they needed for salvation. There was no mention of 12 apostles or a New Testament in the Old Testament; it was doctrines that were added upon to bring Gods children even closer to him. To say that the Bible is all that is needed is to say exactly what the Jews said about the teachings of Paul and the apostles. Must we be so quick to limit Gods ability to speak to us? Is it not a blessing to have more of his written word? I can understand a skeptic of The Book of Mormon. Many and man has tried to con the world into believing his new religion. But that is simply not the case with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I challenge anyone to read unbiased biographies about Joseph Smith and his character. Read the entries of the people who knew him and what they thought about his life and motives. What you will find is not a usurper or power, nor a charlatan, but rather an amazing individual whose life was taken in the pursuit of preaching revealed doctrines. The Book of Mormon is something that people have sacrificed their entire lives for. Its teachings have a daily effect of millions of people worldwide. Its doctrines bring peace and Joy to the hearts of the humble and faithful. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. I have to doubt of that.

How can we increase our faith in Jesus Christ?

Jason answered...

Simply by trying to. If you have a desire to increase your faith in Jesus Christ, try to do it. Start by praying. Read his words in the Bible. Try to put them into practice. For example, he told us to "love one another." Try and follow that teaching. Be nice to others, help people who might have less than you, smile... As you do so, you will notice a change come over you. You might feel more peace in your life, a calm enter your mind, or a warm feeling that seems to say you're doing the right thing. These things help you realize your faith is growing. Faith is an action word. If you put action behind your belief, I have found that it will grow.

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Joseph Smith

As is the case throughout history God has communicated to His children through prophets. God used a humble man as a prophet to restore His Church on earth who ultimately died defending His faith.

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