Hi, I'm Mark

I'm a husband, father, grandpa and information security professional. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a father of seven wonderful children and grandfather of eleven. I grew up in Idaho and served a mission for the Church in Northern England. I now live in Arizona with my lovely wife Claudia. My entire professional career has been focused on using computer technology to support business needs. For the past several years, I have been deeply immersed in the discipline of information security, particularly Identity and Access Management software.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I have a deep and abiding love for the Savior, Jesus Christ. I am deeply grateful for his atoning sacrifice for all of us. I am grateful that he restored a fullness of his gospel through a modern prophet, Joseph Smith, so we could learn to return to live with our Father in Heaven after we leave this life. Living in a world of deepening political turmoil and moral decay, I find great peace in knowing that God really does live, that he loves us individually, that he guides us through modern-day apostles and prophets, and that he has provided a way for each of us to receive lasting comfort and personal power through his grace. I am grateful that my wife and children and their children can be linked together forever as an eternal family.

Personal Stories

Can you talk about the missions of the Church and your participation in them?

When I was 19 years old, I served a mission for the Church in Northern England. I grew to love England and its people. I hope I did some good as I taught the gospel to and served those wonderful people. Now, many years later, it has been wonderful to see two of our sons serve missions, in Mongolia and Slovenia/Croatia, respectively. It has been gratifying to see their personal growth and share their joy as they recounted many examples about how people's lives were changed as they accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and worked to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives.

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

Our first son died after living only eight hours. As grief stricken parents, we cried every night for many months because of the loss. But our knowledge that we would be with him again after this life because of the Savior's atonement and resurrection has provided an enduring peace in our lives. Luke's six living brothers and sisters know that they will live with him again within the bonds of an eternal family unit.

How I live my faith

I try really hard to center my life in Christ, teach and testify of him, and work to lead my family into his presence. I am far from perfect, but know that as I build my life on the foundation of Christ and his gospel, I can progressively, step by small step, become more like he is. Our family life is centered on the Savior and his Church. We try to be active in our weekly Church meetings and serve faithfully as we are called to different positions in the Church. I am currently serving in the Sunday School organization, where we work to raise the level of gospel instruction in the various organizations in our wards and stake. I love to teach the gospel of Christ, in any setting, with any group of people. It brings me great joy to see the change for good that comes upon people as they accept the gospel, work to live its principles, and invite the Holy Spirit into their lives.

What do Mormons believe happens after we die?

Raewyn answered...

We were so very sad when our very special eleven year old grandson died in 2009. He suffered from life threatening asthma from birth and was often in hospital. He caught a virus which attacked his heart causing it to go into a dangerous rhythm, which eventually stopped his heart. Every attempt was made to save him but to no avail. The night he died, I thought I might die too - I was so overcome with grief. I was grieving not only for him but for our daughter and her family too. I received enormous comfort from my family and friends, especially those in the church and the outpouring of love and support was indescribable. However, the most comfort I received was my knowledge that I absolutely knew that we would see him again in the next life and that our family would be together forever in the eternities. I was also comforted to know that our grandson would be free from his health problems and be able to have peace. Even though I miss him terribly, I know he is happy and with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I feel his spirit around me often. I know with total conviction that the Lord has unconditionally supported all of our family through this trial and continues to do so daily.

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

Lauren answered...

Only some Mormons are allowed to go into temples because of the sacredness of the temples. Those who are living worthily and honestly are allowed to enter the temple. The temple is the "House of the Lord" and we esteem it with such respect that we make sure those who are in the temple are worthy to participate. We don't talk about the specifics of the temple because they are so sacred and we want to keep it that way. In the temple we can be bound as eternal families, learn more about our purpose here on earth, and baptize those who did not get the opportunity while they were living. It is a place where we would love everyone one day to be worthy to enter.