Hi, I'm Tony

I'm from Orange County, California. I love listening to rock and roll music from the 60's to the 90's. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I currently live at home with my one younger brother, and my mom and dad. I am pretty close to them, and family is important to me. I am currently in a teaching credential program. I want to teach middle school or high school, History or Spanish. I enjoy playing sports like basketball and golf.

Why I am a Mormon

My parents baptized me as a baby in the Catholic church, but we rarely went as a family while I was growing up. Around the year 2,000 my mom, dad, brother and I started going to a non-denominational evangelical/Christian church. I enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and the principles taught by the pastor, but I still felt like something was missing. I hit a 2 year rough patch during college, and I was falling way off the path. I finally woke up and became more active at the Christian church my family and I went to, volunteering with the high school group. Around the same time, I also started two of my best friends who happened to be Mormon what their views about God were. Their answers, and the material they provided me to read sparked my interest, so I decided to learn more. I began attending church with them on Sundays after my church services had ended. I also began meeting with the Mormon missionaries. I also started reading the Book of Mormon. I was learning so much more about God and feeling so much more fully his spirit at the Mormon church. It was a huge blessing in my life and brought me a lot of happiness. I eventually decided to be baptized, and I have been a member for 4 years now. I left for a two year mission to Mexico City one year after I was baptized. It was such an amazing experience to be an instrument in God's hands to see many people be blessed by the same message that blessed my life. I know through many different experiences that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God. I know it contains the full and complete doctrines, authority, organization, and blessings. I am so grateful that God saved me from the scary reality my life was becoming, and has brought me into his marvelous light. I feel the desire to show my gratitude to him by living my whole life as he would want, being an honest and good person, and sharing the message with others.

How I live my faith

I currently particpate in missionary activities of the church in my community. I collaborate with the full time missionariesthe ones with the badges and other local members to share the message of the church with those that are interested to hear. It is a very rewarding experience. Many people are not interested, but frequently we come in contact with people who are curious, and it brings us a lot of joy to be of service to answer questions and help them learn more.

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

Tony answered...

I really do. Not only do I believe that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth, but I also believe that Thomas Monson is a prophet today who leads the church and who God speaks through. Since the death of Joseph Smith, there has been an unbroken chain of succession of prophets since him leading to today. I also believe there are 12 apostles today, just like in ancient times. I understand that is easier to believe in ancient prophets. After all, when Christ walked the earth it was easier for the Jews to believe in Moses who was already dead. However, I believe that like it says in the Bible, "God is the same, yesterday, today and forever."Hebrews 138 So logically, I believe God still loves us today and would call a prophet to guide us, otherwise he would not be the same, and be a changing God. One of the main reasons I have come to truly believe there is a real prophet and 12 apostles today is because I have listened over and over again to their messages. They travel around the world all year long delivering messages. Bi-annually they each deliver a message in a church conference that is broadcast by satelite throughout the world. I invite all to listen to their messages live, or on the internet on lds.org. They are inspired men. They speak with so much power and authority. Their countenances are full of the light of Christ.
Emily answered...

Yes! (You might want to sit down for this great news!) I love reading the stories of prophets in the Old Testament. The prophets spoke to the people of that time about the things they most needed to hear. I'm so grateful that just like in biblical times, we have a prophet for us now!

Our prophet truly is a man called by God to help us. I know this is true every time I read his insights and guidance for us in these times. With a living prophet to guide us, we know what to focus on in our personal and family life.

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

Casey answered...

For me, God's plan for us is about families, a husband and wife and kids. But all people are children of God who deserve love and respect, including those who have different views about same sex marriage. However, when I really don't know, I turn to what prophets of God have said.

“People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.

“We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families” (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).

When I think of how hard this must be for many, I think of our faith in Jesus Christ. He loves us and has given us guidance through prophets, we just need to follow.