Hi, I'm Richard

I'm a retired professor. I grew up in Minnesota and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a father of 5 and a grandfather of 12. I love being able to express myself through photography and especially that I do not have to depend on it to pay the bills. Photography is my hobby.

Why I am a Mormon

The Church is very family oriented and teaches that the family can be together throughout all eternity. We talk of Christ, we preach of Christ, we love Christ. There is no other name besides Jesus Christ by which we can enter Heaven. That is why I am a Mormon.

How I live my faith

I attend church meetings, I serve in the church, I visit members to help them and teach them, I keep the commandments which the Lord has given us. Also, I visit and help members of my community.

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

Michele answered...

Sometimes if people know I am Mormon, they believe that I will not be friendly and accepting to those who practice a different lifestyle than mine. The truth is MOST of my dear friends do not share my lifestyle. I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke, I don't watch R rated movies.

And, I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.

Does that mean that I don't want to be friends or on a committee with someone who is gay or lesbian? Not any more than I would avoid a person who smokes or drinks or watches R rated movies. While I don't choose to participate in those activities, I have many friends that I cherish dearly, including friends who are gay and lesbian, who view political and religious issues differently than me. I don't "tolerate" them. I adore them. And, thankfully, for me, they don't tolerate me either. We respectfully disagree on various political and religious issues, but there are so many other important things that bring us together as friends and community members. One of my most cherished friends, who identifies as a lesbian, told me the other day, "Michele, before you, I had a stigma about Mormons. You have changed that. I cherish you." Her remark is dear to my heart. It says she knows I love her, but even more, it says something about her that she gave me a chance when others told her not to. I am grateful she was willing to give me a chance because I gained a very special friend - a sister of my heart.
Christian answered...

Honestly admitting that you have homosexual feelings is often a scary and humiliating process – many are mistreated and must sort through these powerful emotions on their own. You have my deepest admiration and love. Your life is an amazing opportunity to make choices which will bring you peace and fulfillment. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I extend to you the same invitation that was extended to me: communicate your desires, fears and struggles to your loving Heavenly Father in prayer. Come to church with me! Or any other Mormon friend of yours. Give your burdens to God and trust in His plan for you—one that by design results in your greatest happiness.
And when you go to church on Sunday, know that you are on equal standing with those who do or don't have same-gender attraction. I know that faithful and obedient members of the Church will welcome you and love you.
Just like heterosexual members of our church, it is not a sin to be attracted to someone. However, intimacy is a sacred part of a loving relationship between a husband and wife. We are surrounded by a world of smut and filth which make a mockery of true love. Outside of marriage, the management of our sexual urges, whether homosexual or heterosexual, is to master the greatest power God has given His children on earth -- to create families.

How can we come to know our Father in Heaven?

Britta answered...

I have come to know our Father in Heaven through private prayer and service. As I pray and receive answers through impressions and feelings, I am able to assist in His work. At other times, I have been comforted at the times when I needed it most by a very real presence. I feel His love as I serve others and I can feel His love for them.