Hi, I'm Greg

I'm a university professor, an avid hunter, a fisherman, a recreational runner, a paintball player, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm married and have 2 sons, ages 14 and 12. I like to run for exercise and recreation and have participated in many 5K, 10K, half marathon & full marathons. I really like to play paintball with my sons and their friends. I also like to hunt (especially waterfowl), fish, hike, read books, and watch movies. I also really geek out on Anasazi (or ancestral puebloan, if you prefer) archaeology. Professionally, I am a university professor in the field of Exercise Science. Teaching and learning about the human body confirms my testimony of the miracle of creation on a near daily basis.

Why I am a Mormon

My ancestors joined the LDS church in the 1840s, and much of my family has been active ever since. However, my parents, siblings, and I very rarely attended church when I was growing up. Although I attended Catholic high school as a youth, I never felt a need for religion. I thought that simply being good was good enough.

However, in my early twenties, I felt that something was missing from my life. I searched in many places and many ways trying to fill a void. It was not until I began to learn and understand the restored Gospel, that I learned about God's love and the Savior's atonement that I understood that what was missing from my life was the presence of God.

With the companionship of the Holy Spirit possible through the restored Gospel, I now feel that my life is whole and complete. The void that I was trying to fill in my early twenties is now filled with the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Personal Stories

How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

Making a right choice leads to further right choices in an upward spiral. By making right choices and knowing that I am following God's commandments, my self esteem increases. As my self esteem increases I develop a greater sense of self worth, which makes me want to continue to make more right choices.

How I live my faith

I have lived in 4 states and served in many callings. I have been a Sunday School teacher, youth advisor, Scout Master, and currently as Bishop. All of these callings have challenged me to grow and learn.

I try to follow the teachings of our savior, Jesus Christ, by doing what I am asked to do. I follow the Word of Wisdom in spite of many social & work circumstances to the contrary. I pay tithing and fast offerings, even though the world tells me to spend the money I earn.

I love my wife with complete fidelity, and I love my sons. I try to be the best husband & father I can.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Greg answered...

The Word of Wisdom encompasses some inspired guidelines for health. By following the Word of Wisdom I am able to keep myself free from addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, & drugs. Following the Word of Wisdom also demonstrates my obedience to God's instructions
Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Clayton answered...

Why did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon practice plural marriage? Because God told them to. So why did Mormons practice polygamy? Because God commanded us to. There is nothing new about the concept of polygamy. It is only a tool that the Lord sees fit to put in place on his own time.

Any other reasons for it are God's reasons and the fact of the matter is that an all knowing, perfected being, who also happens to be the father of our spirits commanded that it should be done. It really all comes down to your faith in God.