Hi, I'm Dylan

I'm a communications/political science major, a news junkie, and and outdoor lover!

About Me

I am currently a student at a University studying communications and political science. I grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho and have loved being so close to the mountains--something I love. I love the Scouting program and have been very involved throughout my life. I love serving others, working with people, politics, the news, having a good laugh, and trying new things. I love life and I love being a mormon. I just returned from my mission in the Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission and loved every minute--I loved the opportunity to serve the Lord each day and spread the gospel to the people I love in Oklahoma.

Why I am a Mormon

There is no other choice to me--I have come to know, through my own study, prayer, and experience that this is right, that this is the truth. I have seen the Lord guide and direct me to this path. Throughout my life I have seen the Lord guiding me, showing me what is right, and what things will bless and help me the most and the same is true with the church. I was born into the church and was raised going to church, etc but came to know for myself it was right. I cannot even begin to describe the peace that comes as I pray, the happiness that living the gospel brings. I was sitting in a missionary meeting the other day and was absolutely exhausted but I was so happy. I thought to myself "why am I so happy today? It doesn't really make sense!" The gospel is the only reason. It is true. It brings peace and happiness through Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet, the Book of Mormon is true, the Lord has restored his church. You can know that too--just give it a look, pray about it, and let the Lord guide you.

Personal Stories

Can you think of a specific challenge in your family that Gospel Principles helped overcome?

The Lord wants us to be happy--there is no reason to be miserable! He will lead and guide us to find peace and happiness, even when everything around us seems to be in chaos. I have seen this truth in my life--As a missionary I learned from the man who supervises our mission that my parents were getting divorced. It could have been so debilitating, but instead it's been a learning experience--not easy, but it's been bearable. Together my family prayed, fasted, and sought understanding. I have been so amazed to feel the peace that came as I prayed during those first few nights--I was so confused, so lost, so angry, and so sad, that I did not know how things would work out, but as I prayed and fasted I felt an overwhelming peace. I know things would be ok! And they have! Things have been working out, it hasn't been easy, there will always be challenges, they don't go away with the gospel, but every step of the way we have felt the Lord's spirit guiding and directing us and helping us to stay happy. The Lord loves us and he loves our families and even when turmoil strikes--he'll be there to strengthen and support us. I know that.

How I live my faith

Every day I pray, I read my scriptures, and I try to live the standards of the gospel to the best of my ability. I do my best to apply the doctrine of Christ--to build my faith in Christ, to repent of things holding me back, to keep and honor the covenant I made at baptism, to qualify each moment for the Holy Ghost, and then to endure faithfully to the end. It's a process, I'm not perfect, but I'm trying to do better each day.

I just returned from serving as a missionary in the Oklahoma City Mission sharing the gospel with the good people of Oklahoma. Each and every day we would wake up, immerse ourselves in the scriptures for two hours, then hit the streets and work with people to help them come closer to Jesus Christ from 10-9, seven days a week! There has been no greater privilege in my life to help people learn about Christ and his great plan for each of us--it is so obvious to me that he loves each and every one of us!

I have seen so many miracles as the Lord changes people and performs miracles in so many lives. Each day I am amazed at the patience, love, and mercy of the Lord. It is the gospel, and trying to live it each day by reading my scriptures the Book of Mormon and Bible, saying my prayers, and trying to become Christlike one action and choice at a time that can bring happiness and joy to our lives, that can help us to keep moving forward throughout our lives. I am constantly trying to serve, to be out there lifting people and bringing them to Christ and I am so glad that I' can serve the Lord!

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Dylan answered...

The church does not endorse any particular political party but instead encourages its members to be involved, to be good citizens, to educate themselves, and to participate in the political process. If we don't agree with a particular principle we are expected to use political processes to try to bring about change and reform. I am so grateful for a church that encourages my free thinking, my independence, and a wide-variety of views and opinions. It doesn't tell me how to think or who to be but teaches me correct principles and then allows me to use my ability to choose to do what I think is right.
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Fred answered...

No. Our leaders have always operated from the concept that if we teach one another correct principles, we will then make correct choices and govern ourselves. The Church encourages each person to carefully consider every issue and each candidate and to prayfully seek guidance and then to vote responsibily. We are encouraged to be involved with our communities and nation but the Church does not take political positions or endorse parties or individuals.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Brooke answered...

Nope, “every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.”