Hi, I'm Matthew Lyon

I became a member during my undergraduate education. At age 33, I am only just now fully active in my ward.

About Me

Ph.D. scientist and engineer. Resident of Southern Utah. Convert.

Why I am a Mormon

It's the only religion that makes sense.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Prayer, Family Home Evening, Scripture reading. Love is spelled T-I-M-E.

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

We are blessed to live in a time when such a spiritual giant and conduit has restored the Gospel and Church to the earth.

Please share your feelings/testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel.

Thank goodness it happened.

How I live my faith

I try to be good and do the right thing.

Who was Joseph Smith?

Matthew Lyon answered...

A Prophet, chosen by God to restore the complete, whole Gospel. He unburied a portion of the Gospel and published them in book form.
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Mike answered...

Over my lifetime, I have heard countless theories concerning Joseph Smith - his intellect, his integrity, his sanity, everything about him. Some of the stories about him being a prophet sounded convincing... but then, some of the stories of him as a criminal sounded convincing, too. Then I read about Joseph Smith's visitation by the angel Moroni. Moroni told him that his name would be "had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken among all people." Well, that was certainly a true prophecy. So, it seemed, whether Joseph Smith was a prophet or not, tons of accusations and slander would be said against him anyway! That realization made me understand that only God could confirm whether or not Joseph was truly called of him. I got a strong confirmation of that truth. When others tell me that they "know the truth about the Joseph Smith," I always question their sources - it's usually a book or magazine article, possibly even by an esteemed, intellectual person. But I cannot and will not question my source of the real answer.

What will the Mormon missionaries talk about when they visit my home?

Jordan Christiansen answered...

I served a mission in South Korea for two years, so I can tell you. :) The missionaries will probably be as nervous as you are as they arrive at your home. The nervousness does not come from timidity or a lack of belief in the message they bring, but because they want so much to express their testimonies and the Spirit they feel to you.

The missionaries will likely introduce themselves and get to know you and your family. Though missionaries are called by God to preach His word, they come from largely every-day backgrounds and have lives likely much like yours.

After getting to know your family, they will likely ask what questions you may have about life or the Mormon church. Using the scriptures and their own personal experiences, they will seek to help you find answers. Don't be afraid of asking any question or thinking you may offend or sound silly to the missionaries. They are called to help and serve and are very understanding.

After answering your questions and sharing a spiritual message, the missionaries will ask you to act on the message. A soccer player does not listen to his coach during practice only to go home without kicking a ball, right? In the same way, the missionaries will invite you to read a chapter of scripture or seek for yourself that what they are saying is true. You don't have to just take the missionaries' word in what they say--a loving God is happy to answer thoughtful, earnest prayers seeking for the truth.