Hi, I'm Galen

I'm an armchair astronaut, a grandpa, a software developer, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am half chinese and half white. My father is chinese and my mother is Irish/Scottish. I am a father to 2 children, a boy and a girl. They are adults now and I now have 2 granddaughters and a grandson. I am a software developer and have done that for 25+ years. I write software for personal use and for business use to make things run more efficiently. I like following the space program and anything to do with space since I was a young boy. I have followed the shuttle program till it ended and I like to watch activity on the International Space Station. I would like to have been an astronaut and may be someday will go to space as a tourist. I served a 2 year mission to French Polynesia where I learned French and Tahitian. I still keep in contact with many people I knew from my mission. Tahiti is a very beautiful place to visit and live.

Why I am a Mormon

My mother was a convert to the church before I was born. I was raised in the church from childhood. Of course being raised in the church gave me a chance to learn things and do things uniquely Mormon but i still had to find a testimony of my own to know that Jesus was my Savior and that I have a Heavenly Father who sent me here. I particularly needed to learn what it felt like to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I found that by simply asking in constant prayer that I would receive answers. Over time I have come to depend on prayer and priesthood power to give me guidance in my life. Being a member does not mean that I won't have struggles in life. I accept the trials I have with the attitude that I am going to learn something and that it will make me stronger. I feel assured that I won't get something beyond my abillities to deal with and so far I have been blessed to overcome adversity in my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ gives me the assurance of knowing this life has purpose and that my family is indeed forever.

Personal Stories

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

I consider prayer as being the method of communication which God provided to all of us to stay in touch with him while we are away from his presence. In this day and age of cell phones we know that we can stay in touch with our mortal parents while we are away at school or trips but cell phone reception can be limited in certain geographic areas of the earth. Prayer is a perfect form of communication in that it works anywhere and anytime without any monthly rates or "minutes" limitations. I can pray for a few seconds to several hours if I want to really communicate with my Father in Heaven. I can be in the deepest chasm or on the highest mountain and prayer still works perfectly. I have found also that united prayer is extremely effective. When my son underwent brain surgery I asked friends, family and those I knew around me to pray for him. His name was submitted to the prayer rolls of at least two temples where members of the church would pray over his name and others many times a day. His surgery went perfectly to remove a tumor and he is totally recovered with no side effects. I believe that prayer is a powerful way to ask God for help. I believe He stands ready to help us if we just ask.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

Kindness is probably the central change we have been striving for in our home. My wife has always been a kind person but I had to develop it over the many years we have been married. I have found that a kind word is worth so much more than the short term reaction of getting angry to get someone to do something. Children and grandchildren are much more responsive to a kind word. If I am not able to be kind then I take a time out to collect myself. Lately though I have been able to control my temper and kindness is easier to exhibit. This has had a dramatic effect to bring harmony into my home.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I decided to serve a mission when I was younger although I didn't really know what it was until I got older. In 1978 I submitted my application to serve a mission and was called to serve in French Polynesia in the Tahiti Papeete mission in the south pacific islands. I learned French and Tahitian to be able to teach the native people in their own language about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to help them to understand the purpose of life. I found that the faith of the polynesian people is very strong and many accepted the gospel. Mormons serve missions so that we can share the same blessings which we received with those who desire to live a Christ centered life. As revealed in the New Testament we believe in the saving ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost and we consider it a gift to share that knowledge with others. Even though I was called to serve a full-time mission for only two years, I can still share the gospel with my acquaintances just like I did while serving my mission. By serving missions we fulfill the words of the Savior to Peter to "Feed My Sheep".

How I live my faith

I have served in many callings in the church. Most of my callings have been in leadership where I have met an amazing number of people from all walks of life and faiths. I have taught the children and youth of the ward over time. I also serve as a home teacher to 6 families. I have a chance to visit them at least once each month. I have been able to give priesthood blessings to them when they are sick or in need. I have cried and laughed with them but mostly I share a deep friendship with them. I was recently called back into the bishopric of my ward for the fifth time and have found it to be a joy to meet new people who move in. I served before as the bishop of the ward. Now as first counselor to a young bishop I can help him to grow into the calling.

What is Mormonism? OR What do Mormons believe?

Galen answered...

Mormonism to me is a way to live principles which are directly from God that are designed to make me happy. The founding principles are directly revealed to man through prophets who were inspired by God to write them in scriptures. It also provides a direction to me to know without doubt that I have a loving God who has provided a Savior to me to overcome the problems of this mortality and to overcome the darkness of death. It helps me to understand the nature of this test which we call "Life". I understand birth and death much better and in so doing am at peace when those I love pass from this life unexpectedly. I believe in living prophets who are in tune with God's will. By living by "every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God", I know that I am promised his guidance and protection and I recognize those times in my life.
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Do you really believe there is a prophet like Moses alive today?

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.