Hi, I'm Alan

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

About Me

I was born in Ohio but grew up in southern California as the second oldest in a family of five children. I love my parents and siblings, who are also some of my very best friends.
My wife Gaylene and I are the parents of five children, three girls and two boys whom we love and enjoy very much. We now live in Idaho where I work as a Financial Planner for a Career College.
My interests include physical fitness, good music and food, reading, writing, and spending quality time and fun with family and friends.

Why I am a Mormon

When I follow the teachings and example of the Lord Jesus Christ I am happy, and this motivates me to grow even closer to God in my life. Being an active member of His true Church brings comfort to my soul, strengthens my hope, brightens my purpose, and deepens my joy. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ makes life meaningful for me--and gives me peace. It puts the giant puzzle of life together and helps me to live up to all that is true, right, and good.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I know this is where God wants me to be, so that I may become more like Him and the Savior, return to Their presence someday, and receive all that They have to share with me forever with my family.

Personal Stories

How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God?

In this Church is found Another Testament and additional witness to the Bible of the divinity of Jesus Christ. This sacred volume of holy scripture, known as the Book of Mormon, helps me to understand many of the important questions left unanswered by the Bible.
As a direct fulfillment of the Lord’s words, it also brings me to realize that God’s plan is for all people, in every part of the world, and in every age of time.
Studying the Book of Mormon and the Bible, as well as the revelations given through modern-day prophets, has brought me so much closer to God... because as I have applied the wise counsel of these teachings I have been blessed in numerous ways.
I am a better son, brother, husband, and father--not to mention a more true friend and ultimately a much better overall person--because of how I strive to live what I have learned from the Book of Mormon.
I thank God often for bringing this remarkable and inspired book of scripture into my life. Through careful study and sincere prayer, I have come to know for myself that as the Prophet Joseph Smith boldly declared... "It is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and that a man or woman will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

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

This Church, for me, is the vehicle through which I can receive a fullness of truth revealed by God, and also the necessary ordinances in order to realize my greatest potential and obtain eternal life. I believe it is the only true organization on earth that teaches and administers the entire gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it to be the Lord’s earthly kingdom restored by God in these latter-days, to assist Him in fulfilling His work and glory--which is to help us become more like Him and return to His presence someday, to receive all that He has to share with us forever with our family.
I acknowledge that this is a bold position to take, but it is what I have come to know is true through God’s Holy Spirit. As I have studied the scriptures, prayed with a sincere heart and faith in Christ, and applied the teachings of the prophets, God has revealed the truth of these things to me personally by the Holy Ghost.
I have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and made it such a central part of my life because it offers to me a correct understanding of God the Eternal Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. It testifies of the divinity of Christ, bears His holy name, and helps me to come unto Him.
Through active participation in this Church, I gain a growing knowledge and testimony of spiritual truths that gives me perspective and strength. This deep conviction carries me through difficulty and positively affects every aspect of my life because I am built upon the rock of Christ, which is a sure foundation.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

The members of this Church invite all to come unto Christ, partake of His atonement, and encourage every individual to find out for himself or herself whether it is true. This is a Church that takes the Savior’s instruction “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” to heart. This is reflected by its strong Missionary Program to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.
I believe that what this Church teaches constitutes the greatest message of all time, bringing truth, hope, and salvation to all the world.
I personally had a wonderful experience serving as a full-time missionary and witness of Jesus Christ for two years in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. I strive every day to be a good example, live my faith, and share the happiness and light I enjoy with those around me.
I pray that I may always be found living in such a way to reflect positively on the Church and its divine mission to share the restored gospel of Christ with all the world, blessing the lives of individuals and families.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by doing my best every day to pattern my life after the teachings of Jesus Christ, as outlined in the scriptures and revealed today by God’s living prophets, as well as by trying to follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
When I make mistakes I express gratitude for the atonement of Christ by repenting of my sins and exercising faith in my Savior, relying on His tender mercies and grace to forgive me and help me to become more like Him.
Because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, I find safety, peace, and joy in the journey with my family as we pursue the path of discipleship together.
To those not of our faith we say “keep all the good that you have, and let us bring to you more good, in order that you may be happier.” Although the nickname doesn't replace the proper name of the Church, this is in harmony with the literal definition of the word “Mormon” which is “more good.”
I invite anyone with desire to gain a knowledge of the truth and more good, peace, and joy in their lives to investigate the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as found in this Church. May God bless you in your own journey of discovery and pursuit of happiness along life's pathway.

What is being a Mormon like?

Alan answered...

Following Christ and belonging to His Church isn't easy, but definitely worth it. The restored gospel teaches correct and enduring principles such as honesty, integrity, patience, goodness, righteousness, hope, love, forgiveness, service, self-discipline, work, and respect for the beliefs of others. It teaches such things as humility and gratitude toward God, prayer, faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, doing your best to endure in faithfulness to all of God’s commandments, scripture study, fasting, giving of tithes and offerings, Sabbath day observance, and doing our part to pave the way for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This Church has at its core not only what we may become, but also how to get there. The joy, peace, and blessings I experience by actively participating in my faith far outweigh any difficulty in doing my best to live by its teachings.
I encourage anyone who has ever wondered about this Church to investigate it for yourself. I promise that in honestly doing so you will come to appreciate the love of God and a people who in His care, sincerely desire to share the happiness we feel with those around us.
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Kaitlin Elise Gray answered...

Being a Mormon to be is by far the BEST way to live. I have never felt so much peace in my life from knowing and having that knowledge that I am a literal Daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me. I love knowing that I have a plan and a reason for being placed on this earth. I have a purpose and a Heavenly Father who wants nothing but the best for me!Being a Mormon makes me want to shout for joy! Having the restored gospel in my life and knowing that the TRUE church is once again on this earth brings me so much happiness. Being a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints brings me so much joy, and makes me want to share this truth and knowledge with everyone that I know. In fact, that is the VERY reason why I am serving a Mission. Also knowing that I can be with my family for Eternity, now there is no greater joy than that. I love being Mormon. I can not think of ANY way better to live

Do Mormons only help Mormons?

Taylor answered...

Absolutely not! While we definitely serve the members of our own church, we believe that ALL men and women on this earth are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. Therefore, we are all one in purpose. Mormons serve people throughout the world on a local/personal level as well as on a global level. Members of our church are able to donate money, which is distributed throughout the world to people and nations in need, especially in times of trouble and disaster. It is also common for members of the church to organize activities where materials for humanitarian aid are gathered and distributed.