Hi, I'm Braedon

I'm a ping pong pro, sports fan, mexican-food lover, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a college student majoring in exercise science. I'm a ping pong pro, tennis fanatic, and a fan of almost any sport. I play the guitar, drums, and enough piano to fake like I know what I'm doing. I've dealt with two blown-out knees, two ankles, and one shoulder, and deal with 3 herniated disks in my back and arthritis. Don't let that fool you though, my ping pong skills aren't diminished in the least because of it.

Why I am a Mormon

I became a Mormon because thats what I was born into, but I've stayed Mormon because I've tested and felt the reality of the doctrines and principles that I was taught. Probably the strongest experiences that have confirmed more than anything the truths I've learned were the ones that brought me healing and guidance when I was struggling most. The more I test out and apply the doctrines found in the church, the more they get confirmed to me as true. Being a Mormon doesn't just invite me how to live a good live, it provides healing, guidance, and the doctrine of Christ that leads us back to God's presence.

How I live my faith

I was recently able to serve a mission for the Mormon church, serving the people of San Diego and the Imperial Valley. Not only was I able to apply the gospel to help others, but my own understanding and conversion to God deepened. I've been able to help serve the youth in the local church, and I'm looking forward to future opportunities to do serve where I'm needed.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Braedon answered...

Mormon temples are used for several purposes, but in my personal life there are two main purposes that influence me the most. The first is to perform ordinances, such as baptism, for individuals who never had the chance to learn or accept the gospel of Christ. Thus, God can be a just God by providing each individual the chance to receive such necessary ordinances that God has established and not exclude anyone from that opportunity to return to His presence, if that individual so decides to accept. The second purpose/use is to teach us, God's children, the truths and the path that lead us back into God's presence for eternity. Temples are a great blessing for us from God.
Bonnie. answered...

They are peaceful, pure places, where only those who have committed to live the most discipled lives can go to ponder and pray. They are places where we learn about God's plan for all of humanity, and where we promise to do all in our power to help all of His children, and receive promises that we can be with Him as well. We wear white clothing that is simple, and remove our watches and bling, to demonstrate a willingness to let go of our day-to-day concerns to focus on the real things: people, and their worth to God.

What are Mormon church services like? Are visitors allowed at church meetings? Can I attend church?

Julianne! answered...

Mormon church services are dignified and simple. A sacrament meeting will be conducted by a regular guy wearing a regular business suit. The organ will be played by a regular member of the congregation who is not paid for his or her service. The singing will be led by a regular member of the congretaion. The prayers will be given by regular folks. The sacrament will be blessed and passed by regular folks, usually teenage boys. The talks will be given by members of the congregation, often teenagers. Special music might be presented by regular folks, or the ward choir. Members of the ward choir are just regular members of the congregation who like to sing, and are not paid for their service. Looking around the congregation, you will most likely see some singles but also families including little children and babies. Babies tend to be fussy so the room will not be totally silent. We try to maintain reverence, but it's a learning process. The kids are not perfectly reverent, and neither are the rest of us. People are dressed in regular clothes, usually conservative and modest. Men and boys usually wear dress shirts and ties. Women and girls usually wear dresses or skirts.

You are welcome to come and attend any of our worship services. You will not be asked to stand and sit, stand and sit, stand and sit. No one will pass a collection plate or ask you for money. You come in and sit and relax. And when you come, please sit by me!