Hi, I'm Dave

I am a dad. I am a computer scientist. I am a musician. And I am a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in Southern California, where I also went to college and got a degree in computer science. For my career, I work as a software engineer for an aerospace company. I am the proud father of three boys and one girl, and the grandfather of a vivacious baby girl. For fun I like to play the piano, I also play the organ, and I enjoy singing solo or in groups.

Why I am a Mormon

I've been a Christian all my life, but in my youth I never quite felt I was living my religion in full. It was hard for me to relate the religion I saw described in the Bible to the world around me. One springtime in my twenties the spirit moved me to pray for help in organizing my life, and that summer I met a true friend with answers to my most important questions. In the Church I found people who practice their religion seven days a week, and where every function is performed by people who work without pay, out of their love for the Savior. I know in my heart that God's pattern requires leaders who lead by revelation and a community where every member is entitled to receive answers to their own prayers. In the Church we don't debate about doctrines -- we learn what has been revealed so far, and we can have confidence that more revelations will come when they are needed.

I also love the way the Church functions as an organization. The Church develops the abilities of its members, as callings are extended for various jobs that must be done. I know no other organization in the world that places so much emphasis on both leadership and service, and consequently develops such a broad base of individual strength and capability. I attribute this success to the divine organization and direction of the Church.

I have developed a love for the kind and humble leaders who serve year after year as apostles and prophets. Their patient service and inspired words are living examples for how we call all care for and help one another.

In the doctrines of the Church I find understanding of who I am, and that helps me become more like Christ in how I relate to other people. I also find in the scriptures and in the testimonies of living prophets, and in my own prayers, a deepening understanding of the love that Jesus Christ has for each of us, and for the wisdom and holiness of our Father in Heaven.

How I live my faith

I help our church choir by playing the piano. I also serve as a "home teacher", meaning I make regular visits to certain families in the congregation, to keep in touch with their needs and to provide help when they need it. In our area we frequently have the opportunity to help people who are moving or have other family needs, and my younger boys enjoy coming along to help with this kind of service.

Recently I have been learning and helping others develop the skills to do genealogy and family history research. It is a wonderful thing not only to know who our ancestors are, but also to understand what life was like for them and to know about the challenges they faced and overcame.

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

Dave answered...

No. There are prominent leaders in both the Republican and Democratic parties who are members of the Church, and probably in other parties as well. The Church encourages individuals to be active in public affairs, according to their own conscience and understanding of divine principles. We are encouraged to seek out and support honest and capable people to serve in elective office.
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Dallin answered...

The Mormon Church does not endorse political parties. It does, however, strongly encourage political participation. We believe that one of God's greatest gifts to his children is the freedom to choose. With this gift comes the responsibility to do our part to make good choices. It is a great blessing to live in areas where we have the opportunity to vote for our leaders.

What is being a Mormon like?

Brad Hill answered...

One word: "Awesome".

Another word "Happy".

Although we face trials we are able to be happy and know that things will be alright. As a Mormon, day to day life is how I live and I try my hardest to do my best. It's difficult sometimes, but after the hard work comes the great blessings and the ability to rest from our cares and sorrows.

Nothing is easy about being a disciple of Christ, but we have all the help and resources we need from God to do what we are called to do... be ourselves, be a brother or sister, father or mother, friend, servant, leader, and many many other things! Yes there is opposition in life, but that is how we can learn.

As you come to understand what being a Mormon is all about you will then begin to understand God's infinite love for you and can see the blessings and miracles in your life!