Hi, I'm R.J.

I am an honorably discharged Veteran from two branches of our United States military service. I am a Mormon.

About Me

I am a devoted husband and father. My professional focus encompasses the disciplines of Computer Science and Business Management with an emphasis on information storage technologies. My personal interests span across many outdoor activities such as golf, bicycling, camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Some of my hobbies include martial arts, archery, target shooting, HAM radio, electronic kit projects and leather crafts.

Why I am a Mormon

During the early formative years of boyhood, I grew up in Ogden, Utah. I was baptized at the 18th Ward and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by my Great Grandfather. I am grateful for the love and nurturing that I received from my Great Grandparents and my Uncle and Auntie. The moral fibers that they wove into my character have helped me to choose the right paths throughout my life.

In a short time following the joyous services of baptism and confirmation, I was subjected to family choices and circumstances that resulted in me to being taken away from the LDS faith at a very young age. I became exposed to many different cultures and religious beliefs over the course of my teenage years and well into my adulthood.

Throughout all the years of experiencing many trials and tribulations, I never did let go of the wonderful gift that was bestowed upon me during the holy ordinance of confirmation. The promptings from the Holy Ghost have been a light to guide me out of many dark places and a shield to protect me during times of spiritual weakness in my life.

I do believe that our Father in Heaven knows who I am and what I did before I came here. He chose the time and place for me to be born, so I can learn the lessons that I personally need and do the most good with my individual talents and personality.

I am an active LDS member now. I was recently ordained a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. I am very thankful for the many blessing that have been received by me and my family from the sacred priesthood authority.

I believe in the truth of the atonement, the divinity of Jesus Christ and the restoration of his church and priesthood on Earth. I know that The Book of Mormon is another true testament of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I do so testify in his holy name. Amen.

Personal Stories

How has attending Church services helped you?

Attending Church services has helped me renew the covenants with our Heavenly Father by partaking of the blessed and sanctified bread and water during each of the sacrament meetings. Attending Church services on Fast Sundays has helped me strengthen my testimony by hearing the testimony of other members. Attending Sunday school and the Priesthood quorums have helped my faith grow by studying the Bible, Book of Mormon and Gospel Principals.

How I live my faith

I do oversee our Family Home Evenings with prayer and teaching gospel lessons. Each member of my family enjoys sharing ownership of the different elements of our Family Home Evenings, such as choosing the theme, selecting a hymn to sing, teaching a gospel lesson topic, planning a fun activity and making yummy treats.

I do volunteer to develop and maintain Websites that help promote public awareness of the challenges faced by our military Veterans and their families. All of those non-profit organizations are focused on raising funds to help benefit them in times of need.

Why is family so important to Mormons?

R.J. answered...

Our families provide a setting for much of the growth we experience in life.

In our families we love, serve, teach, and learn from each other. We share our joys and our sorrows. Family ties may bring us difficult challenges, but they also give us strength and some of our greatest happiness.

The family is central to God’s plan for His children. It is also the central unit of society and the means for bringing children into the world where they can be loved, provided for, and taught truth and righteousness (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).

While we cannot choose the conditions of our birth, we can choose each day to make our families stronger and happier. It is possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
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Greg answered...

After I joined the Mormon Church I learned about the importance of families. Not long after that I realized that if I was going to follow this teaching I needed to tell my father that I loved him. That was very difficult for me since my dad and I argued so much. I spent the better part of 2 weeks trying to determine how I could do this. When the time came I found that the words came more easily than I had thought. From that point to the time he died, about 22 years later, he and I had an entirely different relationship. We were now friends. And I found how much I regretted all our arguments while growing up. And now I find that I miss him and more fully understand how important our families are.

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

Steven answered...

No, but we are instructed to be involved and to seek spiritual guidance in all political matters.

We believe that the leaders of a nation, state, and community can have a great influence for good or for evil and we need to ensure that they are represent our values and beliefs.