Hi, I'm Jim

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am retired. my hobbies include gardening and woodworking. We also watch our grand children once in a while.

Why I am a Mormon

My best friend in High School was Latter Day Saint. I was not able to join until after I was Married.

How I live my faith

I work with a men's group. With my wife we teach a Sunday School class when needed.
I am a member of the Emergency Response Committee and am a licensed Ham Radio operator.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Aaron answered...

This issue is one that is rife with misunderstanding to outsiders. First, let me say here that we love and accept all of God's children, regardless of beliefs. That being said, we affirm that the central purpose of life is to make and keep covenants in a family relationship. By extension that means bringing children into the world, born in loving families with both a father and a mother.

We believe that our genders are an essential aspect of our eternal identities, that we were male and female even before we came to this earth. Neither sex is more important than the other; both serve the purpose of God to save His children. Both priesthood and motherhood are essential in the rearing of children.

I myself am unspeakably grateful for the blessing of having both a loving father and mother. They each supported me in different ways, unique to their identity as a man and a woman.
Erika answered...

Every one on this earth encounters their own set of challenges. It is through opposition that we grow, opposition is the reason we where sent to this earth so that we as individuals could make choices, gain experiences, and realize our divine potential. We are all Gods children we have all made the choice to come to this earth because we knew and loved God.

Each of us must learn how to overcome our own personal and unique set of challenges that we will inevitably face in this life; to some it may be an addiction, others may struggle with depression or constant need to compare. There are endless challenges and trials we will face. Amongst these challenges some will and have faced the challenge of same sex attraction. Does this mean that they are damned, unclean, broken? Absolutely not, it means that they are human. To take full advantage of this life we must learn to gain control of our bodies and to overcome the natural inclinations of our bodies. By so doing we begin to reach and see our divine potential, we realize that we are truly spiritual beings living in a mortal world with mortal challenges. But these challenges will last "but a small moment" and if we are able to endure them to overcome them we will leave this life and recieve our divine heritage of eternal life.
As members of the church we share a message that can and will help you improve the quality of your life no matter who you are where your from or the challenges you face this message will help you.

What is a ward/stake/branch?

Adam answered...

There is a lot of vocabulary that is unique to Mormonism, including the terms we use for our congregations.

A ward is a local congregation, usually made up of between 200-600 members. Wards have specific geographic boundaries, so which ward you attend would depend on where you live. A ward is presided over by a lay priesthood holder called a bishop.

A branch is similar to a ward, except it is smaller. They range in size from a single family to the size of a small ward. Generally, branches are in areas without a significant Mormon population, specific to a language, or for individuals who are single. Branches do not have bishops, but are presided over by a branch president.

A stake is a larger organization in the church. Several wards and branches, frequently around 12, will comprise a stake. The stake is able to support the wards and branches through additional resources and leadership. Stakes are presided over by stake presidents.