Hi, I'm Ben

I was born and raised in Texas. I enjoy sports of all kinds, and love spending time with my wife and 5 kids. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in the deep South where most of my friends were not Mormon. It was hard being one of the only Mormons, and I can remember many times being made fun of because of my religion. I played basketball in highschool and always thought I would be a professional basketball player one day. When I turned 19 I decided to forego college and go on a Mormon mission. I ended up spending 2 years in Argentina which helped me understand better what it means to be a Mormon. It was an experience that really taught me how to love others despite their lifestyle or circumstance. After returning, I ended up enrolling at BYU where I studied and graduated with a degree in International Politics. I married early at the age of 22 and began starting a family shortly thereafter. I am now 35 years old and still married with 5 beautiful children. One of my greatest joys is watching my kids grow and develop their own special talents. I work for a great company that sells and distributes nutritional supplements, and get the opportunity to travel all over the world helping them expand into new countries. I still find time to stay in shape and get up every MWF at 5:00 a.m. to play basketball with a group of guys down at the gym. I enjoy life, family, and church and can't imagine having a better life than what I have now.

Why I am a Mormon

Being a Mormon for me is a way of life. It is not something that I take on and off depending on the day that I'm having. It gives me balance in my life, and provides me with a piece of mind that can't be bought. There are so many questions about life. Being a Mormon helps me understand how all the puzzle pieces fit together. I know where I came from. I know why I'm here on the earth, and I know what happens after we die. I'm certain that our Heavenly Father hasn't just left us here alone on this earth to "figure it out" for ourselves. I know that he has provided scriptures and modern day prophets to help us live a happy life here on earth, and one that will allow us to return back to his presence one day with our families. Being a Mormon makes me a better person. It allows me to serve in ways that I probably wouldn't if i wasn't a member of this church. It allows me to love in ways that otherwise I wouldn't if I wasn't a member of this church. It makes me happy, that's why I'm a Mormon.

How I live my faith

I'd like to think that my actions speak louder than anywords that I can share. I try to follow the example of Jesus Christ as much as possible by trying not to judge others and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Honesty and integrity are key components to who I am. I think it's important to be honest not just with others, but with yourself as well. This goes for any person of any faith. I realize many don't share my faith, however I don't allow that to effect the relationships that I make with people not of my faith. Some of my closest friends and associates do not share my faith, and to me that is very important. I enjoy helping others, and know that true happiness comes when you're focused on someone else, not when you're worried about yourself.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Ben answered...

Temples are very special to Mormons and represent the pinnacle of our faith here on earth. Temples are sacred, and provide members with an opportunity to feel a little slice of heaven on earth. I love going to the temple each month.
Show more of my answers Show less of my answers One Moment Please
Aubree answered...

Temples are used to perform sacred ordinances necessary for salvation. One of these is a temple marriage--making it possible to be together as a family for eternity. Since these ordinances are sacred, only members who are striving to live the gospel may enter. All members are strongly encouraged to become and/or stay worthy to enter the temple. Members also go to the temple to seek guidance, comfort, and personal revelation from God.

How can we increase our faith in Jesus Christ?

Brian answered...

Faith in Jesus Christ doesn't just happen. You have to work for it. I discovered my faith increasing when I decided to study the scriptures for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Doing so has allowed me to understand the doctrines of the gospel on a deeper level. Scripture study coupled with daily personal prayer where I really try to converse with my Father in heaven, and seek to know His will concerning me, rather than give him a list of my wants and needs and ask him to grant them as if he was my personal butler. The best way I have found is to seek to do as Jesus did. Be friendly with everyone I meet. Go the extra mile and help people beyond what is expected. Avoid judging people and try to find the good in people, rather than dwell on their weaknesses. I've found that seeking to do God's will and striving to live like Jesus Christ taught us to live, has not deprived me of anything, rather by doing things Heavenly Father's way has freed me and brought me more happiness than trying to do it my own way.