Hi, I'm Mike

I'm a student, musician, athlete, and a Mormon.

About Me

My name is Mike and I've been a member of the church since I was eight years old. I am now sixteen and a member of my ward's priest quorum. I have a brother who is two years older than me and attending college. I am a forward on my high school's basketball team and a tight end on the football team. I love to play sports. Music is another one of my favorite hobbies and I hope to be able to have a career involving that one day. I play the guitar, drums, bass, and sing, and am currently learning to play the piano. I've written many different types of songs although my favorite type of music is rock.

Why I am a Mormon

My mom is Mormon, but my Dad is not, so I get asked why I made the decision to be a member of the church more than most members do. Being LDS gives me direction in my life. It allows me to associate with people who have the same morals and standards as me. It also makes it a lot easier when a loved one passes away to know that you will be able to see them again. However, these things can be true with many different religions. For me there is one main thing that sets this church apart. When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This means that we can have the spirit as our constant companion, to assist us with both the little and big decisions in our lives. As long as we live worthily of this companionship we are never alone. The Holy Ghost can and has testified to me as well as many other members of the truthfulness of this gospel.

How I live my faith

As a high schooler, I associate with many different kids and am surrounded by things that don't necessarily correspond to my standards. I try to be the best example I can by not going to parties where there will be drinking, not swearing, and trying to be as kind and helpful to others as I can be. I am also called as a home teacher in my ward, meaning that I have the opportunity to visit a few of the families in my ward and help them with anything that they may need. There are also several community service events that my church puts on that I can be involved in.

What is the Word of Wisdom that Mormons talk about?

Mike answered...

The word of wisdom is our standard of how to take care of our bodies by the things we put into them. It was given by revelation to Joseph Smith in 1833. We do not smoke or chew tobacco or use any illegal drugs. Mormons also do not drink alcoholic beverages, coffee, or tea (such as green or black tea; herbal teas are ok). Caffeine is not the only reason abstain from drinking coffee, because the word of wisdom does not mention caffeine. Some mormons, by their interpretation of the word of wisdom, choose not to drink caffeine, while others do. People often ask me what's wrong with coffee and tea and why I'm not supposed to drink them. I do not know all the reasons for God's commandments and I am unable to answer this question. However, in 1833, when this law was given, no one new about the harms of smoking and tobacco, yet it was in the word of wisdom. It was not until more than a hundred years later when we learned that tobacco can cause cancer as well as cause many other ailments. I therefore believe that I should follow the word of wisdom no matter if I know the reason or not. The word of wisdom is not just a list of "dont's" though; there are many "do's" also where we learn to eat certain things in moderation to keep our bodies healthy.
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Mark answered...

The word of wisdom is the Lord's law of health. We abstain from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea, and are encouraged to eat wholesome food and grains, and not eat excessive meat. I am asked all of the time by my fellow residents at the hospital why I don't drink coffee, and how I can stay awake all night on call without it. I don't consider it a sacrifice, though, and am as awake and perform as well as any. It is true that the body will be more healthy when following the word of wisdom, the but the main benefit is spiritual. The knowledge that you are in line with the the Lord's teaching is the most important thing.

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

Mandy answered...

We believe that God loves all of His children and that none of us are mistakes. Earth life is a time for us to meet challenges and overcome our weaknesses as we rely on the Lord. We are all unique, and so it makes sense that different people have different challenges. Just because one challenge seems harder than another, that doesn't limit God's ability to help us understand and overcome it.

As disciples of Christ, we are to love everyone and look for the goodness in everything. The family is central to God's plan. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and this relationship allows us to grow closer to God. Marriage is more about what you can offer and sacrifice for your spouse than for what you can receive out of it.