Hi, I'm Chris

I'm an adventurer trying new things. I'm a writer recording my zest for life. I'm a friendly, lifelong student. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in April 2012. Surprisingly, I want to do something very different and barely relevant to chemistry. I learned a great deal of problem solving skills from my major.

I think I want to pursue journalism. I am thinking about newspapers or new media. I am planning to work towards journalism school. I do like writing for my blog. I do like learning new things and writing about that. I like a variety of topics. I can see myself teaching journalism.

I find myself in an exciting and scary time of transition. I love life and see it as a world of possibilities. I plan to build it into something fun.

I love going on road trips with my friends. I like listening to music and watching television and movies. I hope to find more time to read for pleasure after I get my bachelor's. I love how things like that connect people and how it can give a sense of a person's identity. I feel the same way about food.

I have been exploring a variety of hobbies and interests. I made some videos for YouTube. I wrote some skits. I like running to clear my head. I like biking to explore places. I like cooking but so far I mainly cook like a hungry college student. Needless to say, college students are creative when it comes to food.

I enjoy the simple things in life. I like to meditate and chill, especially if I can lie down on the grass and look up into the sky and all the clouds. I like to dress to impress. I go on facebook. And that's me.

Why I am a Mormon

In high school, I wanted to figure out what I believe in. One year I took an AP World History class, it made me think about my view of the world. Also, I tried wrestling that year. I was interested in finding my place outside of school and my new favorite class Chemistry. I became much closer to my friends, too.

I noticed my Mormon friends and decided to get to know them better because they were nice people. They invited me to church. I decided to take them up on that invitation when I had some free time. That Sunday I watched the film "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration." Soon, I began taking the missionary lessons. I like what I was learning. After meeting the missionaries a lot, my friend Stephen pointed out that I needed faith because I was still not entirely sure yet. That Sunday night, I was restless and began studying about faith. I prayed before and after reading Alma 32 to learn about faith. I received the confirming witness that the Book of Mormon is true.

I felt a burning in my bosom (my heartbeat felt "strong" at that moment/feelings are hard to describe) and had peace in my mind. Then, I was ready to be baptized.

I like how when Joseph Smith was young he was trying to figure out where he belong in his own way. Once he had a strong conviction of the truth. He followed through. I wanted a strong conviction of what I am doing. Now I have one. I also like how I can improve everyday by following the principles I learn in church. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has everything I am looking for. I love how family oriented the restored gospel is. Families matter a lot to me.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Personally, I went on a mission because I have a desire to share what makes me different and encourage others to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, people have not heard about it. I think everyone deserves a chance to. I remember being hesitant about going because I converted to the Church and did not know much. My friends pointed out that I can learn on the mission. Mormons learn and grow from serving missions. I, myself, experienced things that continue to shape me and teach me to become a better person. Going on a mission has brought me closer to God.

The prophet asks all worthy, able young men to go on a full-time mission. Then, women have the option to go if they want. Senior couples can go on a mission, too. I think everyone needs to find their own specific reason for going on a mission. I think the all-encompassing reason is a sincere love for others like the love God has for everyone. Everyone deserves an opportunity to learn more about something that can help us through life and make us happy.

How I live my faith

In my daily routine, I live my faith by making friends and building those relationships. I think that is the main way I live my faith. I like to share my humor with my friends and be there for them. If all I can do is listen, then I'll be there to listen. Being a member of the Church has put me in contact with awesome friends as well.

I count my small successes. I make an effort to learn from my mistakes and do better the next time. I remember not to berate myself for not being better now because God is proud of me as I sincerely try to become a better person. I know that bad things happen in life. The pain is going to hurt. I know God will be there to comfort me. In the long run, I know good things will come as I work hard.

What do Mormons believe happens to us after we die? What do Mormons believe about life after death?

Chris answered...

After we die, we still exist as spirits. We all die. It is still sad because you are separated from your loved ones temporarily but we still exist and can be reunited again.

After death, we will be in the spirit world. People who did not get the opportunity to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can do so in the spirit world. I know I want to help them learn those important truths that will bring happiness. In the spirit world, we can continue growing and learning.

Soon, our physical bodies will join with our spirit bodies once again in the resurrection thanks to the Atonement and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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What is the Mormon lifestyle like? How do Mormons live?

Serge answered...

Family is everything to us. Our family spends lots of our free time together because we like each other. Life gets crazy with teenagers, dance practice, after school academic decathlon, usually with a toddler in tow, but no matter what, every Monday night is Family Night.

The kids know that every Monday we spend time together and nothing gets in the way of it. It's our commitment to each other. We bake cookies, have lessons about the Savior, work on personal goals, go to the park, go geocaching, play board games or just go out for ice cream.

We do lots of things together. The point is that at least once a week we spend an hour or two together, just for the sake of being together, just because we love being together as a family. It's not as perfect as it may sound, with all the poking and "she's in my spot," and all the other crazy things family members do to each other when scrambling for a spot in the living room, but we try real hard. It takes effort to make sure we don't miss, but it's worth it.

I'm not sure the kids will remember all the games we played, the places we went or what we did, but I hope they always remember that we loved each other enough to dedicate one night a week to be with each other. And that we spent every Monday night together for as many Mondays as they can remember because family is everything to us, and every member of our family is important.