Hi, I'm Scott

I'm curious about everything. I love new people and experiences. I'm a husband, father, and grandfather. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew in a small town in Utah and had an idyllc upbringing. I have always had a curious nature and gravitated to scientific and technican subjects in my education. Fascinated with the human brain, I chose a career in Computer Science to, in a small way, simulate the function of the brain. I love to learn and gain new experiences, whether it is traveling to see the wonders and beauties of the world, visiting a museum, experiencing a foreign culture or as a "foodie" eating something that I've never tried before. Some day I want to know everything there is to know about everything.

I love uplifting music, good movies, history and stargazing at night. I have a wonderful wife, 5 adult children and 7 grandchildren and I spend time with them whenever I can.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a 5th generation Mormon. That is, all 16 of my great-great grandparents joined the LDS church in the 1800s, so the simple answer is that I was born into the Church.

Although I was raised as a Mormon, and grew up immersed in the culture of the Church, I choose to be a Mormon because of an intellectual conviction that the Church is true. When I consider all the scientific, historical, and theological aspects of the Church, it simply all makes sense. We may not know all things at this time, such as how the Creation happened, or how God came to be God, but the body of scientific and empirical evidence that we do have is so rich that it's clear to me the Church is true.

I know the Church is true through all the blessings I've received through my membership in the Church. Jesus said, "by their fruits ye shall know them." I have found that the closer I follow Jesus Christ, the better life is. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches me how to become better person and how to have eternal joy in this life and in the life to come. The atonement of Christ makes it possible for me to change and become the person I want to be.

However, the most important reason I am a Mormon is from a spiritual witness of its truth. Countless times I have had an overwhelming feeling in my heart that these things are true. It's this burning inner conviction that really makes all the difference.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

The very order of Heaven is based on family relationships. After this life, our goal is to live in Heaven with God and Christ, but things will be organized as a network of families from Adam, down to the latest generation. In order to achieve this organization, we must identify our ancestors and have the required ordinances done for them so they, too can be eternally joined into the heavenly family.

How I live my faith

I do my best to live each day with an attitude of service and doing good. In everything I do, and everywhere I go, I want to leave each place a little better and each person a little happier.

I have done my best to promote daily family scripture study and family prayer. I have strived to teach my children by precept and example to fulfill church responsibilities and be service-minded in all aspects of life.

I am currently a part-time missionary in the ward, helping the full-time missionaries. I also work with our young men in our Boy Scout program.

To what do you attribute the growth of the Church?

Scott answered...

Before we were born on this earth, we all lived as spirits with God, our Heavenly Father. We enjoyed His presence and lived in joy and anticipation of the life to come. When we left Heaven and came to Earth, we forgot everything about our pre-existence, but I believe there was a lingering feeling deep inside us that yearned to return to God's presence. When people hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that subconscious memory is awakened and they instinctively know its truth and are drawn to it.
Angela answered...

I think the Church is growing because people see that there can be a better way to live, that they don't have to be bound by the chains of addiction, pornography, dysfunction and broken homes. We know that the most important thing in this world is the family and the future of this world is found in the lives of the children and teenagers we see on the street, in our malls and schools. The best thing we can do is teach them to be honest, upright and moral citizens who can contribute to the betterment of society. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the family is incredibly significant--so significant that God wants us to be families forever, even when we die. This is huge for many people in the world who realize that their children can really be with them forever. There is tremendous comfort in that, and I think this is why so many people are drawn to this Church. It provides hope and peace.

Why are Mormons asked to donate 10% of their income to their Church?

Kristen answered...

This is nothing new, nor is it exclusive to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Many faiths practice alms or a tithe, including Islam and Sikhism.

A voluntary religious contribution of 10% is a tithe or tithing. This type of offering is mentioned many times in the both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. In the book of Genesis, chapter 28 verse 22, the ancient patriarch Jacob covenanted with the Lord, "and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

Everything we have, our lives, the earth and everything in it, have been given freely to us by a loving Father in Heaven. He asks only a small portion in return to help build his kingdom on the earth.

When my husband and I were first married, we decided to make paying a 10% tithe a top financial priority, and it has been a great blessing to us through the years. In Malachi, chapter 3 verse 10 it states, "Bring yea ll the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you thei windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." This has certainly been the case with us.

I realize that 10% of one's income can seem like a large sacrifice. However, when the law of the tithe is kept, it serves as a portal through which great blessings (both tangible and intangible) can flow. The Lord always finds a way to bless those who do what He asks them to do.