Hi, I'm Tim

I speak Portuguese. I'm an assistant principal. I'm kind of a nut. And I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a middle-aged husband and father. I'm an assistant principal at a middle school, and before that taught English for 13 years. I'm left-handed and love to write poetry. I love pretty much everything about Portugal, especially its music, food, architecture, history, culture, and people. I enjoy hanging with my wife and kids, collecting coins, eating ice cream, playing basketball and frisbee, singing karaoke, making You Tube videos, studying family history, making puns, quoting movies, drawing, studying the origin of words, and sometimes just being alone.

Why I am a Mormon

I'm a Mormon because of The Book of Mormon; because my parents taught me its doctrine since I was born; because Heavenly Father answers my prayers; because the doctrine rings true to the deepest part of my soul; because pretty much every talk given in General Conference is so profound and touching to me; and because the hymns of the Church stir me like no other music.

Personal Stories

Why/How do you share the gospel with your friends?

I try to show them love and be their friend. I pray for my friends. I want them to know that I care for them personally. I avoid being pushy about my religious beliefs, but my beliefs mean everything to me, so if a friend asks about any aspect of my church, I love having the opportunity of discussing it with them. I want to share what I believe and feel and know.

How I live my faith

I try to live my faith by being a cheerful friend to others. I want to serve and help others. I try to live my faith by studying the Bible and Book of Mormon each day, and trying to apply what I read in my life. I also firmly believe in the power of prayer, repentance, and forgiving others. Currently, as far as my church service is concerned, I am an adviser to the young men in my ward (congregation), which means I have an opportunity to help them in scouting and their spiritual development. It's a lot of fun for me, because as an assistant principal and former 8th grade English teacher, I love teenagers. They make me laugh and keep me young!

What is the Book of Mormon?

Tim answered...

The Book of Mormon is a compilation of the writings of ancient prophets, who wrote under the inspiration of God. It is an incredible book, full of profound teachings. The more I study it, the closer I get to God. Read the book! It will change your life!
Ben answered...

We believe in a loving Father in Heaven who desires all of his children to have His precious word. "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?" (2 Nephi 29:7).

Of course, with any thing concerning God, it is important to find out, personally, if the work is true. What better source can we trust than God Himself? Through prayer we can know, independently of anyone else, where the truth lies concerning any matter.

In the introduction to the Book of Mormon we read: "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost." I testify that this pattern of revelation is true. If we take the time to study it out in our minds, ponder upon the truth and ask God, in faith with desire to act upon our answer, that we will receive. He has answered me, and He will answer you when you ask in faith.

Who is the Mormon prophet today?

Mark answered...

God through out the ages has spoken to His children through living prophets. We have a prophet today, named Thomas S. Monson. He is a prophet just like Moses, Abraham or Peter. My wife and I, were blessed to be personally called by President Monson to serve a mission. For 2 hours we sat in his office as he taught us. We felt his spirit and his love. I know that he is a prophet. This is the Savior’s church and He leads this church just as he did anciently through a living prophet. As we follow President Monson’s teaching and example we will be blessed to draw nearer to the Savior.