Hi, I'm Chris

I was born in Provo, Utah, and I've also lived Minnesota and New Mexico. I'm an Eagle Scout, a black belt, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love to read, every sort of book. I've read science fiction stories, historical novels, and political commentaries. I think the printed word is a powerful force in the world, and I try to follow the Savior's directive to "seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). Knowledge that you ferret out on your own is one of the choicest things you can acquire in this life, and it's one of the few things you can take with you into the life to come. I love to be in the outdoors and doing physical activities with my friends. Some of my best experiences have occurred while in the outdoors, away from the distractions of the world around us. I love music, especially music that helps me feel closer to my Savior. Beautiful music can move a soul and invite the Spirit faster than almost any other influence in the world. I'm studying at college right now, and I'm thinking about becoming a research physicist like my dad. I love to learn about the way the world and universe work, and I want to continue to learn for my entire life.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born a member of the Church, and I remain so because I have learned for myself that Christ is the Lord and that His prophet on the earth is Thomas S. Monson. I have been guided by the Lord throughout my life, and I have been saved by Him. Indeed, I have been brought back from the edge of death. In September 2008, I suffered a severe accident that led to a fractured skull and doctors predicting a dismal outcome. But the hand of the Lord was there, and through a Priesthood blessing administered by my father and other righteous men, He healed me. The doctors were amazed by my recovery, the nurses telling me that they thought my recovery was a miracle. It was a miracle, and it was brought to pass by the power of the Almighty Jehovah. I know that God was there for me, teaching me even in the depths of my suffering and fear. I carried a scar and some metal plates away from that accident, but I learned that God exists, that He is powerful, and that He cares about me. I am eternally thankful that through His power, I can live with my beloved family forever, not just in mortality. I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Jesus is the Christ. He is the Only Begotten of the Father, and He came to save a world covered in darkness. His Atoning sacrifice opened the gateway into heaven for all that would believe on His name and follow Him. The Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, and they authorized and commanded him to restore the fulness of the gospel to the earth. His almighty hand is the first, last and only hand that we need grasp when in dire straits. The Book of Mormon is the word of God to His people, and its enduring principles are just as true today as the day when they were first recorded. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the church of God in the last days, that Jesus Christ is the Creator of the world, the Author and Finisher of faith, and that He is the only source of lasting joy and happiness.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

When I think of the Prophet Joseph, I am overcome by feelings of awe and reverence. Not of worship, but of deep respect and love. Joseph Smith was a simple farm boy, yet he was exactly the man the Lord needed to restore His gospel to the earth. Joseph loved the Lord, and he loved his fellow man. When I think of his death, I am saddened to think that he was taken from his family at such a young age, but I am comforted by knowing that the Lord does not forget His servants and that Joseph will receive his just reward in heaven. I know that Joseph Smith Jr was the prophet of the Restoration. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God, and that he will be remembered forever as a great man, as a prophet of the Lord. His name will be heard in every land and in every tongue, and the Church that he helped restore will fill the earth. Joseph was an imperfect man, and he acknowledged that. But he was nonetheless a prophet, seer, and revelator. I honor and sustain him as one who was called of God, and I know with a certainty that he is second only to Christ as a benefactor of mankind.

Why do Mormons go on missions?

We go on missions for a number of reasons, actually! One reason we go is because we have been asked to by the prophet of God. Every worthy young man has been commanded to serve a mission spreading the gospel to every corner of the earth. Another reason we serve missions is that we want to! Because we know the secret to lasting happiness, we can't bear to see another person be sad because they don't have it, especially if we can be the ones to share the secret with them.

How I live my faith

I participate in my student ward by playing the piano for the Priesthood meetings, where the men of the Church learn how to be worthy husbands, fathers, and disciples of Jesus Christ. I also volunteer my time whenever I can, demonstrating my faith in Christ by seeking to imitate His selfless life to the best extent that I can. I also home teach other members of my ward, checking in on them from time to time to ensure that they are happy and safe, while also bringing them a gospel message to brighten their lives. I try to serve God by serving others, and I look for service opportunities wherever I go.

Can a husband and wife be together forever? Do Mormons believe that families will live together in heaven?

Chris answered...

Yes! The prophets have taught that families can be together forever if they are sealed together in a temple of God. We do believe that families who are sealed together will live together in heaven. The purpose of the gospel is to enable us to live with our families forever, which we can only do if we live in the manner that Christ has commanded. Because He loves us, He has prepared a way for us to be able to have our family around us for the rest of eternity.
Amanda answered...

YES!!! This is one of my favorite parts of the gospel. I believe that my family will live together in heaven. I will know my family as my family members. My husband is my husband for now and for all eternity. My children are my children here on earth and for all eternity. I know that if something happened to one of us that I will see them again. I love this about the church. Before joining, I always had a question about this concept and when taking the discussions from the missionaries this came up. Makes me love the church more and more.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Nick answered...

"Required" is an interesting word when it comes to faith and religion. In the Mormon Church no one is "required" to serve a mission. Church membership is not revoked for not serving a mission. In this sense, they are not required, yet serving a mission is encouraged at many stages in life and in many different capacities throughout the world.

Missionary service is a tremendous blessing, a challenge, and one of the main focuses of the faith. The life of Jesus Christ was the life of a missionary in many respects. Performing service for one another, preaching the glad message of the gospel, and increasing the faith and dedication of God's children are exemplified in Christ's life and mirrored by those in missionary service.

To dedicate a portion of one's life in service propels those who serve and those who are served into a better life. During my two year mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and during my two year service mission with LDS Family Services, I was greatly blessed and strengthened. (I hope those whom I served found some value in my service as well.) That strength has taught me to better navigate this life, has kept my family relations intact, and has been the method of helping others overcome their trials as well.

Spiritually speaking, I don't find value in reflecting on what my life would be like without serving a mission. Instead, I rejoice in knowing that without that time in missionary service my life would be significantly less happy and productive. In my life, serving a mission has taken on many of the characteristics of a "required" act since I can't picture myself progressing very far without having served as a missionary. While not required to be a member of the Mormon church, missionary service has been a critical and welcome part of my life and growth spirituality. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to serve missions, and look forward to serving in many more.