Hi, I'm Zander

I am sixteen years old, I love driving, running track and playing any sport, but especially baseball.I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am the oldest child of my family of 7 children (4 boys & 3 girls). I am home schooled, I play just about any sport. I love running, but sometimes I go a little extreme (running in the winter in Wyoming). I am an Eagle Scout. I have been a member of the church all my life. I love to read lots of different kinds of books, but my favorite genre is historical fiction. I love watching, attending, and participating in many different sporting events( Baseball, American Football, Basketball). I try to center my life around Jesus Christ, my family, and Christ's Church.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I was born into the church, but I have gained my own testimony through my study of the scriptures-especially the Book of Mormon. I have had my testimony strengthened through many spiritual experiences that have come at a variety of times and places. I have a testimony that Joseph Smith was called by God to be an instrument in the restoration of the Gospel or good news of the Resurrected Savior. I know that as Amos says that "Surely the Lord God will do nothing save he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets". I know that we are led by 15 prophets that God reveals his secrets to.

How I live my faith

I participate in the Priest quorum (the group for young men ages 16-18) of the Aaronic Priesthood in the Church, which includes, exercising my priesthood in service, both performing the ordinance of the sacrament and service to members of the community. I am active in Boy Scouts, which is the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. I teach lessons periodically to young men and others in the ward.

What do Mormons believe about family?

Zander answered...

We believe to be exalted to our highest degree of glory, we need to be part of a sealed eternal family.
Bradley. answered...

The family is a key component to support us in God's plan for gaining immortality and eternal life. All of God's children (all the inhabitants that lived, are living, and will live on Earth) are inseperably connected to each other, both (physically) by our Earthly families and (spiritually) by our Heavenly Father.

Families help us to understand our divine heritage. In this, life takes on purpose and meaning. Our immortal spirits were created by our Heavenly Father before Earthly existance, and we are directly connected to Him in this way. As a spiritual family, our collective purpose on Earth is to follow the commandments of God that lead us to live in heaven with Him again.

Our spirits need to progress, learn, and grow. In order to achieve that, Earthly existance was created as our test. Our Heavenly Father knew that being exposed to opposing forces on Earth was the only way for us to gain knowledge and wisdom.

However, we will not always choose righteousness, and so our Savior, Jesus Christ, is that great mediator to pay the debt of our mistakes. He is the only way by which we can be saved from our sins and transgressions. He is the ultimate example by which direction we need to live our lives. With the support of our earthly kin, we can learn from each other, serve each other, and strengthen our mortal weaknesses by being disciples of Christ. Our families are a gift from God, and we can be together forever.

What is a “testimony” that Mormons speak of?

Megan! answered...

A testimony is the knowledge that a certain principle is true, right, or good. For example, I have a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He did truly atone for our sins. In order to gain that knowledge, I have studied, reflected on what I learned in my study, and prayed to have that knowledge confirmed in my heart. As an answer to those prayers, (for there were many--building a testimony is an ongoing process) I have felt the truth in my heart.
We can gain testimonies of many principles. Another way is to put that principle into action, as sort of a test. In order to gain a testimony of prayer, we might try praying. To gain a testimony of the principle of tithing, we might try paying a full tithe. (10% of our income.) As we strive to live these principles, the Holy Ghost will confirm the truthfulness of them to our hearts. We will know that they are right; we will have a testimony of them.

Mormons also talk about "bearing testimony." This simply means to share the testimony we have gained with other people, either in a formal setting (like in church) or in a more informal setting (like in a conversation with a friend.)