What I Believe

I have organized the belief section of my website under the following categories. These are core areas that have built my faith and testimony.

1. Spiritual Experiences

Throughout life I have had moments where God’s presence has been unmistakable. These experiences have gone far beyond emotion. There are times when the Spirit brings a warmth, clarity, and peace that cannot be explained by anything physical or psychological. The moments have shaped my faith and become the core of my testimony and foundationn in ways I cannot deny. In this section, I share a few of these experiences that continue to anchor me to God, and give me the faith to continue serving him.

2. Understanding True and Factual Church History

Studying Church history has strengthened my faith. The more I learn about the early Saints — their sacrifices, their conviction, and their spiritual experiences, the more I am strengthend to be committed and faithful. The men and women closest to Joseph Smith knew his character, saw the miracles, and believed he was called of God. Their testimonies, their trials, and their faith have inspired mine and have inspired me to strive to do more and be better. In this section, I share insights I have from studying reliable historical sources.

3. The Fruits of the Church Today

The Church of Jesus Christ today is a force for good. Find me any other organization in the world that does more good for the world than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? I’ve watched how living the gospel lifts people in every circumstance in many parts of the world. Service, community, and discipleship create a pattern of growth that draws people toward Christ and fills their lives with purpose. My mission taught me that those who look outward, who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, are the most happy and content this in life.

If Joseph Smith really was a narcisstic manipulative fraud, would the results of his deception really lead to so much good nearly 200 years later?

4. Faith of Church Leaders

One of the greatest witnesses to me of the truthfulness of the gospel is the character and sincerity of Church leaders, both past and present. Their service is not driven by status or personal gain but is rooted in devotion to God and genuine love for His children. From general authorities to our bishop and stake president, I see the sacrifice, humility, and a desire to lift others because of the love of God. This category shares my experiences as well as the testimonies of these amazing church leaders.

5. Evidence of the Book of Mormon

My testimony of the Book of Mormon began with faith and a manifestation of the Spirit. When you study the translation and the miracles involved in its coming about, the only way to explain the Book of Mormon is as divinely inspired. The validity of the Book of Mormon as an actual record of the people who lived on this continent has been reinforced by impressive amounts of evidence supporting the world described in its pages. Learning about ancient structures, settlements, and patterns of life that align with Book of Mormon timelines strengthens that conviction. This physical evidence helps me know that these were real people with real lives, trials, and hardships who learned the importance of looking to God. Physical evidence alone does not create belief, but it can affirm and steady it. Here I share findings that have strengthened my confidence that the Book of Mormon is exactly what it claims to be.

6. Miracles and Tender Mercies

Miracles have not ceased. In everyday life, God reveals His care through small and large blessings. There are tender mercies when circumstances align in ways we could never have orchestrated ourselves. These tender mercies remind us that God is involved, aware, and willing to intervene for our good. President Nelson has encouraged us to seek and expect miracles, and I have seen them. This category highlights the ways God’s hand shows up when we look for it.

7. Visions, Dreams, and Beyond-the-Veil Experiences

Accounts of visions, near-death experiences, and spiritual encounters have provided powerful reassurance during times when my faith needed strengthening. I’ve studied many of these stories that are from people inside and outside the Church. They all describe realities that match what the restored gospel teaches about the spirit world and Christ’s love. Even more meaningful are the testimonies I’ve heard from people I know personally who have experienced these sacred events and returned with powerful witnesses of Christ. In this section, I share insights from these experiences and how they have affirmed my belief in the plan of salvation.

Why I Believe the Resotored Gospel of Jesus Christ

The experiences and testimonies I share here come from years of study, prayer, struggle, and faith. I do not believe these things just because I was raised to accept them without thought. I am always thinking and questioning the realites of them. I believe them because I have seen God’s hand too clearly and too often to deny it and know that the influence of the Spirit a spiritual manifestation and beyond anything earthly. I have watched the gospel lift people in many different circumstances. I have been apart of and have seen miracles. I have read the Book of Mormon with an open heart and felt the unmistakable power of its words.

I know the restored gospel is true. I know Jesus Christ lives, that He loves us perfectly, and that He invites us to come to Him through covenants that change who we are. I know Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and that the work he began continues today through living prophets who seek to follow the Savior. I know the Church of Jesus Christ is the vehicle prepared by God to gather Israel and prepare the world for the return of His Son.

My beliefs are not theory or tradition; they are the result of real experience, real answers, and real spiritual witnesses. I share them because they have brought me peace, strength, and direction, and because I hope they can bless others who are searching for truth, clarity, and a renewed sense of God’s love.

As this is an ongoing blog and project, new posts will appear under each category as I add and update them.