My Personality: Spirituality

Ok, this stuff I take VERY seriously.

Like most people I have had to face many difficult things in life. I never try to compare my trials to those of others so I won't elaborate on them here. They were what they were and I'm sure there are trials yet to come.

At a very early age I yearned to develop a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. It was very difficult for me to do because of emotional handicaps that prevented me from really connecting to much of anything, but this only made me more determined. I had some fantastic spiritual experiences as teen that usually occured in the outdoors while camping and as such I have a tremendous love for late nights, campfires and star fields. My spirituality developed in such places because it was there that I could relax and by most "myself".

This is not the forum for deep spiritual experiences to be shared but if you choose to know me better you'll find that I am a very open person who enjoys sharing with those whom I trust. To me, the experiences I've had are on a par with the many we read about in the scriptures. But it is not these experiences which, themselves, define or provide my faith. See "My Faith" for more information.

While my favorite spiritual environment is the outdoors, the temple runs a very close second and often overtakes my favorite. I have had the blessing of being involved with thousands of ordinances in the temple and I've loved every one of them. During the really hard years of my life the temple served as both an anchor and a place for healing. There, and only there, I can find absolute clarity without any danger of deception (including self deception). It's a place where I can commune and receive guidance for myself or those whom I love. I would be lost without it.

I have absolutely zero doubt about the life, sacrifices, mission and shear reality of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I both worship and respect Him deeply. I yearn to be more like Him and try hard to emulate Him. He IS the ultimate example of everything I want to be, but, more importantly, He is also my friend. I can honestly refer to Him that way and it blows my mind to realize it. We've been through everything... together. He is my older brother as well as my father and, of course, my God. I am deeply grateful to know Him and want others to see Him as clearly as I have come to.