Hi I'm Noal

My parents raised me as a Mormon, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, so I have not known anything different. However, there came a point in my life when I decided that I needed to learn for myself if the teachings of my parents and the Church were true. When I was 13 yrs. old, I decided to read the Book of Mormon from the front page to the last. It took some time and discipline to read a few verses, then chapters, and pages each day. But, when I read I found myself enjoying it more and more. I did not completely understand the words, but I just kept reading. When I finished, I decided to do as the book invites in the last book called Moroni, Chapter 10:3-5, which was to pray and ask God, our Father in Heaven, in the name of Christ if the book was true. When I prayed, I addressed Heavenly Father, and asked- is the Book of Mormon true? Is it really thy word? After I prayed, I felt a warmth that came over my entire body from head to toe. It was much like a warm blanket being wrapped around me in the winter and then having the sun shine directly on me. I knew that this feeling came from God- telling me that the Book of Mormon was true. I knew from the Bible (Galatians 5:22) that these feelings came from the Holy Ghost that testifies of all truth. As a result, I knew that the words contained in the Book of Mormon were the word of God. I also knew then, that what Joseph Smith said was true- that he did see God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ in answer to his prayer to know which church he should join. This experience, and many others, helped me decide to be an active participating member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that God hears and answers prayers. And, I know that he will answer yours, if you ask in faith. This is why I am a Mormon.

I strive to live the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, given in the Book of Mormon, the Bible, other scriptures, and teachings of the modern prophet and apostles. Making this daily effort to live by these teachings of the gospel has brought so much peace, happiness, and joy in my life. I feel like I am a better husband, father, business man, friend, and neighbor because of the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not live out of fear. I am learning to face problems and challenges with faith and the assurance that God loves me. I know that He will not abandon me in my hours of need as long as I am willing to follow His commandments and do His will. He is aware of my problems and challenges. He knows my weaknesses. And, yet I feel Him close by when I speak to Him in prayer. When I pray, I talk to my Heavenly Father as if He is a real person, because I know in my heart that He is. And, somehow I get the feeling that He truly listens to me, by letting me know through thoughts and feelings, that He will support me and be with me through anything. I remember when I was faced with a particularly difficult challenge at my place of employment and so I found a quiet place where I could pray to God and ask Him for His help and strength to handle the situation appropriately and wisely. I remember the calm feeling of peace and love I felt as thoughts and words came to my mind to comfort me. I received answers to the problem and challenge I was faced with. And, I may not have handled it perfectly, but things worked out. Resolutions were reached and peace was restored in my office at work. Kind words are spoken and tensions have been erased, for the time being. But, most of all there is a feeling of quiet respect and dignity for each others' perspectives, feelings, attitudes, and personal weaknesses. Through experiences like these, my faith in God, our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ grow step by step- little by little.