Ronda's Rants and Raves

A Nation under God

2009-05-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

With a struggling economy, unresolved war, and upturned morality seeking justification in our court systems, there’s no question our nation is in turmoil. However, rather than a time to fear, this is a time to stand for righteousness and reclaim America’s divinely mandated role for these final days before the Savior’s Second Coming. What is that role? President John Taylor described America’s destiny this way: “When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth, and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men, and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations.” L. Tom Perry further explained: “The land must continue to remain strong and great and good. It is destined to be the major supplier of human and financial resources, to build the kingdom of God here in the whole world, and to prepare the world for the return of the Lord and Savior. The adversary knows all too well that a weak America will literally stop this building process and thwart the work of God.”

These two quotes, along with many not mentioned here, indicate that we, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with our God fearing friends of other denominations, must work to preserve our nation. To this end, President Ezra Taft Benson offered five vital standards we must live by. In brief, they are:

1. “Keep your families strong.”

2. “Live by the fundamental principles of work, thrift, and self-reliance and teach your children (to live by these principles) by your example.” (Italics added)

3. “Learn about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other basic documents of our great country so that you can sustain it and the free institutions set up under it.”

4. “Seek out good, wise, and honest men for public office, and then support them with your vote.”

5. “Heed strictly the commandments of God, particularly the Ten Commandments.”

In conclusion, some final words from Elder Perry:

“Fifty-six men represented 2.5 million in 1776 to bring about a new nation that has literally blessed the whole world. That was one man to every 45,000. Today I’m calling on each of you to exert an influence over about 220 million people in this land. The odds are even better for you; the advantage is on your side. This is the time for you to be bold enough to stand up for what you believe, to let the world know that God still blesses this great land of America—if we will live righteously, according to that which he has commanded.”

Bibliography
Ezra Taft Benson, “America at the Crossroads,” New Era, Jul 1978, 36
L. Tom Perry, “God’s Hand in the Founding of America,” New Era, Jul 1976, 45

The "Innately" Gay Debate

2009-05-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about an earlier post I wrote about the gay issue and how gay activists claim God made them that way, so what they do is okay, while I firmly believe their lifestyle is choice. A wrong choice.

What I wanted to write about it today, however, was more about gay being "innate" idea. Like I indicated earlier, I believe we all have physical issues we have to learn to control, and gayness is one of those weaknesses. Heaven knows I have many weaknesses, so I'm not saying people with this weakness are bad because they have it. But I did want to stress my point. So, I started doing a bit of research, and I found an article that pretty much said what I wanted to say, so I've added it here. I hope you check it out.

An Interview with Josi Kilpack about the Teen Writer's Conference

2009-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

RONDA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.

RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.

JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.

RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?

JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.

RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?

JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.

RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?

JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.

RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?

JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.

RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.

RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?

JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.

RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?

JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.

RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?

JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.

RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?

JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.

RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.

A Thought on Patriotism

2009-04-20T20:18:00.001-07:00

On April 15, a friend of mine, Candace Salima gave a rousing speech to a group of Tea Party attendees in Salt Lake City. She recounted how her father, a holocaust survivor, loved the United States of America. He loved the constitution and the freedoms she espoused. And he loved it so much he did everything he had to do to become a US citizen. Later, he fought to keep those freedoms alive in America. Candace, pierced by those same convictions, has now taken on his quest; and she is doing a wonderful job spreading the cause of freedom through blogs, speeches, and participating/creating multitudes of constitution-saving organizations. I admire and am grateful for her.

Another friend, Randy McNeeley, is also a patriot doing all he can think of, from finding ways to get the constitution into the hands of more Americans to writing our voted representatives, to spread the cause of maintaining our God-ordained freedoms. I admire and am grateful for him.

I have many other patriotic friends, too, and each is doing something to promote and stand up for the Republic of the United States. I am grateful for them and for their efforts.

Which leads me back to me. What am I doing? On introspection, I see I'm doing little things. You know, the behind the scenes stuff. I try to stand up for what I believe when I see our freedoms belittled or discounted by others. I vote. I write my congressman when I see the need. I occasionally donate to causes I support. But most of all, I'm working to promote goodness and morality in people. That's the cause I've taken on, because the way I see it, if goodness and morality can retake its preeminence in our society, our freedoms will naturally continue.

What are you doing?

Book Contest

2009-03-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! There's a contest going on at Anne Bradshaw's blog, Not Entirely British. The prize is a book I'm really wanting to read, because it not only sounds intriguing to me, but its title suggests what I hope we are all trying to become: (a) Tower of Strength, by Annette Lyon. Why don't you hop on over and check it out?

Speaking Tools

2009-03-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

When it comes to "Speaking Out," whether it's preparing a religious article for your blog or giving a talk in church, there are specific tools we must use to present our messages in their best, most effective formats. One such tool, The Youth Speaker's Resource Book, has been recently released by Walnut Springs Press. Click here to learn how you could get this book for free.

A Random Tag

2009-02-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

Hazel Jensen tagged me, which means I need to reveal 25 random things about me and then pass the tag to others. Hmm. Let's see . . .

1. I hate string beans.

2. For several years (in the past) I allowed myself to read only one engrossing book a year because whenever I read, that was ALL I did. It wasn't fun, but I learned to control my reading habits enough that I can now read good books AND get things done. I don't recommend this method.

3. I am a soprano soloist. Maybe you know that already?

4. My favorite electronic devices are my computer, printer, and dishwasher.

5. I like the smell of bleach. (But don't worry, I don't go around sniffing it.)

6. I like to laugh.

7. I've always enjoyed studying the gospel.

8. I used to twirl a baton when I was a little kid. I even won the title "Miss Majorette" once.

9. The genre I most enjoy reading is Romantic Suspense. However, I like good, old fashioned romances, too--like all of Jane Austen's books.

10. I like to drink warm water.

11. I'm more likely to speak out rather than raise my hand during a class. Not a good thing.

12. I'm not good at crafts.

13. I don't like to sew.

14. I do like to cook.

You know, this is getting way to revealing. I think I'll stop and pass the tag to someone else. Hey, Josi Kilpack, Becki Clayson, Anne Creager (if you feel up to it), Stacie Henrie, and Brodi Ashton! YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED!

Love #14--My Country

2009-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies,

for amber waves of grain,

for purple mountains magesty

above the fruited plain.

I love my nation. I love the blessings it has brought to my life, the God-given freedoms it has protected for me, and the opportunities I have because of its influence. I love knowing that I am not being constantly watched in the same way I felt watched while I visited China. I love knowing that most Americans will help me if I lose my direction or misunderstand a process--different than how taken advantage of I felt in Italy. I love knowing that I can travel from state to state and culture to culture without question or nationalism, as I did traveling through Europe, and I love the numerous product choices we have in America, more even than those I found in Canada. We are a blessed nation. A different nation than all the rest of the world, and to me, that's the way it should be.

America initially broke away from Brittain, because, in part, our founding fathers knew we needed a different way, a better way to govern. And it was a better way. So much better, that citizens from other countries sacrificed to get here. And still do. Yet now, with other nations clamoring for us to become just like them, our leaders seem to be saying, "Okie-dokie." Why is that? Why do we want that?

I know I don't. I want the America God intended us to be. The one that protected LIFE (not abortion), LIBERTY (not enslaving bailouts), and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (not wickedness).

What kind of America do you want?

Love #13--Goodness

2009-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Tia Neeley

I love the goodness I find in people. It reminds me of the lone ray of sunlight that breaks through all darkness, all settings, all events. It's one of the things that gives me hope for this world, because I know it is in all man. If only they'll let it shine.

Love #12 Traveling with My Family

2009-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

The title says it all, so I'll simply blog a few pictures.

Gettysburg

Yellowstone Park--the Tetons.

The Forbidden City, Beiging, China.

The Forum, Rome, Italy

Love #11--Family

2009-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love my family. All of them. From my ancestors down to my progenitors. Each has blessed my life in more ways than I can count and in even more ways than I'm aware of. I mean, how much of my current happiness is due to their influence? For instance, where would I be if my ancestors hadn't escaped the Armenian genocide back in the late 1800's? What would I believe in if they and my other ancestors hadn't accepted the gospel? What would I be doing if my parents hadn't nurtured my abilities and talents and taught me to avoid debt? Or if my siblings hadn't encouraged stability and responsibility in my life? I don't know. Actually, I shudder to think of those unknowns. So, whether you can read this or not, thank you, Family.

Love #10--My Husband

2009-02-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day, so I've waited until today to mention the love of my life, my husband. He is amazing in so many ways it's hard to describe them all, but I'll mention a few. One is, he has more physical strength, endurance, and dedication than anyone else I know. He can work--real physical labor--most everyone under the table. Along with that, he can figure out how to solve almost any problem. Case in point, many of you know we are building our house ourselves (along with the occasional help of some wonderful neighbors). We've been working on it for ten years now, and we still have a ways to go, but the only thing we've contracted is the brick and three feet of the nine foot basement walls. For some, that might not seem too amazing, but here's the clincher: my husband's not a construction worker of any sort (and I'm definitely not). In fact, he'd not only never built a house before, but we started the process by working from a "Reader's Digest" how to build a house manual! The key, though, is he is able to figure out how to do it. To me, that's amazing.

Another great thing about my husband is he is more romantic than I am. He is the one who likes to save notes and cards, wants to do most of what he likes to do with me, and is quite thoughtful. Almost every day, before he comes home from work, he calls me to see if I need him to pick anything up from the store. AND he not only frequently plays "our song" for me, but he has it set as his cell phone's ring tone for when I call him.

Finally, he's a good man. A kind man. A dedicated husband and father. Again, he's the love of my life.

Love #9 The Alps

2009-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

My family and I have traveled to many places throughout the world, but my most favorite scenery is The Alps, namely, the Bavarian area. In fact, the book I'm currently writing, tentatively titled, "Trapped," is set in this area. Check out these pictures!

Love #8 Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2009-02-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

I cherish my membership in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I'm grateful God has restored this, His only, completely true church, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, in these modern days in preparation for His Son, Jesus Christ's, Second Coming to the earth.

I'm grateful for the blessings I receive because I am a member, especially the Gift, the constant companion, of the Holy Ghost.

I'm grateful the Lord has blessed us with a living prophet to guide and teach us.

I'm grateful I'm not alone in these beliefs, that many, myriads even, throughout the earth, have the same testimony burned within their souls.

I'm grateful for the opportunities I have to serve in this, God's Kingdom.

But most of all, I'm grateful for the truths the Church proclaims throughout the earth, warning, teaching, and preparing us for Eternal Life.

It is true. I know it. And I proclaim it here, in Jesus's name, as if I were standing on the rooftops.
IT IS TRUE!

Love #7--Connecting

2009-02-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

Another writer friend mentioned writing as one of her loves, so I thought I'd add my thoughts on the subject as my Love #7.

I love to write. It's an elemental part of who I am. And while it's sometimes difficult for non-writers to understand this obsession, other writers know exactly what I'm talking about, because it's an elemental part of them, too.

Case in point:
Some time ago, my family was watching a television documentary about WWII, especially concerning the treatment of POWs. As I remember it, one soldier recounted how he had been sitting alone, writing a poem in a small notebook, when a prison guard found him and threatened to kill him. That is, he wanted to kill him before he saw what the prisoner was doing. Then, the two looked at each other for a long moment until, finally, the guard moved on.

To some, that might seem an inconsequential event, but to me, it spoke volumes; for one, the prisoner was writing--WRITING--even in the face of death, and two, the writer and perhaps the soldier (a writer, too?) had connected on a level separate than the violence they were involved in.

To me, that is one of the best parts of writing: connecting with people. In fact, some of my greatest joys come when I learn something I've written has touched another's heart, increased their understanding of Truth, or lifted them closer to God. It's one of the reasons I write. And exist.

Love #6--The Book of Mormon

2009-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

For the past several days, I've been thinking--feeling, actually--how blessed we are to have the Book of Mormon. So many people have sacrificed everything, including their lives, so we could have it. How can we even think of treating it lightly?

The same goes with our constitution: it, like the Book of Mormon, was not only inspired by God, but MANY people sacrificed, even died, to bring it to us. How can we even think of treating it lightly, too?

I hope I never do. I hope I remember it more.

Love #5--Old Movies

2009-02-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

They may be corny sometimes, and their graphics may be as advanced as a painted backdrop, but still, old movies (1930-50's) are often better than many of today's movies because they are more likely to be insightful, lighthearted, and/or poignant without explicit sex, bad language, and/or extreme violence. And yet, I've always been entertained. What is it about today's world that makes people think that "entertainment" and "intelligence" equals the aforementioned offenses? To me, true entertainment and intelligence sprouts from goodness. That's what I seek after,anyway. That's what I love.

Love #4--Gelato

2009-02-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

And not just any gelato. It has to be Giolitti's gelato in Rome, Italy. That stuff is amazing! In fact, while we'd probably never do it, my husband and I have dreamt of flying to Rome just so we could have gelato. If only the flight wasn't soooo long. I mean, if it were only a few hours away, we'd be there!

But it's not. We also haven't found a good substitute here in the US, so we've settled for trying to make it ourselves. I've included our best recipe here. It's still not exactly right, but it's getting close.

GELATO
6 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 T. flour

1. Beat the above ingredients until the mixture becomes fluffy, almost like merengue.

2. Add:
4 cups whole milk
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract

3. Stir until mixture is well blended.

4. Pour mixture in top of double boiler and cook over low heat until thickened, about the texture of light cream. (This takes me a half hour or longer). Keep stirring to prevent lumps.

5. Pour the cooked pudding through a fine strainer then cool in refrigerator (I use the freezer) until the mixture is cold.

6. Add 1 cup heavy cream (I've frequently used half and half with good results) and your preferred flavoring and color.

7. Place cold mixture in electric ice cream maker and freeze according to the directions for your machine. Chocolate chips, fruit, etc., can also be added according to your machine's specifications.

So far, our family favorite has been chocolate chip mint. Enjoy!

Love #3--

2009-02-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

BLUE! I love blue. It's pitiful, really. No other color looks quite as beautiful to me. In fact, if you had to guess what color I was wearing a particular day, you could say blue and probably be right. Not always, of course. I do vary my wardrobe . . . somewhat.

Love #2--Spring

2009-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

In honor of Groundhog's Day, my love number two, is Spring, becuase I love the clear skies, the warming weather, the new buds of life that begin to sprout. But mostly I love the flowers. One of my favorite "spring" things is to walk past the home of a dedicated gardener and not only see the array of colors that adorn his or her yard, but to also smell the sweetness of the blooms. It's a feeling of joy that I cherish, one that is brought to me purely through my senses. Too bad there aren't any electronic "click and sniff" pictures to share.

Love List #1--God, Our Heavenly Father

2009-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Rolin Hinrichsen

A writing friend of mine, Christine Bryant, has initiated this great idea. Beginning today, February 1st and running every day until Valentines Day, February 14th, a group of bloggers and I will post our feelings about one of our loves. Mine will not come in an order of preference. Except for today. Today's post is my number one love: God, our Heavenly Father.

While it wasn't until after I'd studied the book, "Jesus the Christ," that I truly felt connected with our Savior, I can't remember a time when I didn't feel Heavenly Father was there listening to my prayers and loving me as a parent. The only thing that's changed since I was a child, in fact, is my understanding of His ways and my acceptance of His will. Which, by the way, has always proven wiser, more fulfilling, and a blessing beyond anything I could have imagined, much less hoped for.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ truly love us. Remember the scripture where Christ says something like, "If you, a parent, knows how to give a good gift, how much greater does God know how to give good gifts?" Well, that's exactly how it is. Although I, as a parent, truly enjoy giving my children good gifts, and I try to help them succeed and find joy in their accomplishments, God, our personal Heavenly Father has these same desires, but to an "Eternal" degree. Shouldn't we then, trust Him explicitly?

I'm learning to, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so. I love Him.

Drum Roll Please . . .

2009-01-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

Guess what? A publisher wants my book! That's all I'll say here about it, but click on over to my writing blog if you'd like a few more details.

Speaking Up

2008-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

This evening I attended a youth fireside given by Alex Boye. It was REALLY good, and I highly recommend it, but more than that, I had a thought during his presentation that I wanted to share. It was one of those basic "Ah-ha" moments for me, which means everyone else probably got it a long time ago; but even so, I think it's important enough for me to voice again. Basically, it's this: We should speak up for what we believe in, even if we think no one's listening.

Granted, Alex Boye is famous, but was it his fame that made the truths he spoke of--"Don't leave the church!" and all music is either a prayer to God or a prayer to Satan--stick with the youth? Maybe. Or maybe it was because the youth heard the same truths from someone besides their parents, someone new but whom they also respected?

On the flip side, I don't know if Alex has children or not, but if he does, do they cling to his words as tightly as some of the youth he doesn't know but who he testified to might? Only time will tell, but in either case, this is what I thought:

Sometimes we get tired of saying the same things to our kids day in and day out, wondering if they are even listening, but that doesn't mean we should quit saying them. If we stop, how can another person's testimony have the chance to back up ours? Similarly, if we stop speaking up to other youth, how will our testimonies be able to back up their parents'? It's part of the "It takes a community to raise a child" thing.

Again, not too profound, but the Holy Ghost brought that truth to my understanding today. And I'm grateful.

Individual Worth

2008-11-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

This will be a very short entry. In fact, it's only a statement I thought of a few years ago--a statement that feels like a truth--and one I again thought of as I was preparing for a lesson I taught in young women's today. It's simply this:

If everyone could do everything then no one would feel needed.

Shared Thoughts

2008-11-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

I've had so many thoughts lately. Just one-liners, like "We should encourage the good in our new president (related to our nation)," "Hard circumstances often bring great blessings (related to a recent, minor tragedy in my family)," "The sky is falling! Can't everyone see that?" But even so, I keep hoping. This is God's world and we are in His hands. He knows the end from the beginning and will preserve His righteous children. The key is, we've got to work to be personally righteous and to encourage righteousness. God will preserve us if we do. However, one thing I've learned over the years is "preserved" does not equal "not hurt." Even Helaman's strippling warriors were wounded. Not destroyed, though. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is: the road ahead looks treacherous, but we can trust God. He's given us watchmen on the tower, right? Let's follow them.

Along with these miscellaneous thoughts, I'd like to share one more. And it's not even mine. It's by a fellow blogger. I couldn't find her name on her blogsite, but she wrote a great blog which contained not only warnings but also reminded us of who we are and who God knows we are. A really great post. Why don't you take a look?

Proposition 8 is NOT a Civil Rights Issue

2008-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

I don't understand something. Why is proposition 8 considered by some to be a civil rights issue rather than a social issue? When those who now seek same sex marriages to be justified in the courts were born, I highly doubt if anyone looked at them and thought, "This person is not as good as me." And when they were children, no one stopped them from gaining an education, right? And they can vote, hold jobs with equal pay, and . . . the list goes on.

In truth, Proposition 8 is NOT a civil rights issue. It's a lifestyle issue. Just as much of a lifestyle issue as, for example, smoking or drinking alcohol. Smokers and drinkers initially chose to participate in those activities. Some may even have had physical inclinations toward them, but they still chose it. And with those choices came consequences; smokers are now not allowed to smoke in some places (for health purposes) and drinkers can't drive after drinking. If they do, they could lose their driver's license or kill someone or . . . again, the list goes on and on.

My point is this. Homosexuals do not belong to an oppressed race. They are simply people like you and me, people who should be respected and cared for just as much as you and I expect to be respected and cared for. But they have chosen lifestyles which, like every choice, have definitive consequences; and to deem a specific lifestyle as a constitutional, human right is wrong.

Not only that, it's dangerous. This country, according to the Book of Mormon and modern prophecy, will only be preserved by God if its inhabitants serve Him, obey His commandments, and provide the opportunity for children to grow up in righteousness. Proposition 8 threatens--if not destroys--that protection.

Blessings in Disguise

2008-11-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

Within one of the writing groups I belong to, someone suggested that today we fast for our government leaders. Unlike most, today was not Fast Sunday for our ward because we had Stake Conference, but I decided to take part in this event anyway. I also fasted for a dear friend of mine, a young mother, who is struggling with terminal cancer. Anyway, while my heart broke for my friend, I also had another thought--two actually--come to me which were a bit comforting about our government situation.

The first is: the United States of America is a nation under God which was created with checks and balances to help us maintain our freedom. True, having all branches of government "controlled" by one party is worrisome to me (it is whenever this situation happens), but I hope that if anything REALLY destructive of our basic rights does present itself, that the God-trusting goodness in the majority of American people will recognize it and stop it. I have to remember that there are many upright men and women within our government. They are people of righteous influence and may, I pray, be able to help save our nation. Even more than that, however, is the fact we are all in God's hands. He is in control of this world and this church. He knows what needs to be done and how to get it done. The second coming is not here yet, and there are many things that must still come to pass before He comes. If we do our part, and I believe we will--there are SOOOOOO MANY righteous people in the world--I know He will not let His work be stopped. Yeah, we're facing trying times. but we'll be alright. That's my hope.

Second, and this is just me thinking . . . I recently received an e-mail about the fight against traditional marriage from a friend of mine who lives in California. In it, I read something that got me to thinking . . . This issue, in my opinion, just might be more vital to our nation than who will be our next president, because we know from the Book of Mormon that our nation will remain free as long as we serve God. If we, starting in California and then spreading across the US, legalize the destruction of God's family plan, will that covenant of Godly protection be broken? Possibly. So, here's my next thought:

What if, in part because of all the presidential race hoopla, many God-fearing people, some who would never take the time to show up otherwise, come to the polls to vote for their candidate of choice, and in the meantime, vote for Traditional Families, too? Wouldn't that be wonderful? Wouldn't that be a "blessing in disguise" in this hard-for-me-to-swallow campaign race?

Definitely!

Grateful for America

2008-10-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today I received an e-mail which, while I don't know how authentic the information in it is, I did agree with it. It also reminded me of how lucky I am to live in the United States. Even with all the economic, healthcare, political disagreements, and War on Terror turmoil that's continually spread across the media airwaves, I still have more blessings than much, if not most of the world, and I should remember that, and be grateful.

For instance, I live in a comfortable home with heat during winter and cooling systems during summer. I have more than enough food to eat; clean, running water; and numerous electronic gadgets that make my life easier. My family has enough income to meet our needs. When we face emergencies which require medical or fire or police help, responders are at my side in minutes. If I need to visit a doctor or go to the hospital, I can. I have not been accosted (even emotionally) by terrorists since 9-11. I have good neighbors and supportive friends. I have a wonderful family. I have constitutionally given freedoms that most of the world can only dream of. And the list goes on.

I'm willing to put this information "out there," because I believe most of you have similar blessings, so . . .
Shouldn't we be asking, "Why are we so upset with our government?" I don't mean we shouldn't work to improve the problems. We do have problems. Difficult problems. I just mean to say that while we're trying to "fix" things, I hope we don't lose sight of how much we do have.

Republican Economics

2008-10-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

I had a thought today. Or rather, a bunch of questions:
1. If the Republican economic viewpoint is so bad, according to the current media and Obama rhetoric, why is it that Utah isn't quite as bad off, economically, as the rest of the country?

2. Utah is strongly Republican. Has been for yeeeeeeaaaaaaars. When was the last time it was Democratic? During the Depression, I think. Hmm. If I'm right, what does that say about the Republican way?

3. Yeah, many Utahans, like many others throughout the country, have a large, personal debt crisis, but that is personal debt accumulated by personal choice. The government can't be blamed for that, can it?

4. So what's the difference? Am I too naive when I think the answers are ultimately based on good, old-fashioned integrity?

Leave a comment, please. I'd really like to know what you think.

Obama--Yikes!

2008-10-25T09:59:00.001-07:00

I just heard something that terrifies me. Actually, everytime I watch, listen to, or hear anything about Obama, he terrifies me. But this time, I did a little checking, and while I'm not sure he actually said he'd go after 401k's as a revenue source, it looks to me like he, along with the rest of the government-power-hungry-people (some democrats), would actually consider doing so. It goes along with their "spread the wealth around" theory. Yikes!
You know, I was in China last year, and I've since associated with many Chinese people, and one of the characteristics of our country that they most envy is our ability to grow wealth. In China, it's not really possible because the government owns everything: their businesses, their property, etc., and when they die, their "belongings" don't revert to their family, they revert back to the government.
Another thing that's really bothering me lately is how United States citizens are upset that much of the world is mad at us because we don't see things their way. Since when have Americans ever seen things their way? That's why we're the United States. We were created differently, as a place of freedom and opportunity. A place that shares with the rest of the world. Sure we've had problems, and sure we've had to go through a lot of terror and blood to gain those freedoms (such as liberty for all men) which were written into our consititution. But how does that equate to "We'll be stronger if we become like everyone else now." Why do we want to be like England and her sisters, like Canada--those we fought to separate from?
Don't get me wrong. There is much I love about England and Canada and the rest of the world. It's just that I don't think we should destroy our valued, God-given identity in trying to go along with the croud. America's ideals are worth fighting for. Even when things don't look as rosy as we'd like.

Dear Void

2008-10-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies is "You've Got Mail." In it, Meg Ryan's character "throws" her thoughts into the "void," hungering for an answer from someone (in her case, Tom Hanks' character), yet not really knowing how to voice the question. That's how I feel right now, like I want to throw my thoughts into the great void and see what comes back to me. So this is it:Several months ago, I walked into our local Middle School where I work. The lunch bell had just rung and the halls were crowded with students heading to the cafeteria. Most times when this happens, my only thoughts are based on how to avoid head-on collisions with them as I make my way to the office. But that day was different. That day I saw an army of righteous youth. Some of them I recognized or had church related relationships with, but most I didn't know. And yet, I saw their "cleanness." Their "goodness." And the thoughts that coursed through me were, "Do they have any concept of how much righteous power they have and can influence on this world? Do they recognize their value?"I don't know. I hope so. And I hope the desire to "save" this world fills "every fiber of their beings." (JK!) But I do hope it touches every breath, every pore, every blood cell.But if it doesn't, how can we, as their parents and leaders help them to "see?"That's my question, Dear Void.