Determined Discipleship

Dear Blog-land...I've received these fantastic quotes (below) from my friends Vic and Carrie. They are from a talk given by Elder Neal A. Maxwell - one of our beloved apostles. Maxwell's way with words always left me in awe. He could paint pictures so vividly and effectively with his gift. His words from a talk given at BYU were recorded in 1979, and ring so true today... it is almost eerie.

This article is particularly meaningful to me as... I am in that weird space called Facebook. A place where my personal wall has been a spot for so-called "friends" to rant and rave against Prop 8 and the Church. It is a place where attacking my character, and slapping me with labels because of what I believe in is commonplace. I'll admit it is frustrating. I don't troll their sites to attack them for not believing in what I do. I don't openly go look for confrontation to assert that my opinion is superior to theirs. So I guess it's odd why they feel the need to do so on mine. I can only guess that it is because it is so obvious how passionately I believe in what I believe - therefore I am a threat.

Which is sad. It's sad when one group of people feel threatened when someone has a different opinion. It is sad when one group derides another because they have faith. It is sad when they think it's necessary to point fingers, and work to embarrass those that have faith. It reminds one of that great and spacious building. Those people sought to shame those that love God, into leaving Him and entering into that worldly, trendy building. A building with no foundation.

But if you, like me, are not ashamed... then stand up. We will endure, persevere the hard times...we will hold tight to the iron rod when those in the great and spacious building mock us, belittle us and scoff at what we believe in. We will demonstrate by word, deed, and thought that we, we are determined to be disciples of Christ. The elections will soon be over, but the quest to do what is right, will still go on. I'm in it for the long haul... onward and upward. Thanks for allowing me to stand next to good folks like you.

A More Determined Discipleship
by Neal A Maxwell
Neal A. Maxwell, “A More Determined Discipleship,” Ensign, Feb 1979, 69–73
An address delivered at Brigham Young University, 10 October 1978

Below are some exerpts - but the entire article is rich with wisdom. Please go read it - please share it.

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not they will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult tohalt longer between two opinions.

President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

"This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

"Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened.... Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was,till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."

CLICK HERE for MORE.

What really matters...

as you vote for President.

Orson Scott Card writes another good one.

Click HERE.

Sometimes it seems like this election is one big pillow fight. The air is
now so full of floating feathers that it's hard to see the furniture, and the
media isn't helping, as they blow the fluff around.

But there are solid issues in this election, and how we vote will have lasting effect on our future.

Click here for more.

An Ongoing War of Words

My friend Vic sent me this great article. It's a reminder of what has happened before - and what will continue to happen during our time here. It's a call to recognition of what is happening. It's rally call to do what is right. The author, Gary Lawrence puts everything in crystal clear terms.

Wonder What the War in Heaven Was Like? Watch California This Fall
By Gary Lawrence

“There was a war in heaven,“ my dad said as he taught me about our pre-earthly existence and the purpose of life. It had only been a few years since he had returned from service as a Marine in World War II, so it was natural that his 10-year-old son immediately imagined a great battle with planes, tanks, and bazookas. What a war it must have been, I thought.

How disappointed I was when he told me the implements of that special conflict were … words.
Words? How exciting could that have been? I liked my version better.

But I soon grasped the importance of this hinge event in our existence and the “weapons” we used to defend the principle of agency and God's plan for the happiness of His children. And I grew to understand that this war has not ended, that only the battlefield has changed.
That battlefield is now California and the parallels between that pre-mortal conflict and the battle over the definition of marriage are striking.

The scriptures tell us the beginning (“Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man” 1) and the end of the heavenly phase of that war (“he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” 2), but they do not reveal the details of the conflict itself. We can deduce, however, that Lucifer and his followers must have used very effective arguments to turn a third of the hosts of heaven away from the Father despite pure knowledge of God's will.

From 35 years of studying arguments in political campaigns, and a bit of reverse engineering, here is my stab at what these arguments might have been.

To read the rest of the article CLICK HERE.

Thrill seeking

I am not a thrill seeker. I don't chase adrenaline rushes. I don't quite understand the fascination of doing something to scare the poop out of me.

So when my hubby, his boss and his boss' 7 year old boy made me walk up the Mayan Temple at the Atlantis Resort to go on the water slides... I was not interested.

We did the Serpent Slide first. It was fun. You are actually in a tube ...and in the end the sharks are swimming all around you. The next slide they decided I needed to go on was the Leap of Faith. I didn't see why I would want to... it's a 60 foot vertical drop. I didn't even have an inner tube to sit on like the Serpent Slide. Pretty soon a crowd of rotund guys were there cheering me on and the fun Bahamian workers were coaxing me. In the end I didn't have much of a choice. So I crossed my legs and my arms and my husband pushed me down.

To say I screamed my way down is... to put it lightly. After I landed in the water my heart had shifted positions in my chest. My legs shook as I walked away from that slide.

After that they made me go on the Challenger Slides... I screamed on that too.

I'm not going to go on that Leap of Faith again... I have plenty of faith, thank you very much. But... I guess I can say I did it. If a wimp like me can... anyone can... although, why you'd want to... I have no idea.

ps. We miss our sweet girls... but they're probably having too much fun without us.

Same-Sex Marriage vs. Civil Rights

This portion of a fantastic article (link below) makes it clear the difference between same-sex marriage and Civil Rights. They are completely different. The same-sex agenda is couching their movement under a faux civil right light because they are hoping to legitimize it.



I recommend everyone who really wants to understand what civil rights is and isn't to read this article below. Thanks Carrie for sending this.

---



Same-Sex Marriage vs. Civil Rights
In the Jewish World Review, Jeff Jacoby wrote: "When Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain approached the lunch counter of the Elm Street Woolworth's in Greensboro, N.C. on February 1, 1960, all they were looking for was something to eat. The four North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College students wanted what any white customer might want, and on precisely the same terms - the same food at the same counter at the same price.
Those first four sit-in strikers, like the thousands of others who would emulate them at lunch counters across the South, weren't demanding that Woolworth's prepare or serve their food in ways it had never been prepared or served before. They weren't bent on forcing a revolutionary change upon a timeless social institution. All they were seeking was what should aready have been theirs under the law of the land. The 14th Amendment - approved by Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states in 1868 - had declared that blacks no less than whites were entitled to equal protection of the law. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 - passed by a Democratic House and a Republican Senate and signed into law by President Grant - had barred discrimination in public accommodations".
Jeff Jacoby continues: "But the Supreme Court had gutted those protections with shameful decisions in 1883 and 1896. The court's betrayal of black Americans was the reason why, more than six decades later, segregation still polluted so much of the nation. To restore the 14th Amendment to its original purpose, to re-create the Civil Rights Act, to return black citizens the equality that had been stolen from them - that was the great cause of civil rights.
The marriage radicals, on the other hand, seek to restore nothing. They have not been deprived of the law's equal protection, or of the right to marry - only of the right to insist that a single-sex union is a "marriage." They cloak their demands in the language of civil rights because it sounds so much better than the truth: They don't want to accept or reject marriage on the same terms that it is available to everyone else. They want it on entirely new terms. They want it to be given a meaning it has never before had, and they prefer that to be done undemocratically - by judicial fiat, for example, or by mayors flouting the law. Whatever else that may be, it isn't civil rights.
But dare to speak against it, and you are no better than Bull Connor.
The civil rights movement...was grounded in a fundamental truth: All of us are created equal. The same-sex marriage movement, by contrast, is grounded in the denial of a fundamental truth: The Creator who made us equal made us male and female. That duality has always and everywhere been the starting point for marriage. The newly fashionable claim that marriage can ignore that duality is akin to the claim, back when lunch counters were segregated, that America was a land of liberty and justice for all."
You can read Jeff Jacoby's full article at the link here:
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/jeff/jacoby_gay_marriage.php3?printer_friendly

Beautiful

Absolutely beautiful.

Still keeping this lovely family in my prayers.

Please... read this here.

The same old arguments

I keep seeing and hearing these same arguments made by the opposition to PROP 8. It is tiring responding to each one. So I figured I'd just add this to my blog here and be done with it. It's exhausting when the sky is blue but someone insists it is brown. There really isn't a point of having a real discussion when someone has decided to not even open their minds to a broader perspective, instead of their tunnel vision.

Are there valid concerns on either side? Yes. But does that mean we rush to a solution that could turn the world upside down? No. There are bright minds in the world - we must have a better solution than what the same-sex advocates are shouting.

Below are arguments I hear all the time.

***

Marriage is not a right. It is a privilege. Just like driving is not a right - it's a privilege. There are requirements, tests and privileges.

To say that not allowing same-sex marriage means we should outlaw divorces is grasping at straws. The people who say this aren't honest enough to admit that there is an ideal. The ideal is a loving father and mother who will raise children within that bond. Are there exceptions - YES - but that never means you must lower standards to accommodate every exception and iteration. Instead of saying "well at least it's better than..." we should be comparing ourselves to a higher, better standard, not lowering society’s standards.

Fact is that same-sex marriage is not equal to heterosexual marriage. It is not. No matter how you slice it, it's not equal. It never will be biologically.

Fact is that biologically homosexuality is not normal. It affects 2% of the population. Hijacking marriage doesn't make it normal. No matter how much forced acceptance or advocacy there is - it is never going to be normal. It happens, just like other things that affect people... but screaming about acceptance doesn't make it normal.

Same-sex marriage can't be compared to interracial marriage because they are not equal. Interracial marriage isn't about anatomy. They are completely different.

Same-sex marriage shouldn't be compared to civil rights. Homosexual partnerships already receive all the legal rights as heterosexual partnerships. It is also highly insensitive to those that lived and died during the real civil rights battles.

To deny that children benefit from and would be casualties of approving same-sex marriage is selfish at very least and offensive at best. Children have everything to gain within a loving heterosexual relationship. When society doesn't hold up marriage as an ideal, then children have everything to lose. Does divorce happen in the real-world? Yes. Is single-parenting difficult? Most definitely... but that doesn't mean we throw the baby out with the bath water.

To say that in California children won't be taught that same-sex marriage is equal to same-sex marriage is a blatant lie. In California over 90% of schools are required to teach about sex education. Those schools are required to also teach and talk about marriage. If same-sex marriage is legal in California then same-sex marriage must also be given equal billing. Just say it isn't so - doesn't make it true. Especially with the field trip to an SF same-sex wedding and the recent "coming out day" in Hayward. What is troubling is that the same groups, like the ACLU are saying that same-sex marriage won't be taught in school and calling YES on 8 supporters liars; this same group, along with others are in Massachusetts making sure parents do NOT have the right to remove their children from school when same-sex marriage is being taught.

To hear people say, that if you don't like same-sex marriage you can just remove your child from school is simplistic. When it comes to same-sex marriage - it's a belief system for the majority of people in this country. To say that each parent has the means to put their child in private school or home school is also simplistic and unrealistic. To say that "if you don't like it, then don't do it" is laughable. That's like saying, "you don't like crime, don't do it." Society doesn't survive without rules and agreed upon values to allow all citizens to live peaceably. To constantly say that it doesn't affect children is a way to fool us into thinking that if we say it enough, it will be true. The folks promoting this argument assume that we can't think beyond the present to view the possible future effects.

There is a better way to handle the validation that same-sex groups, desire. However, reverse discrimination is never the prudent choice to follow. Limiting free speech, freedom of religion and molding public education are the wrong methods to the validation they want. Rash decisions, with the aim of feeling good about oneself, are short-sighted and dangerous. We are not a society of just individuals. We must remember we all belong to society; we must do what is best for society, for the greatest amount of people. We've already made allowances to protect the 2%, who have all the legal rights as the majority.

Prop 8 deserves a YES vote to preserve not only marriage between one man and one woman - it is a clear statement that we will not give up our right to freedom of speech, religion and that our children are more important than our own selfish desires.

Who's really lying?

The opposition to Prop 8 are enlisting massive donations from liberal Hollywood and businesses. Their newest ad says that children will not be affected by same-sex marriage and that marriage is not taught in schools. It is a blatant lie.

Given the same-sex marriage field trip in SF and the recent "Coming Out" Day in Hayward... gee, who's really lying?

How about the same organizations saying that California students won't be taught about same-sex marriage... but in Massachusetts they are working actively to prevent parental notification. Gee, who's hiding their head in the sand?

We are getting close to the elections. This is shaping up money wise to be David and Goliath. The opposition has out-raised the YES on Prop 8 campaign 7-1. I can only hope that people vote with intelligence and heart - not rhetoric and trend.

Escape to Atlantis

Posting will be light this week ... my hunny and I are soaking up the sun in Nassau and exploring Atlantis.

Trick-or-Treat

Values

My husband's colleague sent this to me today.

I thought it was well-said. Huntley Brown embodies reason. He values life. For that I am grateful. I am grateful that he is wise in his letter to friends.

Check it out on snopes.com

I wish some people would put aside their tunnel vision to see the bigger picture. I suppose that's why I feel that many Americans... or maybe just Calif are antsy for something historic and not something worthwhile. (see my previous post here)

Last night at book group we discussed Train to Potevka. I mentioned how timely I felt reading the book. It takes place during the cold war in Russia. Reading about how socialism destroys people... destroys freedoms hit me to my core and has made me fearful... sometimes even hard to sleep. I think I have a tendency to carry societies troubles on my shoulders.

Two of the wise women at book group reminded me that when they had young children they felt the world couldn't get any worse ... and yet... it has. They also said to me that if we live our lives the right way that we can balance out the things that are wrong in the world. They also reminded me that society goes through cycles... that's why we have a book like the Book of Mormon - to remind us how each society goes through phases... and we may just be in for one of those low points in society. They gave me hope. That even though the most important work I can do in my lifetime is within the walls of my home and the hearts of my children - I can still do all I can...and have hope. That as long as I give my all - it will all work out, even if it doesn't go the way we know is right. There is always hope in the midst of what Isaiah prophesied... that good will be called evil and evil good... bitter will be called sweet and sweet bitter...

Which brings me back to the book - the author talks about the strength of Russia's women - that while the men were drowning their complete lack of control over feeding their families, dependence on a fear-mongering government with vodka, the women were the bedrocks of the people. He said it's no mistake that Russia is referred to as Mother Russia. The few women I have met from Russia are truly amazing. Women with hearts that never stop giving.

So... I am reinvigorated with hope. I will do all that is asked of me to fight for the truth and what is right - and that, that is enough.

When we're helping we're happy

So this week has been cleaning week - today while my 2 year old was napping my 4 year old wanted to help me. She helped me Windex bathroom and bedroom mirrors, wipe down the bathroom counters and dust. This is in addition to her regular chores... she and her sister like to fight over putting dishes away with me. And she likes to make her bed.

As we were doing the mirrors on her closet doors she said:
"You know, I love my family. I love cleaning together."

How I wish I could bottle this and then release it when she turns teenager on me.

No Joke... I know I shouldn't be shocked...

Are you kidding me????

This is EXACTLY why we must pass PROP 8 with a LOUD RESOUNDING Y-E-S


"Coming Out Day" Coming This Week to California Elementary Schools
City: Hayward, CA
October 22, 2008
Parents at a K-8 charter school in Hayward were shocked to learn this week the extent to which their school is promoting gay and lesbian ideals to their daughter in kindergarten.
The parents were shocked to see a poster announcing that "Coming Out Day" will be celebrated at the school this coming Thursday, October 23. The school, Faith Ringgold School of Art and Science, chose not to tell parents ahead of time, but it is in the midst of celebrating "Ally Week," a pro-homosexual push typically aimed at high school students. When one mother asked her daughter earlier this week what she was learning in kindergarten at the school, the 5-year-old replied, "We're learning to be allies." The mother also learned that her daughter's kindergarten classroom is regularly used during lunchtime for meetings of a Gay Straight Alliance club.
Later this week, the school is slated to talk about families. The parents have noticed several posters promoting families, all of which depict only homosexual families. More controversial discussions can be expected through next week, as the elementary school continues to celebrate Gay and Lesbian History Month. On November 20, the school will host TransAction Gender-Bender Read-Aloud, where students will hear adapted tales such as "Jane and the Beanstalk."
These parents are being advised by attorneys from Pacific Justice Institute. Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, "Do we need any further proof that gay activists will target children as early as possible? Opponents of traditional marriage keep telling us that Prop. 8 has nothing to do with education. In reality, they want to push the gay lifestyle on kindergartners, and we can only imagine how much worse it will be if Prop. 8 is defeated. This is not a scenario most Californians want replayed in their elementary schools."

Any other parents whose elementary-age children have been subjected to pro-homosexual propaganda should contact Pacific Justice Institute for counsel and possible representation.

____________________________________________________________________
The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.
P.O. Box 276600 Sacramento, CA 95827-6600
Phone: (916) 857-6900 Fax: (916) 857-6902 Internet: www.pacificjustice.org

Hypocrisy

More than anything ... hypocrisy drives me to rage. It rages inside of my body to the point where I just heave sighs and I can't formulate coherent noises to signify speech.

Please see this family and how they were treated because they had the nerve to peaceably exercise their freedom of speech... in a respectful manner.

I have to think that those that sling about childish names... are childish themselves. These same people that tout their ability to be open-minded are not. Just thinking of hypocrisy makes me want to scream. Instead I can't think straight to even do that in the face of obvious hypocrites.

And... my friend Carrie who is our ROCKIN' PA gal in our ward, my friend and visiting teaching companion (I would like to audition as her BIGGEST FAN- not only is she a smarty pants lawyer, mother, gourmet foodie friend of mine... she is smart, funny and wholly centered in who she is)... mentioned that that Hollywood party getting headlines this evening, to garner money for the no on 8 campaign mentioned how the Mormons should use their money to do "good" not support a campaign. I have two things to say - we are doing good (just not your definition of it) and if you are so hot to trot... maybe you all should put your money where you think we ought to be. HYPOCRITES. They like to call us holier than thou... interesting. Ugh... hollywood.

I also have to thank my friend Dawn who is in my ward and on my mass email list... she sent me a message that just made me smile from ear-to-ear. I hope she doesn't mind if I share it.

You are such a great person with a big heart. I am so grateful to know you. You brighten my day every time I see you or receive an email from you. You have made me laugh on more than one occasion.

I hope you have a wonderful day and keep up the cheerleading....we should get you some pom poms.

I don't care if you laugh with me ...or at me (as long as you're a friend...the real kind)... I got a laugh...and that is AWESOME. You know what I love about Dawn? She is real, and she gets my sense of humor...and we can say things and not feel censored. As long as the pom poms are BYU ones... heck yes.

France... I'm sorry

...for all the jokes I laugh at about you. My respect for you has risen... due to how you thoughtfully researched the same-sex marriage debate.

See this video:




I never thought I'd ever say this...but on this issue - our politicians should look to France.

As for the constant barrage of the PR campaign to couch same-sex marriage as civil rights? Did you ever think to wonder how the folks that actually had to fight for civil rights went through... and how they would feel about it?



Interesting.

Why protecting marriage is beneficial to all people

Check out this pdf article here. The most interesting part... for me was that same-sex marriage won't benefit anyone. In fact, it exacerbates the problems that same-sex folks are dealing with already. This paper makes so much sense, logically for me.

I recommend you take a look.

Wish I could be disgruntled/gruntled like La Yen

La Yen posted this today.

I will be lazy and just say AMEN sistah.

La Yen is one of those women who I totally respect and admire. She often posts introspective posts that hit me to the core of my spirit. She is also very smart, witty and charming. Plus - she's an army wife... which makes her a saint.

It's impossible not to love her. Impossible.

Wish I was smart like Jon

Go read Jon's post on his blog today.

Jon says everything I wish I could say....but my brain is less advanced than his.

Thanks Jon - you are a great example.

Maybe that's why my weary post came out all convoluted... Jon says it better than me.

Weary

I'm feeling weary.

Another couple facebook "friends" have decided they need to attack my opinions and beliefs. It's frustrating. I suppose facebook creates this weird world... I need to stop thinking that just because I hold their feelings in high esteem - that doesn't mean they feel the same way. I've always forgotten that not everyone thinks the way I do - it always gets me ... down in the dumps disappinted.

I don't understand. Why is it that I am not allowed to have my own opinion? Why is it only "liberals" are allowed to? Why is it that the only ones that choose to respond to articles I post to my own wall on facebook - are folks who know they can't change my mind? So what is the point? I don't go to their spaces to rant and rave my opinions on their walls. I understand they don't feel the same - so I don't. I don't because it's respectful. I accept them for their beliefs - why can't they accept me for mine?

It's like all the commenting I do on YouTube videos. I comment on YES on Prop 8 ones. The ones I agree with. I don't go actively in search of a fight on the no on prop 8 ones. It's like those folks with signs on their lawns. The YES on Prop 8 camp don't actively go around stealing, defacing and assaulting folks that don't agree. Then why does the no on 8 campaign do that?

It seems the ones that hate free speech the most - are the ones that only allow it - if you agree with them. There is no room for dissent. These are the same people that cheer each other on when they break laws - defacing property, illegally stealing signs. Is this supposed to foster more tolerance and kindness, or revulsion?

I'm weary because I would jump to defend any of my so-called "friends" if they were bombarded with attacks. But it seems ... I appropriately named my blog... I'm alone on this.

It would be so much easier for me to be silent. So easy to not offfend one party or another. But I've never been a fan of wishy-washy, fence-sitting, silently offending no one. I don't want to be someone you can't trust. I want to be someone you know squarely where I stand. Trust me, if I didn't have to... I wouldn't raise my voice - but I realize that the situation is dire, it is serious and we only have this chance to get it right. It's not fun placing a big star on your head. It has nothing to do with bravery... I've always got my stomach in knots - because who likes to be singled out and attacked? Who likes to be the "freak" that speaks up?

I'm tired of folks saying that I should support same-sex marriage because it's akin to interacial marriage. This is pattently false - from a gospel point of view. From a gospel point of view homosexuality is immoral. Interacial marriage is not. There I go - being totally un-PC. But I care more about what God thinks than keeping my mouth shut. I think many members of the Church have forgotten this. We have slowly, slid down that slippery slope. We have forgotten who we are.

I'm tired of labels of bigot and homophobe - slapping inflammatory labels on people demonstrates an unwillingness, inability to foster open, honest, heartfelt communication. It shows that people who do this don't care what you have to say - they just don't want you to say it. Frankly, I'm tired of it. It's old. It's something that doesn't take into account that you may not agree with someone - but that doesn't make them evil. We're all people. I may not agree with someone - but that doesn't make them evil. That kind of characterization is childish at best.

I'm tired of people using the argument - "how can Mormon's support Prop 8 - the evangelicals support it and they hate you". So... my actions are dictated by how people think of me? I suppose much of our society and folks... that's how they determine whether they will or won't act on truth. But that doesn't work for me. I believe in a Prophet - I believe in God... marriage wasn't created by goverments... that's not what I believe. The Church is not sending out an edict - God has. The Church is merely protecting, defending what God has already made whole.

This is not just a California issue... it's a national issue. It will hit every state, every home if it doesn't suceed. So... do you want to battle it out now - making sure the fight doesn't come to your door - or do you want to wait until you have to deal with it on your doorstep, in your living room. Trust me... no matter how conservative you think your state is... it's coming.

I'm weary. But I'll keep doing what I'm doing - because we each have to carry torches of light - we can't afford to let it drop thinking someone else will carry it... chances are - you are the last one...and no one will be there to lift it up.

Just one foot in front of another...

Upholding the Constitution

My friend Jon shared this article by Orson Scott Card "Upholding the Constitution" in google reader.

I highly recommend it. I encourage you to read it, share it and ponder long and hard where our country is headed. There is so much at stake. It's no time to not care about politics. It's affecting the hearts of our homes. We've sat around and let our country be taken over - we have to get this right. We must get it right this time.

Green Nappies

Saw this article about reusable and disposable nappies...as the UK folks call them.

Check it out. I swear - anytime society trends towards something - I like to pause and ask... is this wise... and turns out... maybe, maybe not.

Don't you love when people hush-up something that doesn't work for their agenda?

Coliseum (Colosseum)

I can't help but wonder if some Americans just want a light show.

Something with a whizz and a bang.


That's the only way I can explain it when I see the fervor and zeal for Obama. I honestly think that some people just want to witness something historic (oooh...ahhhh...). That's it. They don't care if Obama is pushing a socialist agenda. They don't care that the tax plan is to redistribute money... they don't care if what he says is true or not - it sounds good - therefore we must swoon (sigh). It doesn't even matter that the role of the President is not all encompassing power... it's enough to say that the President can balance the budget, make us all healthy and bring world peace. It doesn't matter if none of this will ever happen in their term, or ever.

Historic - that's it. It's like in ancient times. All they wanted was some entertainment. They didn't care at what expense... (human). Romans in a colisseum. That's what our election looks like. Is that even remotely crazy to you? Or maybe it's just me.


There's that hubbub about Joe the Plumber. I find it disturbing that he asked a valid question - and instead of Obama's handlers addressing the issue - they spend all their time trying to discredit the plumber. Here's the deal - character or no character - the plumber asked a question - one that was a really good question - one that proved that Obama is a socialist.

Mr. Obama said, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success, too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

How is that good for everybody??? Anyone with a actively thinking noggin' knows that will kill any incentive to work, invent, start business... all the ingenuity that makes America and it's people great. I really do not want to turn into a place like the fomer soviet union... I don't. I appreciate, and honestly like our freedoms. Don't you?

Obama wants to take money someone earned with hard work, creativity - and give it to someone else... um, sorry - I don't want that. Listen - if you want to pay more taxes - go for it, more power to you - but if I don't want to - I shouldn't have to. Don't force me to - it only pisses me off.

Listen - I've never been a fan of McCain... I'm a disappointed in politics in general - but at this point...given my choices... do I want to preserve democracy or do I want a radical change to socialism... um... gee ... for me it's an easy answer. Oh yes... it's also been cast... so kiss me - I voted. (I wish they gave out those stickers at the voting booth)

Wondering ... if we had people run...without parties... people that we'd actually have to research and get-to-know on our own... without the craziness of DC... wouldn't we get better people - or just more narcissists...because those are usually the only ones that want to run for office? It seems the only ones that want the self-importance of public office are all like Napoleon.

YouTube YES on PROP 8 video

I just saw this on YouTube.



A very well done video about YES on PROP 8 - based on facts from that recent NPR article. Young Adults in California unite to vote YES on Prop 8 to protect our freedoms of speech and religion. That's what is at stake in this election process - on the state level and on a national level.

As you prepare to vote, or cast absentee ballots... maybe take a review of this article. I've copied the most salient part below.

Obama's letter opposing same-sex marriage ban

The text of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club in San Francisco:

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the opportunity to welcome everyone to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club's Pride Breakfast and to congratulate you on continuing a legacy of success, stretching back thirty-six years. As one of the oldest and most influential LGBT organizations in the country, you have continually rallied to support Democratic candidates and causes, and have fought tirelessly to secure equal rights and opportunities for LGBT Americans in California and throughout the country.

As the Democratic nominee for President, I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, and the passage of laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.

For too long. issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us. It's time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. This is no less than a core issue about who we are as Democrats and as Americans.

Finally, I want to congratulate all of you who have shown your love for each other by getting married these last few weeks. My thanks again to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club for allowing me to be a part of today's celebration. I look forward to working with you in the coming months and years, and I wish you all continued success.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

Obama clearly plans to repeal the federal defense of marriage act as soon as he gets into office, no matter what he or Biden have said in the debates. This will nullify the work, and voice of citizens across the nation. Are we ready to be persecuted for our different beliefs, for our right to free speech and religion? It's one thing to offer everyone equal rights (which California already does), it's another to reverse discriminate. I can't help but feel as though a sense of self-loathing permeates the gay rights movement, and now they're continuing their work to take it out on the rest of us. Is it a self-esteem thing... or a "we're miserable and we want you to be miserable" too? If it's not any of those reasons - there are better ways of going about this...and destroying the definition of marriage is a rash, foolish and dangerous decision for our society.

And... I love how politicians say one thing to one group... even though they clearly feel strongly one way. Ack.

"Magic" and Santa Claus

Last night my hubby and I watched John Stossel's Politically Incorrect Guide to the Elections...

Stossel is the type of guy that needs to be talking sense into people these days. Our country ...our people are missing a high dose of common sense and wisdom. Stossel says everything I wish my brain could communicate to my mouth. You've got to watch these - I wish this was mandatory for every registered voter.

Go check out this video here: Magic Politicians.

This clip on Farms should trouble all of us.

Remember Katrina? The mayor is still useless. See how the private sector always trumps the public sector to renewing hope and building homes.

I agree with Stossel - gov't needs to leave us alone... those narcissistic politicians do nothing but create roadblocks. Why any gov't mandated program only creates waste, sluggishness and poor quality. Don't we remember Russia? Is that what we want in our country?

I've been reading Love and Logic - a parenting book. One of the key things it talks about is letting our children fail when they are young. Let them experience natural consequences. The sooner they learn it the less painful it will be when they encounter failures in the real world. Plus, by then they've learned how to solve problems on their own - not needing Mommy or Daddy to bail them out.

As a result I've been staring at the screen in disbelief as our politicians, like Crazy Pelosi - is ecstatic at all the billions pouring in to bailout the Freddie's of the world. Those companies should fail. That way everyone sees what happens when you screw up. Learn from those mistakes and don't make them anymore. Bailing out someone/company doesn't promote doing the right thing.. instead it promotes entitlement, and more idiocy - like AIG folks spending our money on ridiculous getaways.

Sure - failing might hurt in the short-run... but in the long-term scheme of things - people will be wiser, experienced and we'll be able to learn from those mistakes. I'm not just talking the big corporations - I'm talking about the homeowners who willingingly took those crazy loan schemes. If we never learn how to fail and pick ourselves up - we'll never learn what it takes to succeed.

Honestly, I'm so tired of the people of our nation giving so much power to a bunch of narcissistic suits. We could do with more everyday folks and less DC drunkards.

The Myth

Great article in the SacBee HERE.

The myth of "right" to same-sex marriage.

My favorite passages (the whole article is a gem):

Thus, we are told, a vote to retain the historic definition of marriage as understood in our constitution since the inception of our statehood would strip away a 4-month-old "right" the court created when it overturned the people's right to keep the traditional definition of marriage.

Compounding the confusion, after the court's decision, state officials changed the measure's ballot summary from the original – "Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California" – to "Changes California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry," followed by the traditional marriage definition.

"The California Constitution says nothing about the rights of same-sex couples to marry," wrote Justice Marvin Baxter in his dissent to the court's decision. "California statutes that define marriage as a union between a man and a woman are explicit." Only two other states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, have recently recognized the right of same-sex marriage. Congress and virtually every other court to consider the issue have rejected it, Baxter noted.

The court thus relied "on the Legislature's adoption of progressive civil rights protections for gays and lesbians to find a constitutional right to same-sex marriage," wrote Baxter. "The notion that legislation can become 'constitutionalized' violates the constitutional scheme by which only the People can amend the state's charter of government."

The court "simply does not have the right to erase, then recast, the age-old definition of marriage, as virtually all societies have understood it, in order to satisfy its own contemporary notions of equality and justice," wrote Baxter.

Abraham Lincoln once said that "if the policy of the government upon vital questions affecting the whole people is to be irrevocably fixed by a decision of the Supreme Court, the people have ceased to be their own ruler, having to that extent practically resigned their government into the hands of that eminent tribunal."

Frivolous Friday

This morning I woke up before my regular alarm clocks did. Usually I like to lay as still as possible until I absolutely have to open my eyes. The girls aren't sleeping later - they are just still asleep. Which means I'm up earlier than normal... for me. ;-)

Anyway - we have a busy day - we need to go switch the loaner car back with the dealer - take my oldest to the preschool pumpkin patch - straighten up the kid-tornado sacked house - and make something yummy for the trunk-or-treat tonight... complete with costumes (which I do not make)... yada yada.

So first thing this morning I got dressed. Normally if I don't have to go anywhere - I love sitting in PJs all day. So I put on this pair of jeans I haven't worn in months... and this is why this post is even more frivolous. The jeans are loose! LOOSE... getting back into shape is such a long, slow process... but ever since my little one has weaned... it's melting... melting! Not as quickly as I'd like...but slowly it is melting. Of course I had to measure myself...and I'm encouraged... just a few more inches off the waist and hips and I'm going to be able to say... "I'm BACK!" hehehe So that's my HAPPY, YAY, WHOO HOO... thing of the day.

What's frivolous on your Friday?

ps. Kiss me...I voted (absentee yesterday)

Carrying the Title of Liberty

This election cycle and especially for YES on PROP 8 - I keep hearing Captain Moroni's words in my head. Alma 46:10-21

10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to ^adestroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of ^bliberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the ^crighteous’ sake.

11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the ^achief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—^aIn memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his ^abreastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the ^btitle of liberty) and he ^cbowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of ^dChristians remain to possess the land—

14 For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.

15 And those who did belong to the church were ^afaithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ ^btook upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or ^cChristians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.

16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the ^afreedom of the land might be favored.

17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land which was ^asouth of the land ^bDesolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on the ^cnorth and on the south—A chosen land, and the land of ^dliberty.

18 And he said: Surely God shall not ^asuffer that we, who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own ^btransgressions.

19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the ^arent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:

20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and ^aenter into a covenant that they will ^bmaintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running ^atogether with their armor girded about their loins, ^brending their garments in token, or as a ^ccovenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ^dashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.

Will we carry this title? What will we do to preserve liberty? It makes me very sad to see that there are Mormons fighting against what our Prophet has so clearly laid out. I have a hard time understanding how they can rationalize their actions. I just don't understand it one bit.

I'm grateful for the blessing of being around so many faithful members who know what it means to be disciples of Christ.

In my head

I know my blog has been heavy on politics and issues...that's because right now they are things that are occupying my mind.

I feel this urgency. We have to get this right, in this election cycle. We have to.

I keep hearing the argument against YES on PROP 8 - the "it won't affect you" "it's just about two people" "you don't have to do anything"... and I can't help but feel sad.

Everything has a consequence. Every decision we make will send a ripple out into the world. Even the little decisions. It bothers me that so many people can feel so blah-say about life. As if we can live in some little vacuum with a "live and let live" attitude. That is not reality. We are each affected for good or ill by the actions of everyone around us. From the most common person to the most vocal and powerful voice. The truth is...many common voices have more power - if they choose to speak.

I've been thinking a lot about selfishness. How so many big problems in the world stem from that. How families can be broken apart by a selfish person unwilling to ever admit they are imperfect. I see the selfishness of those that oppose YES on Prop 8. The ones that illegally steal signs from YES on Prop 8 homes. The ones that say the mantra tolerance, acceptance - but assault someone because they believe in YES on 8 - Just click here. The ones that will use every bigoted label to shut-down open and honest conversation. The ones working through sabotage - rather than embracing open, honest debate. The ones that attack character, rather than have a frank discussion about truth. I see selfishness when people refuse to acknowledge the children that will have to deal with the consequences of unwise citizens if Prop 8 doesn't pass.

For all the education, advancement and knowledge we have in the world today - there is an extreme lack of wisdom.

We have a unique opportunity to open our mouths, speak with our keyboards to make it clear where we stand. We're not standing for ourselves, or just this generation - we're standing for generations to come. When history looks back at us - how will we be remembered? Will we be derided for our selfishness or will we be revered as the ones that had the courage to stem back the tide of moral decay?

I so admire this family in Folsom, Calif - look at what they did. When I see people like this, when I see the type of people who I am working with to promote the good - I am proud and comforted to be amongst heroes of character. I am energized because I am anxiously engaged in a good cause.

This video below is so simple and well executed to explain what the issues with PROP 8 are.

Just the way you are

I love Colin Firth.

I love that phrase in the movie, Bridget Jone's Diary, where Mark Darcy tells Bridget - "I like you just the way you are" after he lists all the imperfections she has.

Today when I was talking with my Bishop he said that God loves me, just as I am. In my imperfect state. That I don't have to prove anything - He loves me, just the way I am.

For some reason - after 31 years I sincerely didn't know that. It had never, ever been mirrored to me that I am lovable just the way I am. No strings attached, no requirements, measurements, no vesting period.

I'm grateful for wise leaders, a husband, who despite my Colin Firth fascination (and many other imperfections) - loves me and accepts me just the way I am. I'm grateful for two daughters who love me unconditionally - who teach me each day how I ought to love, apologize and forgive.

I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father knows me, loves me just as I am...and sees it fit to let me know that He is aware of me, individually.

My Bishop shared with me this scripture from Ether to give me hope - to show me that the trials of my past can make me stronger. Ether 12:27

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Key to voting...be informed

Should Some People Not Vote?
by John Stossel

Check it out... CLICK

In California First Graders ages 5-6 already being indoctrinated

First Graders Taken To San Francisco City Hall For Gay Wedding

October 11, 2008

Contact: Chip White/Sonja Eddings Brown, 916-215-4392

SAN FRANCISCO, October 11 – In the same week that the No on 8 campaign launched an ad that labeled as “lies” claims that same-sex marriage would be taught in schools to young children, a first grade class took a school-sponsored trip to a gay wedding. Eighteen first graders traveled to San Francisco City Hall Friday for the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner, The San Francisco Chronicle reported. The school sponsored the trip for the students, ages 5 and 6, taking them away from their studies for the same-sex wedding. According to the Yes on 8 campaign, the public school field trip demonstrates that the California Supreme Court's decision to legal same-sex marriage has real consequences.

"Taking children out of school for a same-sex wedding is not customary education. This is promoting same-sex marriage and indoctrinating young kids," said Yes on 8—ProtectMarriage.com Campaign Co-Manager Frank Schubert. "I doubt the school has ever taken kids on a field trip to a traditional wedding," Schubert said.

When asked by the Yes on 8 campaign, The San Francisco Chronicle reporter said she did not know if the school had ever sponsored a field trip for students to a traditional wedding. Telling the Chronicle that the field trip was "a teachable moment," the school's principal believes it is perfectly appropriate for first graders to attend a same-sex wedding. Officials in other school districts disagree.

"Prop. 8 protects our children from being taught in public schools that 'same-sex marriage' is the same as traditional marriage," said Santa Ana Unified School District board member Rosemarie "Rosie" Avila. "We should not accept a court decision that results in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay. That is an issue for parents to discuss with their children according to their own values and beliefs. It shouldn't be forced on us against our will," Avila added.

The lesbian teacher's wedding was officiated by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Newsom is featured in a Yes on 8 television ad, released last week, in which he arrogantly declares of same-sex marriage: "The door's wide open now. It's gonna happen, whether you like it or not."

The Yes on 8 campaign's ads explain that if the voters do not overturn the California Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling, teachers will be required to teach young children that there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage. “It's totally unreasonable that a first grade field trip would be to a same-sex wedding," said Chip White, Press Secretary for Yes on 8. "This is overt indoctrination of children who are too young to understand it.” The field trip underscores the Yes on 8 campaign’s message that unless Prop. 8 passes, children will be taught about same-sex marriage in public schools. “Not only can it happen, it has already happened,” White said.

###

Media contacts:
Northern & Central California (Sacramento Press Office): Chip White, 916-215-4392
Los Angeles & Southern California: Sonja Eddings Brown, 818-993-4508

Seven Years

Seven years of head-over-heels, hard work, humor, fights, forgiveness, joy, apologies, friendship and love. Four of those years filled with beautiful girls. Two of those years with us just beginning to learn the map of our bodies, hearts and minds... and this journey is just the beginning.

Happy Seventh Anniversary hunny bunny... I love you. Thank you for being the kind of man who lets me genuinely be me.

We're celebrating tonight with a dance party at our house the Kapalua Club for our girls' birthdays. Our own personal celebration will be later this month ...stay tuned.

Soccermom

My friend Soccermom and I have been friends since my soph year at BYU. She was my roomie in the Chinese house. I so admire her.

Here she is with her post on YES on 8. Did I mention she is awesome? Nice to see the torch lighting it's way.

Preserving Marriage

Please go to this site for more resources and information on the importance of preserving marriage.

• Having tolerance without condoning.

  
  We can love someone while still maintaining and advocating our standards and beliefs.

• Unless Proposition 8 passes, California society will soon undergo a profound change in its basic understanding of marriage and family life.

  
  That will affect everyone in numerous ways. Over time, greater acceptance of nontraditional marriage will be demanded of all people. This could impact the ability of any religion to teach and practice its beliefs.

• Proposition 8 will not hurt gays.

  
  In California, the law provides for marriage-related benefits to be given to civil unions and domestic partnerships. Proposition 8 does not diminish these benefits.

• Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.

  
  If gay marriage remains legal, public schools will put it on equal footing with traditional marriage. Children will likely receive “age appropriate” information about sexual relations within heterosexual and homosexual marriages.

• Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt churches.

  
  The court’s decision will inevitably lead to conflicts with religious liberty and free speech rights. Society will become more and more hostile to traditional beliefs about marriage and family.

From Septemer 30, 1999

NY Times... 1999 - 9 years ago

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.


... things that make me go... huh....aha

Invent this

I'm eating my lunch.

My oldest is at preschool and my little one is napping. I'm eating quickly so I can get to my chores.
I was enjoying my soy marinated egg... (the one that kids would make fun of me for as a kid)... they are delicious. I was also eating my peanut flavored noodles with chicken. Then a light-bulb went off... it's an old light-bulb...I get this same idea every few blips... but I rarely remember to write it down until today.

I wish there was something... that I could easily transport food items I make that I want to share with people I like. I love sharing things I like. I love giving something I love to someone I care about.

Remember those transporter thingys where those star trekkers ...whatever they are ... how their food would materialize? Can't we do something like that in each home - so we can share with each other ...or in this case foodie friends? I have a friend, Carrie who is a cook after my own heart. I'd love to virtually pop-in via some screen and have her transport a taste of her yummy concoctions into my kitchen. I'd love to do the same.

Part of my problem in getting food out to friends...is the short shelf-life and dragging two kids along... making sure someone is home... obstacles. Oh and if something totally random turns out great (like a veggie soup I made recently) - I'd like something to analyze it and tell me how much of each ingredient I actually put in.

Also... I'd love an idea of having a few families do a meal group. Where we each take a day and make enough meals for however big/small the group is...so we all end up cooking once or twice a week. The only catch is finding people who cook like you - and have good taste.

Maybe instead of all the pills to help boys get their stick up... maybe they could invent something that would actually make a difference.

ps. If you don't read my blog understanding 99% of the time my tongue is in my cheek... well - I'm not sure what to say to you.

Mentor Memory

Back in March of 2007 I submitted the tribute below for BYU Magazine's tribute on Mentors. They decided not to run mine. So I'm putting it out on my blog.

I've been thinking a lot about heavy things. I realized that I have to thank my mentor publicly. He taught me the importance of standing up for truth - even when it's not easy, not popular. I find this is especially apt today. We shouldn't expect someone else to stand up for us - I believe we each have that responsibility...when we know what is right to do something. We all can. We all can stand.

****

Focusing on Truth

I aspired to conquer the media. My daydreams of success included fancy cocktail parties and the flash of fame and glamour. I wanted to be in front of the camera...to shine. What I now aspire to is something entirely different. I became a person of substance through the tutelage of Dean Paynter a former KBYU news director. This man is not just my friend and mentor but a giant when it comes to standing for Truth. He inspired our newscasts at KBYU news to go beyond the 15-30 second sound bite. That anchoring the news desk is more than knowing how to apply make-up and read a teleprompter. He taught us that we had to ask questions. That we needed to do more for our audience. We needed to share news that would enrich, educate and matter to our viewers. That kind of education - changes you as a person. My shallow, anchor-making dreams dropped from the forefront as I signed-on to become an emissary of Truth.

I graduated in Dec '98 and was part of that first batch of people that pioneered Newsnet. We were the first to broadcast from the fifth floor studio in the Wilk. It was exciting, fulfilling and one of the best times of my life. Despite the hard work - I would go through it all again with relish. Our leader, Dean Paynter was, and still is, someone who inspires and promotes a constant search for, and defense of Truth. I remember one evening back when the KBYU newscast was still in the HFAC tunnel. We had one of those post-mortems that lasted until 9 in the evening. I think there were seven of us there with Dean. He told us that any of us could make it in the broadcast industry, we just needed to decide what was worth giving up for that success. That has always stuck with me. I have seen women who have sacrificed everything to "make it" in an industry that will give nothing back to people of virtue.

I used to think I could change the whole of society by taking on the media, maybe I still could, but I want to fight the war against families, by strengthening the youth and families already set-up. It's crazy how blatant the war is. Look at the way stay-at-home-mothers are still looked at by society.

I've often wondered why I felt I should study broadcast journalism, and not have ever had a job in that industry. For that matter, why I pursued PR after graduating, and had no real desire to passionately pursue broadcasting. I can tell you that two babies later, the ability to telecommute for my PR job, makes it worth it. I am also grateful that I am an educated Momma. That my brain is filled with more than cleaning up dirty diapers ...but grateful that I have the pleasure of enjoying each little crooked grin, tightly grasped, pudgy hand, and never-ending curiousity. Maybe I took the broadcast journalism route so that I could meet Dean Paynter - he taught me to understand how world issues ultimately impact human character. And that human character shapes issues. Maybe it was to make me more vigilant. Maybe it was to help me think more deeply about life and even the gospel. Maybe it was the doorway by which I could see my life's purpose. To finally see what truly is important. I learned how to stand for Truth from Dean.

Some professors think educating a woman is a waste of energy - Dean Paynter relished in teaching us. I hope he knows that his impact will continue as I teach my own precious daughters.

An Observation

...maybe a Govt class reminder.

Executive Branch: The executive branch contains the head of government, who is the head of this branch. Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is not supposed to make laws (role of the legislature), nor to interpret them (role of the judiciary); rather, their purpose is to enforce them.

Legislative Branch: is a type of representative deliberative assembly with the power to create, amend, and ratify laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In presidential systems of government, the legislature is considered a power branch which is equal to, and independent of, the executive. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise taxes and adopt the budget and other money bills.

Judicial Branch: is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes.

Or... as I remember

Executive: Enforces
Legislative: Creates
Judicial: Interprets

So... then... economic woes affecting our country... hmmm... all the finger pointing maybe ought to be facing the other direction, huh?

I was watching tonight's VP debate and was wondering - do most Americans honestly think that the President of the US has that much power? If that were the case that crazy budget would've passed already.

Remind me... which party owns both houses of congress? They make the laws right? So two years ago - why didn't anyone in either of those houses come up with a solution to the Freddie's of the world? Why did this Legislative Branch decide it was wise to give crazy loans through the Freddies' to people who couldn't afford it... owning homes far above their means? Anyone, anyone? Bueller? And... aren't there a few people in this race that serve in that legislative branch of government??